City Of Philadelphia: Working With Department Of Planning And Development Agencies

Press release from the City of Philadelphia:

Paul Chrystie

July 6, 2021

Starting July 6 many City offices will reopen to the public. Others will continue to operate in a more hybrid style.

The Department of Planning and Development and PHDC will provide most services by internet or phone. Where necessary, in person meetings by appointment are available.

A summary of services and operations is below.

PHDC services

Most program activities are taking place online. Home repair applications are also taken over the phone.

Philadelphia City Planning Commission

Have a general inquiry? Call 215-683-4615.

All zoning and project reviews will continue to take place through the online eCLIPSE system. Note that this will continue even after all offices completely reopen.

Stamping of paper plans is by appointment only. Contact planning@phila.gov for details. You will be asked to submit digital plans for review before scheduling an appointment.

Planning Commission meetings will continue to take place remotely.

Civic Design Review

CDR meetings will continue to take place remotely.

The process for bringing a project to CDR remains unchanged.

Historical Commission

Historical Commission meetings will continue to take place remotely.

When necessary, staff will meet contractors in the field for a masked, socially distant review. Request a meeting by emailing preservation@phila.gov.

Staff will process general inquiries, complaints, nominations, guidance, and approvals remotely.

Art Commission

Art Commission meetings will continue to take place remotely.

Applications will also be considered remotely, including:

• Artwork
• Sign, awning, or canopy
• Newsstand
• Construction

Zoning Board of Adjustment

ZBA hearings will continue to take place remotely.

Zoning appeals may be submitted via the online eCLIPSE system or via U.S. Mail. Appeals submitted by mail must include a check or money order for the filing fee.

Division of Housing and Community Development services

Most program activities are taking place online. Foreclosure prevention, eviction prevention/diversion, and home repair help are also available over the phone.

Each housing counseling agency, Neighborhood Advisory Committee, and Neighborhood Energy Center operates differently. Some offices continue to work remotely. Before visiting an office, contact them to verify whether they’re accepting in-person visits.

For more information about the City’s housing programs, call (215) 686-9749. To find out what programs you might be eligible for, use our Housing Helper App.

This press release was produced by the City of Philadelphia.The views expressed here are the author’s own.