Bethlehem Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Bethlehem Zoning Overview
Bethlehem is a historic city spanning both Lehigh and Northampton counties in eastern Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. Founded in 1741 by Moravian settlers, the city is known for its rich industrial heritage centered on the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation, once the second-largest steel producer in the United States. The SteelStacks arts and cultural campus on the former steel plant site has become a nationally recognized example of industrial redevelopment. With a population of approximately 75,781, Bethlehem is a key urban center in the Lehigh Valley alongside Allentown and Easton.
The city's zoning is managed by the Planning and Zoning office. Bethlehem's land use reflects its dual-county geography, with the historic Moravian district on the north side and the former steel works and South Side neighborhoods. The city balances historic preservation, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development across its diverse districts.
Key Zoning Districts
Bethlehem's zoning code includes residential districts ranging from R-R (Rural Residential) with 20,000 square foot minimum lots through R-L (Low Density), R-M (Medium Density), and R-H (High Density). Commercial districts include C-L (Limited Commercial) for neighborhood uses and C-G (General Commercial) for broader retail and office development. The I-L (Light Industrial) district accommodates manufacturing and warehousing. All residential districts share a 35-foot maximum building height.
ADU Regulations
Bethlehem does not currently have confirmed ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) provisions. Pennsylvania has no statewide ADU mandate. Property owners interested in adding a secondary dwelling unit should contact the Planning and Zoning office to discuss available options, which may include conversion of existing structures or multi-family zoning provisions.
Development Process
The Planning and Zoning office processes development applications. The Zoning Hearing Board handles variances and special exceptions. The Planning Commission reviews subdivisions and land development plans. Bethlehem's historic districts, including the Moravian Historic District, may have additional review requirements. All construction must comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Bethlehem and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Bethlehem at (610) 865-7050 or through the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Bethlehem
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
County — Lehigh/Northampton 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
- 20,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 35 ft
- Side Setback
- 12 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 7,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Bethlehem
- 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 Bethlehem are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Bethlehem permit fees →