Service overview
When the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) considers whether to grant a variance or special exception, members of the public can tell ZBA what they think should be done. To give input on a ZBA decision, you can:
- Appear in person at the ZBA hearing.
- Appear virtually by joining a ZBA hearing remotely.
- Submit comments in writing.
ZBA hearings are recorded. By participating remotely or attending in person, you are consenting to being recorded.
Who
Any member of the public or any community group can attend a ZBA hearing and provide comments. In addition to the right to appear at a ZBA hearing, Registered Community Organizations (RCOs) may have the responsibility of hosting a community meeting about a project before ZBA. The RCO must communicate the outcome of that meeting to ZBA.
Requirements
You do not need to sign in if you want to:
- Attend a ZBA hearing.
- Submit written comments.
However, you must attend in person and sign in if you want to:
- Be considered a party to the case.
- Receive notification of any decision or additional hearings.
Where and when
Appeals are listed on the ZBA calendar. All hearings are held at:
1515 Arch St.
18th floor, Room 18-002
Philadelphia, PA 19102
How
If you want to attend a ZBA hearing and comment on a case, check the ZBA calendar to see when the case will be heard. You can participate in person, online, by phone, or in writing.
You must register your appearance if you want to receive notification of any decision or additional hearings.
In person
ZBA hearings are open to in-person attendance by anyone. Hearings are held at 1515 Arch Street on the 18th floor in Room 18-002.
Online
You can join a ZBA hearing online with a computer, tablet, or smartphone by registering for the ZBA hearing Zoom webinar. If you identify a specific appeal or property in your registration, the registration will serve as your “Notice of Appearance,” and you will become a party to the case.
After you join the meeting, listen for instructions from the board or staff.
By phone
If you don’t have a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can join a hearing on any telephone. You will be able to listen to the hearing. To join by phone, dial (646) 876-9923. When prompted, enter the following information:
Webinar ID: 820 8829 2595
Password: 634842
To be heard at the appropriate time, you’ll be instructed to dial *9 to use the “raise hand” function and *6 to unmute and mute yourself.
If you join by phone and you would like to register your appearance for a case, call (267) 270-5548 on the day of the hearing. Leave a message with your name, contact information, and the address or appeal number for which you would like to register.
In writing
Zoning Board of Adjustment
1515 Arch St., 18th Floor, Room 18-006
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email: RCOZBA@phila.gov
Include the case number (the number beginning with “MI” from the ZBA calendar) and the property address.