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Back to search resultsBill 250042

Amending Section 14-604 of The Philadelphia Code ("Accessory Uses and Structures") to modify certain restrictions with respect to accessory dwelling units, and making conforming technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.

AI summary

This bill, currently in committee, would change Philadelphia’s zoning rules for accessory dwelling units, such as backyard cottages or converted garages. It would allow these units within the interior of a single-family home or an existing detached accessory building, while changing size and historic-district restrictions, including limits related to increasing the overall size of the structure.

File details

Status
IN COMMITTEE
Introduced
January 30, 2025
View official record ↗

Full text

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS

:

SECTION 1. Section 14-604 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended as follows:

TITLE 14. ZONING AND PLANNING

CHAPTER 14-600. USE REGULATIONS

§ 14-604. Accessory Uses and Structures.

(11)

Accessory Dwelling Units.

(b)

General.

Accessory dwelling units are subject to [all]

only such

applicable regulations of the zoning district in which they are [located, except as otherwise expressly stated in this section]

located that limit an increase in the overall size of the structure to no more than 10%.

(c)

Where Allowed.

Accessory dwelling units are allowed only on lots occupied by a single-family use [contained in a detached or semi-detached building in the permitted areas described in § 14-604(11)(d) (Permitted Areas), except within historic structures (as described in subsection (d)(.1) below), where accessory dwelling units are also permitted on lots occupied by a single-family use contained in an attached building.] Accessory dwelling units must be located within the interior of the principal building or within the interior of a detached accessory building, such as detached garages, that are in existence as of the effective date of this Zoning Code

, including Historic structures

.

(d)

[Permitted Areas.]

Accessory Dwelling Units Where Generally Prohibited in Overlays.

(.1)

Historic Structures.

In overlay districts in which reference is made to allowance of Accessory Dwelling Units only in buildings or structures that meet the conditions of this § 14-604(11)(d)(.1),

Accessory Dwelling Units are permitted

only when both

:

(.a)

within any building or structure that, pursuant to Chapter 14-1000, has been designated as historic; or that is located in a district that has been designated as historic and that contributes, in the Historical Commission's opinion, to the character of such [district.]

district; and (b) in RSA-5 and CMX-1 zoning districts.

[(.2)

Large Lots in the RSA-5 and CMX-1 Districts.

In the RSA-5 and CMX-1 districts, an accessory dwelling unit is permitted, provided that:

(.a)

The area of the lot is a minimum of 1,600 sq. ft.; and

(.b)

No more than one dwelling unit is otherwise permitted.]

[(i)

Size.

The floor area of an accessory dwelling unit may not exceed 800 sq. ft., except in historic structures (as described in subsection (d)(.1) above).]

___________________________________

Explanation:

[Brackets] indicate matter deleted.

Italics

indicate new matter added.

End

File history

Sometimes city council's record keeping is not complete. This timeline reflects the information on the council's legistar website.
  1. Council actionCITY COUNCIL

    Introduced and Referred