What are the issues with the Philadelphia Zoning Code?
The last update to Philadelphia's Comprehensive Plan occurred in 1962. For over 40 years now, the zoning code has been experiencing numerous ad hoc changes without the guidance or legal reference of a functional Comprehensive Plan. As a result, the zoning code has become very convoluted and complex. Weighing in at 642 pages, the Philadelphia Zoning Code is in need of a comprehensive review. This chart highlights challenges with the Philadelphia Zoning Code and what changes may be needed:
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The Current Reality Challenging Issues |
A Future Vision What's the Fix? |
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The current code is dense (642 pages long) and complex (with 55 different zoning designations). |
A new code should be simple, concise and user-friendly. |
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The current code is outdated. For example, there are provisions for tanneries and sawmills, but not for "computer stores." |
A new code should be up-to-date, allowing for a modern city while preserving our historic past. |
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The current code is riddled with piecemeal amendments that result in inconsistent and confusing outcomes. |
A new code should be fair and predictable; and everyone should play by the same rules. |
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The current code is inflexible which enables certain inappropriate uses to slip in through loopholes. (Read about the pawnshop outlet story.) |
A new code should be based on common sense and lead to rational and consistent results. |
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The current code often pits homeowners against developers in piecemeal battles that are costly and time-consuming. (Read about the 47-story, 500-foot high-rise.) |
A new code should provide a clear vision for the revitalization our City while preserving the fabric of our neighborhoods. |
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The current code allows for inappropriate "as of right" uses in neighborhoods due to outdated zoning categories. (Read about the slaughterhouse story.) |
A new code should be based on good planning, reflecting neighborhood character while providing for positive growth. |
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The current code contains no design criteria or urban planning principles. |
A new code should promote good design and best practices, such as pedestrian-friendly commercial corridors and transit-oriented development. |
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The current code is difficult to enforce, resulting in low compliance and illegal structures.
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A new code that is simple, concise and user-friendly will be easier to enforce and should encourage voluntary compliance. |
The Zoning Code Commission has agreed upon a set of goals that translate these "fixes" into meaningful guidelines for a new zoning code:
- Simplify Base Districts. To simplify the structure of the city's 55 zoning districts by consolidating similar districts and/or eliminating districts that are used very rarely.
- Simplify Overlay Districts. To consolidate some of the city's 30 overlay districts in order to make their content more understandable.
- Simplify Approvals. To reduce the number of decisions that go to the Zoning Board of Adjustment to allow more "by-right" development subject to standards that protect neighborhood character.
- Protect Neighborhoods. To protect neighborhood character through increased use of citizen input into community plans, development standards and reduced reliance on Zoning Board of Adjustment reviews.
- Promote Sustainability. To incorporate standards that promote sustainability of development in the city and coordinate zoning reform with the Greenworks Philadelphia sustainability framework.
- Promote Quality and Design. To incorporate standards that improve development quality and design.
- Improve Readability and Reorganization. To use charts, graphics, and illustrations to make the Code easier to read and to reorganize the material to group similar regulations together.