UPDATE: On August 22, 2012, the City of Philadelphia enacted a New Philadelphia Zoning Code. R-2 districts are now “RSD-3.” Click here for our RSD-3 Zoning Guide.
If you filed a zoning application before August 22, 2012, information about the old zoning code is below:
Generally, R-2 districts allow for detached single family dwellings (and places of worship). Some uses require a Use Registration Permit; some do not. Other uses require a Variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
The uses allowed in R-2 districts are listed below. Also listed below are the restrictions for building sizes and signs. If you have any questions or would like to speak with an attorney, visit our contact page. Otherwise, once you have determined which documentation you need for your proposed use, please proceed to step 3.
Uses Allowed Without a Use Registration Permit
The following uses do not require a Use Registration Permit or Certificate or Variance:
- Detached single family dwelling
- Detached place of worship
Uses Allowed With a Use Registration Permit
The following uses require a Use Registration Permit from the Department of Licenses and Inspection:
- Day care for less than 10 hours per week. Day care must be in the residence of the day care provider.
- Day care without charge or reimbursement. Day care must be in the residence of the day care provider.
- Day care for four or fewer children in one family. Day care must be in the residence of the day care provider. Day care cannot be for longer than 24 consecutive hours. The day care providers must conform to all city and state licensing and registration requirements. Day care must be conducted in completely enclosed structure.
- Day care for six or fewer children in one family. Day care must be in the residence of the day care provider. Day care cannot be for longer than 24 consecutive hours. The day care providers must conform to all city and state licensing and registration requirements. Day care must be conducted in completely enclosed structure. This type of day care is not permitted in City Council District 6 and City Council District 10. Find your property’s City Council District from the Committee of Seventy.
- Garage. Garage as an accessory to a single family residence.
- Accessory use. If the property has a use allowed in this district, another subordinate use may be allowed on the same lot if it is “customarily incidental” to the main use of the property.
Uses Which Require a Variance
Any use not listed above requires a Variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Those uses include:
- Semi-detached property
- Attached property
- Duplex dwelling
- Multi-family dwelling
- Multiple buildings per lot
- Non-residential use
Size Restrictions
- Minimum lot width: 50 feet wide
- Minimum lot area: 5,000 sq. feet
- Minimum open area of lot: 70 percent
- Minimum set-back (minimum front yard depth): 25 feet deep
- Minimum side yard for single family dwellings: each side must be 10 feet wide; the total of both side yards must equal 25 feet
- Minimum side yard for single family dwellings on corner lots: 7 feet wide
- Minimum side yard for non-residential buildings: 15 feet wide on each side
- Minimum side yard for non-residential buildings on corner lots: 15 feet wide
- Minimum rear yard depth: 25 feet deep
- Maximum height: 35 feet tall
- Maximum number of stories for residential buildings: 3
Signs
- “For sale” or “for rent” signs can only be displayed for one year. The total area of “for sale” or “for rent” signs cannot exceed 12 square feet for each 50 feet of street lines of the lot. No matter how large the lot, the total area of “for sale” or “for rent” signs cannot exceed 300 square feet.
- Signs cannot be above the roof line or in the yard.
- Signs can be illuminated by interior lighting or lighting directed toward the sign if there is no glare on adjacent lots. Signs cannot be illuminated by flashing, animated or intermittent illumination.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with an attorney, visit our contact page. Otherwise, once you have determined which documentation you need for your proposed use, please proceed to step 3.