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Zoning Watch Archives

ZCC sub-committee tackles non-conforming uses and structures

01/13/2010 | 

ZCC Regular Session

A sub-committee of the Zoning Code Commission’s work plan group is taking a detailed look at issues related to non-conforming uses, structures, and lots. A large number of properties in Philadelphia do not fully comply with existing zoning regulations, since much of the city was built before the code was enacted. Adopted standards had the unavoidable consequence of making some properties non-conforming. The majority of rowhomes in many residential districts, for example, are currently non-conforming because the lots are too small or the buildings do not meet setback requirements.

The purpose of this sub-committee is to determine how to accommodate these non-conforming uses, structures, and lots, and review the need for variances for such properties. The group will consider how the new zoning code should protect the rights of owners of non-conforming properties and to what degree. Recommendations will be reflected in the work plan group’s overall comments on Module 1, the administrative procedures and general provisions of chapters 1 and 2 of the new code.

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