Title
Approving a two-year extension, until June 30, 2010, for the Zoning Code Commission's adoption and provision of a written report containing Zoning Code Proposals and a Zoning Map Revision Plan, as provided for in Section 4-1300 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
Body
WHEREAS, On May 15, 2007, the citizens of Philadelphia voted to approve an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter which created the Zoning Code Commission; and
WHEREAS, The Zoning Code Commission (ZCC) is charged with developing a new Zoning Code that is easy to understand, improves the City's planning process, promotes positive development, and preserves the character of Philadelphia's neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, The ZCC is to submit a written preliminary report containing specific recommendations solely related to proposed changes to the Philadelphia Zoning Code ("Zoning Code Proposals"), including drafts of all legislation required to implement the Zoning Code Proposals; and recommendations, including a timetable and specific milestones, on how to proceed with a comprehensive revision of the City's zoning maps ("Zoning Map Revision Plan") on or before June 30, 2008; and
WHEREAS, The Commission convened for the first time on August 3, 2007, and has continued to meet at semi-monthly public meetings, and has heard public comment at each, exceeding the minimum ten meetings required by the Charter Amendment; and
WHEREAS, Several new appointments were made to the ZCC at the beginning of January 2008 by Mayor Nutter and by incoming new members of City Council; and
WHEREAS, The ZCC has begun the process of analyzing Philadelphia's current Zoning Code, conducting research on current urban planning issues, and studying the "best practices" included in the zoning codes of peer cities; and
WHEREAS, A lead consultant has recently been selected to assist the Commission in its work; and a search for an executive director for the Zoning Code Commission is underway; and
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