Building Setbacks & Zoning in Philadelphia County, PA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Philadelphia County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Setback Rules

Philadelphia Zoning Code Title 14 sets setbacks by district. RSA-5 (rowhouse) typically 0-foot side, 9-foot rear. RSD (detached) requires 5-foot side, 20-foot front.

Building Setbacks: Setback Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

Philadelphia Zoning §14-701 sets height limits by district. RSA-5 rowhouse: 38 feet. CMX-3 mixed-use: 55 feet. CMX-5 Center City: unlimited with bonuses.

Building Setbacks: Structure Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

Philadelphia Zoning Code caps lot coverage by district. RSA-5: 75% max. RSD-3: 30% max. Open area minimum varies 25-70% by district.

Building Setbacks: Lot Coverage

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Building Setbacks & Zoning by City in Philadelphia County

1 cities in Philadelphia County have their own building setbacks & zoning rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

PhiladelphiaPop. 1,603,797

3 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules

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