Upper Darby Township Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Upper Darby Township Zoning Overview
Upper Darby Township is the most populous township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and one of the largest municipalities in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 85,681, Upper Darby is a densely developed inner-ring suburb directly adjacent to the City of Philadelphia's western border. The township is one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the Philadelphia region. The 69th Street Transportation Center, a major SEPTA transit hub, serves as the commercial heart of the township and connects it to Center City Philadelphia.
The township's zoning is administered by the Building and Planning Department. Upper Darby's land use reflects its status as a mature, densely developed suburb, with a wide range of housing types from single-family detached homes to apartment buildings, busy commercial corridors along Route 1 (Baltimore Pike), West Chester Pike, and 69th Street, and limited industrial areas. The township faces the ongoing challenge of managing redevelopment and reinvestment in an already fully built-out community.
Key Zoning Districts
Upper Darby Township's zoning code includes residential districts R-1 (Low Density, 10,000 sq ft minimum lots), R-2 (Medium Density, 5,000 sq ft minimum lots), and R-3 (Multi-Family). Commercial districts include C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and C-2 (General Commercial). The I (Industrial) district serves limited industrial areas. All residential districts maintain a 35-foot height limit.
ADU Regulations
Upper Darby Township 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 Building and Planning Department to discuss available options under the township's zoning ordinance.
Development Process
The Building and Planning Department processes development applications for Upper Darby Township. The Zoning Hearing Board handles variance requests and special exceptions. The Planning Commission reviews subdivision and land development plans. All construction must comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Upper Darby Township and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with Upper Darby Township at (610) 734-7600 or through the township code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Upper Darby Township
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 — Delaware 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
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 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 Upper Darby Township
- 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 Upper Darby Township are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Upper Darby Township permit fees →