Official:Enacting a new Section 14-310 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Predatory Superstores," and amending Section 14-102 entitled "Definitions," Section 14-1802 entitled "Criteria for Granting Zoning Variances" and Section 14-1704 entitled "Enforcement," to prohibit the development and construction of Predatory Superstores, and the reconstruction, modification or alteration of existing structures to become Predatory Superstores; and further to prohibit zoning variances which would endanger the economic health and vitality of the surrounding community; providing penalties for non-compliance and granting remedies to aggrieved persons; all under certain terms and conditions.
Sponsor: Councilmember Cohen
Introduced: March 17, 2005
: Committee on Rules
Status: Lapsed
This bill was introduced in the 2004–2007 Council term and when that term ran out. The public record shows no committee vote and no floor vote at any stage, so no member of Council ever went on record for or against it.
That is not unusual here. Of the 8,465 bills introduced between 2000 and 2025, 1,624 lapsed without a single recorded vote. Ninety percent of bills that became law carry a roll call. Three percent of lapsed bills do. How this works.
This bill aims to prevent 'Predatory Superstores' – large retail stores over 90,000 square feet – from being developed or modified in Philadelphia. It also prohibits zoning variances that would harm local businesses and communities.
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