Multi-Family Permit (Philadelphia)

[Bartosz Rosol]

I am doing my due diligence prior to purchasing my first multi-family residence in Philadelphia. I have noticed that some properties are zoned as single-family residence, but operate as 2-4 units. After speaking with an RE lawyer I have learned that these property are non-conforming to current zoning, but require a mult-family permit.

What is a multi-family permit?  What is the difference between a permit and a variance?

Please provide resources or links. Thank you!!

[Yuriy Skripnichenko]

@Bartosz Rosol

Find a good RE Agent who knows the market and the rules. He/she would be able to guide you through this process. 

It's very common in Philadelphia to have a non-conforming use of a property. Simply speaking illegal use (as single family being used as a duplex etc.). The way to deal with it depends on a few different factors. 

Look over Philadelphia zoning guide. You will see what king of property is permitted in different zonings. https://www.phila.gov/CityPlanning/resources/Publications/Philadelphia%20Zoning%20Code_Quick%20Reference%20Manual.pdf

Use https://atlas.phila.gov/ to gather some information about potential property

Read this threads:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/742/topics/511026-how-i-got-variance-for-duplex-in-philadelphia-aka-re-zoning

and

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/742/topics/508114-documents-you-have-to-provide-to-your-tenants-in-philadelphia

Hope this helps. 

Cheers,

Yuriy