Germantown United CDC is community-based organization, not a broker, developer, or leasing agent. Our mission is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown and its business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. We are sharing the following resources to help guide microenterprises, local investors and developers on projects in Germantown, promote equitable community development, and get the word out about available funding opportunities that support community reinvestment.
We are sharing the following resources to help guide microenterprises, local investors and developers on projects in Germantown, promote equitable community development, and get the word out about available funding opportunities that support community reinvestment.
Community Planning
If you are thinking about investing in Germantown–whether you are homegrown and familiar with the neighborhood or new to the area–we strongly advise that you explore the many community plans for Germantown that have been created in recent years. These plans include important data, community needs assessments, resident feedback on community development, and the City of Philadelphia’s plans for our service area, all of which can affect your development.
View: Germantown Plans & Maps
Commercial Zoning
Most properties in Germantown’s Central Business District are zoned CMX-2.5 and CMX-3. There are still many properties in the commercial district that are zoned residential.
Look up the zoning classification of any property address at: atlas.phila.gov
business.phila.gov/zoning-basics is a great resource to learn more about the kinds of activities that trigger zoning and permitting applications
Lower and Central Germantown NCA Overlay District
Developers of commercial properties and business owners looking to locate to or move within Germantown should be aware of the Neighborhood Commercial Area (NCA) Overlay which impacts commercial uses. NCA overlay districts are intended to preserve the integrity of neighborhood commercial areas and to promote and help guide appropriate commercial development.
The Lower and Central Germantown NCA Overlay District promotes a diversity of uses but there are many standard uses that are prohibited. Prohibited uses include:
- Barber and/or beauty shops;
- Manicure/nail salons;
- Retail sales of beauty products and/or wigs;
- Retail sales of telecommunications equipment as a principal use, including, but not limited to, retail sales of cellular phones and pagers;
- Retail sales of variety/general store merchandise in a store less than 7,500 sq. ft. in size; and
- Furniture stores
This does not mean that you 100% cannot open a prohibited business in Germantown. A property owner or tenant can use their space differently than Philly’s zoning code allows but only after special applications are filed, neighborhood groups review the proposal, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment approves the proposal. If you need to seek a zoning use variance, here is an easy-to-read guide on the variance process with tips for participating in the Registered Community Organization (RCO) process.
Read about the § 14-503 (7) Lower and Central Germantown NCA Overlay in the Philadelphia Zoning Code.
More Resources:
Place-based Incentives
Germantown United CDC works with stakeholders to ensure that development in Germantown is more accessible for all people with great project ideas and an interest in creating economic and social impact. Think about adding some of these sources to your capital stack.
Location-based incentives can be found at www.philadelphiadelivers.com/opportunity-zones
Federal Opportunity Zones
GUCDC’s service area contains Federal Opportunity Zone Census Tracts 244, 241, and 246.
Learn more about federal Opportunity Zones and investment requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development or IRS. You can also contact the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Planning Development, Division of Development Services at opportunityzones@phila.gov or (215) 683-4686.
Community Reinvestment Act
East Chelten Avenue and stretches of Germantown Avenue in 19144/19138 are moderate and low-income Community Reinvestment Act-eligible tracts.
Learn more about the Community Reinvestment Act.
Storefront Improvement Program
In partnership with the Department of Commerce, GUCDC can help get you 50% of your money spent on renovations back, up to $15,000. In order to qualify, you must be a licensed business owner up to date with all taxes, licenses, and water fees. Property owners are eligible too. If you are a property owner, you must lease your commercial space to receive your reimbursement.
Eligible uses:
- Brick work
- Cornices
- Exterior painting
- Windows/glazing
- Exterior doors
- Exterior lighting
- See-through security grills
- Signage and awnings
Apply for the Storefront Improvement Program here.
Plan ahead: You will need 3 to 4 weeks turnaround time from application submission to approval for construction.
