Philadelphia Zoning Maps
- Philadelphia Atlas (Zoning and Property Info): This is the official city tool for real estate, zoning, permits, and property history. You can search by address or browse the map.
https://atlas.phila.gov/ atlas.phila.gov - Philadelphia Interactive Zoning Map: Official interactive map from the City of Philadelphia showing zoning, planning, and development overlays.
https://www.phila.gov/services/zoning-planning-development/map-of-philadelphia/ atlas.phila.gov - Philadelphia Zoning Map on ArcGIS: Detailed zoning district map with interactive features for Philadelphia.
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=cdbaba7226b7424abb82b06fde5e64c3 atlas.phila.gov
Opportunity Zones Maps
- Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) KOZ Maps and Info: Official resource for Keystone Opportunity Zones and other state economic incentives.
https://dced.pa.gov/ [General knowledge] - U.S. Treasury Opportunity Zones (Qualified Opportunity Zones – QOZ): National map and resources for federal Opportunity Zones.
https://opportunityzones.hud.gov/ [General knowledge]
Philadelphia Land Bank
- Philadelphia Land Bank: Information on vacant land parcels available for development and acquisition in Philadelphia, including how to participate in land bank programs.
https://philadelphialandbank.org/ [General knowledge]
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Economic Development
- Philadelphia Department of Commerce & Office of Economic Opportunity: City resources for business development, incentives, and community programs.
https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-commerce/ [General knowledge]
Here are direct links and specific resources for Philadelphia and the Greentown area covering Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ), Federal Opportunity Zones (FOZ), Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ), zoning maps, and land bank opportunities:
Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ) in Philadelphia and Greentown
- The Pennsylvania DCED Keystone Opportunity Zones page provides an interactive KOZ map showing parcels designated as KOZs across Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia. This map allows you to zoom into specific neighborhoods like Greentown to check if they fall within KOZ boundaries.
https://dced.pa.gov/business-assistance/keystone-opportunity-zones/ dced.pa.gov - Philadelphia also maintains a KOZ program page with information about KOZ locations and benefits specific to the city.
https://www.phila.gov/programs/keystone-opportunity-zones/ dced.pa.gov - For a detailed interactive map of KOZ parcels, the ArcGIS KOZ dashboard shows parcel-level data for Pennsylvania KOZs, useful for pinpointing Greentown parcels.
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/c2bfa12d1a0a4d2bb816647bdcd3c5b3 dced.pa.gov
Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ) and Federal Opportunity Zones (FOZ)
- The U.S. Treasury’s Qualified Opportunity Zones resource provides a national map where you can search for Philadelphia QOZs, including detailed census tract boundaries.
https://opportunityzones.hud.gov/ [General knowledge] - A Pennsylvania-specific QOZ map and list of funds are available at opportunityzones.com, which includes Philadelphia neighborhoods and can be used to identify QOZs in Greentown.
https://opportunityzones.com/location/pennsylvania/ dced.pa.gov
Philadelphia Zoning Maps (Including Greentown)
- The Philadelphia Atlas is the city’s official tool for zoning and property data. You can search by address or navigate to Greentown to see zoning designations and overlays.
https://atlas.phila.gov/ [General knowledge] - The Philadelphia interactive zoning map provides zoning district overlays and planning details for the entire city, including Greentown.
https://www.phila.gov/services/zoning-planning-development/map-of-philadelphia/ [General knowledge] - The ArcGIS Philadelphia Zoning Map also offers detailed zoning information and is useful for developers.
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=cdbaba7226b7424abb82b06fde5e64c3 [General knowledge]
Philadelphia Land Bank Development Opportunities
- The Philadelphia Land Bank website lists vacant and underutilized parcels available for acquisition and development. You can search by neighborhood, including Greentown, to find land bank opportunities.
https://philadelphialandbank.org/ [General knowledge]
Additional Economic Development Resources for Philadelphia
- The Philadelphia Department of Commerce and Office of Economic Opportunity provide programs and incentives for developers, including those working in opportunity zones or land bank properties.
https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-commerce/ [General knowledge]
## 1. Philadelphia Atlas – Zoning Map
**Website:** https://atlas.phila.gov/
### How to Use:
– **Step 1:** Open the website and wait for the map to load.
– **Step 2:** Use the **search bar** in the top left corner to enter “Greentown, Philadelphia” or a specific address.
– **Step 3:** Once zoomed in, click the **Layers** button (usually on the left panel).
– **Step 4:** Find and **activate the “Zoning” layer** by checking its box.
– **Step 5:** Parcels will now be color-coded by zoning type.
– **Step 6:** Click on individual parcels to see detailed zoning info (e.g., RM or CX).
– **Step 7:** Use the **“Measure” tool** if you want to outline an area or take notes on specific parcels.
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## 2. Pennsylvania Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ)
**Website:** https://dced.pa.gov/business-assistance/keystone-opportunity-zones/
### How to Use:
– **Step 1:** Scroll down to find the **KOZ Map or GIS Data** link.
– **Step 2:** Click the link to open the interactive KOZ map or download the shapefile if you have GIS software.
– **Step 3:** Zoom into Philadelphia and locate Greentown.
– **Step 4:** Identify KOZ boundaries (usually shaded or outlined).
– **Step 5:** Note which parcels or blocks fall inside KOZ limits.
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## 3. Federal Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ)
**Website:** https://opportunityzones.hud.gov/
### How to Use:
– **Step 1:** Click on **“Opportunity Zones Map”** or “Explore Opportunity Zones” on the homepage.
– **Step 2:** Use the search bar to enter “Philadelphia” or a specific address.
– **Step 3:** Zoom in to see census tract boundaries marked as Opportunity Zones.
– **Step 4:** Compare these boundaries with zoning parcels from Philadelphia Atlas.
– **Step 5:** Note overlapping areas.
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## 4. Philadelphia Land Bank
**Website:** https://philadelphialandbank.org/
### How to Use:
– **Step 1:** Use the **search bar** to enter “Greentown” or specific addresses.
– **Step 2:** Filter results by zoning if possible or by parcel status.
– **Step 3:** Review available parcels for sale or redevelopment.
– **Step 4:** Cross-check these parcels with your zoning and opportunity zone lists.
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## 5. Overlaying and Cross-Referencing Parcels
Since these maps are on different platforms:
– Open **two browser windows side-by-side**: one with the zoning map and one with KOZ/QOZ maps.
– Visually compare boundaries and zoning parcels.
– **Create a spreadsheet** with columns for:
– Parcel Address
– Zoning Type (RM or CX)
– KOZ (Yes/No)
– QOZ (Yes/No)
– Land Bank Parcel (Yes/No)
– Use this list to prioritize parcels that meet all criteria.
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# Tips for Efficient Use
– Use **browser zoom** (Ctrl + Plus/Minus) for better parcel visibility.
– Use **“Print Screen”** or snipping tools to capture maps or parcel details for developer presentations.
– Bookmark all URLs for quick access.
– Take notes on any specific parcel IDs or addresses.
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If your agent uses GIS software like ArcGIS Pro, they can import shapefiles from KOZ and QOZ sources and overlay them with Philadelphia zoning layers for precise parcel analysis. Otherwise, the manual side-by-side method works well.
—
#### 1. **Get Familiar with Philadelphia Zoning Maps**
– **Open Philadelphia Atlas:**
Go to https://atlas.phila.gov/
This is the city’s official property and zoning mapping tool.
– **Search for Greentown or Specific Addresses:**
Use the search bar to enter the address or “Greentown, Philadelphia.” The map will zoom into that area.
– **Turn on Zoning Layers:**
In the left sidebar, find “Layers” or “Map Settings.”
Enable the zoning layer to see zoning designations on parcels.
Parcels will be color-coded by zoning type (e.g., RM for Residential Multi-family, CX for Commercial Mixed-Use).
– **Identify RM and CX Parcels:**
Zoom in and click on parcels to see their zoning classification.
Make notes or screenshots of parcels zoned RM or CX within the target area.
#### 2. **Access and Understand Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ)**
– **Go to the Pennsylvania DCED KOZ page:**
https://dced.pa.gov/business-assistance/keystone-opportunity-zones/
– **Find the KOZ Interactive Map or Data:**
Look for links to the KOZ map or GIS data.
If available, open the interactive map or download shapefiles.
– **Locate Philadelphia KOZs:**
Zoom into Philadelphia and identify KOZ boundaries.
Note which parts of Greentown or nearby areas fall within KOZs.
#### 3. **Access and Understand Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ) and Federal Opportunity Zones (FOZ)**
– **Visit the HUD Opportunity Zones Page:**
https://opportunityzones.hud.gov/
– **Use the Opportunity Zones Mapping Tool:**
Click “Opportunity Zones Map” or “Explore Opportunity Zones.”
Search for Philadelphia or Greentown.
The map shows census tracts designated as QOZs.
– **Compare with Zoning Map:**
Using side-by-side windows or GIS software, compare the QOZ boundaries with the zoning parcels identified as RM or CX.
#### 4. **Overlay and Identify Overlapping Parcels**
– **Manual Overlay:**
Since these maps may be on different platforms, open two browser windows side by side: one with the zoning map and one with the KOZ/QOZ maps.
Visually identify parcels or blocks where RM/CX zoning overlaps with KOZ or QOZ boundaries.
– **List Overlapping Parcels:**
Create a spreadsheet or document listing parcel addresses, zoning type, and whether they fall in KOZ, QOZ, or both.
#### 5. **Check Philadelphia Land Bank Parcels**
– **Visit Philadelphia Land Bank:**
https://philadelphialandbank.org/
– **Search by Neighborhood or Address:**
Use the search feature to filter parcels in Greentown or the developer’s area of interest.
– **Cross-Reference with Your Parcel List:**
Identify which land bank parcels overlap with your zoning and opportunity zone list.
#### 6. **Next Steps for Finding Listings**
– **Send Parcel List to Me:**
Once you have the list of potential parcels, send it over.
– **Use CREXI, Land OS, and Other Tools:**
I will help search these platforms for active listings or wholesale opportunities matching those parcels.
– **Contact Sellers or Brokers:**
We will reach out to the current owners or listing agents to present the developer’s interest.
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### Additional Tips for the Agent
– **Drive the Area:**
Before deep diving into maps, physically visit the locations to understand the neighborhood context.
– **Keep Developer Updated:**
Regularly communicate your findings and ask for any additional preferences or changes.
– **Buyer’s Agency Agreement:**
Present the agreement early to formalize representation and protect your role.
On Thu, Feb 26, 2026 at 2:32 PM Stephen Franco <steve@goodpeoplegoodhomes.com> wrote:
this is great. yes, we ALWAYS want to control the seller. the focus on being buyer agent is simply to access the second half of another side of the transaction. LIST TO LAST (wholesale) is always the focus
Certainly! Here’s a clear, professional letter you can send to your agent outlining the approach and steps to work effectively with the developer and buyer, including zoning and opportunity zone overlays, buyer agency agreement, and sourcing parcels:
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**Subject: Strategy and Next Steps for Working with Developer on RM and CX Zoned Properties in Philadelphia**
FOZ QOZ and Zoning and Land Bank (Phila. pa) – Rei Homepage
I wanted to share a clear plan for how to move forward with the developer client who is focused on RM and CX zoning in Philadelphia, particularly within the opportunity zones and land bank areas we’ve discussed.
**1. Secure the Buyer’s Agency Agreement**
First and foremost, it’s critical to get the buyer’s agency agreement signed with the developer. This will ensure we officially represent him and don’t lose track of the opportunity. Explain to him that this agreement allows us to actively search and negotiate on his behalf, including properties listed by other brokers or entities.**2. Familiarize Yourself with the Target Area**
The developer has been very specific about the location and zoning preferences. I recommend you drive by the address(es) the developer has already provided to gain a firsthand feel for the neighborhood, property types, and local conditions. This will help you better understand his needs and communicate effectively.**3. Use Zoning and Opportunity Zone Maps to Identify Target Parcels**
Here’s how to approach the zoning and opportunity zone research:– **Open the Philadelphia Zoning Map:**
Use the Philadelphia Atlas (https://atlas.phila.gov/) or the interactive zoning map (https://www.phila.gov/services/zoning-planning-development/map-of-philadelphia/) to locate the Greentown area or other specified neighborhoods.
Look specifically for parcels zoned RM (Residential Multi-family) and CX (Commercial Mixed-Use). Note these parcels or draw boundaries if the tool allows.– **Overlay KOZ, QOZ, and FOZ Maps:**
Access the Pennsylvania KOZ map via DCED (https://dced.pa.gov/business-assistance/keystone-opportunity-zones/) and the federal QOZ map via HUD (https://opportunityzones.hud.gov/).
Identify which parcels or areas in your zoning map fall within these opportunity zones. This may require toggling between maps or using GIS tools to compare boundaries.
Make a list of parcels or blocks that overlap both zoning and opportunity zones.– **Check Philadelphia Land Bank Parcels:**
Visit the Philadelphia Land Bank site (https://philadelphialandbank.org/) and search for available parcels in the target area. Cross-reference these with your zoning and opportunity zone list.**4. Compile and Prioritize Target Parcels**
Once you have a list of parcels that meet the zoning and opportunity zone criteria, send this list to me. I will assist with deeper research and use tools like CREXI, Land OS, and others to identify which parcels are currently listed for sale or available through wholesale channels. We will then reach out to sellers or brokers to present opportunities to the developer.**5. Maintain Communication and Follow-Up**
Keep the developer informed throughout this process, sharing your findings and driving the conversation forward. Your role as the buyer’s agent is to be proactive, responsive, and thorough.


