Jason Kelce Needs a Variance

Stormwater matters. An eyesore fence matters. Showing up before a zoning board matters. You don’t like it? We don’t care.

In the end, Superbowl champion and Philadelphia theme song composer Jason Kelce got his variance.

At Philadelphia Zoning, we focus on permits, variances, and licenses here in the city of Philadelphia. But we couldn’t help but notice that former Eagles center Jason Kelce recently had to deal with his own zoning issues in the Delaware County ‘burbs.

We love Kelce and his Superbowl speech/song: “We’re from Philly, f***** Philly, no one likes us, we don’t care.” A true hero to this region. So it’s not surprising that he got what he asked for.

Kelce had a smart strategy, appearing before the Haverford Township zoning board along with his attorney and civil engineer. By having representation and the right witnesses, he could feel confident that he had all the procedural steps, paperwork, and expertise he needed for his request.

By appearing as a witness, he could leverage his clout, and also demonstrate that he is a respectful neighbor and conscientious member of the community. He was way more polite to the board than he is to people who talk smack about Philadelphia football fans. And he was dressed respectfully in a cardigan, not like a Mummer.

Kelce owns two adjoining properties in Delco. He first moved to Haverford in 2018, and in 2020 purchased the neighboring property. He and his family are building a new house now, and asked the board for permission to make significant changes to slopes on the property. Namely, demolishing an existing structure and leveling everything out. Going from a Superbowl to a plate, as it were. But leveling his playing field could result in stormwater issues for adjoining properties.

Often, suburban variance concerns can be quite different than what we regularly see in the densely urban area of Philadelphia. Our work is frequently concentrated on new construction, additions, renovations, and change of use. We don’t see as often questions about things like slopes or moving a driveway (another one of Kelce’s plans for his property), although there are areas in the city where these types of requests may arise, such as in the Northeast or Chestnut Hill.

But whether in the suburbs or in the city, stormwater is often a concern. It was for Kelce, too, whose neighbor noted that her property has seen increased runoff during construction.

When the board granted Kelce’s variances, it included conditions that there has to be stormwater abatement. It also gave him a two-year deadline to complete the work.

Kelce also needed a variance for a fence. He explained to the board that his circumstances — fame — make added security necessary. In Philadelphia, too, property owners may need a zoning or building permit to build a fence if it is a certain height.

Could it be that Kelce is really just like the rest of us? Nah. But even when you’re a Superbowl champion, you still need a variance. And it definitely helps when you are represented by a competent and experienced attorney.

Do you need help with your variance or building permits? Reach out to us at info@philadelphiazoning.com with your questions.