|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click here for Resident FAQs
FAQs for Developers and Non Profits
Where does a developer start when considering doing a development in Philadelphia?
Where to start depends on what type of development, previous development experience in Philadelphia, and where the building is to occur. Developers working in Philadelphia for the first time must obtain a Business Privilege License and Tax Account. Additionally, we encourage you to contact the local trade organizations to learn more about the processes.
Who owns land? How can I find out?
The great majority of land in Philadelphia is held by private owners. To find out who owns a parcel, use the Philadelphia Board of Revision of Taxes’ Property Search at: brtweb.phila.gov. The City of Philadelphia, as well as some of the quasi-governmental agencies such as the Philadelphia Housing Authority, or the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp., own property in the City. To find out about city-owned or vacant property, contact the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD).
How can I purchase land?
The first step in purchasing land is to identify and contact the owner of the parcel. When an owner cannot be identified or contacted, developers interested in acquiring land should contact OHCD. OHCD issues a Property Acquisition Request form that is the first step in the public acquisition of land (i.e. condemnation) to be transferred to developers for new projects. To apply, click here for the form which is an Excel file, complete it and return it to both OHCD, 1234 Market Street, 17th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107 and to the appropriate District Councilperson - visit www.phila.gov/citycouncil/.
Other methods for the acquisition of land include Sheriff Sale.
Who reviews plans and requirements?
Most plans for development require the review of the City Planning Commission. At your request, Planning Commission staff will review your plans prior to any formal submission. The Zoning Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) will review plans over the counter. At your request, L&I will schedule a meeting with you to review construction plans.
L&I’s Zoning Unit reviews all plans for development. About 60 percent are granted over the counter. Applications that do not meet the requirements of the Zoning Code may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) for a variance. An appeal to the ZBA requires a public hearing. L&I has a development services coordinator to assist you with the process.
What is the role of City Council?
City Council can be a resource throughout the development process. Many developers contact the office of a City Council person about potential developments in the district. Council members have a variety of information about their districts and the various community organizations. Council members can also help with such issues as infrastructure. Council must pass legislation authorizing street changes for a development. Legislation may also be required when land is acquired through Urban Renewal Condemnation.
What grant funding programs are available for housing development?
A variety of grant programs for housing development are available from city, state and federal governments. PHDC’s Homeownership Rehabilitation Program (HRP) assists for-profit and non-profit developers in rehabilitating vacant homes to be sold to first-time homebuyers. OHCD and RDA periodically issue Requests for Proposals for the federal CDBG and HOME funds they administer. For more information, review Philadelphia’s annual Consolidated Plan.
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) is the leading provider of capital for affordable housing. PHFA administers the Homeownership Choice Program (HCP) which provides funding for single-family homes; the state’s PennHOMES Program which offers interest-free, deferred payment loans for low-income, rental housing development; and the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) which developers can use to build rental housing for low-income families. Most grants include income guidelines for residents who will in live in the new development.
Who do I contact about infrastructure issues?
Contact the Philadelphia City Planning Commission with infrastructure inquiries. It will direct you to the appropriate agencies.
HOW DOES A COMPANY GET ITS NAME ON PHDC's CONTRACTOR'S LIST?
Philadelphia Housing Development Corp.
1234 Market St., 17th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-448-3173
Prequalifies building contractors interested in working as general and specialty contractors on PHDC projects.
HOW DO I GET PLACED ON THE RFP MAILING LIST?
Organizations interested in being added to the RFP mailing list should submit their name, address and activity to be funded to:
Philadelphia Housing Development Corp.
Director of Operations
1234 Market St., 17th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
HOW DO I APPLY TO BECOME A CONTRACTOR FOR BSRP?
The program solicits new contractors annualyy through a Request For Proposal (RFP) process. This process normally happens in April and May. Contractors may leave an expression of interest message at 215-448-3157 year-round. The contractor should provide the company name, address, phone number, contact person and service the contractor is interested in providing. The contractor will automatically be issued relevant RFP packages ove the subsequent year.
HOW IS PAYMENT FOR WORK DETERMINED?
All work is estimated by PHDC using a set-priced item listing. This price book is available on request by calling 215-448-3157 or can be emailed by sending a request to Annette Mays.
HOW DOES A NON-PROFIT GROUP GET STARTED?
You can get advice from the following organizations:
Regional Housing Legal Services
2 S. Easton Rd.
Glenside, PA 19038
215-572-7300
www.rhls.org
Provides free legal assistance to eligible groups in obtaining tax-exempt status, filing incorporation papers and drafting organizational documents. Requests must be in writing.
Community Accountants
3721 Midvale Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19129
215-951-0330 x 125
www.communityaccountants.org
Provides free accounting assistance to non-profit organizations.
FAQs for Residents
HOW DO YOU FIND OUT WHO OWNS A PROPERTY?
Information on property ownership is not given out over the telephone.
Interested parties must visit the Records Department's Public Reference Area, Room 154, City Hall, Mon-Fri., 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
For information and instructions, call the:
Recorder of Deeds/Records Department
215-686-2292, 1483
www.phila.gov
(Click on "property assessment")
Board of Revision of Taxes, Public Book Room
34 S. 11th St., 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
www.brtweb.phila.gov
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
HOW DO YOU LOCATE THE OWNER OF A PROPERTY?
There is no data bank for finding owners. This will require detective work on your part. You will need to check the telephone book, voters registration, talk to neighbors and visit the Board of Revision of Taxes.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE SERVICE IN THE BASIC SYSTEMS REPAIR PROGRAM?
The demand for this program is far greater than funds available for repairs. Consequently, it is common for repairs to take some time. Heaters are prioritized in winter, as are sewage problems in summer. Such cases can be repaired with four to six weeks. Otherwise, depending on demand and the severity of the problem, repairs can take from two months to two years.
|
