Philadelphia’s Review of Clarion-led Zoning Ordinance Documents Many Goals Achieved

Between 2008 and 2012, Clarion Associates led a team of eight other consultants to help Philadelphia rewrite its citywide zoning code. The Clarion team advised and facilitated a 31-member Zoning Code Commission through a complete rewrite of the 1958-era ordinance, and the resulting code was adopted unanimously by the City Council.  Last summer, the city completed a five year performance review of the new zoning code, and found that many of the City’s original goals had been met.  More specifically, the performance review identified five of the City’s key goals and documented the progress made in each area:

Goal 1: The code is consistent and easy to understand

Finding: While there have been many additions to the Zoning Code in the past 5 years the Code remains clearer and more user-friendly than the previous code according to users.

Goal 2:  The code makes future construction and development more predictable

Finding: The increase in by-right developments due to improved code language and zoning map updates implies that more development is done within the standards of the Code than ever before.

Goal 3:  The code encourages high quality positive development

Finding: The addition of Civic Design Review and updates to important code sections have helped to make strides toward a better quality of development in Philadelphia.

Goal 4:  The code preserves the character of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods

Finding: District plans have resulted in many proposals for corrective remapping, many of which have been implemented through legislation. These, in concert with the recommendations to advance the plan, are remaking the city’s zoning map to one that reflects the goals and plans of communities around the City and that will help to ensure that development happens in a manner that both respects, and augments, our great neighborhoods.

Goal 5:  The code involves the public in development decisions

Finding: The additional notification requirements incorporated into the Zoning Code have allowed more participation than ever before. This may, at times, be a challenging process but it is based on increasing public awareness and empowerment and will continue to improve.”

The full report: City of Philadelphia Five year Review of the Zoning Code is available online.