Philadelphians, your voice has power in shaping the city's regulatory landscape. The Department of Records ensures transparency when city departments propose changes to regulations that might impact how businesses operate, construction safety measures, environmental protection, or public health standards. These rules play a part in your everyday life, which means your input is invaluable.
The process to potentially alter a regulation starts once a department submits its proposal to the Department of Records. The department then instantly begins to fully communicate the information, posting details online and placing advertisements in three local newspapers. This sparks a 30-day period for public review, within which Philly residents can request a public hearing, according to a recent city announcement.
If you are looking to make your concerns heard, you can simply request a hearing by emailing [email protected] or sending mail to the Department of Records at City Hall. This step holds particular significance as it represents the community's legal right to challenge and voice opinions on potential legislative changes in the city.
Should a hearing be requested, the proposing department is then required to schedule a public forum. At this event, any individual has the opportunity to step forward and speak their mind. "Anyone can come and share their views," noted the Department's recent information release. Following the hearing, the department must create a report that reflects the public's feedback and decide whether to either maintain the proposed regulation or make amendments. If there is no request for a hearing within the 30-day window, the new regulation becomes law by default. Conversely, if a hearing occurs, the regulation is enacted into law 10 days after the department's report has been filed with the Department of Records.
