Determination of Boundaries.
Philadelphia Code § 14-107
in effect§ 14-107. Determination of Boundaries.
(1) Boundaries of Districts.
Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of the various districts, as shown on any zoning map, the following rules apply:
(a) The district boundaries are street lines unless otherwise shown; and where the designation on the zoning map indicates a boundary that approximately coincides with an existing street line, that street line shall be construed to be the boundary;
(b) Where a designation on the zoning map indicates a district boundary that approximately coincides with existing lot lines, those lot lines shall be construed to be the boundary;
(c) In undivided property, the district boundary lines on the zoning map shall be determined by measurement according to the scale of the maps;
(d) No district boundary shown on the zoning map shall be construed as extending the authority of L&I beyond the low water mark on any navigable stream; and
(e) Where a street is stricken from the City Plan or where a railroad right-of-way is abandoned, the zoning boundaries of the abutting land shall be extended to the centerline of the vacated street or right-of-way, unless otherwise provided by the City Council.
(2) Multiple Districts or Provisions.
When the boundaries of various districts as shown on the zoning map are established so that a single lot has more than one base zoning district designation, the following provisions apply.
(a) The provisions of a zoning district shall apply to the entire lot if both:
(.1) The zoning district covers at least 75% of the parcel; and
(.2) The conditions of (b), below, do not apply.
(b) If two or more zoning districts each cover a contiguous area on the lot that is greater than or equal to either of the following, the most restrictive provisions of all zoning districts that have a contiguous area that covers at least 10% the total lot area shall apply: 8
(.1) The minimum lot area for that district; or
(.2) 1,600 sq. ft., if the zoning district does not require a minimum lot area.
(c) For any lot that meets the conditions of (b), only overlays that apply to zoning districts that cumulatively have a contiguous area that covers at least 10% the total lot area shall apply.
(d) On any parcel for which neither (a) nor (b) applies, the Commission shall select a single zoning district from among those that cover a portion of that parcel. The Commission shall select the zone based on what best accomplishes the goals for the immediate area in the comprehensive plan, as provided in its regulations. The provisions of the selected zoning district shall apply to the entire parcel.
Notes
7 | Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 210078-A (approved April 28, 2021).
8 | Amended, Bill No. 220418 (approved November 30, 2022).
Source: City of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-287530Fetched: 10/27/2026