Allentown Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Allentown Zoning Overview
Allentown is the third-largest city in Pennsylvania and the largest city in the Lehigh Valley region. The city has experienced a significant downtown revitalization driven by the Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ), a state-authorized economic incentive district that has attracted major commercial development including the PPL Center arena and surrounding offices, hotels, and apartments. This NIZ program has transformed Allentown's center city with billions of dollars in new investment.
The city's zoning is managed by the Bureau of Planning and Zoning. Allentown's land use reflects its industrial heritage with dense urban neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and industrial areas along the Lehigh River. The city continues to balance downtown revitalization with neighborhood stabilization and housing quality improvements.
Key Zoning Districts
Allentown's zoning code includes residential districts (R-L, R-M, R-MH, R-H), business districts (B-1 through B-3), industrial zones (I-1, I-2), and special districts including the Central Business District and NIZ overlay. The dense urban fabric means many properties are on small lots with minimal setbacks.
ADU Regulations
Allentown does not currently have specific ADU provisions. Pennsylvania has no statewide ADU mandate. Given the city's dense rowhouse and twin-home fabric, conversion of existing structures into additional units is regulated through the zoning code's multi-family provisions.
Development Process
The Bureau of Planning and Zoning processes development applications. The Zoning Hearing Board handles variances and special exceptions. The Planning Commission reviews subdivisions and land development plans.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Allentown
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Pennsylvania
- Building Code: PA Uniform Construction Code (2018 IBC)
County — Lehigh County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 3,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Allentown
- Max Size
- N/A
- Max Height
- N/A
- Rear Setback
- N/A
- Side Setback
- N/A
- Parking
- N/A
- Owner Occupancy
- N/A
- Permit Timeline
- N/A
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Allentown are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Allentown permit fees →