Philadelphia City Council voted to adopt a new zoning code Dec. 15, 2011. Mayor Nutter will sign the zoning code bill on Dec. 22, 2011. The new code will become effective in August 2012.
Philadelphia’s current zoning code was adopted in 1962 and has been amended several times. It has become complex and cumbersome. The new zoning code is simplified and organized in a way that will make it easier for individuals to develop in the City. For example, rather than 55 zoning classifications and dozens of overlay districts, the new zoning code identifies only 35 zoning classifications and 12 overlay districts. All of the existing zoning districts will be converted to a new corresponding district. There have not been any substantive changes to the zoning designations. Three new zoning districts were created that do not have existing corresponding districts: CMX-2.5 (Commercial Mixed Use 2.5), IRMX (Industrial Residential Mixed Use) and SP-AIR (Airport Special Purpose District).