Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 10 to October 16, 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
Became law
City Limits Street Parking for Large Vehicles and Vending Carts to 15 Days Only
Philly residents fed up with oversized parking jobs will see relief: a new city law limits street parking for large vehicles and vending carts to just two weeks, starting this summer.
140650
Minimum Wage Hike and Tax Credits for New Jobs Signed into Law
A proposed overhaul of Philly's rent control law aims to shield low-income seniors from costly evictions, but critics warn it could stifle neighborhood revitalization efforts with its complex rules and exceptions.
140641
City Requires Developers To Disclose Full Ownership Details For Every Large Project Moving Forward
Philadelphia's largest developments will soon be under a microscope as city council passes new law mandating transparent ownership details for all major projects.
140640
City Council Gives Green Light for Two-Sided Farmers Market on Ryan Avenue Amid Protests Over Noise Concerns
Residents along Ryan Avenue face a double-edged harvest as City Council's approval paves the way for dual-sided farmers markets, but noise concerns from nearby residents remain unresolved.
140634
Philadelphia Farmers' Market Expansion Heads to City Council with New Location Near Pleasant Playground
A proposed ordinance would create a third farmers' market on the city's north side, drawing fresh produce to an underserved neighborhood where options are scarce; supporters say it will revitalize a neglected commercial corridor.
140520
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Proposes Loosening Zoning Rules For Payday Lenders In Bustling Center City East Neighborhood Area
This bill amends Philadelphia's zoning laws to allow personal credit establishments in the Center City East area under certain terms and conditions.
140804
Zoning Map Changes Signed into Law for Areas Bounded by Knights Road and Red Lion Road
Philadelphia Homeowners May Lose Right to Build Backyard Cottages Amid City Council Vote on Proposed Zoning Overhaul for Historic Neighborhoods A proposed city ordinance would eliminate the ability for property owners to build accessory dwelling units in 19 Philadelphia neighborhoods with historic designation.
140803
Group Daycares Restricted in Certain Residential Areas Under New City Law
Philadelphia Parents Concerned as City Council Passes Bill Limiting Home-Based Daycare Options, Mandating Licensing and Inspection for Remaining Facilities. Home-based daycare operators must now obtain licenses and undergo regular inspections under the new law affecting thousands of families relying on these services.
140802-A
Philadelphia City Council Taps Nicotine Tax Hike to Boost Funding for Local Schools
Councilmembers Reynolds Brown, Greenlee, and Blackwell push for higher taxes on electronic cigarettes and nicotine solutions to benefit the School District of Philadelphia's funding. The tax hike would also increase rates for existing tobacco products.
140801
Philadelphia Council Passes Zoning Map Changes in South Philly, Affecting Land Use Areas
This bill changes the zoning maps for a specific area in Philadelphia, altering the allowed uses of land within that area.
140799
Zoning Maps Altered as Council Approves Changes in Northeast Philadelphia Neighborhood Boundaries
Northeast Philadelphians brace for gentrification as city council votes to overhaul zoning maps, effectively opening doors to new development and potentially priced-out long-time residents in the neighborhood's most coveted areas.
140798
City Accepts Land Gift From School District Amid Plans for New Development at North Philly Site
A former North Philly school site is poised for redevelopment as the city accepts an 81-cent lot gift from the cash-strapped School District, sparking hopes for new businesses and jobs in the neighborhood.
140800