Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Housing supply, land‑bank transfers and bills to reduce move‑in costs take center stage
Summary
Council adopted land‑bank transfer resolutions, while council members introduced multiple housing bills to speed affordable housing, expand accessory dwelling units and limit upfront rental move‑in costs. Developers and advocates urged streamlining of Land Bank and permitting processes during public comment.
Housing and land‑bank policy occupied a significant portion of the Jan. 23 City Council session.
Council adopted two land‑bank related resolutions on the floor. Resolution 250014 authorized the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of specific parcels in the Third Councilmatic District; resolution 250019 authorized conveyance of numerous properties to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank. Both measures were adopted by voice vote.
On the introduction calendar, Council Member Jamie Gauthier introduced three bills to alter zoning and permitting: amendments to the Philadelphia Code to (1) allow the Zoning Board of Adjustment to condition zoning approval upon provision of affordable housing (section 14‑303), (2) modify accessory dwelling unit (ADU) restrictions (section 14‑604), and (3) create a defined permitting track for affordable housing projects in the building code (title 4, administrative code). Council Member Rue Landau introduced two ordinances amending Chapter 9‑800 (landlord and tenant) to establish limits on security deposits and fees charged to rental applicants. Landau described these as a “move‑in affordability plan” that would cap excessive application fees and allow installments for security deposits.
Developers and community commenters pressed for faster Land Bank and permitting processes. “If we’re going to solve this affordable housing problem in Philadelphia, we need to get serious about streamlining this process,” said Jeremy Blatstein, who described the Land Bank application, qualification and council transmission steps and urged broader access for ADUs. Council Member Gauthier said the city needs expedited zoning and building permit review for affordable‑housing projects and proposed allowing homeowners to add bonus units by right when the change does not materially alter a home’s external appearance.
Why it matters: Council actions to convey property to the Land Bank could enable redevelopment or affordable housing projects. The bills introduced would change permitting and tenant protections if they pass committee and final reading. Public commenters emphasized that bureaucratic delays in land‑bank transfers and permitting increase costs and deter smaller developers and homeowners from producing more housing.
What the record shows: Land‑bank dispositions were adopted by voice vote on Jan. 23. The introduced bills were referred to appropriate committees; no final votes on the introduced housing bills were recorded in this session.
Clarifying details provided on record: Council statements and public comment included approximate metrics (e.g., Land Bank processing times described as 3–6 months) and examples of up‑front costs cited by renters and developers. The transcript does not record dollar amounts for any enacted appropriation.
