Looking to buy a corner property already setup as 2 separate units. Bottom basement unit is above grade, got separate kitchen, bathroom and entrance. Was used once as 2-family back when, but since owner has turned into 1-family. Have to call zoning to find out if could be re-zoned into 2-family. Anyone has experience doing this in Philly, and how hard is it?

@Ankan Basak

What’s the zoning and land area?

You can go to atlas.phila.gov search the address and check zoning and licenses

@Mayer M. zoning is now RSA-5. I can see in the permits, the mention of proposed use as 2-family in the past

@Ankan Basak

The question is was it approved. It should show in the licenses section of atlas. If approved it should also show an active use permit for a two family dwelling

@Ankan Basak

If you need help PM me and provide the address and I’ll look everything up

@Mayer M. just connected with you. I do see in the permit, but not in licenses (only business rental license to operate as rentals for 2 units). Address wil provide in IM

@Ankan Basak

K give me a few and I’ll check it out

@Mayer M.

Got the PM and looked at the address.

The property is zoned single family and it appears at one point it was used as a duplex but then in March 2000 the use was changed from two family to single family and is therefore not currently a legal two family. Should you want it to be a legal two family you would need to go through the variance process and get an attorney and architect involved. Wether or not it would get approved is another story.

Hi @Mayer M. Thank you a bunch looking into this for me. Appreciate all the help