Zoning permits are used as a way for the Zoning Officer to administer and enforce the City of Allentown Zoning Ordinance. A zoning permit authorizes the recipient to use or occupy a property or structure or to erect, alter, or install a structure or sign which fully meets the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.

A zoning permit is required before any of the following:

• The commencement of a new or expanded use of land or structure or the development of new or expanded outdoor storage or display, parking or loading area, or any interior alterations within a building which create additional dwelling units, changes of use, or expansions of existing uses;
• The construction, expansion or placement of any structure or part thereof, including decks and porches exceeding 30 inches in height, or accessory structures, such as swimming pools, sheds, and garages; and
• The construction, extension or placement of any sign except those expressly exempt from permit requirements.

The Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance can be viewed online or copies may be purchased at the zoning office on the 4th floor of City Hall.

Zoning Map can be viewed HERE.

Zoning Ordinance can be viewed HERE.

To determine the zoning district of a property and what uses are allowed:

1. Locate the zoning district: Use the Zoning Map. Enter the property address in the search bar at the top left. Once the location appears, click on the property itself, then click Zoom to, then click 1 of 2 at the bottom right corner. The zoning will be listed as a feature.

2. Check permitted uses: Refer to the Zoning Ordinance, which details permitted uses by zone in Table 660-4 Use Table. All proposed uses must undergo review by the Zoning Officer as part of the zoning permit application process to ensure they comply with the Zoning Ordinance requirements.

To track your zoning permit application:

1. Sign In: Sign into your account here.

2. Navigate to ‘My Dashboard’: Click on "Dashboard" in the menu bar.

3. Check Pending Permits: Under the "My Permits" section, select "Pending." Locate the zoning permit application you want to track and click on the Permit Number.

4. View the summary: The summary will display the current status of your permit, including the review progress and completed workflow actions.

It is recommended that you submit the zoning permit application first and to submit the building permit applications after the zoning permit application is approved.

Email the zoning office at zoning@allentownpa.gov. When submitting a complaint, it is helpful to be able to provide the office with the address of the property, specifics as to what you observed and when the alleged violation occurs.

If a violation of the Zoning Ordinance is reported:

1. Zoning Officer Inspection: The Zoning Officer will inspect the property to confirm the violation.

2. Posting/Certified Letter: If a violation is found, the Zoning Officer will post the property with a notice of violation and send a certified letter to the property owner, detailing the violation and instructing corrective action.

3. District Magistrate's Office: If the violation persists, the matter may be escalated to the District Magistrate's office for a hearing.

Please understand zoning enforcement takes some time as per a procedure outlined by Pennsylvania (not City) law. It may take 60 or more days to achieve compliance in some cases. The Zoning Office is not authorized to force an immediate “cease and desist” on violations.