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Weekly recap

This week in Council

October 10 to October 16, 2014

7 introduced5 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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Became law

Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2014

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2014

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.

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City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2014

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2014

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2014

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.

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Newly introduced

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

Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2014

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 20, 2014

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 20, 2014

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.

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Education·LapsedIntroduced Oct 16, 2014

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 20, 2014

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 20, 2014

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.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2014

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.

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