Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 17 to October 23, 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 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
Café Italiano Inc.'s Sidewalk Café Repeal Ordinance Signed into Law
This bill repeals a previous ordinance that allowed Café Italiano Inc.
140696
Developer Paul Stolfo Clears Path for New Broad Street Elevator After City Council Approval
After months of debate, the city council has given a green light to a new high-rise development on Market Street, despite concerns from nearby business owners who fear increased traffic and noise pollution will drive them out.
140691
Neighborhood Designations Changed in North Philly Area Bounded by Cedar and Venango Streets
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas within a specific neighborhood bounded by Cedar Street, Venango Street, Gaul Street, and Tioga Street.
140652
Philadelphia City Council Approves Hall Street Revision Amid Plans to Revamp City Road Maps Forever
This bill allows for a change to City Plan No.
140651
Zoning Maps Overhaul: City Council Votes to Revamp Land Use Rules Along Key Philly Roadways
This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Philadelphia, bounded by Oregon Avenue, Delaware Expressway, and Front Street.
140648
Zoning designations changed in South Street area near Spruce and Pine Streets.
Philadelphia's commercial corridors could get a major facelift as City Council debates a proposed overhaul of zoning regulations on South Street, potentially allowing for more dense development and taller buildings.
140647
City Council Votes to Redraw Boundaries of Area 1 and Area 2 in South Philly Zoning Regulations
A proposed rezoning of South Philly's Area 1 and Area 2 could displace long-time residents of two existing buildings, while also paving the way for new development in the sought-after neighborhood.
140646
Philadelphia Councilors Rewrite City's Zoning Maps to Revamp Land Use on Busy North Philly Corridors
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Property Taxes Under Proposed Bill Aimed at Increasing Revenue for Cash-Strapped City Services; Average homeowner could see 10% hike in annual tax bills.
140633
City Council Rewrites Rules for Yard Space Calculations in Multi-Street Fronted Residential Neighborhoods Across Philadelphia
Philadelphia Homeowners May See Increased Parking Fees As City Council Considers New Bill to Regulate Street Parking Spots Near Popular Bars and Restaurants
140487
City Council Tries Again at Tightening Reigns on Street Vendors in Bustling Center City Neighborhoods
This bill eliminates previously designated locations for sidewalk vendors in Center City and revises the list of areas where vending is not allowed.
140486
City Avenue Overlay District Sign Ordinance Revised to Limit Tenant Signage
This bill amends regulations for signs in the City Avenue Overlay District to limit size and number of signs per tenant.
130879
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council proposed law to boost local performing artists in city-funded events
Local artists to receive at least 10% of city funds spent on performing arts events. The new requirement aims to boost local talent in Philadelphia's cultural scene.
140833
City Council Votes to Grant Priority Loading Zones to Live Performing Arts Venues Around Town
Philadelphia's live performing arts venues are getting priority loading zones to make it easier for artists to load in and out of shows. Venues must meet specific requirements, such as hosting performances at least three days a week and hiring performers for 16 individual shows per week.
140832
Philadelphia's Zoning Code Revised to Allow Home Occupations in Residential Areas
Proposed Changes to Zoning Ordinance Would Allow More Home-Based Businesses in Philly Neighborhoods, But Some Residents Worry About Noise and Congestion for Historic Districts. Philadelphia Council Introduces Bill to Create "Micro-Brewery" Districts, Allowing More Bars and Breweries in Certain Neighborhoods Under New Entertainment Zone Proposal.
140831-A
Philadelphia Airport Ground Handlers Must Secure Labor Deals to Avoid Disruptions and Revenue Losses
Tens of Thousands of Philly Renters Could Be Affected by Proposed Bill Limiting Rent Increases on Vacant Properties A proposed measure would cap annual rent hikes for vacant apartments in Philadelphia at 3%, a move that could benefit renters but also deter property owners from investing in the city's housing market.
140829
Council sought to award Titan Outdoor LLC a contract for managing city's street furniture.
Philadelphia has entered into a concession agreement with Titan Outdoor LLC to manage street furniture like benches and kiosks under a public-private partnership, generating revenue for the city without raising taxes. The program aims to promote public transportation and local arts events.
140827
Council sought to create a new review process for historic properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
City creates panel to review historic properties, charges owners fees for designation on Philadelphia Register. Owners must provide information to City and pay fees for certain actions taken by Philadelphia Historical Commission.
140824
City Enters Multi-Year Contract for Updating and Digitizing Official Philadelphia Codes and Documents
Philadelphia's crumbling code books are getting a digital facelift: the city is signing on for years of upgrades and online access to everything from traffic laws to zoning regulations.
140830
Philadelphia Extends Deadline for Homeowners to Claim Tax Break After Missing Initial Filing Deadline
Thousands of Philly homeowners are breathing a sigh of relief as city officials push back the deadline to claim a crucial property tax break, offering a second chance for those who missed the initial cutoff. Their deadline looms: Feb. 17, 2015.
140828
City Grants Café Permit at Bustling Frankford Ave Corner, Bringing Outdoor Seating to Popular Spot
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Steep Fees for Trash Collection Amid Proposed New Ordinance Requiring Residents to Pay Upfront for Services. Under the proposal, residents who don't pay their annual trash collection fees by a March deadline could face late penalties and possible liens on their properties.
140826
City Council proposes $500,000 grant transfer for historic preservation projects in Philadelphia.
City Council has approved a transfer of $500,000 to the Philadelphia Historical Commission's budget. The funds come from the Grants Revenue Fund and will help restore the commission's financial stability.
140825