Philly’s new zoning code promotes sustainability

February 6, 2012
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Timothy Garrity
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Although the new code will not officially be put into effect until August 2012, zoning reform advocates are stoked to see what it can do to simplify the process.

Since Philadelphia’s current zoning code dates back to 1962, which was when suburban development was very popular, there were about 1,000 spot changes made to it during the last 50 years. Although the city thought they were doing something good by making changes when they were needed, it just complicated things even more.

When the zoning reform process began back in 2007, the Zoning Code Commission decided to focus on 7 different goals:

Simplify base districts
Simplify overlay districts
Simplify approvals
Improve readability and reorganization
Protect neighborhoods
Promote sustainability
Promote quality and design

Although the first 4 goals, seem to be more complete than the last 3 goals (as of now), “Promoting Sustainability” seems to be one that has been focused on. In the new code, walkable development, solar/wind systems, and storm water management all play a critical role in getting city approval. Bonus space may even be given to developers who’s project achieves LEED certification.

Needless to say, the new zoning code will be a huge improvement over what we have now.

In Philadelphia, which one will it be?

January 30, 2012
art, blog, food, invest, investment, investor, jobs, philadelphia, philly, philly urban living, real estate, realtor, sustainability, technology, tim garrity, timothy garrity
Timothy Garrity
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Technology | Sustainability | Food | The Arts

That’s a great question, and it’s also why I posted this.

Philadelphia has always been known as a city of firsts. The First Zoo, First Stock Exchange, First Skyscraper, First University, and the First Library. It’s really amazing once you stop and think about how many successful concepts that our country (and other developing countries) thrive on, and that got their start in Philadelphia.

But as a city that’s now over 300 years old, Philadelphia is constantly reinventing itself. The problem is that things change so fast these days that it’s hard to know what our focus should be. The good news is that Philadelphia is strong in many prominent categories, so it gives us the opportunity to pick and choose which direction might work best.

Here are 4 areas of focus:

Technology
- Things like OpenAccessPhilly and Philly Startup Leaders are taking our city to the next level in the super-competitive technology world.
Sustainability
- SBN, Greenworks, and PWD’s “Green City, Clean Waters” project are all positive steps in the right direction.
Food
- The farmer’s market phenomenon and our constant accolades on the international food scene are great indicators of Philly’s food cred.
The Arts
- If the new Barnes Museum, Mural Arts Program, and Philly Fringe are not enough to make my point, I’m not sure what else to say about Philadelphia’s thriving art scene.

I could spend a lot more time talking up these different sectors, but this article is a great way to read and learn more about what Philly’s new booming industry will be.