Over the past several years, the City of Philadelphia, working with other stakeholders, has created many valuable online resources for commercial real estate professionals working in Philadelphia. Larsson & Scheuritzel P.C. is glad to assist you with gathering as much information as possible about any particular commercial property of interest. A compilation of resources based on basic questions is below.
General Information
-
Where can I obtain maps of the Property?
-
What are the Property’s basic characteristics?
Zoning, Licenses and Permits
-
What is the Property’s zoning district?
- https://atlas.phila.gov Choose “Zoning” on the left side.
-
Have any recent permits been issued?
- https://atlas.phila.gov Choose “Licenses and Inspections” on the left side.
-
What past zoning applications and appeals have been filed?
-
Does the Property have all necessary licenses?
- https://atlas.phila.gov Choose “Licenses and Inspections” on the left side. This will be under the “Business Licenses” subheading.
-
Does the Property have any outstanding violations?
- http://www.phila.gov/li/Pages/default.aspx: On the left side of the page, about two-thirds of the way down, search “Property History”
- http://atlas.phila.gov Choose “Licenses and Inspections” on the left side. This will be under the “Violations” subheading.
-
What about construction permits, licenses, and violations?
- https://atlas.phila.gov Choose “Licenses and Inspections” on the left side. This will be under the “Permits” and “Inspections” subheadings.
Taxes
-
What is the current assessment?
-
What about past assessments?
-
Are real estate taxes current?
-
What about other taxes?
- There is no specific tool, but this is helpful: https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-revenue/our-services/tax-services/
Other
-
Is the Parcel City-Owned and Available to Purchase?
- http://secure.phila.gov/PAPLPublicWeb/Landing.aspx
-
Is the Property located in the 100 year floodplain?
- For a good approximation, review the black hatching near the rivers here:
https://atlas.phila.gov Choose “Zoning” on the left side.
- For a good approximation, review the black hatching near the rivers here:
-
In what watershed is the Property located?
-
What documents affecting the Property have been recorded in the land records?
- http://epay.phila-records.com/phillyepay/web/ (subscription required)
-
Which Registered Community Organizations receive notices of zoning variance and special exception applications and referrals to Civic Design Review?
- https://atlas.phila.gov Choose “Zoning” on the left side.
-
Which elected officials represent the Property?
-
Has the Property been in the news?
- A number of great websites cover real estate development in Philadelphia, including:
http://www.phillymag.com/property
http://www.planphilly.com
http://www.ocfrealty.com/naked-philly
- A number of great websites cover real estate development in Philadelphia, including:
-
What did this Property look like on an 1808 map (or 1895, 1942, 1855, etc.)?
-
I’ve decided that I want to buy and develop the Property. Whom should I contact for sound legal counsel?
- Richard J. Slavin
Larsson & Scheuritzel P.C.
Centre Square West, Suite 3510W
1500 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
direct: 215-656-4216| main: 215-656-4200
fax: 215-656-4202
email: rslavin@larssonlaw.com
- Richard J. Slavin