§ 14-203 — Definitions

§ 14-203. Definitions.

For purposes of this Zoning Code, the following definitions shall apply; words, phrases, and terms not defined herein, but defined in Title 4 (The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code), shall be construed as defined in Title 4. Notes 43.1 | Amended, Bill No. 240971 (approved December 23, 2024). Bill No. 240971 was subsequently repealed by Bill No. 250243 (approved May 14, 2025). (1) Abut. To touch or share a contiguous boundary or border, or to be separated only by an alley or shared driveway. (2) Accessory Use. A use, including all necessary public utility facilities, that is subordinate to and on the same lot as the principal use on a lot and customarily incidental to the principal use. This definition does not apply to signs. See Chapter 14-900 (Signs). (3) Active Recreation. See § 14-601(3)(c) (Active Recreation). (4) Adjacent. To touch or share a contiguous boundary or border, or to be separated only by an alley, shared driveway, or street. (4.1) Adult Care. 44 See § 14-601(4)(q) (Adult Care). Notes 44 | Added, Bill No. 190253 (approved July 24, 2019). (5) Adult Cabaret. See § 14-601(7)(a)(.1) (Adult Cabaret). (6) Adult Massage Shop. See § 14-601(7)(a)(.5) (Adult Massage Shop). (7) Adult Modeling or Photography Studio. See § 14-601(7)(a)(.2) (Adult Modeling or Photography Studio). (8) Adult Motion Picture Theater. See § 14-601(7)(a)(.3) (Adult Motion Picture Theater). (9) Adult-Oriented Merchandise, Retail Sales of. See § 14-601(6)(a) (Adult-Oriented Merchandise). (10) Adult-Oriented Service. See § 14-601(7)(a) (Adult-Oriented Service). (11) Adult Spa or Health Club. See § 14-601(7)(a)(.4) (Adult Spa or Health Club). (12) Airport Imaginary Surface. A civil airport imaginary surface as defined in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) – Federal Aviation Regulations (F.A.R.) Part 77. (13) Airport-Related Facilities. See § 14-601(4)(a) (Airport-Related Facilities). (14) Alley. A common right-of-way shared by three or more abutting landowners that provides secondary access to lots. (15) Alter or Alteration. (a) As used in Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation): a change in the appearance of a building, structure, site, or object which is not otherwise covered by the definition of demolition, or any other change for which a permit is required under The Philadelphia Code. "Alteration" includes the reroofing, cleaning, or pointing of a building, structure, or object. (b) For all other purposes of this Zoning Code: a change in the appearance of a building, structure or site, including demolition. Notes 45 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (16) Amusement Arcade. See § 14-601(7)(c)(.1) (Amusement Arcades). (17) Animal Husbandry. See § 14-601(11)(a) (Animal Husbandry). (18) Animal Services. See § 14-601(7)(b) (Animal Services). (19) Antenna, Building or Tower-Mounted. See § 14-601(4)(o)(.2) (Building or Tower-Mounted Antennas). (20) Apparel and Accessories, Retail Sales of. See § 14-601(6)(g) (Wearing Apparel and Accessories). (21) Arbor. A shaded structure often covered with shrubs, vines, or branches. (22) Arcade. An unobstructed covered passageway located at the ground level of a lot, and located either within a building or under a building (when a building is cantilevered so as to create a covered passage), and serving to connect public spaces and/or public sidewalks, provided that both sides of the arcade abut public space, or public sidewalks. (23) Architectural Features. Features contributing to the general arrangement of the exterior of a structure, including but not limited to, the surface texture, building materials, roof shape, eaves, awnings, arcades, pilasters, cornices, wall offsets, and other building articulations. (24) Architectural Recesses. Portions of a building wall at street level that are set back from the street line so as to create articulation of the building wall and/or to provide space for windows or doors. (25) Area of a Building. See § 14-202(12) (Occupied Area). (26) Art Commission. The Philadelphia Art Commission. (27) Artist. As used in § 14-702 (Floor Area Bonuses): a practitioner in the visual arts or performing arts generally recognized by critics and peers as a professional possessing serious intent and ability, who is not a member of a project consultant's team or employed by a member of that team. Notes 46 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (28) Artist Studio and Artisan Industrial. See § 14-601(10)(a) (Artist Studios and Artisan Industrial). (29) Assembly and Entertainment. See § 14-601(7)(c) (Assembly and Entertainment). (30) Auto-Share Parking Space. A parking space reserved for vehicles owned by a membership entity that provides its members access to a fleet of automobiles on an hourly basis, or in smaller intervals, and maintains those automobiles, which are located at unstaffed, self-service locations (other than any incidental garage valet service), and generally available for pick-up by members 24 hours per day. (31) Awning. A temporary or permanent non-loadbearing projection from a building, that is not supported from the ground, designed to provide shade or protection from elements, having a pitched surface that may or may not be used for any other purpose. (31.1) Balcony. An extension of an upper floor of a building open to the exterior of a building, without vertical supports, partially enclosed by a parapet, balustrade or railing, and accessible only from another space within the building. Notes 47 | Added, Bill No. 150502-AA (approved December 23, 2015). (32) Balustrade. A row of balusters or small posts topped by a rail, serving as an open parapet, as along the edge of a terrace, bridge, staircase, or the eaves of a building. (33) Bank of a Surface Water Body. The land that contains a surface water body at its highest flow. (34) Basement. A story, a portion of which is below grade plane. Notes 48 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (35) Bay Window. A window structure that projects from the wall of a building and is at least 24 in. above the finished floor surface. Notes 49 | Amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013). (35.1) [Reserved.] Notes 50 | Added, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013); deleted, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). (36) Bicycle Parking Space. A space provided for locking a single bicycle to a rack element or for the storage of a single bicycle in a bicycle storage facility. Bicycle parking spaces are classified as follows: (a) Bicycle Parking Space, Class 1. Bicycle parking spaces that deter theft and protect against inclement weather. Class 1A are bicycle spaces located in bicycle storage facilities, and Class 1B are bicycle racks located under a permanent overhead building structure. (b) Bicycle Parking Space, Class 2. Bicycle parking spaces that deter theft but are not protected against inclement weather. (37) Bicycle Storage Facility. A shed, storage room, or locker designed to hold one or more bicycles. (38) Block. The smallest possible area of land bounded by three or more legally open streets, or two or more legally open streets in the case of a curved street, that are confirmed on the City Plan. Notes 51 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (39) Block Face. (a) In the case of a through street, the edge of a block of lots facing a publicly dedicated street and that is located between two intervening streets intersecting the street in front of the lots. (b) In the case of a dead end street, the edge of a block of lots facing a publicly dedicated street, and that is located between the publicly dedicated intersecting street at one end and the dead end of the street. (c) In the case of a cul-de-sac, the edge of a block of lots facing a publicly dedicated street, and that is located between the publicly dedicated intersecting street at one end and the beginning of the turning circle, bulb, or "T" turnaround at the other end, and not including any lots whose front lot lines are on the turning circle, bulb, or "T" turnaround. (40) Block Frontage. The distance along any street line between the nearest streets intersecting it. (41) Board of License and Inspection Review. The Philadelphia Board of License and Inspection Review. (42) Body Art Service. See § 14-601(7)(l)(.1) (Body Art Service). (43) Building. (a) As used in Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation): a structure, its site, and appurtenances created to shelter any form of human activity, including a public interior portion of a building. (b) For all other purposes: a structure having a roof. (44) Building, Attached. (a) For intermediate lots, a building with both side building walls located on or at the side lot line. For the purposes of this definition, a side building wall shall be considered to be located on a side lot line if it abuts an alley, driveway, or other easement that abuts another building wall on an abutting property. An attached building is commonly called a rowhouse. (b) For corner lots, a building with a side building wall located on or at the side lot line and the opposite building wall located on or at the opposite front lot line. For the purposes of this definition, a side building wall shall be considered to be located on a side lot line if it abuts an alley, driveway, or other easement that abuts another building wall on an abutting property. (c) For lots bounded by three or more streets, a building with a rear building wall located on or at the rear lot line and the opposite building wall located on or at the opposite front lot line. For the purposes of this definition, a rear building wall shall be considered to be located on a rear lot line if it abuts an alley, driveway, or other easement that abuts another building wall on an abutting property. Notes 52 | Amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). (45) Building, Completely Enclosed. A building having a roof and walls on all sides so that the space within is enclosed in all directions. Where there are pipes, tanks and other apparatus that are themselves completely enclosed, a use carried on within such enclosures shall be considered to be within a completely enclosed building. (46) Building, Detached. A building with neither side wall located on or at the side lot line. (47) Building, Semi-Detached. (a) For intermediate lots, a building with one side building wall located on or at one side lot line and the opposite side building wall not located on or at the opposite side lot line. A semi-detached building is commonly called a twin. (b) For corner lots, a building with a side building wall located on or at the side lot line and the opposite building wall not located on or at the opposite front lot line. (c) For lots bounded by three or more streets, a building with a rear building wall located on or at the rear lot line and the opposite building wall not located on or at the opposite front lot line. Notes 53 | Amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015). (47.1) Building Line. The outermost portion of the exterior wall of a building. Notes 54 | Added, Bill No. 150505 (approved December 1, 2015). (48) Building Services. See § 14-601(7)(d) (Building Services). (49) Building Supplies and Equipment, Retail Sales of. See § 14-601(6)(b) (Building Supplies and Equipment). (50) Business Support. See § 14-601(7)(e) (Business Support). (51) Canopy. A roof-like cover, supported from the ground or deck, floor, or walls of a structure, for protection from the sun or weather. (52) Caretaker Quarters. See § 14-601(2)(a)(.4) (Caretaker Quarters). (53) Carpool. An arrangement in which two or more individuals commute together, typically to and from work, on a regular basis in a vehicle that is generally owned or leased by one of the participating individuals. Participants may share costs and take turns in providing a vehicle for the commute. (54) Carport. A structure, or part of a structure for the parking, storage, or keeping of up to three vehicles by the owner or tenant of the premises as an accessory use to a permitted residential use, and that does not include a wall between the ground and the roof on at least one side that is not a vehicle entryway. (55) Cartway. The portion of a street for vehicular use. (56) Casino. See § 14-601(7)(c)(.2) (Casino). (57) Cellar. A horizontal level of a structure that is fifty percent (50%) or more below grade plane. Notes 55 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (58) Cell. An area of coverage that is a separate link in wireless communications. (59) Cellular Service. A wireless telephone or telecommunications service. (60) Cell Site. A facility that transmits and receives wireless telecommunications signals. (61) Cemetery. See § 14-601(4)(b) (Cemetery). (62) Check Cashing Establishment. See § 14-601(7)(g)(.1)(.a) (Check Cashing Establishment). (63) Chimney. A vertical structure attached to a building that contains a flue for drawing off smoke from a furnace, water heater, or fireplace. (64) City Council. The Philadelphia City Council. (65) City Datum. A measurement standard for establishing a ground level, based on tidal observations on the Delaware River at Chestnut Street. Philadelphia City Datum is 5.76 ft. below the US Coast and Geodetic Survey based on the 1929 datum. (66) City Plan. The City Plan of streets as described in Chapter 11-400 56 of The Philadelphia Code. Notes 56 | Enrolled bill read "§ 11-400". (67) City Planning Commission. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission. (68) City-Related Agency. Any authority, government agency, or quasi-public corporation that: (1) receives appropriations from the City, (2) has entered into continuing contractual or cooperative relationships with the City, including any agreement whereby the City funds an agency's debt service, or (3) operates under legal authority granted to it by City ordinance. (69) Civic Design Review Committee. The Civic Design Review Committee of the City Planning Commission. (70) Commercial Services. See § 14-601(7) (Commercial Services Use Category). (70.1) Commissaries and Catering Services. See § 14-601(7)(o) (Commissaries and Catering Services). Notes 57 | Added, Bill No. 130804 (approved December 18, 2013). (71) Commission. The City Planning Commission, unless the context clearly refers to another named commission. (72) Community Garden. See § 14-601(11)(b) (Community Garden). (73) Comprehensive Plan. An official statement of goals, recommendations, and policies used to guide the physical development of the City, as formally adopted by the City Planning Commission. (74) Connector Space. Public space within a lot that may be open or enclosed and that is designed and/or intended to be used by the public to pass from or through the lot to a public sidewalk, a public transit concourse, a transit station, other public space within the lot, the public space of another lot, an entrance to the building or to the retail spaces on a lot, or other public space as defined in this Zoning Code. (75) Conservators. A person or persons appointed to be legally responsible for the management of property pursuant to Pennsylvania Act 135 of 2008, 68 P.S. §§ 1101 to 1111. (76) Construct or Construction. (a) As used in Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation): The erection of a new building, structure, or object upon an undeveloped site. (b) For all other purposes: The erection of a new building or structure. (77) Consumer Goods, Retail Sales of. See § 14-601(6)(c) (Consumer Goods). (78) Contributing Building, Structure, Site, or Object. As used in Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation): A building, structure, site, or object within a historic district that reflects the historical or architectural character of the district, as defined in the Historical Commission's designation. (78.1) Convenience Sales. See § 14-601(6)(f)(.1) (Convenience Sales). Notes 57.1 | Added, Bill No. 241054 (approved January 15, 2025). (79) Cornice. A horizontal decorative projection located at the top of a building. (80) Council. The Philadelphia City Council. (80.1) Councilmember or Councilperson. A member of the Philadelphia City Council. Notes 58 | Added, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017). (81) Cultural Programming. Programs that are permanently established by the endowment of a trust or other legally binding mechanism of permanent funding (i.e., lasting the life of the building). Eligible components for on-site cultural programs shall include: performing arts, literary arts, media arts, education, or special events. (81.1) Customary Maintenance. For all signs, customary maintenance shall mean all manner of maintenance, repair, or component replacement of a legally permitted or lawful sign that is done to keep the structure and its various components in good repair. This definition applies to all parts of a sign, including the supporting structure, walkways, sign face, and all other component parts, except the foundation of an accessory sign (in the case of a non-accessory sign, "customary maintenance" shall include the maintenance, repair, or replacement of the foundation). An increase in height, a change in dimension or location, replacement of the foundation of an accessory sign, or the addition of lighting or digital display does not constitute customary maintenance. Nothing in this definition is intended to relieve any sign owner from applicable building permit requirements under Section A-301 of the Philadelphia Administrative Code. Notes 59 | Added, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 130656-AA (approved July 1, 2015). (82) Child Care. See § 14-601(4)(c) (Child Care). Notes 60 | Amended, Bill No. 190253 (approved July 24, 2019). (83) Child Care Center. See § 14-601(4)(c)(.3) (Child Care Center). Notes 61 | Amended, Bill No. 190253 (approved July 24, 2019). (84) Child Care, Family. See § 14-601(4)(c)(.1) (Family Child Care). Notes 62 | Amended, Bill No. 190253 (approved July 24, 2019). (85) Child Care, Group. See § 14-601(4)(c)(.2) (Group Child Care). Notes 63 | Amended, Bill No. 190253 (approved July 24, 2019). (86) Deck. An open structure at least 12 in. above the ground that is located in the front yard, rear yard, or side yard of a property. (87) Deck, Roof. An open structure located above the roof framing of a building. (88) Demolition or Demolish. The razing or destruction, whether entirely or in significant part, of a building, structure, site, or object. Demolition includes the removal of a building, structure, site, or object from its site or the removal or destruction of the facade or surface. (89) Department of Licenses and Inspections. The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (also known as L&I). (90) Department of Parks and Recreation. The Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation (also known as DPR). (91) Department of Streets. The Philadelphia Department of Streets. (92) Design. As used in Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation) and § 14-504(5) (Queen Village): Features including mass, height, appearance, volume, and the texture, color, nature, and composition of materials. (93) Detention and Correctional Facility. See § 14-601(4)(d) (Detention and Correctional Facilities). (94) Development. (a) As used in § 14-704(4) (Flood Protection) and § 14-704(2) (Steep Slope Protection): Any construction, reconstruction, modification, extension, expansion, or substantial improvement of structures; filling; dredging; mining; grading; paving; excavation; drilling operations; or storage of equipment or materials; land excavation; land clearing; land improvement; or any construction thereof. (b) For all other purposes: The erection or relocation of a structure, an alteration to an existing structure that results in a change in gross floor area, or a lot adjustment. (94.1) [Reserved.] Notes 64 | Added, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); deleted, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015). (95) Directly Connected Impervious Surface. As used in § 14-704(5) (Waterfront Setbacks): An impervious or impermeable surface, which is directly connected to the City's drainage system, as defined by the Philadelphia Water Department. Notes 65 | Amended, Bill No. 120654 (approved December 11, 2012). (96) Discharge. To dispose, deposit, spill, pour, inject, dump, leak, or place by any means, or any material that is disposed, deposited, spilled, poured, injected, dumped, leaded, or placed by any means. (97) District. (a) As used in Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation): A geographically definable area possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of buildings, structures, sites, or objects united by past events, plan, or physical development. A district may comprise an individual site or individual elements separated geographically but linked by association, plan, design, or history. (b) For all other purposes: One of the base or overlay zoning districts identified in Chapter 14-400 (Base Zoning Districts) or Chapter 14-500 (Overlay Zoning Districts) and depicted on the Official Zoning Map. (97.1) Dock. A structure extending from dry land or a pier over a waterway providing access to watercraft. (98) Dormer. 66.1 A roofed structure that contains one or more windows and projects beyond the plane of a mansard roof. Notes 66 | Added, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). 66.1 | Added, Bill No. 240336 (became law September 5, 2024). (98.1) DPR. An abbreviation for the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation. Notes 66.2 | Renumbered, Bill No. 240336 (became law September 5, 2024). (99) Drive-Through. A structure with a service window, automated device, or other facility that is designed and intended to be used to provide for sales and service to patrons who remain in their vehicles. (100) Driveway. A paved or unpaved right-of-way strip providing access to a vehicle parking space, loading space, or maneuvering facility. (101) Driveway, Shared. A common right-of-way shared by three or more abutting landowners or building owners that provides vehicular access to one or more lots or buildings. Notes 67 | Amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). (102) Driveway, Parking Lot. Any area of a parking lot connecting an aisle to a public street that does not provide direct ingress and egress to any parking space. (103) Drug Paraphernalia Stores. See § 14-601(6)(c)(.1) (Drug Paraphernalia Stores). (104) Dwelling Unit. A single unit within a building providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. (105) Earth Moving Activity. Any construction or other activity that disturbs the surface of land including but not limited to excavations, embankments, land development, subdivision development, and the moving, depositing, or storing of soil, rock, or earth. (106) Easement. A right granted for the purpose of limited public or quasi-public access across private land. (107) Eating and Drinking Establishments. See § 14-601(7)(f) (Eating and Drinking Establishments). (108) Educational Facilities. See § 14-601(4)(e) (Educational Facilities). (108.1) Embellishment. Any area of an advertising design that extends at an angle from the parallel plane of view of any two- dimensional sign. Notes 68 | Added, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (109) Enclosed Building. See § 14-203(45) (Building, Completely Enclosed). (110) Enclosed Public Space. Public space that is designed and intended to be used by the public and that may be totally enclosed by walls and a roof and that has no floor area above its roof. (111) Entranceway. A portion of a lot in front of and leading to a pedestrian door to a building. (112) Entranceway Cover. An open cantilevered or column-supported protective cover over an entranceway. (113) Equipment and Materials Storage Yards and Buildings. See § 14-601(9)(a) (Equipment and Materials Storage Yards and Buildings). (113.1) Event Assembly Facility. See § 14-601(7)(c)(.3) (Event Assembly Facility). Notes 69 | Added, Bill No. 230764 (approved December 20, 2023). (114) Existing Structure. For the purposes of § 14-704(4) (Flood Protection): A structure for which the "start of construction" commenced before the effective date of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); or before January 1, 1975, for FIRMs effective before that date. Notes 70 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (115) Family. A person living independently or a group of persons living as a single household unit using housekeeping facilities in common, but not to include more than three persons who are unrelated by blood, marriage, adoption, or foster-child status, or are not Life Partners. Notes 71 | Amended, Bill No. 130224 (approved May 8, 2013). (116) Farm, Market or Community-Supported. See § 14-601(11)(c) (Market or Community-Supported Farm). (117) Farmer's Market. See § 14-601(6)(d)(.2) (Farmer's Market). (118) Fence or Retaining Wall. An unroofed barrier, including a retaining wall, forming a partially enclosed structure used to limit ingress or egress to a lot or portion of a lot and that is constructed of materials that are designed and intended to be used primarily for the construction of fences. (119) Finally Denied Application. An application is "finally denied" on the date L&I denies the application, or, if L&I's denial is appealed, on the date of the last Zoning Board or court decision in the matter from which all appeals have been exhausted. (120) Financial Services. See § 14-601(7)(g) (Financial Services). (121) Financial Services, Personal Credit Establishment. See § 14-601(7)(g)(.1) (Personal Credit Establishment). (122) Fire Escape. Any of the series of emergency doors, ladders, or stairs used to evacuate a building if a fire breaks out; the entire escape route viewed as a whole. (122.1) Flag Lot. An irregularly shaped lot that has an unusually small amount of street frontage relative to the size of the lot. The narrow part nearest to the street, or “pole”, is typically used for vehicular access and/or utility connections. The wider part of the lot is set back further away from the street. Notes 71.1 | Added, Bill No. 250523 (approved June 13, 2025). (123) Flood. A temporary inundation of normally dry land areas. (124) Flood, Base. A flood having a one percent (1%) chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. "Base Flood" may also be referred to as "100-Year Flood" or "One Percent (1%) Annual Chance Flood". Notes 72 | Amended, Bill No. 120431 (approved June 27, 2012), effective August 22, 2012. (125) Flood Elevation, Regulatory. The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) determined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the estimated flood height as determined using simplified methods; plus a freeboard safety factor of one and one-half ft. Notes 73 | Amended, Bill No. 120431 (approved June 27, 2012), effective August 22, 2012. (126) Flood, Regulatory. The designated flood that has been selected to serve as the basis upon which the floodplain management provisions of this Zoning Code have been written. (127) Floodproofing. Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents. (128) Floodplain Area. A relatively flat or low land area, which is subject to partial or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river, or watercourse; or any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source. (129) Floodway. The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot at any point. The floodway is identified as "Floodway" in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the most recent revision thereof, including all digital data developed as part of the Flood Insurance Study. Notes 74 | Amended, Bill No. 120431 (approved June 27, 2012), effective August 22, 2012; amended, Bill No. 120645 (approved October 17, 2012). (130) Floor. See § 14-202(21) (Story). (131) Floor Area Ratio. A ratio expressed as a percentage of lot area that is determined by dividing the gross floor area of all buildings on a lot by the area of that lot times 100. (132) Food, Beverages, and Groceries, Retail Sales of. See § 14-601(6)(d) (Food, Beverages, and Groceries). (133) Fortune Telling Service. See § 14-601(7)(l)(.2) (Fortune Telling Service). (134) Fraternal Organization. See § 14-601(4)(f) (Fraternal Organization). (135) [Reserved.] Notes 75 | Deleted, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). (135.1) Front Facade. The front wall of the main building, excluding bay windows, porches, decks, patios, cellars, and basements. Notes 76 | Added, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013). (136) Funeral and Mortuary Services. See § 14-601(7)(h) (Funeral and Mortuary Services). (137) Gable. A wall that comes to a point at its intersection with the ridge of two sloping roof planes. (138) Reserved. Notes 77 | Deleted, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015). (138.1) Grade Plane. Grade plane as defined in Title 4 (The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code). Notes 78 | Added, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (138.2) Green Roof. A treatment to a rooftop that supports living vegetation and includes a synthetic, high quality waterproof membrane, drainage layer, root barrier, soil layer, and vegetation layer. Notes 79 | Added, Bill No. 150745-A (approved December 23, 2015). (139) Gross Floor Area. See § 14-202(4) (Gross Floor Area). (140) Ground Floor. See § 14-202(5) (Ground Floor). (141) Group Living. See § 14-601(2)(b) (Group Living). (142) Group Medical, Dental, and Health Practitioner. See § 14-601(5)(b)(.2) (Group Medical, Dental, and Health Practitioner). (143) Gun Shop. See § 14-601(6)(c)(.2) (Gun Shop). (144) Height, Building or Structure. See § 14-202(6) (Height, Building or Structure). (145) Heritage Tree. Any tree that has a diameter breast height of 24 in. or more and is of a species listed on the Department of Parks and Recreation Heritage Tree Species List. (146) Historical Commission. The Philadelphia Historical Commission. (147) Historic Building. A building or complex of buildings and site, or the public interior portion of a building, which is designated pursuant to § 14-1004 (Designation of a Historic Structure or District) or listed by the Historical Commission under § 14-2007 of the prior Zoning Code or the prior historic buildings ordinance approved December 7, 1955. Notes 80 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (148) Historic District, Object, Site, or Structure. A district, object, site, or structure, or a public interior portion of a structure, that is designated by the Historical Commission pursuant to § 14-1004 (Designation of a Historic Structure or District) or designated under § 14-2007 of the prior Zoning Code. Notes 81 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (148.1) Home Occupation. See § 14-604(10) (Home Occupations). Notes 82 | Added, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). (149) Hospital. See § 14-601(4)(g) (Hospital). (150) Household Living. See § 14-601(2)(a) (Household Living). (151) Household Living, Single-Family. See § 14-601(2)(a)(.1), (Single-Family). (152) Household Living, Two-Family. See § 14-601(2)(a)(.2) (Two-Family). (153) Household Living, Multi-Family. See § 14-601(2)(a)(.3) (Multi-Family). (154) Impervious Ground Cover. Any building, pavement, or other material that substantially bars the natural infiltration of surface water into the soil. Manufactured materials that meet the Water Department's design standards shall not be considered impervious ground cover. Notes 83 | Amended, Bill No. 180346-A (approved July 18, 2018); amended, Bill No. 200577 (approved January 20, 2021). (155) Industrial. See § 14-601(10) (Industrial Use Category). (156) Industrial, Artisan and Artist Studio. See § 14-601(10)(a) (Artist Studios and Artisan Industrial). (157) Industrial, General. See § 14-601(10)(c) (General Industrial). (158) Industrial, Intensive. See § 14-601(10)(d) (Intensive Industrial). (159) Industrial, Limited. See § 14-601(10)(b) (Limited Industrial). (160) [Reserved.] Notes 84 | Deleted, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). (161) Interior Walk. A right-of-way for pedestrian use extending from a street into a block or across a block to another street. (162) Junk and Salvage Yards and Buildings. See § 14-601(10)(e) (Junk and Salvage Yards and Buildings). (163) Kiosk. A structure that does not have a foundation, that contains less than 150 sq. ft. of area, and that is designed and intended to be used primarily for retail sale, display, and accessory advertising of food or merchandise. (164) L&I. An abbreviation for the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections. (165) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system was established by the U.S. Green Building Council to encourage adoption of high performance building and development practices. Participating buildings are rated on categories including site sustainability, water and energy efficiency, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, design innovation, and regional priority. Buildings may achieve certification at the Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum levels. (166) Libraries and Cultural Exhibits. See § 14-601(4)(h) (Libraries and Cultural Exhibits). (167) Light Source. The surface of the bulb, tube, or diode that generates light. The filament, gas, or other material through which electric current is passed to generate light is located inside the light source, and a fixture, housing, or enclosure is located outside the light source. (168) Loading Space, Off-Street. Off-street spaces within a lot for the parking of a vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials. (168.1) Logo. Any distinctive brand, name, symbol, letters, characters or design that is, through trademark status or consistent usage, the customary identification for a particular business, institution, activity, place, person, product or service. Notes 85 | Added, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (169) Lot. A parcel of land consisting of a horizontal plane bounded by vertical planes that comprise its front, side, and rear lot lines, and that is intended or designed to be used, developed, or built upon as a unit. (170) Lot Adjustment. A subdivision that results in the creation of new lots that all have street frontage on an existing legally open street shown on the City Plan; or the relocation of existing lot lines, including the combination of existing lots into fewer or differently configured lots. Notes 86 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (171) Lot, Corner. Any lot bounded by streets on two or more adjoining sides. (172) Lot, Intermediate. Any lot other than a corner lot. (172.1) Lot, Through. An intermediate lot bounded by two streets that are opposite each other. Notes 87 | Added, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017); amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). (173) Lot, Reverse Frontage. A lot extending between and having frontage on a major street or highway, and a residential street, with vehicular access solely from the residential street. (174) Lot Area. See § 14-202(7) (Lot Area). (175) Lot Depth. See § 14-202(8) (Lot Depth). (176) Lot Frontage. See § 14-203(318) (Street Frontage). (177) Lot Width. See § 14-202(10) (Lot Width). (178) Lot Line. A boundary line delineating one lot from another lot, street, or any public or private means of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. (179) Low Occupancy Facility. As used in the context of bicycle parking requirements, a building with no customer contact and less than one employee per every 10,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area. (180) Maintenance and Repair of Consumer Goods. See § 14-601(7)(i) (Maintenance and Repair of Consumer Goods). (180.1) Mansard Roof. An exterior wall that is faced with roofing material and that slopes away from the building frontage at an angle of at least 15 degrees measured from the vertical plane. Notes 87.1 | Added, Bill No. 240336 (became law September 5, 2024). (180.2) Manufactured Home (in a Floodplain Area). As used in § 14-704(4) (Flood Protection): A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis, and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term includes park trailers, travel trailers, recreational and other similar vehicles which are placed on a site for more than 180 consecutive days. Notes 88 | Added, Bill No. 120431 (approved June 27, 2012), effective August 22, 2012; renumbered, Bill No. 240336 (became law September 5, 2024). (181) Marina. See § 14-601(7)(j) (Marina). (182) Marine-Related Industrial. See § 14-601(10)(f) (Marine-Related Industrial). (183) Master Plan. A land use development plan in the form of maps, text, and graphics for a Master Plan District, as set forth in Table 14-304-1. (183.1) Master Plan, Minor Amendment. Proposed amendments to master plans which comply with the criteria set forth in § 14-304(4)(d) (Criteria for Commission approval) shall be considered Minor Amendments. Notes 89 | Added, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (184) Mean Sea Level. The average height of the surface of the sea for all stages of the tide over a 19-year period, usually determined from hourly height readings. The mean sea level is used to determine zero datum by The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. (185) Medical Center. See § 14-601(4)(g) (Hospital). (185.1) Medical Marijuana Dispensary. See § 14-601(6)(c)(.3) (Medical Marijuana Dispensary). Notes 90 | Added, Bill No. 160919 (approved December 20, 2016). (185.2) Medical Marijuana Growing/Processing Facility. See § 14-601(10)(j) (Medical Marijuana Growing/Processing Facility). Notes 91 | Added, Bill No. 160919 (approved December 20, 2016). (186) Mezzanine. An intermediate level between floor and ceiling occupying a partial area of the floor space. (187) Mining/Quarrying. See § 14-601(10)(g) (Mining/Quarrying). (188) Moldings and Belt Courses. Horizontal ornamental projections that may be placed anywhere on a building. (188.1) Movie Theater. See § 14-601(7)(c)(.5) (Movie Theater). Notes 92 | Added, Bill No. 130804 (approved December 18, 2013). (189) Moving and Storage Facilities. See § 14-601(9)(b) (Moving and Storage Facilities). (190) Multi-Family Building. See § 14-601(2)(a)(.3) (Multi-Family). (190.1) Multiple Buildings. A single structure with multiple units shall not constitute multiple buildings. Notes 93 | Added, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013). (191) Natural Resources Preservation. See § 14-601(3)(a) (Natural Resources Preservation). (191.1) New Construction (in a Floodplain Area). As used in § 14-704(4) (Flood Protection): Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after June 11, 1979 and includes any subsequent improvement to such structures. Any construction started before June 11, 1979 is subject to the ordinance in effect at the time the permit was issued, provided the start of construction was within 180 days of permit issuance. Notes 94 | Added, Bill No. 120431 (approved June 27, 2012), effective August 22, 2012. (192) Nightclubs and Public Entertainment Venues. See § 14-601(7)(c)(.3) (Nightclubs and Public Entertainment Venues). Notes 95 | Amended, Bill No. 230764 (approved December 20, 2023). (193) Nonconformity. A land use, building, parking area, lot, sign, or site improvement that does not conform with the requirements of this Zoning Code because it was established before the adoption of zoning in Philadelphia (in 1933) or because it was lawfully established before a Zoning Code amendment was passed. (See also § 14-305 (Nonconformities)). (194) Nurseries and Greenhouses, Horticulture. See § 14-601(11)(d) (Horticulture Nurseries and Greenhouses). (195) Object. As used in Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation): A material thing of functional, aesthetic, cultural, historic, or scientific value that may be, by nature or design, movable yet related to a specific setting or environment. (196) Occupied Area. See § 14-202(12) (Occupied Area). (197) Office. See § 14-601(5) (Office Use Category). (198) Office, Business and Professional. See § 14-601(5)(a) (Business and Professional). (199) Office, Government. See § 14-601(5)(c) (Government). (200) Office, Medical, Dental, and Health Practitioner. See § 14-601(5)(b) (Medical, Dental, and Health Practitioner). (201) On-Site Cultural Programming. On-site cultural programming established and funded by the endowment of a trust or other legally binding mechanism (i.e., lasting the life of the building). Eligible components for on-site cultural programs include: (a) Performing Arts: theater, dance, and music; (b) Literary Arts: poetry readings and storytelling; (c) Media Arts: film and video screening and installations; (d) Education: lectures and presentations about the arts; (e) Special Events: festivals and celebrations; and (f) Visual Arts. (202) On-Site Public Art. Art that will last the life of the building, is original, and created by an artist specifically for the site, with public access. It may include, but shall not be limited to the following separately or in combination: (a) Sculpture that is free-standing, wall supported or suspended, kinetic, electronic, etc., in any material; (b) Murals or paintings in any material or variety of materials, with or without collage or additional non- traditional materials, markings, and means; (c) Earthworks, waterworks, fiberworks, functional elements, furnishings, neon, glass mosaics, photography, prints, calligraphy, in any combination of forms of media including sound, film, holographic, and video systems; hybrids of any media and new genres; (d) Lighting in any combinations of forms, except as required by § 14-707 (Outdoor Lighting); (e) Water features; and (f) Environments, installations, infrastructure, and public spaces. (203) Reserved. Notes 96 | Deleted, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017). (204) Reserved. Notes 96.1 | Bill No. 250293 (approved June 26, 2025) amended this definition but did not renumber it to be in alphabetical order. Renumbered as § 14-203(343.1) by Code editor. (205) Open Area. See § 14-202(13) (Open Area). (206) Open Space, Public. Open space maintained for the use and enjoyment of the general public. See also § 14-202(14) (Public Plaza or Open Space). (207) Openings and Entranceways. An unobstructed space in a wall or fence, located at street level, that is designed and intended to allow access to or through a building and/or public space by the tenants of the building or the general public. (208) Open Storage. Storage in the open air or within a structure without a roof. (209) Parapet. That portion of a wall that extends above the roof line. (210) Parcel. See § 14-203(169) (Lot). (211) Parking, Aisle. As used in the context of surface parking areas or parking structures, any area of a parking lot abutting a parking space that is used to provide vehicular ingress and egress between a parking space and a driveway. [image omitted; see the official code] {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} (212) Parking, Mechanical Access. A parking lot or garage that employs parking machines, lifts, elevators, or other mechanical devices for vehicles moving from and to the street level, including the following: (a) Automated Valet-Type Mechanical Access Parking. Mechanical parking lifts where the car is driven on to a pallet, and the pallet moves the car to a parking slot where the driver is not in the car and cannot access the space. (b) Self Park-Type Mechanical Access Parking. Mechanical parking lifts where the parking space is accessed and operated directly by the driver, and no cars are removed from another space for access. (c) Tandem Parking-Type Mechanical Access Parking. Mechanical parking lifts containing parking spaces used by two or more cars, where a car must be removed for ingress and egress of another car. (213) Parking, Non-Accessory. See § 14-601(7)(k) (Parking, Non-Accessory). (214) Parking, Off-Street. An area or structure for the parking of motor vehicles. (215) Parking Garage. A structure or part of a structure used primarily for the housing, parking, or storage of motor vehicles, but not including a carport. (216) Parking Garage, Private Residence. A garage used for the parking, storage, housing, or keeping of up to three motor vehicles by the owner or tenant of the premises as an accessory use to a permitted residential use, and that includes a roof and walls on three sides and a vehicle entryway on the fourth side. (217) Parking Garage, Private. A garage in which more than three motor vehicles may be parked, stored, housed, or kept and that is not used for transient public parking, but that is for the private use of the owners, tenants, customers, or visitors of a premises. (218) Parking Garage, Public. A garage in which more than three motor vehicles may be parked, stored, housed, or kept for transient public parking, and where a fee is charged. (219) Parking Lot. Any outdoor area or space for the parking of more than three motor vehicles, including any spaces, aisles, and driveways appurtenant thereto. Notes 97 | mended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013). (220) Parking Lot, Private. A parking lot where more than three motor vehicles may be parked or kept without any charge. (221) Parking Lot, Public. A parking lot where more than three motor vehicles may be parked or kept for a charge, fee, or other consideration. (222) Parks and Open Space. See § 14-601(3) (Parks and Open Space Use Category). (223) Passive Recreation. See § 14-601(3)(b) (Passive Recreation). (224) Patio. An open structure less than 12 in. above the ground that is located in the front yard, rear yard, or side yard of a property. (225) Pawnshop. See § 14-601(7)(g)(.1)(.b) (Pawnshop). (226) Payday Loans. Short-term cash advances of three thousand dollars ($3,000) or less that are secured or facilitated by a consumer's personal check that is held for future deposit or by electronic access to the consumer's bank account. The term includes any form of such lending, notwithstanding the presence of some other element introduced to disguise the true nature of the transaction, such as the sale or provision of a good, service, or commodity incidental to the advance of funds, and notwithstanding the fact that the transaction is conducted in person, by mail, Internet, telephone, or through any other means. The term shall not include loans made by the customer's employer or an agent of that employer, a Licensed Gaming Facility, or by a federally- or Commonwealth-chartered bank, thrift, or credit union. (227) Payday Lender. See § 14-601(7)(g)(.1)(.c) (Payday Lender). (228) [Reserved.] Notes 98 | Deleted, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). (229) Performance Space. Space within a lot or building that is open and available to the public and that is designed and intended to be used for live presentations of performing arts or public presentations, speeches, debates, or discussions. (230) Personal Care Home. See § 14-601(2)(b)(.1) (Personal Care Home). (231) Personal Communications System or PCS. Wireless telecommunications service providers that include voice, data, and video that occupy approximately the two Gigahertz spectrum. (232) Personal Credit Establishment. See § 14-601(7)(g)(.1) (Personal Credit Establishment). (233) Personal Services. See § 14-601(7)(l) (Personal Services). (234) Pets and Pet Supplies, Retail Sales of. See § 14-601(6)(e) (Pets and Pet Supplies). (234.1) Pier. A structure supported by piles, posts, pillars, or fill extending from dry land over a waterway. Notes 99 | Added, Bill No. 120431 (approved June 27, 2012), effective August 22, 2012. (235) Pilaster. A rectangular, non-bearing decorative column attached to a building. (236) Planning Commission. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission. (237) Plat, Final. A complete and exact subdivision plan, prepared in form for official recording, to define property lines, proposed streets, and other improvements. (238) Plat, Preliminary. A tentative subdivision layout, showing approximate proposed street and lot layout as a basis for consideration prior to preparation of a Final Plat. (239) Plaza, Public. Space that is designed and intended to be used by the public, and that is open to the sky and directly accessible to the public street or public transit concourse. See also § 14-202(14) (Public Plaza or Open Space). (240) Plot Plan. A plan prepared primarily for development purposes that shows the location, dimensions, and bearings of parcels of ground, and that may also include dimensions of structures and distances between structures and lot lines. (241) Reserved. Notes 99.1 | Deleted, Bill No. 250523 (approved June 13, 2025). (242) Porch. A covered but unenclosed projection from the main wall of a building that may or may not use columns or other ground supports for structural purposes. (243) Premises. A lot including all buildings and structures erected on that lot. (244) Prepared Food. Food that is assembled, but not cooked, on the premises. "Prepared food" includes such food items as sandwiches, wraps, sushi, ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, and coffee. (245) Prepared Food Shop. See § 14-601(7)(f)(.1) (Prepared Food Shop). (245.1) Primary Frontage. The principal street frontage of a lot bounded by two or more streets, as designated under § 14-701(1)(d)(.4) (Primary Frontage). Notes 100 | Added, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017). Enrolled bill numbered this as 247.1; renumbered by Code editor. (246) Principal Building. A building in which the principal use of the lot on which the building is located is conducted. (247) Principal Use. The main use and primary purpose of a lot or structure as distinguished from an accessory use. (247.1) Promoted Event. See subsection 9-703(1)(e) (Promoted Event). Notes 100.1 | Added, Bill No. 250523 (approved June 13, 2025). (247.2) Promoter. See subsection 9-703(1)(f) (Promoter). Notes 100.2 | Added, Bill No. 250523 (approved June 13, 2025). (248) Property Data Map. A map showing all existing and planned conditions affecting the property to be subdivided that is required prior to the submission of an application for subdivision approval. (249) Protected Use. Religious assemblies, monasteries, chapels, convents, rectories, religious article and religious apparel stores, residential uses, hotels, convention/civic centers, schools (up to and including the 12th grade, and their adjunct recreation areas/play fields), public playgrounds, public swimming pools, public parks, public recreation centers, and public libraries. (250) Public Access. A means of physical approach available to the general public. (251) Public, Civic, and Institutional. See § 14-601(4) (Public, Civic, and Institutional Use Category). (252) Public Interior Portion. As used in Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation): An interior portion of a building or structure that is, or was designed to be, customarily open or accessible to the public, including by invitation. A public interior portion does not include an interior portion of a building or structure that was designed to be customarily open or accessible to the public, which interior portion has been significantly altered physically such that a substantial portion of the features reflecting design for public use no longer remain. Terminating use of an interior portion of a building or structure by the public shall not in and of itself constitute conversion of the design of such interior portion. A public interior portion does not include the interior portions of a building which was designed to be and still is used exclusively as one or more private residences. (253) Public Room. Public space that is totally within a building, but that allows for year-round, climate controlled use by the public, and that has direct access to the public street, transit concourses, and/or transit stations. (254) Public Space. Space within a lot or building that is open and made available to the public and that is designed and intended to be used by the general public. The space may consist of open space, enclosed public space, public rooms, gardens, or connector public space. (255) Public Transit Concourse. The network of interconnected spaces below the street level that provide ingress and egress to public transit or railway stations from street level or buildings. (256) Radio, Television, and Recording Services. See § 14-601(7)(m) (Radio, Television, and Recording Services). (257) Rear Yard. See § 14-202 (Yard, Rear (Depth of)). (258) Re-Entry Facility. See § 14-601(4)(i) (Re-Entry Facility). (259) Registered Community Organization or RCO. A community organization that is registered with the City Planning Commission and maintains its registration in active status pursuant to rules established by the City Planning Commission. Notes 101 | Amended, Bill No. 120889 (became law January 24, 2013), effective March 25, 2013. (260) Religious Assembly. See § 14-601(4)(j) (Religious Assembly). (261) Research and Development. See § 14-601(10)(h) (Research and Development). (262) Residential Building. A building used for household living. See § 14-601(2)(a) (Household Living). (263) Restaurant, Sit Down. See § 14-601(7)(f)(.3) (Sit-Down Restaurant). (264) Restaurant, Take-Out. See § 14-601(7)(f)(.2) (Take-Out Restaurant). (265) Retail Sales. See § 14-601(6) (Retail Sales Use Category). (266) Retaining Wall. A structure designed to resist the lateral displacement of soil or other materials in order to protect property or prevent erosion. (267) Right-of-Way. Land reserved for use as a street, interior walk, or for other public purpose. (267.1) Roof Deck Access Structure. A structure, located above the roof framing of a building, such as a pilot house, bulkhead, or hatch, that provides access to a roof deck from the interior of a building. Notes 102 | Added, Bill No. 150502-AA (approved December 23, 2015). (268) Safety Services. See § 14-601(4)(k) (Safety Services). (269) Setback, Front. The depth of the front yard. (270) Setback, Rear. The depth of the rear yard. (271) Setback, Side. The width of the side yard. (272) Setback, Waterfront. The distance between the top-of-bank of a watercourse to the closest point of any structure. (273) Setback Line, Front or Building. See § 14-202(17) (Setback Line, Front or Building). (274) Sight Distance. The maximum distance of unobstructed vision (in a horizontal or vertical plane) along a street from a vehicle located at any given point on the street. (275) Sight Triangle. See § 14-202(18) (Sight Triangle). (276) Sign. A name, identification, description, emblem, device, or structure that is affixed to, printed on, projected, or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or parcel of land and that directs attention to a person, place, product, institution, business, organization, activity, or service. Signs shall also include any banner, pennant, placard, window sign, or temporary sign, that directs attention to a person, place, product, institution, business, organization, activity, or service, with the exception of national flags. Notes 103 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (277) Reserved. Notes 104 | Deleted, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (278) Sign, Accessory. A sign that directs attention to information, identification, or advertisements strictly incidental to a lawful use of the premises on which the sign is located. This includes signs or devices indicating the business transacted, services rendered, goods sold or produced on the premises, and name or emblem of the person, firm, institution, organization, or activity occupying the premises. Notes 105 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (279) Reserved. Notes 106 | Deleted, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); added, Bill No. 130856 (approved December 18, 2013); deleted, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). (280) Sign, Building Identification. A sign containing copy limited to the logo, name, address, or number of a building, institution, or person. Notes 107 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (280.1) Sign, Cabinet. A sign that has a face which is enclosed, bordered, or contained within a box-like structure, frame, or other device. [image omitted; see the official code] Cabinet Sign {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} Notes 108 | Added, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (281) Sign, Commercial. A sign, accessory or non-accessory, containing copy that relates primarily to the economic interests of the property owner, sign owner, or its audience or directs attention to a business, industry, profession or commodity, product, or service offered for sale. Notes 109 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (281.1) Reserved. Notes 110 | Added, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); deleted, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). (282) Sign, Directional. A sign that is not erected by a government entity containing copy primarily limited to a message that directs pedestrian or vehicular traffic to a point of destination on the same property, development, or campus. [image omitted; see the official code] Directional Sign {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} Notes 111 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (283) Sign, Freestanding. Any sign that is supported by a structure of one or more frames, poles or other support structures permanently erected in or upon the ground. Freestanding signs include monument signs, pylon signs, pole signs, and other permanently affixed signs. [image omitted; see the official code] {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} [image omitted; see the official code] Freestanding sign types include monument and pylon {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} Notes 112 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). (284) Sign, Marquee. A sign attached to or integrated into a marquee, which is an overhanging, substantially horizontal structure of permanent construction attached to a building, whether or not supported by the ground or sidewalk, that projects more than 18 in. over a sidewalk, walkway, or right-of-way, but not including balconies or bay windows. The sign may be located on any face, top, or underside of the marquee. [image omitted; see the official code] Marquee Sign {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} Notes 113 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013); amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). (284.1) Sign, Mechanical Movement. A sign having a part or parts that physically move rather than merely appearing to move or merely having changing displays, as might be found in a digital or animated illumination sign. The physical movement may be activated electronically or from another power source, but shall not include wind-activated movement such as used for banners or flags. [image omitted; see the official code] {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} [image omitted; see the official code] Mechanical Movement Signs {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} Notes 114 | Added, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (284.2) Sign, Menu Board. A free standing sign, which may include an internal or external light source that does not change in intensity or color, displayed solely for the use of drive-through patrons to identify the products offered for sale and may include the price of those products. Notes 115 | Added, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015). (285) Sign, Non-Accessory. A sign that is not an accessory sign. Notes 116 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (286) Sign, Non-Commercial. A sign that is not a commercial sign. Notes 117 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (287) Sign, Portable. Any sign that is movable and not permanently attached to a structure or the ground. Portable signs include standing or upright, A-frame, feather flag, banner, pennant, inflatable, wind-activated, and other movable signs. Notes 118 | Deleted, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); added, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). (288) Reserved. Notes 119 | Deleted, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (289) Sign, Projecting. A sign of any material, including text, images, or both text and images, that is in any manner affixed to, printed, or painted on any exterior wall of a building or structure such that the sign extends more than 12 in. from the face of the building or structure to which it is attached. This includes signs on the side of an awning. A sign that is attached to or integrated into the side panel of an awning or canopy shall be considered a projecting sign. [image omitted; see the official code] Projecting Sign {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} Notes 120 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). (290) Reserved. Notes 121 | Deleted, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (291) Sign, Real Estate. A type of temporary sign that advertises the property upon which the sign is located as vacant, for sale, for rent, sold or otherwise available for disposition. Notes 122 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (292) Reserved. Notes 123 | Deleted, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (293) Sign, Roof. A sign erected upon and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the roof. [image omitted; see the official code] Roof Sign {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} Notes 124 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (294) Sign, Temporary. Any sign, not including a window sign, temporarily affixed to or projected onto a structure or placed on the property and displayed for up to six months, or up to one year in the case of real estate signs. Notes 125 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (295) Sign, Wall. A sign, not including a window sign, that is in any manner affixed to, printed, projected, or painted on any exterior wall of a building or structure such that the sign extends forward of that wall by 12 in. or less. A sign attached to or integrated into the front or sloped panel of an awning or canopy shall be considered a wall sign. Wall signs include a sign that extends by 12 in. or less from the wall of a bay window parallel to the building facade. [image omitted; see the official code] {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} [image omitted; see the official code] Wall Signs {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} Notes 126 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). (295.1) Sign, Window. Any sign, including a decal, that is attached to, affixed to, etched into, leaning against, or otherwise placed within 18 in. of a street-facing window, door, or other aperture in a manner so that the sign message is visible from the outside of the building. Notes 127 | Added, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (296) Sign Area. See § 14-202(19) (Sign Area). (296.1) Sign Apron. The trim or panel area beneath the bottom molding of the front of a non-accessory sign, which may contain the name of the sign owner and a sign identification number, but does not contain a sign message. Notes 128 | Added, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (296.2) Sign Illumination, Animated. Illumination of part or all of a sign drawing attention to a sign through an internal light source that exhibits changing or flashing colors, images, messages, or patterns, including the following types of Animated Sign Illumination: (a) Digital Sign. A type of illumination that uses light emitting diodes (LEDs), charge coupled devices (CCDs), plasma, or functionally equivalent technologies used to display a series of still images, usually remotely programmable and changeable. (b) Electronic Message Sign. A type of illumination that uses light emitting diodes (LEDs), charge coupled devices (CCDs), plasma, or functionally equivalent technologies to display a series of electronically changeable still messages consisting of alphanumeric text, such as those often used for gas price display signs and athletic scoreboards. (c) Accessory Digital News Ticker. A horizontal sign band that uses light emitting diodes (LEDs), charge coupled devices (CCDs), plasma, or functionally equivalent technologies to display a scrolling stream of messages, including but not limited to stock prices, sports scores, headline news, and entertainment news. [image omitted; see the official code] Animated Illumination {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} Notes 129 | Added, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). (296.3) Sign Illumination, Static. Illumination drawing attention to a sign through an internal or external light source or neon illumination that does not change intensities or colors. Notes 130 | Added, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). (297) Single-Room Residence. See § 14-601(2)(b)(.2) (Single-Room Residence). (298) Site. As used in Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation): The location of a significant event, a prehistoric or historic occupation or activity, or a building or structure, whether standing, ruined, or vanished, where the location itself maintains historical, cultural, or archaeological value regardless of the value of any existing structure. (298.1) Site Clearing. The cutting or removal of trees, grubbing of roots, or removal or filling of building foundations to create a site that is free of physical obstructions to development. This shall not include tree removal that is conducted to address a life safety issue identified by L&I. Notes 131 | Added, Bill No. 200160 (approved October 15, 2020). (299) Site Improvements. Physical features and improvements, other than buildings, structures, signs, and parking areas, that are required or regulated by this Zoning Code (e.g., landscape areas). (300) Slope. The ratio of vertical to horizontal distance. (300.1) Smoking Lounge. See § 14-601(7)(f)(.4) (Smoking Lounge). Notes 132 | Added, Bill No. 190601-A (approved December 30, 2019). (301) Sole Medical, Dental, and Health Practitioner. See § 14-601(5)(b)(.1) (Sole Medical, Dental, and Health Practitioner). (302) Stables. See § 14-601(7)(b)(.1) (Stables). (303) Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). An area in a floodplain subject to a one percent (1%) or greater chance of flooding in any given year. The SFHA is identified in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the most recent revision thereof, including all digital data developed as part of the Flood Insurance Study. Notes 133 | Amended, Bill No. 120431 (approved June 27, 2012), effective August 22, 2012. (303.1) Store Frontage. Any exterior wall of a single tenant space. Notes 134 | Added, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013). (304) Special Flood Hazard Area, Approximate Zone A. An area designated as a Special Flood Hazard by a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the most recent revision thereof, including all digital data developed as part of the Flood Insurance Study; and for which no one percent (1%) annual change flood elevations have been provided. Notes 135 | Amended, Bill No. 120431 (approved June 27, 2012), effective August 22, 2012. (304.1) Special Flood Hazard Area, Zone AE. An area designated as an AE Zone by a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the most recent revision thereof, including all digital data developed as part of the Flood Insurance Study; and for which base flood elevations have been provided. Notes 136 | Added, Bill No. 120645 (approved October 17, 2012). (305) Specified Anatomical Areas. Includes less than completely and opaquely covered: Human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola, and human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered. (306) Specified Sexual Activities. Includes human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal, acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy, fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or female breasts. (307) Stormwater Management System. The designed features and facilities of a property that convey, store, or otherwise control stormwater runoff quality, rate, or quantity. (308) Stormwater Runoff. The flow of water that results from, and that occurs during and immediately following, a rainfall, snow, or other form of precipitation. (309) Story. See § 14-202(21) (Story). (309.1) Stream. When used in § 14-510 (/WWO, Wissahickon Watershed Overlay District), any watercourse or a portion of watercourse, which drains an area of 64 or more acres in the lower Wissahickon Watershed, as shown on maps kept and maintained by the Department of Planning and Development. Notes 137 | Added, Bill No. 180346-A (approved July 18, 2018). (310) Street. A strip of land, including the entire right-of-way, confirmed upon the City Plan, intended for use as a means of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic, but not including limited access highways. (311) Street, Cul-De-Sac. A street having but one vehicular access point to another street and terminated by a paved vehicular turn- around. (312) Street, Major. A street that carries traffic, generally local, to or from the system of major highways or that serves as main circulation for a large area. (313) Street, Major Highway. A street used primarily for traffic not local in destination. (314) Street, Primary Residential. A street that serves the prime function of collecting or distributing residential traffic within a neighborhood or area. (314.1) Street, Rear. Any portion of a street that abuts a lot frontage that is not a designated primary frontage, where: (a) The lot has at least one primary frontage designated by the Commission pursuant to § 14-701(1)(d)(.4), and (b) The street is designated as Local, Lower Density Residential, or Shared Narrow, as depicted on maps included in the Philadelphia Complete Streets Design Handbook 2017, published pursuant to Section 11-901 (Complete Streets Policy). Notes 138 | Added, Bill No. 190380 (approved July 24, 2019). (315) Street, Secondary Residential. A street that is used primarily for residential access. (316) Street, Tertiary Residential. A street that provides access to homes on lots in excess of 20,000 sq. ft., having 100 ft. frontage at the building line, and having no house or garage located within 50 ft. of that right-of-way, or one that serves not more than six lots. (317) Street, Marginal Access. A minor street, parallel and adjacent to a major street or major highway, providing access to abutting properties and controlling the location of intersections with that major street or highway. (317.1) Street Drainage. The stormwater runoff between the crown or centerline of a street and the street frontage of a lot. Notes 139 | Added, Bill No. 150505 (approved December 1, 2015). (318) Street Frontage. The edge of a lot that is contiguous to any confirmed street. (319) Street Line. The outward edge of a street confirmed on the City Plan. (320) Streetscape. All elements that impact the character of streets and sidewalks, including, but not limited to, paving patterns, curbs and curb cuts, crosswalks, landscape plantings, and street furnishings, such as lighting and bicycle parking facilities. (321) Streets Department. The Philadelphia Department of Streets. (322) Structural Elements. The components of a building that are necessary to the stability of the building. (323) Structure. (a) As used in Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation): A work made up of interdependent and interrelated parts in a definite pattern of organization constructed by man and affixed to real property, including a public interior portion of a structure. (b) For all other purposes: Any type or form of construction above the ground. (324) Structured Parking, Non-Accessory. See § 14-601(7)(k)(.2) (Structured Parking, Non-Accessory). (325) Student. As used in § 14-506 (/NCP, North Central Philadelphia Overlay District) and in § 14-502(5)(a)(.6)[8] (prohibited uses in the Rittenhouse Square Residential Area), the term "Student" shall have the meaning as defined under Chapter 10-1800 (Vicarious Liability for Student Conduct) of The Philadelphia Code. Notes 140 | Amended, Bill No. 160073 (became law May 19, 2016). (326) Studio. An enclosed space used by anyone engaged in artistic employment or instruction in painting, sculpture, photography, music, dancing, dramatics, literature, or the like. (327) Subdivider. The owner or equitable owner, or authorized agent of the owner or equitable owner, of a property subdivided. (328) Subdivision. A division of any part, lot, or area of land by the owner or his or her agent into two or more lots, or changes in existing lot lines, for the purpose of conveyance, transfer, improvement, or sale with or without appurtenant roads, streets, lanes, driveways, and ways dedicated or intended to be dedicated to public use, or the use of purchasers or owners of lots fronting on them. The term subdivision includes re-subdivision and, as appropriate, shall refer to the process of subdividing land or to the land so subdivided. Notes 141 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015). (329) Substantial Damage. As used in § 14-704(4) (Flood Protection), damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. (330) Substantial Improvement. As used in § 14-704(4) (Flood Protection), any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the structure before the "start of construction" of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred "substantial damage", regardless of the actual repair work performed. (331) Sundries, Pharmaceuticals, and Convenience Sales. See § 14-601(6)(f) (Sundries, Pharmaceuticals, and Convenience Sales). (332) Surface Parking, Non-Accessory. See § 14-601(7)(k)(.1) (Surface Parking, Non-Accessory). (332.1) Swale. When used in § 14-510 (/WWO, Wissahickon Watershed Overlay District), any area of low land which drains an area of more than 20 acres and less than 64 acres, as shown on maps kept and maintained by the Department of Planning and Development. Notes 142 | Added, Bill No. 180346-A (approved July 18, 2018). (333) Tattoo Parlor. A body art service (See § 14-601(7)(l)(.1) (Body Art Service)). (334) Terrace. A patio (See § 14-203(224) (Patio)). (335) Through-Block Pedestrian Walkway. A walkway or corridor that is designed and intended to be used by the public, that provides public access through a building's public space. See also § 14-702(6) (Public Space). (336) Top-of-Bank. The first point at which the slope of the incline from the ordinary high water level of a water body changes by 10 degrees or more, as determined by a survey prepared by a licensed surveyor. If there is no major change within a distance of 50 ft. from the ordinary high water level, then the top of bank will be the elevation two ft. above the ordinary high water level, as determined by a survey prepared by a licensed surveyor. (337) Reserved. Notes 143 | Deleted, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). (338) Reserved. Notes 144 | Deleted, Bill No. 170162 (approved July 11, 2017). (339) Reserved. Notes 145 | Deleted, Bill No. 170162 (approved July 11, 2017). (340) Reserved. Notes 146 | Deleted, Bill No. 170162 (approved July 11, 2017). (341) Transit Station. See § 14-601(4)(l) (Transit Station). (342) Trash and Recycling Storage. An enclosure or container for the temporary storage of permitted waste, rubbish, and debris generated on site until those items can be transferred off site for recycling, reprocessing, or disposal. (343) Trucking and Transportation Terminals. See § 14-601(10)(i) (Trucking and Transportation Terminals). (343.1) Two Year Rule. See § 14-303(6)(g) (The Two Year Rule). Notes 146.1 | Bill No. 250293 (approved June 26, 2025) amended this definition but did not renumber it to be in alphabetical order. Renumbered from § 14-203(204) by Code editor. (344) Undeveloped Land. Land having one or fewer dwelling units per acre or having structure(s) with an area of 5,000 or less sq. ft. per acre. (345) Urban Agricultural. See § 14-601(11) (Urban Agricultural Use Category). (345.1) Urban Experiential Display. An Urban Experiential Display (UED) is a form of Digital Display as defined at § 14-203(94.1) that is formatted to exhibit full motion video or animation by the use of lighting or otherwise to depict movement or animation or to create a special effect or scene that may include intermittent, scrolling, or changes in illumination that may vary in intensity given ambient light level. A UED may also include Embellishments or Embellished Area areas, special effects elements, or structures that extend beyond the face of the UED and UED structure, or wall or structure to which it is attached, and may include two- and three- dimensional features. Notes 147 | Added, Bill No. 140906-A (became law April 9, 2015). (346) Utilities and Services, Basic. See § 14-601(4)(m) (Utilities and Services, Basic). (347) Utilities and Services, Major. See § 14-601(4)(n) (Utilities and Services, Major). (348) Vanpool. An arrangement in which two or more individuals commute together, typically to and from work, on a regular basis in a van that is owned or leased by one of the participating individuals or by a third party. (349) Variance. A relief from the provisions of this Zoning Code that allows use or development of a lot outside the zoning provisions applicable to that lot. (350) Vendor Stand. Any cart, table, trailer, equipment, or apparatus that is not a structure; that is designed and intended so as to not be a permanent fixture on a lot; that is used for the retail sale, display, and accessory advertising of merchandise or food; and that is not located on the right-of-way. (351) Vehicle Equipment and Supplies Sales and Rentals. See § 14-601(8)(f) (Vehicle Equipment and Supplies Sales and Rentals). (351.1) Vehicle Fueling Station. See § 14-601(8)(c) (Vehicle Fueling Station). Notes 148 | Added, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015). (352) Vehicle and Vehicular Equipment Sales and Services. See § 14-601(8) (Vehicle and Vehicular Equipment Sales and Services Use Category). (353) Vehicle Paint Finishing Shop. See § 14-601(8)(g) (Finishing Shop). (354) Vehicle Repair and Maintenance, Commercial. See § 14-601(8)(a) (Commercial Vehicle Repair and Maintenance). (355) Vehicle Repair and Maintenance, Personal. See § 14-601(8)(d) (Personal Vehicle Repair and Maintenance). (356) Vehicle Sales and Rentals, Commercial. See § 14-601(8)(b) (Commercial Vehicle Sales and Rentals). (357) Vehicle Sales and Rentals, Personal. See § 14-601(8)(e) (Personal Vehicle Sales and Rentals). (358) Visitor Accommodations. See § 14-601(7)(n) (Visitor Accommodations). (359) Visitable Dwelling Unit. A visitable dwelling unit is one that contains: (a) a step-free or accessible ground floor entrance on an accessible route that complies with ICC A117 as adopted in Title 4 (The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code), and that has a maximum slope not to exceed 1:12; (b) all ground floor building entrance and ground floor interior doors, except those serving pantries and closets, with a minimum net clear opening of 32 in. when opened 90 degrees; (c) all ground floor interior doors equipped with levered hardware; and (d) all ground floor interior hallways with a minimum width of not less than 36 in., with ramped or beveled changes at door thresholds, and (e) at least one ground floor bathroom with toilet and sink designed and constructed so those using wheelchairs or walkers can enter and close the door behind them. Notes 149 | Amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013). (360) Walkway. A clearly defined path for pedestrian movement between buildings, structures, destinations, and/or other walkways on or adjacent to a site. (361) Warehouse. See § 14-601(9)(c) (Warehouse). (362) Water Department. The Water Department of the City of Philadelphia. (363) Wearing Apparel and Accessories. See § 14-601(6)(g) (Wearing Apparel and Accessories). (364) Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage. See § 14-601(9) (Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage Use Category). (365) Wholesale Sales and Distribution. See § 14-601(9)(d) (Wholesale Sales and Distribution). (366) Wireless Antenna, Building or Tower-Mounted. See § 14-601(4)(o)(.2) (Building or Tower-Mounted Antennas). (367) Wireless Service Facility. See § 14-601(4)(o) (Wireless Service Facility). (368) Wireless Services. Any PCS, cellular service, paging service, or any other wireless telecommunications service, provided, however, that this definition shall not include satellite dishes or other service exempted from regulation under the federal Telecommunication Act of 1996. (369) Wireless Tower, Freestanding. See § 14-601(4)(o)(.1) (Freestanding Towers). (370) Yard. An unoccupied area, open and unobstructed from the ground, on the same lot as a building. (a) Front Yard. A yard located between the street line and the front of any structure (not including fences). (b) Rear Yard. 150 A yard located between the extreme rear line of any structure (not including fences) and the closer of: 1) the extreme rear line of the lot, or 2) the nearest side line of a street, shared driveway, easement, or alley. (c) Side Yard. 151 A yard between any structure (not including fences) and the side line of the lot, or the nearest side line of a shared driveway, easement, or alley, extending from the front yard to the rear yard, or in the case of through lots, extending from one front yard to the opposite front yard. Notes 150 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013). 151 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017). (371) Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment.