City zoning code is out of date

April 12, 2007

NORTHEAST TIMES, April 12, 2007

Here is a tale of two neighborhoods. Much to the dismay of Oxford Circle residents, a slaughterhouse opened for business in their neighborhood. That’s right — a slaughterhouse. This business opened in a former auto body shop without any notice to the neighbors, and without the need for a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Over on Wadsworth Avenue in Germantown, a long, vacant pizza shop wanted to open as a barbecue joint. Yet, through some quirk of the zoning code, pizza and barbecue are apparently not similar, and the owner needed to get a variance approved by the zoning board before opening.

These two stories highlight key problems with Philadelphia's zoning code. It is outdated, it is confusing, and it results in crazy outcomes. The city's zoning code was written in the 1950s and consists of 600 pages of confusing, vague and technical terms. For example, do you want to open up a sawmill, produce phonographic records or sell carbon paper? The zoning code provides for all of these uses. But if you want to open a computer store, you will not find that phrase in our code.

The city's zoning code needs major revisions not just because it’s archaic, but also because — as the slaughterhouse tale so clearly demonstrates — the code cannot adequately protect and preserve the quality and character of our neighborhoods. The city's strength, unique character and current hip appeal is due in large part to the variety and vibrancy of its neighborhoods. To keep our communities strong and healthy, we need to start now on zoning reform. We need a new, improved code that can help the city grow while preserving our neighborhoods.

The first step in this effort would be the creation of a zoning code commission which would be charged with revamping the code. The commission would include a diverse group of community, government and business leaders, as well as planning and design professionals. Philadelphians now have an opportunity to participate in an overhaul of our outdated zoning code. A bill created by Council members Frank DiCicco and Jim Kenney is ready for final passage in City Council that would provide for the creation of such a zoning code commission if approved by the voters in a referendum in the May 15 primary election.

If this referendum is approved by the voters, Philadelphians will begin a critical discussion on zoning reform that can protect our neighborhoods and our city and commence an open, public process that will begin with zoning code reform. With a new code, residents can have a true voice in preserving the quality and character of their neighborhood.

Rick Sauer, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations

William Reddish, President of the Building Industry Association