All Publications

Preliminary Draft of the Revised Sign Controls

We welcome your comments on the Preliminary Draft of the Revised Sign Controls of the New Zoning Code. Please submit your comments to zoning.commission@phila.gov.

The City has created this draft Zoning Administrative Manual (ZAM) to be a step-by-step guide through Philadelphia's zoning process under the new zoning code. The public comment period on the ZAM ends on March 23, 2012.

Signage Visual Preference Survey

An inter-agency sign controls working group is conducting this visual preference survey to learn what kind of signs you would prefer to see in Philadelphia. The working group will use input received through this survey and other civic engagement activities to develop a draft of a new sign controls section of the Philadelphia Zoning Code.Follow this link to take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Phila_signs

Friends – We have been hearing from many of you in the last few weeks, as the reality that Philadelphia will have a new zoning code in eight months sinks in. You have been asking a lot of good questions, and we have attempted to answer them below.

Accessory Signs Information Sheet #2

This document presents a framework recommended by the City's Sign Controls Working Group for defining accessory signs. The framework is intended to increase understandability of the code’s sign regulations, facilitate more predictable administrative decision-making, and yield more consistent outcomes.

The New Zoning Code

Bill No. 110845, approved December 22, 2011, has repealed and replaced Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code (Zoning and Planning) with The Final Report of the Zoning Code Commission. The Final Report of the ZCC was further amended by Bill No. 110835-A. This report incorporates the amendments from Bill No. 110835-A to provide a comprehensive zoning code document.

A good zoning code sets clear rules and expectations about land use, preserves neighborhood character, protects open space, and encourages investment and jobs. With these principles in mind, the Zoning Code Commission has drafted the first comprehensive rewrite of Philadelphia’s zoning code in 50 years. The changes will create a platform for a more sustainable and livable city for future generations. Here are 10 important things you should know about your new zoning code.

Final Report of The Zoning Code Commission

Read the Final Report of The Zoning Code Commission. Council Bill #110845 calls for the replacement of the current zoning code with this Final Report. A hearing on Bill #110845 is scheduled on December 7th at 10 am in City Hall Room 400.

Interim Draft of The Final Report

The ZCC unanimously passed this Interim Draft of the Final Report at its November 9, 2011 meeting.

On October 20, 2011, City Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 110741 making 40 recommendations for amendments to the ZCC's Preliminary Report (May 2011).