Norristown's unusual zoning requirement

Norristown has an expensive, extensive use and occupancy process, but one aspect deserves some special attention and explanation — the zoning requirement.

Norristown requires sellers to apply for a Zoning Use Registration Permit as the first step of the U&O process. Single-family detached homes are exempt from the zoning requirement, but the vast majority of homes in Norristown don't fall into that category. For example,  in 2017 only about 12.7% of housing sales in Norristown were single-family detached homes, according to Montgomery County's 2017 Home Prices Survey.

This zoning requirement is something you won’t find in other municipalities in the region, so sellers and Realtors might not expect it. It should be factored into the settlement timeline. Realtors who've gone through the process say it can take two to four weeks.

What is the municipality’s goal with the zoning requirement? They’re trying to find and put a stop to illegal rentals and other unpermitted uses of property.

This requirement is just one of many imposed by Norristown before a property can be sold, including: an interior and exterior inspection, chimney and heater certifications, a sewer lateral inspection, and — new this year — a lead paint test.