DN Editorial: How to find excitement in the Zoning Code

CITY COUNCIL handles lots of city business that isn't exactly a thrill-a-minute - property transfer ordinances come to mind - but zoning-code reform has to be the legislative equivalent of a colonoscopy: something you dread and avoid, even though you know how important it is.

The zoning code defines what kinds of buildings and developments can go where, and Philadelphia's hasn't been updated for 50 years . . . back when zoning covered things like typewriter stores and photo developers, and a variance was probably required for the newfangled concept of fast-food restaurants. Going so long without a current code update means that the code often gets informally rewritten every time someone wants to build something that's not covered by the original. And every instance adds a layer of unpredictability to the process of doing anything in the city: not a great situation if you want a city to grow, and an even worse one if you want a city to grow with some rational, agreed-upon direction.

That's why we're prescribing tomorrow's 10 a.m. City Council hearing on the proposals of the Zoning Code Commission. It's not only important for the health of the city, but it may be the last public hearing on the subject before Council acts further. Some Council members, particular Brian O'Neill and Bill Green, had issues with some of the draft proposal, and Green released a proposal last week to address them.

If Council decides to close the hearings after tomorrow's, there's still time to learn more.

With PlanPhilly and Penn Praxis, The Daily News is sponsoring a public forum that will include Council members and Alan Greenberger, deputy mayor for planning and development. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m., at 400 N. Broad St. Register here: www.planphilly.com

/event/zoningreformforum.