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ZCC Grapples With Big Zoning Issues: Variances and Civic Input

02/11/2009 | 

ZCC Regular Session

Code evaluation consultants asked the ZCC to weigh in on two big issues related to zoning reform in Philadelphia – use variances and how and when to engage the public in the process. Commission members discussed reducing the need for variances and developing a process that is meaningful to all parties.

The ZCC view on eliminating use variances was mixed. Some members expressed concerns about exchanging the variance process for the more political rezoning process and short circuiting community groups that have learned to use the variance process to voice their opinions and gain influence over development in their neighborhoods. Other members focused on the “customer” or code user and the ZCC mandate to create a document that is clear and predictable. The current practice of “zoning by variance” on a parcel by parcel basis was described as taking too much time and effort with no assurance of success, something investors are unlikely to do. ZCC members are aware, however, that if variance hearings are eliminated as part of a comprehensive rezoning and remapping effort, the question of how community voices get heard must be addressed. Again, ZCC opinion was mixed. While some members recommended encouraging citizen input on standards not on projects, others are willing to consider how to build community input into the review process. All seemed to agree that matching the code to community expectations and educating the public on the process early on are key elements. The ZCC will have the opportunity to review best practices from other major cities as the Phase I Code Evaluation moves forward, but will focus mainly on setting priorities and a broad outline for the new code, leaving the details to the consultants.

For video coverage of the discussion, visit http://www.planphilly.com/node/8244 .

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