Rendell’s welcome boost for developers by Harold Brubaker Inquirer Staff Writer
Pa. permit extension law comes to builders’ rescue by Natalie Kostelni Staff Writer, Philadelphia Business Journal
Going Mod: Reducing Housing Costs in Philadelphia with Modular Construction compares modular and stick-built construction in the city and suburbs. The report explores whether modular construction can reduce the cost of building in Philadelphia and increase investment in the city’s neighborhoods. To download the full report, click here. 
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The Department of Licenses and Inspections has modified the Philadelphia Plumbing Code to allow greater use of plastic pipes. The new regulations become effective July 23. Click here to view the regulations. Portions highlighted in yellow have been modified from the original proposal based upon public testimony and submitted comments. Questions may be directed to Michael E. Fink, Deputy Commissioner for Development, Department of Licenses & Inspections, 215-686-1437.
Natalia Olson Urtecho has been a member of the commission since January 2008, when she was appointed by Mayor Nutter to the ZCC and the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. Ms. Olson Urtecho led the work of the ZCC’s Civic Engagement Committee, which is currently planning a communication strategy and series of public meetings to introduce the final draft of the zoning code and prepare for a vote by City Council this fall. A replacement is yet to be announced.
At a rare August meeting of the ZCC, commission members were alerted to important dates and deadlines for the coming fall. The goal is that the ZCC will be ready to vote on the preliminary report of recommendations for Philadelphia’s Zoning Code on November 10, 2010. Briefings and public meetings will start immediately after Labor Day with a special meeting of the PCPC on September 7 at 2:00 PM. A fully integrated draft of the new zoning code will be released September 8 at the ZCC’s regular monthly meeting. The final deadline for all written comments is October 10. Read more
Draft 3 of the change memo was presented by consultant Don Elliott of Clarion Associates. “This is the last change memo you will see,” Mr. Elliott said. “Future edits will be made to the fully integrated draft of the code.” Consultants are working now to bring the three modules together into a single document and to resolve outstanding issues by September 8, when the draft code will be released. The change memo highlights specific revisions for all three modules that will be reflected in the full draft. Comments on proposed changes to-date focused on nonconformities, affordable housing, off-street parking, and height limits in a transit-oriented development district. Read more
Owen Franklin of Portfolio Associates presented a report of the civic engagement activities related to Module 3 – Development Standards. The findings are based on responses at four neighborhoods meetings, an online survey, and written testimony. Participants were asked if they think particular changes will improve the code and whether the changes support overall goals to make the code easy to understand, improve development processes, encourage high-quality development, protect existing neighborhoods, and involve the public in development decisions. In general, proposed development standards received more positive than negative feedback. New form and design controls, open space requirements, and floor area bonuses generated the most comments. Read more