Philadelphia RS-5 Zoning

[Frank Robinson]

Hi, I'm looking at a multi-fam property with RS-5 zoning (single fam). The seller is presenting me with a certification from the City that it is registered as a three family dwelling. However, the Philadelphia OPA/Atlas website does not have any permits/variances on record that show a permit or variance was ever acquired.

How can this be if the certification says it is legally registered as a 3 family dwelling?

[Yuriy Skripnichenko]

@Frank Robinson

1. The cert that you have was issued in 2013. New certificate will be required for the closing. The new cert looks differently. 

2. You will always see the statement on the cert: If this property is not being used as indicated above, it is the owner's responsibility to file for a new use registration permit with the Department's Zoning unit.  L&I often would downgrate unit count to single family if the didn't have a rental license for the unit within last 2 years. 

3. The best practice is to have the seller provide you with the certificate and rental license for 3 units. You can also look up rental license yourself at https://eclipse.phila.gov/

Hope this helps. 

Cheers,

Yuriy