Zoning ordinances often impose certain costs on landowners that cannot be recovered from the municipality. For example, a tract that is zoned for residential uses cannot be used for certain commercial uses or high-rise housing, which generally produce a higher...
Hotel project shows how to work with planning board and neighbors
A recently announced hotel project for an important intersection in the northeast neighborhood of Philadelphia known as "Fishtown" provides a useful case study of how a proposed development of commercial real estate must satisfy the local planning authority and the...
Appraisal methods for commercial real estate
Commercial real estate disputes often require one or more determinations of the value of the land at issue. While each appraiser in the Philadelphia area has his or her own unique methods, appraisal methods in general are governed by the rules and ethical standards...
What is a zoning map “overlay”?
The Philadelphia City Council's committee on rules recently voted to allow the installation of 3-D signs on certain corners in the Center City district. 3-D signs are not allowed by the zoning regulations applicable to the Center City district, so the committee used...
