The Challenge
Because the proposed restaurant use required governmental approval under the Philadelphia Zoning Code, the client needed to obtain a special exception from the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment.
The approval process required demonstrating that the proposed restaurant operation would not negatively impact the surrounding neighborhood while also presenting the operational details of the planned location to both the community and the Zoning Board.
The matter also required coordination between the client, design professionals, and community stakeholders before the hearing could proceed.
The Solution
After receiving a Notice of Referral from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections, Nochumson P.C. prepared and filed the zoning application requesting issuance of the special exception.
The firm worked closely with the client and its architectural team to prepare a presentation outlining the proposed restaurant configuration and operational plan.
During the community process and hearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Nochumson P.C. emphasized the client’s reputation and experience as restaurant operators while presenting the merits of the proposed use and its compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment ultimately granted the requested special exception unanimously.
Special exceptions under the Philadelphia Zoning Code require applicants to demonstrate that a proposed use will operate compatibly within the surrounding neighborhood and satisfy applicable zoning standards.
The Results
Following approval of the special exception, Federal Donuts successfully expanded its operations into Center City Philadelphia.
Nochumson P.C. later continued representing the restaurant group in connection with zoning and governmental approvals for additional Federal Donuts locations throughout Philadelphia, including locations at Citizens Bank Park, Wells Fargo Center, and Fishtown.
