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Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-700, entitled "Recreational District," by adding new Sections entitled Passive Recreation District and Active Recreation District; by providing for district regulations and controls, including permitted uses; and by making other technical amendments; all under certain terms and conditions.
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THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code is amended to read as follows:
TITLE 14. ZONING AND PLANNING.
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CHAPTER 14-700. RECREATIONAL DISTRICTS.
§ 14-701. Classes.
(1) Recreational Districts shall be designated as: RECREATIONAL (REC), PASSIVE RECREATION (REC-P), and ACTIVE RECREATION (REC-A).
§ [14-701] 14-702. Designation.
(1) Parcels of public land under the jurisdiction of the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation, Fairmount Park Commission, the Department of [Forests and Waters] Conservation and Natural Resources of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the National Park Service of the United States Government which are devoted to park and/or recreational purposes may be designated on the zoning maps as Recreational (REC), Passive Recreation (REC-P), and Active Recreation (REC-A).
§ 14-703. Recreational District (REC).
[(2)] (1) Use Regulations. The specific uses permitted in this district shall be the erection, construction, alteration, or use of buildings and/or land for any type of recreational use or activity; provided, that any private operation for private profit located within this district at a distance of 500 feet or less from any district boundary shall be permitted only if a certificate from the Zoning Board of Adjustment is obtained.
[(3)] (2) Area and Height Regulations. Where a Recreational District is in the same block with any other district, said Recreational District shall comply with the area and height regulations of the most restrictive district which abuts upon said Recreational District.
§14-703.2. Passive Recreation District (REC-P).
(1) Use Regulations. The specific uses permitted in this district shall be the erection, construction, alteration or use of buildings and/or land for passive recreational uses, including walkways and trails, community gardens, and sitting areas. Passive recreational uses shall not include organized athletic activities, team sports, or facilities
(a) Restrooms for park users shall be permitted, so long as they comply with Area and Height Regulations.
(b) Informational and education kiosks shall be permitted.
(c) No lighting other than as necessary for security shall be permitted.
(2) Area and Height Regulations.
(a) Where a REC-P District is in the same block with any other district, said District shall comply with the area and height regulations of the most restrictive district which abuts upon said Passive Recreation District.
(b) No building or structure that occupies more than six hundred square feet in land area shall be erected within this district. All buildings shall be certified as compliant with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
(3) Parking. No parking is permitted in this district.
(4) Hours of Operation. No parkland located in a REC-P District shall be open to the public after sunset or before sunrise. Gates to the park, prohibiting entrance, shall be locked when the park is not open to the public.
(5) Roadways. Only access roadways for maintenance vehicles and users of the park for passenger drop-off and pick-up for permitted passive activities shall be allowed. These roadways shall be constructed using Stormwater Best Management Practices.
(6) Trails. Trails shall be constructed of crushed aggregate material in order to preserve the natural atmosphere of the park as much as possible. In cases where topography requires the paving of the trail, paving shall be conducted in a manner to have the least practical impact upon the natural environment, and only porous paving materials shall be used.
§14-703.3. Active Recreation District (REC-A).
(1) Use Regulations. The specific uses permitted in this district shall be the erection, construction, alteration, or use of buildings and/or land for any type of recreational use or activity, including any uses permitted in a Recreation District or a Passive Recreation District, and including any active recreation use such as public or private athletic fields and associated structures, facilities, or amenities, including a joint-use site, park, or playground; provided, that any private operation for private profit located within this district at a distance of 500 feet or less from any district boundary shall be permitted only if a certificate from the Zoning Board of Adjustment is obtained.
(2) Area and Height Regulations. Where an Active Recreational District is in the same block with any other district, said District shall comply with the area and height regulations of the most restrictive district which abuts upon said Active Recreation District.
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Explanation:
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted.
Italics indicate new matter added.
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