Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
Philadelphia's Zoning Code lets developers in the RM-1, CMX-1, CMX-2, and CMX-2.5 districts build more dwelling units than the base zoning allows by providing affordable housing. Setting aside at least 10% of units as affordable earns a 25% density increase for moderate-income units or 50% for low-income units under § 14-702(7) and Table 14-702-5.
Philadelphia Density Bonus for Mixed-Income Housing
Some RestrictionsPhiladelphia Code § 14-702(2.2), (7)(b)(.1)-(.2); Table 14-702-5
(2.2) Eligibility for Dwelling Unit Density Bonuses. In order to be eligible for any dwelling unit density bonuses pursuant to this section, the property must be in an RM-1, CMX-1, CMX-2, or CMX-2.5 zoning district. ... (.1) At least ten percent (10%) of residential dwelling units (rounded up, if fractional) shall be provided and maintained as affordable... Table 14-702-5: Mixed Income Housing ...
Downtown Design Guide
Large Philadelphia developments, over 100,000 sq. ft. or 100 units citywide, or 50,000 sq. ft./50 units near homes, must go through advisory Civic Design Review before L&I issues a final permit decision.
Philadelphia Civic Design Review for Big Projects
Some RestrictionsPhiladelphia Code § 14-304(5)(f)
Design review shall focus on the impact of building and site design on the public realm, particularly streets, sidewalks, trails, public parks, and open spaces. The Civic Design Review Committee's review is not intended to evaluate the architectural style or compositional aspects of a project outside of their clear impact on the public realm.