Zoning Issues/Zoom Meetings/Past Zoning Issues

Below are current open Zoning cases which have been referred to the Rhawnhurst Civic Association because the Philadelphia Department of License & Inspection has issued a Refusal of their project. Before the owners of these properties can appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustments, they must first have a meeting with their neighbors. Your Rhawnhurst Civic Association facilitates that meeting. Our zoning meetings are held using the ZOOM electronic meeting platform unless otherwise noted. See the bottom of this page for listings of past Zoning issues.

Voting at Zoning Meetings: In accordance with the By-Laws of the Association, Article III, Section 2, "Only members in good standing are eligible to vote at Association meetings. Each member is entitled to one vote and may not vote by proxy for a member absent from a meeting at which a vote is taking place". Additionally, any zoning meeting attendee who received a letter from the representative of the zoning project will be allowed to vote. If you would like to vote, but are not a member of the association, please see the "Membership Application" page of our website and sign-up to become a member.

If you are about to start a project at any property in Philadelphia you must learn what steps to take to "protect your investment by making sure your project has the proper permits, licenses, plans and professionals in place". Please read the City of Philadelphia, Department of License & Inspections free booklet "START RIGHT - A Guide to L&I Services".

Please come to a regular meeting or contact the Association to discuss zoning issues in greater detail! If you have trouble joining our web-based meeting, or you are unable to join, please contact us and we will help you make other arrangements.

Zoning Refusals:

• 8014 Castor Ave: Originally seeking a Night Club and Smoking Lounge, changed to Restaurant per conversation with the project attorney. We are still waiting for confirmation from the Zoning Board. A public meeting has been scheduled. Scroll down for further information!
• 2100 Benson St: Relocate lot lines to create 22 lots (A-V) for single family homes and a parking lot
• 8029 Castor Av:  For proposed use of Fraternal Organization in existing structure
• 1920-28 Bleigh Ave: The owner has proposed erecting two twin duplexes (8 units)
• 1809 Mower St: To remove one accessory garage parking space and for the creation of one              accessory surface parking spaces located in the rear yard of an existing semi-detached structure

2100 Benson has applied for a Permit for the relocation of lot lines to create twenty-two lots (Parcels A-V) from one lot (deeded 2100 Benson St) Sizes and location per plans. On Parcels A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, & T: For the erection of a three-story semi-detached structure that includes a full basement and a roof deck at the second-floor front, accessed from the interior. For the use as Single Family Household Living. Size and locations per plans. On Parcel Q: For the erection of a three-story detached structure that includes a full basement and a roof deck at the second-floor front, accessed from the interior. For the use as Single Family Household Living. Size and locations per plans. On Parcel U: For the erection of a three-story attached structure that includes a full basement and a roof deck at the second-floor front, accessed from the interior. For the use as Single Family Household Living. Size and locations per plans. On Parcel V: For the creation of a surface parking lot with twenty-one spaces (including one accessible space. Size and location per plans. For the proposed use as Non-Accessory Parking. 

A plot plan, survey and zoning plan have been provided by the project attorney and are presented below.

A representative of the project will attend our October 16th meeting, 7:00pm, at Pelbano Playground for Q&A. 

 The owner is renewing their plans to include more parking per house built. Once more information is available it will be posted below.

8014 Castor Avenue: The attorney representing this project has informed us that the original refusal "for use as a NIGHT CLUB on the first and second floor, lounge and sit-down restaurant on the third floor and smoking lounge throughout" has been changed to Restaurant and Bar! We are still waiting for confirmation of this change from the Zoning Board.

A public meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Pelbano Playground, 7:00pm. Notices will be sent to the near neighbors by the project attorney. Anyone not receiving a notice to attend will need to be a paid member of the Civic Association to register a vote on this matter in accordance with the Association's By-Lawns!

8029 Cator Avenue has applied for a variance for the proposed use of a Fraternal Organization

in an existing structure. No public meeting has been scheduled at this time.

1920-28 Bleigh Avenue: The owner of this property has proposed to build two twin Condos (8 family units) on this property. This project represents an opportunity for ownership and not a rental situation. They would like to discuss this project with the near neighbors and other Rhawnhurst residents. They will be joining us our next monthly meeting, April 16th, 7:00pm at Pelbano Playground. Please let your neighbors know. Please consider joining us so that your opinion can be heard by the representative of this project.

Below is the proposed project building plan and a picture of the existing property.

1809 Mower Street: To remove one accessory garage parking space and for the creation of one accessory surface parking space located in the rear yard of an existing semi-detached structure.

No public meeting has been scheduled at this time.

Click the file below to read information regarding older zoning issues. These have already had community zoom meetings.