Legislation

City Council Makes Waves with Digital Revamp of Vital Records Database Launch

Philadelphia residents can now easily access their ancestors' birth certificates and other vital documents online after the city council voted to partner with Ancestry.com on a massive digital overhaul of its records database.

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Records Department Gets Authority to Investigate Suspected Deed Fraud Cases

Residents in neighborhoods plagued by rapid property flips may soon see a slowdown, as City Council passes legislation granting the Department of Records expanded authority to scrutinize suspicious land deals.

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Philadelphia Increases Fees for Recording Documents Amid Housing Market Boom Concerns Mounting

Property owners face higher costs as a new proposal to boost city recording fees takes aim at a surge in real estate transactions, sparking debate among developers, homeowners, and financial experts.

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City Council Tries to Tame Fees for Public Records as Proposed New Rates Spark Controversy Daily

Philadelphia residents could face higher costs when seeking public records under a new fee schedule that has ignited a heated debate over transparency and access to government documents. Critics claim the proposed rates are too steep for some citizens.

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Philadelphia Records Fees Modified Under Certain Terms and Conditions

Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Water Bills as City Council Approves 5% Rate Hike to Fund New Sewer Upgrades; Average Resident Will Pay $15 More Annually. City Council Passes Law Requiring Employers to Provide Paid Sick Leave, Benefit Affects an Estimated 200,000 Workers Across Philadelphia.

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Council proposes requiring written notice to property owners before recording real estate documents.

Philadelphia homeowners will soon receive written notice when a deed, mortgage, lien, or document related to their property is recorded, also published online and in local newspapers.

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Philadelphia Records Fees Hiked to $62 for Deeds and $57 for Mortgages

A proposed tweak to city record-keeping fees could save new homeowners up to $400 on closing costs, but critics argue the increases unfairly burden low-income buyers.

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