Amending Section A-303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Demolition and Relocation of Structures," to add additional requirements for the issuance of demolition permits for structures currently or previously used as religious facilities; all under certain terms and conditions.

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION 1. Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

TITLE 4. THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING

CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPANCY CODE

SUBCODE “A” (THE PHILADELPHIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE)

SECTION A-303 DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION OF STRUCTURES

A-303.5 Current or Former Religious Facilities: The Department shall verify whether the structure that is the subject of a demolition permit is currently or was formerly used as a church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious facility.

If the structure that is the subject of a demolition permit is currently or was formerly used as a church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious facility and is at least 50 years old, then the Department shall not issue a permit for demolition, until:

1.

The Department notifies the District Councilmember and Registered Community Organization (RCO) of the application of a demolition permit for the structure;

2.

The Department receives confirmation that the RCO held a meeting to discuss the demolition of the structure within 30 days of receiving notice of the demolition; and

3.

The Department fully considers the position of the RCO in making the decision of whether to issue a permit for the structure.

SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall be effective immediately.

End