Philadelphia Planning Commission Approves ADU Bill

Jake Blumgart reports that Philadelphia City Planning Commission recently approved a bill to allow accessory dwelling units in historic buildings. The city’s zoning code currently does not allow ADUs even though they are defined in the code with dimensional standards, notes Blumgart. Advocates say allowing ADUs will help preserve older buildings and provide affordable housing.

The ADU bill was one of three bills the planning commission approved. Another bill would remove parking minimums for historic buildings and reduce required parking for expansions and additions. The third bill gives more flexibility in the use of historic buildings in order to make reuse a better option over demolition.

"The bills are seen as part of a strategy to incentivize historic preservation in the city, although they fall short of the 'demolition delay' legislation that many preservation advocates call for," notes Blumgart.