United States • Pennsylvania
Site analysis in Philadelphia
An introduction to site analysis in Philadelphia, covering planning context, common constraints, climate, terrain and transport. Use this city overview to identify what needs checking at the specific site.
Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.
Planning regime
Philadelphia Zoning Code + Philadelphia2035 Comprehensive Plan
Key constraints
- Historic district overlays (Society Hill, Old City)
- Schuylkill and Delaware floodplains
- Center City Plaza height policies relaxed 1986
Climate context
Cfa humid subtropical/continental transition. 2500 hrs sunshine. 1100mm precipitation.
Topography
Coastal plain to piedmont, Schuylkill river meander. 0-130m AOD.
Transport spine
SEPTA subway, regional rail, trolley network, bus. Amtrak NEC 30th Street.
Building height context
Comcast Technology Center 342m. Center City supertall cluster post 1986 'gentlemens agreement' break. Historic Old City 3-4 storey.
Notable recent projects
- Schuylkill Yards
- Navy Yard redevelopment
- uCity Square
- East Market
Questions
What planning policies apply in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia Zoning Code + Philadelphia2035 Comprehensive Plan
What are the most common site constraints in Philadelphia?
Historic district overlays (Society Hill, Old City). Schuylkill and Delaware floodplains. Center City Plaza height policies relaxed 1986.
Can Atlasly run a site analysis in Philadelphia?
Available site information depends on the address and data source. Start with the site location and review the returned sources and coverage before using the results.
Run a site analysis in Philadelphia
Start with a site location, review the available evidence and identify the checks needed for your next design decision.
Open Atlas AIReview current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.