Councilman Bill Green outlines 10 amendments to zoning code draft

With Philadelphia City Council back in chambers, they’ve got a lot on their plates. One of the things that needs to be tackled is the zoning code reform, and at-large Councilman Bill Green has already issued a memo detailing 10 amendments to the draft.

The amendments outline a plan to fully implement the new code upon passage (as opposed to an older report Green supported that called for staggered implementation, but as he explained to PlanPhilly, will hold off on implementing “potentially noxious uses” until remapping is complete.

Here’s some of what Green supports now:

“Restrict the primary use of Open Space and Recreational districts to recreation only, and permit multiple accessory uses as a matter of right when it is ancillary and incidental to recreation.”

“Prohibit or permit by special exception all proposed commercial uses that are potentially harmful in some neighborhood commercial corridors and residential mixed-use districts until such uses are otherwise accepted through district remapping by constituents who will experience the impacts of permitting such uses.”

“Eliminate the unreasonable burden placed upon protestant neighborhood groups and non-applicant property owners for Special Exceptions by incorporating the burdens of proof determined by Bray v. Zoning Board of Adjustment, 410 A. 2d 909 (Pa. Commw. 1980).”