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Philadelphia Code Revised to Clarify Aesthetic Ornamentation Requirements for Rebuild Projects Across the City

Official:Amending Chapter 16-103 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Aesthetic Ornamentation of City Structures,” by clarifying requirements for Rebuild projects, all under certain terms and conditions.

Sponsor: Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez

Introduced: October 15, 2020

: Committee on Public Property and Public Works

housing neighborhoodrebuild

No one voted on this bill

This bill was introduced in the 2020–2023 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.

Plain-Language Summary

This bill amends a City of Philadelphia law (Chapter 16-103) to clarify requirements for Rebuild projects related to aesthetic ornamentation, such as public art installations.

What This Bill Does

AI-written. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

Clarifies that Rebuild projects are subject to the 1% for art requirement, which requires that 1% of the construction contract cost be devoted to fine arts.
Specifies that the Rebuild Project User is responsible for selecting the artist for Rebuild projects.
Requires the Art Commission to certify in writing that the fine arts ornamentation is fitting and appropriate to the structure's function and location.
Amends Section 16-103(2) to add or clarify language regarding expenditures for fine arts.