The new Philadelphia Zoning Laws went into effect yesterday, this is the first time since 1962 that changes of this magnitude have been made.
Some of our Zoning Laws were put on the books when Philly still looked like this!
Here is an excerpt from the Official Press Release:
“Designed to preserve the past and anticipate the future, the new zoning code updates and codifies the City’s regulations for development and sets expectations regarding land use. After the ZCC’s exhaustive and inclusive effort to shape the code based on thoughtful input from the community, City Council voted unanimously to adopt it. The code was signed into law by Mayor Nutter on Dec. 22, 2011, and it goes into effect today.
Among the changes to the City’s development regulations and approval procedures are:
• A reduced number of zoning classifications
• Incorporation of a civic design review process
• Establishment of the role of citizens in the zoning approval process
The result is the 384-page Code is more user-friendly for everyone, including developers, community groups and individual homeowners.
By streamlining antiquated regulations that dated back to the early 1960’s, the new code also transforms the way developers and community groups work together toward a common goal: smart, job-creating and sustainable growth that preserves Philadelphia’s vibrant neighborhoods.”
We’ve looked into the codes and found a few interesting facts:
There 10 less Chapters in the New Code, that alone is an amazing feat of government self control!
It is no longer prohibited to produce both pasta and plaster of paris figurines in the same district (and one presumes location) , nor is it prohibited to pickle vegetables next door to a radio station. The multiple and complicated Industrial Districts originally laid out in the City of Philadelphia have been vastly simplified, no one knows why one could process cheese near a glove manufacturer but not near a vinegar factory, but it’s not something we need to worry about anymore. LET FREEDOM and CREATIVE CAPITALISM RING!
It still ain’t easy to be a Raccoon in the City of Philadelphia, there are no less that 4 ordinances against certain Raccoon behavior including ” disturbing the peaceful enjoyment of the property by anyone inhabiting or visiting the property.”.
The Trailer Camp District has been eliminated.
The new codes include modern updates like ordinances regarding Bicycle Parking ratios and Yoga Studios, and a list of expanded Home Office uses to include artists, artisans, and personal trainers.
Diameter Breast Height is not what you think it is
(Diameter Breast Height (DBH): The standard measure of a tree’s diameter at four and one-half ft. above ground level.)
Just for the Fun of it Here’s a list of past Weird Philadelphia Laws, that we hope have been amended and or abolished:
1. In an act of 1760 it was illegal to sell Pretzels in bags
2. It may currently be illegal in Philadelphia to sleep on top of a refrigerator while outdoors
3. Men once needed written consent from their wives to purchase alcohol
4. Any dwelling with more than 16 unmarried women was once considered a brothel
5. Fire Hydrants require inspection 1 hour before a fire
6. It may also currently be illegal to sing in the bathtub, juries out on the shower
7. A special cleaning ordinance bans housewives from hiding dirt and dust under a rug in a dwelling.
That’s all for now…….
We're the Kate Vail Team 