Philadelphia Zoning Code section 14-603(13) authorizes medical-marijuana grower-processors and dispensaries only in specific commercial and industrial districts, generally requiring Zoning Board special-exception approval and notice to registered community organizations.
Section 14-603(13) of the Philadelphia Zoning Code lists medical-marijuana grower-processors as principal uses in I-2 and I-3 industrial districts and dispensaries in CMX-2, CMX-2.5, CMX-3, CMX-4, and select industrial districts, all by special exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Applications require pre-filing Registered Community Organization (RCO) notice under section 14-303(12). State setback rules under 35 P.S. 10231.601 also apply, including the 1000-foot school buffer. Philadelphia overlays such as the Center City Special Services District and historic districts may impose additional facade and signage limits. Recreational cannabis remains illegal statewide, so no city zoning category exists for adult-use retail until Pennsylvania legalizes.
Operating without zoning approval triggers Philadelphia Code 14-2007 enforcement, with stop-work orders, daily civil penalties up to two thousand dollars, and Department of Health permit revocation under 28 Pa. Code 1141.49.
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania Act 16 requires medical-cannabis grower-processors and dispensaries to operate at least 1000 feet from a school or daycare. Philadelphia zoning ...
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania Act 16 of 2016 governs cannabis licensing for medical use only; recreational sales remain illegal. The Department of Health awards a small set o...
Philadelphia, PA
Medical marijuana dispensaries in Philadelphia must comply with zoning restrictions under the Philadelphia Zoning Code. No dispensary may be within 500 feet ...
See how Philadelphia's commercial cannabis zoning rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.