New “open house” format offers residents another chance to comment on draft code

ZCC Public Outreach

Over the next few weeks, the ZCC is hosting an open house in each councilmanic district to provide another opportunity for public review and comment on the draft consolidated code. Attendees are self-guided through a presentation of boards that highlight proposed key changes between the old and the new codes. The boards are organized into four themes: enhancing city and neighborhoods, preserving and enriching the environment, improving connections, and engaging the public. Representatives from Portfolio Associates, the Planning Commission, and the ZCC are available to answer questions, discuss issues, and gather feedback.

The first of ten open houses was held at Holy Family University on September 22. The meeting drew individuals who have tracked Philadelphia’s zoning reform project from start to finish, as well as some newcomers. Marion Brown of the Neighborhood Interfaith Movement, for example, has been following the zoning code project from the beginning, in order to encourage zoning regulations that support better child care. As the NIM Early Learning Alliance Coordinator, Ms. Brown provides resources on child care regulations, including zoning. She came to comment on specific sections of the draft code. Brown reacted positively to new definitions related to day care, but doesn’t like that the code rules such facilities out in certain locations, rather than allowing for the possibility of special permission. In general, she thought the open house was a well done presentation, but was not sure that it met her idea of public input.

The ZCC and Portfolio Associates said they thought long and hard about the format. They wanted to engage the public in a new way, since this series of meetings is about presenting the results of prior public participation. The ZCC and its consultants have completed the major work of restructuring and rewriting the code based on that feedback. The next two months before a final draft is submitted to City Council are about getting the details right. In addition to the presentation boards, full drafts of the code are available to review at the open house and attendees are encouraged to comment on the impacts of specific changes. Comments on the draft code will be accepted until October 12.

The next open house is scheduled for 6 PM Monday, September 27, at Roxborough Memorial Hospital. Click here for a complete list of times and locations. Vist a virtual open house at http://www.zoningcodeopenhouse.com/.