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Mayor asks ZCC to “be bold” as third and final module of the draft code is released

07/14/2010 | 

ZCC Regular Session

Mayor Nutter took time today to thank ZCC members, staff, and consultants for their work on zoning reform, which he considers “critically important to the future of this city.” The mayor’s speech marks an important milestone – the third and final module of the draft code has been released and public outreach on the latest chapters begins July 20. Over the next six to eight weeks, the ZCC must consider all submitted comments and proposed changes, so that a complete and final draft of the code can be presented to city council this fall. Although the mayor said people are excited about the new code and want clear and understandable rules for neighborhoods and developers alike, he expects there to be a lot of pushback. “Keep working hard,” Mayor Nutter said. “Be bold and straightforward. Your work is inspiring Philadelphians.”

After the mayor’s visit, ZCC members received an overview of Module 3. The 190-page document includes development standards, parking and loading requirements, signage provisions, and definitions. Consultants aimed to keep these sections simple, less detailed, and easy to administer. Significant differences from the current code were highlighted:

  • FAR bonuses were simplified into a single list, including new incentives for sustainable building practices;
  • New standards for connectivity and circulation were introduced;
  • Open space and natural resource protection standards were added; and
  • New landscaping and tree requirements were incorporated.

The consultants noted that the chapter on signs is not complete, due to the topic’s complexity. A working group on signage will be formed this summer to develop a plan for accomplishing a full rewrite of current regulations in the near future. The strategy will be presented to city council along with the final draft of the new code.

ZCC members raised questions related to the new bonus provisions, considering where the incentives could be used beyond center city and how to test them for viability and reasonableness. Additional comments addressed whether minimum parking requirements are necessary in high density areas, how affordable housing is encouraged in different census tracts, and if transit-oriented development should be regulated with standards applicable citywide, rather than as a mapped overlay district. The ZCC will meet again August 11 to discuss Module 3 in more detail and review proposed changes to Modules 1 and 2.

Next steps include a series of four public meetings on Module 3 starting Tuesday, July 20. Click here for times and locations. You may also provide input on Module 3 by taking this survey. Also this summer, ZCC will begin work on the Zoning Administration Manual and will conduct informal briefings on the code with individual councilmembers.

Module 3 – Development Standards 

Module 3 PowerPoint Presentation

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