Updates to Philadelphia’s zoning code are designed to "clean-up" the code, adopted in 2011.
The work of various city organizations to amend and improve Philadelphia's zoning code has received the thumbs up from the City Council’s Committee on Rules and the Planning Commission. Jared Brey of Plan Philly reports that the changes to the zoning code, adopted in 2011, include minor tweaks and some more significant changes.
Among the more significant changes to the zoning code will be a requirement for "major planned developments to go through the Civic Design Review Committee." The Committee is largely responsible for ensuring that large new projects are reviewed to determine how they will impact the surrounding neighborhood. Brey writes that projects, including the recent redevelopment of Mt. Sinai Hospital, received approval from the Planning Commission before going through the Committee for review.
Other changes include new rules on the expiration of entitlements and restrictions on "front-loading garages" in certain zoning districts. The changes to the zoning code will now go before the City Council for a final vote.
FULL STORY: Council to vote on major zoning code amendments
Philadelphia Planning Commission Approves ADU Bill
The commission recommended a trio of bills focused on historic preservation, including one that would permit accessory dwelling units on historic properties.
Auto-Repair Facility Permit Filed a Day Before Pedestrian-Friendly Zoning: What Next?
A case study in the development miscues that can move forward while plans are developed and approved.
Finding the Right Mix of Uses for Former Industrial Sites
The Philadelphia City Council is tinkering with a novel land use created by its 2012 Zoning Code update to help guide mixed use development on former industrial sites.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
