Philly considers new notification rules before building demolition

If you live near a Philadelphia building that is scheduled for demolition, City Council is considering demanding the contractors reach out to you in a new way.

A regulation under consideration would require an informational bulletin be placed on the doors of all buildings in a “safety zone” near the demolition site.  That zone, at a minimum, would include the 20 properties closest to the demolition site, said Rebecca Swanson of the city’s Department of Licenses & Inspections “The bulletin contains information about what neighbors can expect during the demolition as well as what their rights are,” she said.To give residents a chance to review the information and make any preparations, Swanson said the actual demolition could not begin until at least 21 days after the bulletins are distributed.  In most cases, it takes 28 calendar days from issuance of a permit until demolition begins.  Under existing law, the demolition notice must be posted on the building.