Rewriting Philadelphia's Zoning Code

"New rules would replace the jumble of outdated regulations that require near-constant tinkering to make way for projects. It's a status quo that leads to patchwork development, encourages dubious deal-making and undercuts strategic planning."

The city council is scheduled to consider a measure to create zoning code commission that would be charged with rewriting the codes and drafting a new zoning map.

"In a city with Philadelphia's history of closed-door deal-making, no one can deny that's a potential risk. But the status quo, with its outmoded code that constantly clashes with reality, is precisely what sets up opportunities for unholy deals between pols and developers. Some civic organizations pride themselves on how well they've learned to play that ad hoc game, extracting "community benefit agreements" from eager developers.

In the end, though, that's a losing game for neighborhoods, as well as a deterrent to top-quality developers. Better to have rules that are clear, realistic and consistent, backed up by review processes that are fair and transparent."