Zoning Overview

The Philadelphia Zoning Code regulates development within the city, ensuring that land use, site layout, and building form on every parcel in the City of Philadelphia is compatible with its surrounding context. No matter the size of the project, the same zoning code process is applied.

The Zoning Code also includes provisions for ensuring that neighbors of proposed projects are notified have an opportunity to provide input on zoning decisions that may impact them. This occurs when the project does not conform to the Zoning Code and its owner applies for a zoning variance by requesting a zoning appeal.

QVNA is the designated Registered Community Organization (RCO) by the City Planning Commission (which oversees the Zoning Code).  QVNA’s boundaries overlap those of the South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) where zoning stipulates mixed residential and commercial use.  When a variance is sought in such places, the City may designate SSHD as the coordinating RCO.  To read more about this click here.

In Queen Village, QVNA’s Zoning Committee convenes a public zoning meeting after QVNA is notified by the City that a building permit refusal was issued for a proposed project in Queen Village. The proposed project is presented at this meeting.

Quick Links:

• QVNA’s Applicant Requirements

• Applicant Rights and Responsibilities

• Neighbor Notification Information

• RCO Rights and Responsibilities

• QVNA Zoning Overlay

QVNA Zoning Committee

QVNA is the Registered Community Organization for Queen Village, designated by the City Planning Commission, and responsible for ensuring that the City’s zoning code process is upheld.

QVNA’s Zoning Committee is a Standing Committee in accordance with our Bylaws. The Zoning Committee represents QVNA to the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustments in accordance with Board Policy.

The Committee is responsible for conducting public zoning meetings to review the Applicant’s proposed plans and ensure that neighbors have the opportunity to provide input in accordance with Philadelphia’s Zoning Code.

Committee members have experience and skills directly related to one or more aspects(s) of architecture, building design, construction, development, historic preservation, historic district conservation, urban planning, and/or zoning matters. In addition, each is a Queen Village resident who volunteers to serve on the committee and plays a vitally important role in this civic process.

QVNA’s zoning committee members include:

Peter Piven – Chair

SeungAh Byun

Rich Carroll

Tania Nikolic 

Sam Olshin

Emily Pershetz

Amy Rivera

Noah Swistak

Zoning Committee questions? Please email info@qvna.org.