Get a facade review | Services | City of Philadelphia
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:36
Get a facade review | Services | City of Philadelphia
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Services
Zoning, planning & development
Get a plan review
Philadelphia City Planning Commission plan reviews
Get a facade review
Service overview
Along certain streets in Center City, changes to the facades and new construction trigger a facade review. This process ensures that the development suits its surroundings and adds to the pedestrian experience.
The reviewer assesses the proposal’s architectural materials, finishes, and colors. They also assess the size and placement of windows and the visibility of building entrances. The Philadelphia Code identifies portions of streets that require facade reviews. They include:
Broad Street.
Market Street.
Chestnut Street.
Walnut Street.
You can request a conceptual review in the planning stages of your project. Building permit applications may also trigger a facade review.
This process is different from the
garage facade review
.
When you apply for a building permit, the
Department of Licenses and Inspections
(L&I) will tell you if your project needs a facade review.
Who
Applicants include:
Developers.
Architects.
Engineers.
Expediters.
Historic preservation advocates and community groups are also concerned with facade reviews.
Where and when
The Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) office is located at:
1515 Arch St.
13th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required.
Cost
There is no charge for a conceptual facade review. When you apply for a building permit, the cost of a facade review is included in its fee.
How
Reviews can be conducted electronically through
eCLIPSE
or as an over-the-counter consultation with PCPC staff.
To schedule an in-person plan review, use our
online appointment system
. Once you’ve entered your contact information, select “Planning Commission” and choose “Urban design plan review.”
PCPC staff may require a meeting for large or complex proposals. You must bring the following materials to your review or submit them in eCLIPSE:
Elevations drawings showing significant dimensions and labels for materials, finishes, and colors. For renovations, distinguish between existing materials and new materials. Bring multiple paper copies for over-the-counter reviews.
A sheet or board that describes your construction materials. Photographs of the materials, along with the names of the manufacturers and products should be included. Or, you may bring physical material samples.
Photographs of the existing building or site.
Photographs of the adjoining buildings on either side.
Your building permit application.
After PCPC staff issues an approval, the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) will continue with the permitting process.
Questions?
If you have questions, contact the City Planning Commission staff at (215) 683-4615.
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Skip to main content
Translate
It looks like your device language is set to
. Would you like to translate this page?
Home
Services
Zoning, planning & development
Get a plan review
Philadelphia City Planning Commission plan reviews
Get a facade review
Service overview
Along certain streets in Center City, changes to the facades and new construction trigger a facade review. This process ensures that the development suits its surroundings and adds to the pedestrian experience.
The reviewer assesses the proposal’s architectural materials, finishes, and colors. They also assess the size and placement of windows and the visibility of building entrances. The Philadelphia Code identifies portions of streets that require facade reviews. They include:
Broad Street.
Market Street.
Chestnut Street.
Walnut Street.
You can request a conceptual review in the planning stages of your project. Building permit applications may also trigger a facade review.
This process is different from the
garage facade review
.
When you apply for a building permit, the
Department of Licenses and Inspections
(L&I) will tell you if your project needs a facade review.
Who
Applicants include:
Developers.
Architects.
Engineers.
Expediters.
Historic preservation advocates and community groups are also concerned with facade reviews.
Where and when
The Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) office is located at:
1515 Arch St.
13th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required.
Cost
There is no charge for a conceptual facade review. When you apply for a building permit, the cost of a facade review is included in its fee.
How
Reviews can be conducted electronically through
eCLIPSE
or as an over-the-counter consultation with PCPC staff.
To schedule an in-person plan review, use our
online appointment system
. Once you’ve entered your contact information, select “Planning Commission” and choose “Urban design plan review.”
PCPC staff may require a meeting for large or complex proposals. You must bring the following materials to your review or submit them in eCLIPSE:
Elevations drawings showing significant dimensions and labels for materials, finishes, and colors. For renovations, distinguish between existing materials and new materials. Bring multiple paper copies for over-the-counter reviews.
A sheet or board that describes your construction materials. Photographs of the materials, along with the names of the manufacturers and products should be included. Or, you may bring physical material samples.
Photographs of the existing building or site.
Photographs of the adjoining buildings on either side.
Your building permit application.
After PCPC staff issues an approval, the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) will continue with the permitting process.
Questions?
If you have questions, contact the City Planning Commission staff at (215) 683-4615.
Top
Birth, marriage & life events
Business & self-employment
Cars, parking & transportation
Crime, law & justice
Culture & recreation
Diversity, inclusion, accessibility & immigration
Education & learning
Ethics & transparency
Mental & physical health
Payments, assistance & taxes
Permits, violations & licenses
Property, lots & housing
Safety & emergency preparedness
Streets, sidewalks & alleys
Trash, recycling & city upkeep
Trees, parks & the environment
Water, gas & utilities
Working & jobs
Zoning, planning & development
Service directory