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Weekly recap

This week in Council

September 19 to September 25, 2014

10 introduced0 became law0 failed or vetoed

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

Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Environment·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 11, 2015

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.

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Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2014

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 12, 2015

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.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Sep 25, 2014

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2014

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 23, 2014

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 13, 2014

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 20, 2014

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.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 9, 2014

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.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

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.

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