SFH to MFH Conversion in Philadelphia

[Mike Girard]

How restrictive is the zoning in Philadelphia for SFH to MFH conversions? Is this something people recommend?

Let's say I buy a townhouse in good shape and the only thing the conversion would require is a kitchen. Any idea what that involves both in costs and staying within the law?

Also, from a legal standpoint, if I'm living there, what makes a house an MFH rather than an SFH with housemates who are equipped with a bathroom and kitchen?

[Max T.]

It all depends. For it to be easy, it has to be allowed under the zoning code. You can look up your property here http://www.phila.gov/Map#id=757bbd2d07704a9bb684a1...

If your property is zoned for single family only, you will need to get a variance granted by the ZBA (zoning board of adjustment). Before you can do that, you need to get neighborhood support.

You get neighborhood support by going before your neighborhood association and presenting your plans. The community will then vote on it and depending on the result of your vote, recommend for approval or rejection to the ZBA.

When you go before the ZBA they will almost always follow the recommendation of the neighborhood association.

I do not recommend converting to multi family without the variance. It will be very difficult to sell the property in the future unless you have a cash buyer. It will also be very difficult to get the utility companies to set up separate gas and electric meters.