Legislation

City Inspectors Gain Access to Vacant Properties as Council Passes New Maintenance Code Reform

This bill requires vacant property owners to allow City inspections upon reasonable notice, with certain terms and conditions.

150650

New Residential Buildings in Philadelphia Must Install Food Waste Grinders Under New Law

Residents of Philadelphia's newly constructed homes will be forced to adopt a high-tech approach to reducing their trash starting next week, as a new law mandating food waste grinders takes effect.

150651

City Council Adds New Projects to 2016 Capital Budget in Mid-Year Revision

Philadelphia's capital budget gets a mid-year boost as City Council adds new projects and revises existing ones, building on the 2015 legislation. The total project value now stands at nearly $2.7 billion.

150609

Council proposes mandatory installation of food waste disposers in all new Philly kitchens

New residential construction in Philadelphia starting next year will be required to install food waste disposers in kitchens, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

150610

Philadelphia Council Approves Revised Eight Billion Dollar Capital Spending Plan This Year

Philly taxpayers will shell out $50 million more to upgrade City Hall facilities under a revised capital spending plan approved by Council; the move is part of a larger $8.9 billion budget that allocates funds for schools, roads and public safety upgrades.

150611

Philadelphia Posts Missing Person Alerts on City Websites and Social Media Sites Daily

Philly residents are one step closer to staying informed about missing loved ones: a new city policy will automatically post daily Missing Person Alerts on all major city websites and social media channels.

150009

City Contracts for Indigent Defense Limited to Three Philadelphia Organizations

City Council tightens control on city-funded lawyers, requiring approval of contracts with three approved firms handling indigent defense cases, a move critics say will stifle competition and boost costs for taxpayers. Local advocates warn of uncertain impact on low-income clients.

150001

Philadelphia City Council Tackles Dumpster Regulations with New Rules on Recycling and Medallion Use

Philadelphia Residents Face Higher Parking Fines as Council Votes to Increase Penalties for Illegally Parked Cars in Residential Areas and Meter Zones.

140903

Philadelphia Introduces Bill Regulating Immigration Assistance Services

Philadelphia's Affordable Housing Stock Takes a Hit as City Council Votes to Ban Short-Term Rentals from Most Buildings; Advocates Fear Loss of Crucial Affordable Units.

140142

City Council Votes to Toughen Fire Safety Laws and Create Task Force to Tackle Vacant Properties Crisis

This law updates Philadelphia's Fire Code to improve fire safety and prevention, requires a task force to manage vacant properties, and creates online databases for tracking these properties.

140055

City Council Vows to Give Final Say on Quickie Contracts for Philly's Poor Legal Services

Philly residents facing eviction, custody battles, and other life-or-death legal issues could soon have a stronger voice as City Council considers giving itself final say on lucrative contracts with poverty law firms.

130851

City Officials Ordered to Disclose Costly Conflicts in Cases of Indigent Clients Under New Ordinance

Philadelphia Parents to Gain Greater Say in School Renovations Amid Growing Community Backlash Against District's Long-Term Construction Plans A new ordinance would require the Philadelphia School District to form advisory committees, giving parents and community members a voice in renovation projects that impact their neighborhoods' schools.

130852

Philadelphia Council Votes to Update City Laws, Phasing Out Term 'Mental Retardation' for 'Intellectual Disability

Philadelphia Council Passes Landmark Bill to Rename City Services, Ditching Stigma-Filled Terms for "Intellectual Disability" The bill aims to erase decades-old language from city codebooks, affecting everything from health department forms to police reports, as the city seeks a more compassionate approach to disability services.

130723

Philadelphia Gas Works Pension Plan Revised to Comply with Federal Regulations and Update Benefits Calculations

City Council Approves Measure to Require Affordable Housing in Large New Development Projects, Affecting Builders of Properties Over 50 Units in Size. Developers of big new buildings will soon be required to set aside a portion of units for low-income families under the city's new affordable housing policy.

130486

City Steps Up Exterior Maintenance for Mixed-Use Buildings in Philly to Prevent Blight and Decay

Philadelphia homeowners may see a surge in neighborhood renovations after city council passes new regulations mandating exterior upkeep for mixed-use properties, targeting rundown facades that contribute to blight and decay.

130418

City Council Moves to Shield Sidewalks from Intrusive Wheelchair Ramps and Decks

A proposed law would have forced homeowners with raised decks and wheelchair ramps to relocate or renovate, sparking concerns among property owners who claim it's an overreach of city authority. But will Philly's building codes change for good?

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