Communication 180934

October 18, 2018 TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA: I am hereby returning without my signature Bill No. 180295-AAA, which was passed by Council,at its session on October 4, 2018. This Bill makes several changes to the Zoning Code, including a provision that would require a specific size, type, and color of sign as well as require notification to owners of changes to the base zoning district. As a matter of policy, I am in support of any effort to ensure that Philadelphia residents are well informed on new and changing development occurring in their neighborhoods. However, the legislation does not speak to this important goal, but rather, the legislation creates cumbersome and expensive hoops through which residents who are seeking to make improvements must jump. Additionally, the legislation calls for changes in the notification procedure that would be incredibly costly for the Department of Planning and Development to implement. While these difficult changes in and of themselves are compelling, it is further important to note that the requirements mandated by the legislation are outside of the purview of City Council to mandate. The executive branch holds ultimate authority on how to administer the Philadelphia Code and cannot be forced to make exclusively administrative decisions. For these reasons, I am returning without my signature, Bill No. 180295-AAA. Respectfully, James F. Kenney Mayor