Committee sends zoning code bills to Council for final vote

Committee of the Whole Council

The Committee of the Whole Council gave favorable recommendations to Bill 110845 and Bills 110835 and 110844 as amended, voting unanimously to suspend the rules so that a first reading of the zoning code bills can take place at City Council’s next session. Final action on the bills is expected on December 15. Public testimony at the committee hearing was largely in support of the new code, although some speakers requested last minute amendments to address particular concerns.

The committee heard about two and a half hours of testimony from development industry professionals, civic groups, and individual residents. Most spoke favorably of the zoning reform process, as well as the final product, thanking the ZCC, City Council, and staff and consultants for their efforts. Speaking on behalf of the Development Workshop, Craig Schelter congratulated those involved. “Forty years in Philadelphia and I have never seen such collaboration take place,” he said. “I strongly encourage City Council to approve these bills.” James White of the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations said the new code would “balance competing interests and enhance revitalization efforts.”

Some speakers expressed support of the new code, but said they still had concerns. Representatives of the Crosstown Coalition said they believed the new zoning code presented fundamental benefits to neighborhoods, but that they would continue to observe the process and provide input during the eight-month transition period should the new code be adopted.

The greatest opposition came from residents of traditional two-story rowhome neighborhoods. Representatives from the Concerned Citizens of Point Breeze requested amendments to address building height and rooftop decks and gardens. The issue resonated with several councilmembers who asked how the issue is dealt with in the new code. ZCC Chairman Alan Greenberger explained proposed height and setback requirements that are designed to minimize impacts on neighboring properties and encouraged the use of conservation districts to apply greater controls in particular areas. Council President Anna Verna acknowledged that height limits have been an on-going problem and asked Mr. Greenberger to continue working with neighborhoods to explain the new code and address their concerns.

With testimony completed, the Committee of the Whole voted favorably to move all three zoning code bills to City Council for final action. Bill 110845 would replace the current zoning code with the Zoning Code Commission’s Final Report, which was approved by the ZCC on November 9. Bill 110835 would make L&I decisions for conditional permits appealable to the ZBA and would require public notice of such permits. Bill 110844 would transfer the current schedule of fees relating to zoning matters from the zoning code to the administrative code. The first reading of the zoning code bills can take place December 8, allowing for a final vote by City Council December 15.