ZONING
The Zoning Board of Adjustment has issued regulations to resume hearings in a virtual forum between now and September 20, 2020. All previously suspended time periods for filing a zoning appeal have resumed and appeals that would have otherwise been due between March 18, 2020 and June 22, 2020 must be filed by July 6, 2020.
The Zoning Board has also modified notice posting requirements and Registered Community Organization (RCO) requirements. Notice for first-time hearings will still be required to be posted 21-days in advance of the scheduled hearing. However, continued hearings will only require a 14-day advance posting. Applicants are responsible for printing and posting notices, per specific instructions issued by the Zoning Board. Additionally, in consideration of not all RCOs being able to conduct meetings virtually, the Zoning Board will consider the recommendation of the City Planning Commission and certain other factors as to the necessity of RCO input in allowing a matter to proceed.
No information has yet been issued regarding when or how matters will be scheduled before the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
CONSTRUCTION
On June 11, 2020, the City of Philadelphia lifted certain restrictions to permit all types of construction and construction-related activities to resume. Accordingly, all construction activities, including non-emergency repair and maintenance projects in occupied units, may proceed.
COVID-19-related safety guidelines remain in effect on all job sites, including on-site worker limitations, social distancing protocols, and the requirement to appoint a trained and certified Pandemic Safety Officer and create a safety plan. The City has made this guidance available through the L&I website, and our attorneys are available to work through these regulations with you as you prepare to resume operations, including our previous guidance on
construction safety and operation regulations
and
the status of permitting and appeals
.
For work taking place in occupied dwelling units, a maximum of 4 persons other than the dwelling unit’s occupants may be in the unit at any single time. All non-occupants must wear masks at all times when inside the building. Occupants are not required to wear masks, but should continue to do so, particularly when not separated from workers by a floor level or closed door. Upon completion of work for the day, the work crew is responsible for disinfecting any light switches, door surfaces, handles, handrails, and other high-touch surfaces.
Pennsylvania guidance for the green phase indicates that on-site worker limitations are to be rescinded. However, the City of Philadelphia is empowered to modify such provisions based on local considerations. Green phase guidance specifically for the City of Philadelphia has not yet been issued.
