Title
Amending Section A-303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Demolition and Relocation of Structures,” to add additional requirements for the issuance of demolition permits for structures currently or previously used as religious facilities; all under certain terms and conditions.
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THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
TITLE 4. THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPANCY CODE
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SUBCODE “A” (THE PHILADELPHIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE)
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SECTION A-303 DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION OF STRUCTURES
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A-303.5 Current or Former Religious Facilities: The Department shall verify whether the structure that is the subject of a demolition permit is currently or was formerly used as a church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious facility.
If the structure that is the subject of a demolition permit is currently or was formerly used as a church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious facility and is at least 50 years old, then the Department shall not issue a permit for demolition, until:
1. The Department notifies the District Councilmember and Registered Community Organization (RCO) of the application of a demolition permit for the structure;
2. The Department receives confirmation that the RCO held a meeting to discuss the demolition of the structure within 30 days of receiving notice of the demolition; and
3. The Department fully considers the position of the RCO in making the decision of whether to issue a permit for the structure.
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SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall be effective immediately.
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