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Councilmembers introduce multiple housing bills to speed affordable units and limit move‑in costs
Summary
Councilmembers introduced ordinances to allow zoning conditions for affordable housing, expand accessory dwelling units, define affordable housing in building code, and cap landlord move‑in fees and deposits; the bills were referred to committees for further review.
Several councilmembers introduced a package of housing measures on Jan. 23 aimed at increasing affordable supply and reducing upfront barriers for renters in Philadelphia.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced three bills that would: allow the Zoning Board of Adjustment to condition zoning approval on provision of affordable housing (an amendment to Section 14‑303 of the Philadelphia Code); modify accessory dwelling unit (ADU) restrictions in Section 14‑604; and add definitions and permitting procedures for affordable housing projects to Subcode A of the Philadelphia Administrative Code (Title 4, building construction and occupancy code). Gauthier said the measures are intended to accelerate affordable housing production and reduce regulatory uncertainty; the bills were referred to the appropriate committees.
Councilmember Rue Landau introduced two ordinances amending Chapter 9‑800 (Landlord and Tenant) to (1) establish requirements and remedies related to security deposits for residential rentals, and (2) regulate fees charged by landlords to applicants seeking residential tenancy. Landau framed the proposals as measures to lower upfront costs that block households from securing housing. Both bills were referred to committee for further consideration.
Councilmembers and staff said the introduced measures would not take effect until committee review and any eventual final passage. No committee schedules or fiscal notes were presented at introduction; the bills were described as standard referrals to the appropriate committees for hearings and analysis.
Separately, councilmember Jamie Gauthier previewed related plans to reduce red tape for affordable housing projects and to expand by right bonus or accessory units for homeowners in eligible districts, arguing that simplifying permitting and ZBA procedures would increase supply without changing neighborhood character.
The introductions signal council attention to both supply‑side tools (zoning and permitting reforms, ADUs) and renter protections (move‑in fees, deposits) as part of a broader housing agenda; the proposals will require committee hearings and possible amendments before final votes.
