Title
Proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to revise the composition
of the
Zoning Board of Adjustment, by increasing the number
of appointees, providing for confirmation by Council
of appointees, and specifying qualifications that appointees must possess; and providing for the submission
of the amendment to the electors
of Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, The City's
Zoning Code is
of fundamental importance to all Philadelphians. It defines the physical backbone
of the City by regulating how land may be used; by determining the size, height, and type
of buildings; and by stating what activities are permitted within those buildings. It pr
ofoundly affects the well-being
of all who live and work here, and it shapes the growth
of our communities for decades to come; and
WHEREAS, The
Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) is a critical component
of the City's
Zoning Code, with the authority to grant "variances" -- exceptions to the requirements
of the
Zoning Code - that can permanently change the character
of a neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, It is essential to ensure that the ZBA execute its authority in as pr
ofessional a manner as possible, with the on-
board expertise and institutional support necessary to arrive at consistent, well-reasoned decisions when considering requests for variances; and
WHEREAS, The Administration has recommended administrative measures to further support the ZBA's capacity, including, for example, mandatory training, physical improvements to ZBA facilities, and additional administrative support from City Planning Commission staff; and
WHEREAs, As part
of this essential reform, Council has concluded that the composition
of the ZBA itself needs to be revised by (1) increasing the size
of the
board from five to seven members, all
of whom would continue to be appointed by the Mayor; (2) providing for Council confirmation
of these appointments; and (3) requiring that the ZBA include members who possess spec...
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