Experts and Public Agree on Zoning Priorities

February 11, 2009

ZCC Regular Session and 10th District Meeting

Responses from 1,200 online surveys, more than 200 participants at community outreach meetings, and 20 groups of professionals that use the code on a regular basis suggest that the main problem with zoning in Philadelphia is the process. Developers, residents, business-owners, and community associations want the priorities for zoning reform to include a clear, fair, and efficient process and an opportunity for civic input. The Phase I Code Evaluation process is on-going, but the results to date show that all code users (meaning any citizen that needs to reference the code for any reason) are frustrated by an incoherent, complicated code and a confusing process.

At the 10th Councilmanic District meeting Wednesday evening, more than 50 lively participants agreed. Comprised mostly of civic association members, the group described protecting existing neighborhoods is the most important thing zoning can do. They want clear, concise rules; more transparent and accessible information; better customer service; convenient offices; and more community involvement. Since each city neighborhood is different, they want the government to think local – local input, local access, and local decision-making.

As experts continue to review the code in relation to best practices from other major cities, additional input from the online survey, another set of code user interviews, and five more council district meetings will be used to inform the ZCC in guiding the consultants’ work on the new code. The ZCC Work Plan Committee will identify key issues raised throughout the code evaluation process and put questions before the full commission that are intended to provoke discussion and give direction to the consultants. The newly formed Civic Engagement Committee, chaired by Natalia Olson de Savyckyj, will ensure all community voices are heard and that the ZCC is responsive.

To participate in the online survey and code user interviews or to learn more about the council district meetings, visit http://www.zoningmatters.org/ .