Philadelphia · Fern Rock · #ZP-2026-003321
5840-50 N 13th St: five-story addition
5840-50 N 13Th St, Fern Rock, PA · 54 homes, apartments
About this project
A zoning appeal for a five-story addition to an existing semi-detached building in Fern Rock, adding 54 multi-family dwelling units for a total of 97.
Official description: PERMIT For the erection of a five-story addition onto an existing semi-detached structure. For the continued use as Multi-Family household Living with 54 new dwelling units for a new total of 97 dwelling units.
- Applicant
- 5824 N 13TH STREET LLC
- Plan type
- Zoning Board appeal (Variance)
- Status
- Zoning Board: Prepare Meeting, hearing 2026-12-09
Filing history
- 2026-08-25 · #ZP-2026-003321 · Zoning Board appeal (Variance)
The full picture AI research · Nov 2, 2026
The county filing describes a zoning appeal to add a five-story addition onto an existing semi-detached building at 5840-50 N 13th St in Fern Rock. The addition would hold 54 apartments, bringing the property to 97 units in total.
The site is a corner property at 13th Street and Nedro Avenue that already has apartment buildings. A 2021 local news report said the complex, known as Fern Rock Courts, was made up of old brick buildings that had sat empty for over a decade and were being renovated. The same report covered an earlier four-story, 26-unit extension at this address. The 2026 appeal is a separate and much larger addition.
No news coverage, hearing decision or developer page was found for the 2026 proposal. It is not known whether neighbors have objected, or who the tenants will be.
What it could mean nearby
- 54 more apartments would add noticeably to the housing supply near the Fern Rock Transportation Center and Broad Street Line terminus.
- A five-story addition would be taller than the older buildings around it, which could change views and light for adjacent properties.
- More residents may mean more street parking demand and foot traffic around 13th Street and Nedro Avenue.
- The records give no details on parking, open space or jobs.
Where it stands
A zoning appeal was filed with the county, with the latest filing dated 2026-08-25. A zoning appeal is normally heard by the city's zoning board at a public hearing, which then approves, denies or approves with conditions. Building permits would follow only if it is approved.
- Aug 25, 2026 Latest county filing for the zoning appeal for the five-story addition
- Jun 2021 Permits reported issued for an earlier four-story, 26-unit extension at the same address
Want to weigh in? The Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment normally decides zoning appeals at a public hearing, and neighbors can usually comment there. The hearing date was not found, so check the city's notice for the property.
Who's behind it
5824 N 13TH STREET LLC · This is the company named on the county filing. No public information was found about it or its other projects.
Around the web
- Permits Issued for 26-Unit Extension at Fern Rock Courts at 5840-50 North 13th Street in Fern Rock, North PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia YIMBY · Jun 8, 2021Describes the earlier 26-unit extension and the site's history as formerly abandoned apartment buildings at the same address.
Planning terms explained
- Zoning appeal
- A request to the zoning board for permission to build something the zoning rules don't normally allow.
- Semi-detached
- A building that shares one side wall with its neighbor and is open on the other sides.
- Multi-family dwelling units
- Separate apartments in one building, each housing its own household.
- Zoning Board of Adjustment
- The city board that holds public hearings and decides zoning appeals.
Researched by AI from public sources on Nov 2, 2026. It can make mistakes, so check the linked sources and the municipality before relying on it.
Scope estimate for contractors
Estimated construction value: $13.0M
- ~324 roofing squares
- ~54 HVAC systems
- ~54 kitchens / 108+ bathrooms
- ~54,000 sq ft of finished living space
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