Weekly recap
This week in Council
September 19 to September 25, 2014
Coming up: public hearings
Committees hear testimony before voting. Open any bill and tap the bell to get a reminder the day before.
Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 AM · Committee on Rules
Philadelphia Code Amended to Impose Use Restrictions Within Fifth District Overlay District
Philadelphia's zoning regulations are getting a makeover in the Fifth District Overlay District, imposing new use restrictions on specific areas. Certain types of buildings and activities will be allowed in designated areas.
260764
Philadelphia Business Hours Restricted in Fifth District Neighborhoods
Philadelphia businesses in the Fifth District and surrounding areas will be restricted from opening between 11pm and 6am due to an amended ordinance. New streets affected by the restriction include N. 29th Street from W. Dauphin to W. Huntingdon.
260697
Philadelphia Tightens Rules on Removing Heritage Trees from City Streets
Philadelphia's rules for removing heritage trees from city streets are about to get stricter, making it harder to remove these trees without meeting specific conditions or replacing them. Heritage trees must now be documented in a landscape plan and can only be removed with special permission.
260689
Philadelphia's Zoning Laws to Get Overhaul of Retail Sales Use Categories Definitions
Philadelphia's zoning laws are getting an update, with changes to how grocery stores and pharmacies are classified under the retail sales use category definitions. The changes will be reflected in use tables throughout the city's zoning code.
260688
Zoning designations changing in area bounded by Rubicam Street, Ashmead Street, Wakefield Street, and Bringhurst Street.
Zoning changes are coming to a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by Rubicam Street, Ashmead Street, Wakefield Street, and Bringhurst Street, as authorized by Councilmember Bass.
260855
Retailers must meet specific standards and be located in certain districts for tobacco sales.
Philadelphia's zoning code is set to change, requiring tobacco retailers to meet specific standards and be located in certain districts. The new rules aim to regulate tobacco sales throughout the city.
260851
City Council Expands Center City Business Uses in Old City Residential Area, Core
Businesses like restaurants and tattoo parlors will now be allowed in Old City's residential area without special permission, as long as they meet certain conditions.
260896
Old City Special Services District Approves 7-Year Plan for Business Improvements and Services
Councilmember Squilla's bill approves a 7-year plan for the Old City Special Services District, outlining estimated costs and assessment methods for business improvements and services in the area.
260895
Tuesday, November 17, 1:00 PM · Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities
Wednesday, November 18, 10:00 AM · Committee on Law and Government
Wednesday, November 18, 1:00 PM · Committee on the Environment
City to Sign 4-Year Contracts with Major Waste Management Firms under Certain Terms and Conditions
Philadelphia is set to sign 4-year contracts with Waste Management, Republic Services, and ReWorld Sustainable Solutions to collect and dispose of municipal waste, with the option to extend for up to 3 more years.
260794
City to Enter Agreements with Vendors to Process and Market Recyclable Materials
City Council approves deals with vendors to process and market recyclable materials, boosting the city's recycling program. The agreements are the result of a comprehensive request for proposals from the Sanitation and Procurement Departments.
260793
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
New Department of Planning and Development Created with Cabinet-Level Director
Council Members Unveil Plan to Merge City Agencies, Create Cabinet-Level Post for First-Ever Director of Planning and Development Amid Growing Concerns Over Affordable Housing Shortage in Philly Neighborhoods.
140721
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Strengthen Penalties for Crimes Motivated by Hate Against LGBTQ Community Members
This bill adds a new Chapter to The Philadelphia Code that defines hate crimes and increases penalties for committing them.
140720
Landlords and Tenants Must Provide Each Other with 60 and 30 Day Notice
Philadelphia Renters Get a Break as Council Approves Longer Notice Periods, Now Landlords Must Warn Tenants Sixty Days Before Price Hikes Take Effect. The new rules aim to protect low-income families from sudden rent increases.
140716-A
City Council Proposes Creation of New Authority to Boost Philly's Global Economic Reach Immediately
City Council introduces plan to create International Trade and Investment Authority, aiming to boost Philadelphia's global economic reach through defined responsibilities in the city charter.
140724
Council Targets Commercial Areas in Tenth District with Stricter Building Standards Mandate
Tougher rules for Philly's storefronts: a proposed law would subject 300+ businesses in the Tenth District to regular inspections and costly upgrades, sparking debate among owners who worry about increased expenses.
140723
City Officials Set to Redraw Zoning Maps for Neighborhoods Along Rising Sun Avenue and Surrounding Roads
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Property Taxes Under New Bill Aimed at Funding City's Affordable Housing Efforts The proposal would increase taxes on properties worth $500,000 or more, with some homeowners seeing a 50% jump in their annual tax bills to help finance the city's affordable housing initiatives.
140719
Philadelphia Bans Toy Guns That Look Too Real Without Safety Features
This law prohibits selling, possessing, or using toy guns that look like real ones unless they meet specific safety requirements such as bright colors, transparent materials, and a blaze orange plug.
140718-A
City Council Targets Tax Break Loopholes for Owners Who Live Rent Free in Philly Homes
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Soon Be Forced to Pay Their Fair Share as Council Proposes Closing Loophole Allowing Some Owners to Live Rent-Free and Claim Tax Breaks.
140717
City Council OKs Plan to Refinance Bonds Worth Millions With Help From Philly Authority's Financial Muscle
A plan to save taxpayers millions is headed to Mayor's desk as Council votes to let city partner with Philly Authority on refinancing effort, potentially shaving off nearly $6 million from debt costs.
140715
City Council Orders Installation of Traffic Signal on Parkside Avenue at 50th Street Intersection
This bill authorizes and directs the installation of a traffic signal on Parkside Avenue at the intersection of North 50th Street.
140722