Community Input on Zoning Reform Begins

ZCC Special Outreach Session

ZCC consultant Don Elliott of Clarion Associates presented an overview of the zoning code update process to a full house at City Council Chambers Wednesday evening. The citywide kick-off meeting was the first in a series of public outreach events organized to ask Philadelphia residents directly how zoning could be changed to make the city a better place, how the code can be made simpler and easier to use, and to describe the impacts of zoning in specific neighborhoods. Mr. Elliott began with a brief description of the project and timeline, provided general background on zoning and the need for reform, and opened the meeting up to the public for questions and comments. A few responses focused on specifics – the need for zoning provisions to promote neighborhood childcare and make affordable housing a reality, for example. But the ability for residents and community groups to weigh in on development in their neighborhoods was raised as a fundamental concern. Residents want the ZCC to rely on their community experience and knowledge in developing the new code, to ensure new zoning regulations include a vehicle for civic engagement in the development review process, and to make the rules for hearings at the ZBA more equitable for residents or community groups without legal representation. Follow-up meetings in each city council district are currently being planned, but are not yet scheduled. For more on this event and to listen to all public comment, visit http://www.planphilly.com/node/4286 .