Below are the current open zoning issues that have been referred to the Rhawnhurst Civic Association due to zoning refusals issued by the Philadelphia Department of License & Inspection. Before the property owners can appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustments, they are required to meet with their neighbors. The Rhawnhurst Civic Association facilitates these crucial zoning meetings. Our meetings are conducted using either live meetings, held at Pelbano Playground, or by using the ZOOM electronic meeting platform.
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 attendee of the zoning meeting who has received a letter from the representative of the zoning project (these persons are known as near neighbors and are required to be notified of the public meeting by city ordinance) will also be allowed to vote. If you would like to vote but are not a member of the association, please visit the "Membership Application" page of our website to sign up and become a member.
If you are about to start a project at any property in Philadelphia: it is essential to learn the steps to protect your investment by ensuring your project has the proper permits, licenses, plans, and professionals in place. We recommend reading the City of Philadelphia, Department of License & Inspections free booklet "START RIGHT - A Guide to L&I Services."
Dept L&I Guide to Services (pdf)
DownloadPlease attend a zoning meeting or contact the Association to discuss Rhawnhurst zoning issues in greater detail! If you have trouble joining our web-based meeting, or if you are unable to participate, please reach out to us and we will assist you in making alternative arrangements. Here is a list of current zoning issues. More information for each case is available further down the page.
Zoning Refusals and Proposed Projects:
2026 Zoning Meeting Schedule (pdf)
Download2100 Benson has applied for a permit to relocate lot lines, creating twenty-two lots (Parcels A-V) from one lot (deeded 2100 Benson St), with sizes and locations as per the plans. On Parcels A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, & T, the proposal includes the erection of a three-story semi-detached structure that features a full basement and a roof deck at the second-floor front, accessed from the interior, designated for use as Single Family Household Living. On Parcel Q, a three-story detached structure is proposed, also with a full basement and a roof deck at the second-floor front, intended for use as Single Family Household Living, with sizes and locations as per the plans. Parcel U will host a three-story attached structure that includes similar amenities and is designated for Single Family Household Living. On Parcel V, there will be a surface parking lot created with twenty-one spaces, including one accessible space, intended for use as Non-Accessory Parking. This aspect addresses some Philadelphia zoning issues regarding parking availability.
A plot plan, survey, and zoning plan have been provided by the project attorney and are presented below. A representative of the project attended our October 16th, 2024, zoning meeting at 7:00 pm, held at Pelbano Playground, for a Q&A session. During this meeting, they learned that the neighborhood would not support their project. Concerns over too many buildings and insufficient parking were cited. In response, the owner is revising their plans to incorporate more parking per house and reduce the number of houses. Once more information is available, it will be posted below.
In December of 2025 a conversation was held with the representative of this project who has informed us that new plans have not yet been finalized. Once available, the new plans will be attached below, and preparations will be made for a community meeting.
1539 Rhawn Street and 8000 Algon Avenue are combined on one lot and owned by one entity. The owner has proposed to demolish the corner house, clear the land, and build Ten (10) attached single-family homes. The owner is seeking comment from the near neighbors and Rhawnhurst residents. Below is a rough plot plan, a city plot line map and a Goole map of the location.
The owner of the property and his project representative will join us at our March meeting to discuss the project with the public. Join us on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 7:00pm at Pelbano Playground (8101 Bustleton Avenue) in the Rhawnhurst Room.
7720-30 Bustleton Avenue has applied for a variance to convert the closed CVS Pharmacy at Bustleton and Glendale Avenues into a Dollar Tree store. The Property is zoned CMX‑1 and contains an existing single‑story building formerly occupied by a CVS pharmacy. The applicant is proposing to use the existing building and convert it to a Dollar Tree store selling general merchandise. No site improvements are being proposed. Below are some pictures of the closed CVS that exists on the property today as well as a map for location context.
No community meeting has been scheduled as yet.
1802 Kendrick Street: Permit for use, Two-Family Household Living, in an existing semi-detached structure.
No public meeting has been scheduled as yet!
1802 Kendrick St L&I Refusal 10-8-25 (pdf)
Download1517 Solly Avenue: For a Hair Salon (personal services) on the first floor of an existing structure with previously approved single-family dwelling above. Floor plans for this project are included below.
A public meeting has been scheduled as using the Zoom electronic platform for March 17, 2026, at 6:00pm. The log on information is as follows:
Meeting ID: 814 8863 1641
Passcode: 984234
Direct Link to meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81488631641?pwd=b6sWvyjOwkaT0aY1pjS8XjaLOXk7ul.1
2327-83 Cottman Avenue: For use as a Group Medical, Dental, and Health Practitioner, in an existing structure. A Zoom Zoning meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:00pm. The log on information is as follows:
Meeting ID: 854 6603 8805
Passcode: 478338
You can log on with the following direct link"
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85466038805?pwd=82NsJ1c0kryKjPFLZUfFwGGHjUh9Fs.1
2327-83 Cottman Ave L&I Refusal 12-1-25 (pdf)
Download7810 E Roosevelt Boulevard: Appeal against L&I for the notice of violation and final warning issued by the License & Inspection because a vehicle located on the roof of its automobile dealership is not a sign pursuant to the Philadelphia Zoning code.
No public meeting has been scheduled as yet!
7810 E Roosevelt Blvd L&I Refusal (pdf)
Download2400-04 Rhawn Street: Appeal to be able to open a Group Medical Practitioner at the existing building/location.
No public meeting has been scheduled as yet!
2400-04 Rhawn St Denial of Use (pdf)
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