A New Technical Requirement In Securing Zoning Relief

For many years, securing variances or special exceptions in the City of Philadelphia has required careful dealings with local neighborhood associations. Obtaining either letters of support or letters of non-opposition from neighborhood organizations has been a necessary step. And now a new notice requirement is about to be added.

In August 2012, in connection with its broader amendment to the city’s Zoning Code, the Philadelphia City Council codified many of the practices relating to neighborhood associations that had previously been a matter of custom. Associations were required to become registered community organizations (RCOs) under Section 14-303(11)(a) of the Zoning Code. Once an RCO had registered, any property owner or developer seeking either a variance or a special exception in Philadelphia was required to provide notices and secure meetings before each RCO that asserted jurisdiction over a particular address.