07162010 greenberger bay letter sosna

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Mr. Alan Greenberger, FAIA

Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Commerce Director

Executive Director, Philadelphia City Planning CommissionOne Parkway, 13th Floor

1515 Arch Street

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102

July 16, 2010

RE: Conformity of Projecting Bays

Dear Mr. Greenberger:

I write to bring to your attention an oft-repeated oversight in the enforcement of the

Philadelphia Code, specifically regarding projecting two-story bays. For better or worse,these bays (see attached pictures and plans for examples) are now quite common

throughout our neighborhood (and the city) as developers attempt to maximize salable

square footage. In recent years, projecting bays have evolved away from thoughtfully

detailed wood constructions in favor of stucco, rectangular, box-like projections. It isthe view of many of our committed members, as well as most of the SOSNA Zoning

Committee, and the SOSNA Zoning Workgroup, that this seemingly subtle transition has

unfortunately morphed once tasteful and enriching architectural elements of our common

streetscape into homogonous and contextually incongruous blemishes to the builtenvironment.


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SOSNA offers what follows in this letter and what is attached to support this claim.

Before proceeding, SOSNA would like to recognize and thank Mr. Gary Spahn, a

longtime resident and member of our community, for uncovering this oversight andbringing it to our attention.

The following excerpts from the Philadelphia Code account for the regulation andrestriction of projecting bays:

Title 14. Zoning and Planning 231 Residential Rules and Exceptions (9)

Architectural Features

The following architectural features shall be permitted on residential propertieslocated in all residential zoned districts and shall not be considered as occupied area or anencroachment into the front, side or rear yards, court or required set-back . . .

(b) Bay windows with a maximum projection of not more than 24-inches.

Title 11. Streets 603 Projections Over the Street (4)Balconies and Bay Windows

No structure, fixture, excavation, obstruction or projection shall be erected or

maintained over, on, in or under any street except in accordance with the provisions ofthis Chapter.

(a) Balconies and bay windows may be constructed provided that:

(.1) they do not project more than 3 feet beyond the street line;

(.2) the lower edge is not less than 10 feet above the sidewalk, and(.3) a building permit has been obtained.

(b) No balcony or bay window shall:

(.1) have a greater frontage than 15 feet;

(.2) be larger than the room or space to which it is attached.(c) There shall be no more than one balcony or bay window for any 25 feet of

frontage, two for 38 feet of frontage, three for 63 feet of frontage and four for 88 feet of


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In an effort to illustrate this important oversight, please find the following enclosures:

1. Two (2) un-labeled examples (Examples A & B) of plans recently presented tothe SOSNA Zoning Committee, each with non-conforming projecting bays.2. A graph showing the triangle of conformity, and indicating non-conforming

portions of Examples A & B.

3. Images of the finished product, replicas of which can be found throughout ourneighborhood.

In sum, SOSNA respectfully asks you to please ensure that the Philadelphia Code is

being properly upheld by both the Streets Department and Department of Licenses &Inspections. As we have shown, this minor oversight can do irreparable damage to the

aesthetic quality of a block. Projecting bays can be wonderful additions to thePhiladelphia row house typology, when they are thoughtfully designed to-Code. It is our

sincere hope that a tireless advocate for good urban design such as you can remedy this

situation.

As always, do not hesitate to contact the SOSNA office with any and all questions -

(215) 732-8446.

Respectfully,

Andrew G. CurtisSOSNA Board of Directors, Chairman SOSNA Zoning Committee

Atkin Olshin Schade Architects


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07162010 greenberger bay letter sosna

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