News & Resources
Government Affairs Report
City Hall has kept the BIA busy this spring, and we expect the legislative activity to accelerate in the next couple of months. The BIA will monitor the following bills and proposals closely, meeting with the Administration and City Council as needed.
Mayor’s Budget Proposal. Mayor Parker’s budget proposal includes a major priority for the BIA. Bill No. 250212 would eliminate the 1% Development Impact Tax. The Mayor also proposed Bill No. 250211, which would increase the real estate transfer tax to help pay for the H.O.M.E. Initiative bond issuance. H.O.M.E. Initiative. Enabling legislation for the Mayor’s H.O.M.E. Initiative is expected to be introduced in the next couple of weeks. The proposed $800 million in bond funding would allow the city to dramatically increase spending for various housing programs and implement changes to the zoning code and L&I procedures to expedite construction and development, all part of the Administration’s plan to create and preserve 30,000 units of new and existing housing. Affordable Housing Legislation. Council Member Gauthier introduced three bills as part of her ongoing “Defying Displacement” initiative. Bill No. 250041 would allow the Zoning Board of Adjustment to impose affordable housing deed restrictions, which the BIA opposes as currently written. Bill No. 250042 seeks to broaden the use of accessory dwelling units and Bill No. 250043 would streamline permits for affordable housing. There will likely be a hearing on these bills before summer recess. Landlord-Tenant Bills. Council Member Landau introduced landlord-tenant legislation that is problematic for the BIA. Bill No. 250044 would allow security deposits to be paid over four months and Bill No. 250045 would cap rental application fees at $20. The bills were held in committee but are likely to have another hearing soon. The BIA will continue discussions with the bills’ sponsor and prepare to testify at future hearings. One Year Rule. Council Member O’Neill is likely to push the passage of Bill No. 250293, which would change the zoning code’s “one year rule” so that rejected zoning applicants must wait three years before applying again for a variance. The BIA is opposed to this bill. The BIA also anticipates the introduction of several bills this session that will update the Philadelphia Plumbing Code, add a local modification to the 2021 IECC adopted by the state, and address training and certification for the inspection of kitchen hoods. The BIA has worked closely with the Administration on these issues.