BRADY: Zoning Code Revision

The lack of a master plan, plus addendums and overlays to the Zoning Code, has created a system where the rules are unclear and unpredictable. This lack of uniformity has created hesitation and anxiety among potential developers, and hampered additional growth and development within the City.

Variances are required in almost every circumstance and hiring an expediter is considered the best way to navigate this complicated process; that’s wrong.

In late 2006, legislation was introduced in Philadelphia City Council to create a Zoning Reform Commission. As Mayor, I will work to ensure that the process of zoning reform occurs quickly and correctly. Communities should be actively engaged at an earlier stage, specifically planning, and work with the City departments to create a comprehensive vision for their neighborhood. The zoning code should then reinforce that vision. At present, we have a zoning code that has led to ad hoc planning, on a block by block basis.

As Mayor, I will empower neighborhoods to let their voice be heard in the planning process, and create a fair and predictable set of zoning rules. These rules will reinforce the planning process. Variances should be the exception, not the rule. By working to create a system which empowers City departments and neighborhoods to plan in advance, we can streamline the internal processes of L&I and eliminate the need for expediters. Together, we can create a vision for a world class city that we can implement for decades to come.

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