Philadelphia’s new ZBA fees are now in effect
Philadelphia’s revised Zoning Board of Adjustment fee schedule took effect August 1, 2026. The city posted the schedule on July 29, and the amount due depends on the property and, in limited cases, whether a proposed project qualifies as affordable housing.
What applicants pay up front
An application for a property containing an existing one- or two-family dwelling only costs $125 per property.
A proposed affordable-housing project also has a $125 application fee per property, but the reduced rate is not automatic for every housing proposal. The fee schedule says it applies to variance and special-exception applications when the project described in the denied zoning permit meets the Philadelphia Administrative Code definition of an “Affordable Housing Project.”
All other properties face an $811 application fee per property. That application fee is separate from service fees that may apply later in the process.
Additional charges can apply
The schedule lists a $995 fee per property for an accelerated hearing. For combined accelerated hearings, it lists a maximum charge of $2,985 per group.
Qualifying affordable-housing projects pay $0 for the accelerated-hearing fee. The exemption uses the same limited affordable-housing definition and application conditions as the $125 fee.
Other listed service fees include:
- $265 for administrative review;
- $177 for reposting notices after a continuance; and
- $151 for leave to amend.
The city advises applicants who are unsure which fees apply to contact the ZBA office before filing.
The 30-day appeal deadline
Philadelphia’s ZBA appeals materials say that a person generally has 30 days to appeal a zoning decision made by the Department of Licenses and Inspections to the ZBA.
The city’s guidance covers appeals involving by-right zoning permits issued by L&I and other zoning decisions made by the department. L&I may also refer a case to the ZBA, which can consider whether to grant a variance or special exception.
The 30-day guidance applies specifically to appeals of L&I zoning decisions. It should not be treated as a universal deadline for every type of ZBA matter.
What to verify before filing
The schedule creates different costs for qualifying one- or two-family dwelling applications, qualifying affordable-housing applications and applications involving other property types. An accelerated hearing or another procedural service can add hundreds of dollars to the cost, including nearly $1,000 for a standard accelerated hearing.
City Council legislation authorizing revised ZBA fees and hearing-scheduling provisions was enacted after the mayor signed it on June 11, 2026.
Applicants should verify the applicable application and service fees with the ZBA before submitting materials, especially when seeking the affordable-housing rate, an accelerated hearing or a procedural change during an existing case.
Sources
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