Here’s What You Need to Know

Construction On Your Block?

There are a few things you should know to be sure that the builders are doing things legally and safely.

Permits

Before beginning any demolition, new building, or rehabilitation project, a work permit must be obtained from the city. At the job site, the permits must be displayed. Examine them to make sure they correspond with the job being done and are current. Additionally, you can use atlas.phila.gov to search for current and previous zoning and building permits for any address in the city.

For more information, check out the City’s Department of Licenses and Inspections Website!

Zoning

These vivid orange signs indicate that some proposed work is prohibited by the Zoning Code at that particular location. The Zoning Code is a collection of guidelines created to keep your area safe. For additional information, consult the City's Zoning Quick Reference Guide. To perform something that is prohibited by the Zoning Code, the property owner needs to obtain special authorization from the City's Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), known as a variance. The orange posters will specify the nature of the work and the time the builder will show up at the ZBA to request the variance. Attending that ZBA meeting to support or oppose that variance request is within your rights. The orange poster shows the time, date, and place of the ZBA meeting.

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 under 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.

Commonly Asked Questions about Construction:

Learning the name, contact information, and email address of both the property owner and the builder performing the job is a smart idea. If the listed building permits don't contain some of those information, you should request it. That contact information is also available during the Community Zoning Meeting.

  • Construction noise is not allowed before 7 AM on weekdays and must cease by 8 PM. It's before 8 AM and after 8 PM on the weekends. Talk to the owner or builder if there is noise after these hours, or give Air Management Services a call at 215-685-7580 or 311.

  • Permits are required to block the sidewalk or street. They should be posted at the work site and on atlas.phila.gov. Clear signage and walkways should be given to direct pedestrians to safe alternate routes when a sidewalk is closed for construction or other reasons. These routes typically require crossing the street at designated crosswalks.

    In certain situations, sidewalk barriers can be avoided by establishing pedestrian walkways inside the street's parking lanes, provided the proper permits and safety precautions are taken.

    Obstructed sidewalks should have fences, directional barricades, and/or “better barriers” around the area.

  • Before the work starts, it's a good idea to snap images of your property, including any walls, fences, trees, sidewalks, and other anything that can unintentionally be damaged by the construction or demolition nearby. Take pictures both inside and outside your house, and don't forget to include the basement. A professional and time-and date-stamped photographs might be what you're looking for.

  • Before demolition starts, permits need to be acquired and posted. It is necessary to set up a secure space with fencing. During and after demolition, the work area must be kept dust-free and contained by covering and soaking it, if the weather permits. Contact the Emergency Response Unit at Licenses & Inspections (L&I) at 215-686-2583 with any inquiries or concerns regarding demolition.

Additional Resources on Construction:

Utilize the Nuisance Business Reporting Tool!

Another helpful tool is the QVNA Nuisance Business Reporting Tool. Where you can lodge complaints against businesses or construction crews that violate City codes and standards. We’ll investigate your claim and contact you for more information or an update on our investigation.

This is just a starting point for you. For more information, call 311 or your councilperson to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION:

  • Queen Village Neighbors Association: 215-339-0975 | email: info@qvna.org

  • Licenses & Inspections Department (L&I): call 311 or go to phila.gov/311

  • Building permits & property information: atlas.phila.gov

  • City Councilmember serving Queen Village:

    • Mark Squilla (District 1): 215-686-3458 | website