Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 24 to October 30, 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
Council Amends City's 6 Year Capital Plan Adding New Projects Total Cost Rises By Over 2 Million Dollars
Philly's Five-Year Wish List Just Got a Whole Lot Longer: The city's capital plan is being overhauled with new construction projects and price tags that will push the total cost up by more than 2 million dollars.
140749
Philadelphia Council Adds Billions to Capital Budget with Wave of New Projects and Funding Sources
Philadelphia's capital budget is set to balloon by nearly $1 billion as City Council members approve a slew of new construction projects and alternative revenue streams to fund everything from parks renovations to police headquarters upgrades.
140748
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
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
City Sells Land on C Street to PAID Amid Plans for Redevelopment Project
This bill allows the Commissioner of Public Property to sell a portion of land and any improvements at 3300-98 C Street in Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID) with certain conditions.
140693
Air Gun Sellers Face Tougher Penalties, Possible License Suspension for Violating Law
This law increases penalties for selling non-firearm devices that forcefully propel pellets, such as air guns and spring guns, to minors.
140637
Council Tries to Fill Vacant Lots with New Bond Requirements for Large Abandoned Buildings
Philadelphia Could See Major Changes to Speed Up Zoning Approvals, Frustrated Developers Say "Streamlined" Process Would Slash Permit Wait Times from Months to Weeks, Boosting New Construction and Revitalization Efforts in Key Neighborhoods
140608
City Council Votes to Toughen Fire Safety Laws and Create Task Force to Tackle Vacant Properties Crisis
This law updates Philadelphia's Fire Code to improve fire safety and prevention, requires a task force to manage vacant properties, and creates online databases for tracking these properties.
140055
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council sought to strengthen Philadelphia's food licensing requirements with new health codes.
Councilmember Bass's bill sets new safety standards for Philadelphia food establishments, requiring them to have no outstanding health or safety violations before receiving a license from the city.
140865
South Street Neighborhood Zoning Map Overhaul Clears City Council Committee Approval
This bill changes the zoning designation for a specific area in Philadelphia bounded by South Street, 15th Street, Kater Street, and 16th Street to allow for a proposed development including residential units, retail space, and parking.
140857
City Council Proposes New Zoning District for Central Roxborough Area to Preserve Walkable Character
This bill creates a new zoning overlay district in the Central Roxborough area to preserve its walkable character and historic pattern.
140864
City Council Authorizes Emergency Funding Transfers Within General Fund to Support Key Municipal Offices and Services
Philadelphia residents will see increased staffing at the Parks and Recreation Department, thanks to a surprise vote that funnels nearly $1 million from the General Fund into the embattled agency. The move comes as summer recreation programs are set to kick off across the city.
140861
City Hotels Must Sign Labor Deals With Local Unions Under New City Ordinance Requirements
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney Signs Executive Order Requiring City Contractors to Hire More Local Workers
140860
South Street Revamp Unveiled As Council Votes to Redraw Philly Zoning Map Boundaries
Philadelphia's iconic nightlife strip could get a major makeover as city council votes to revamp zoning rules, paving the way for taller bars and restaurants along South Street's busy corridors. Small business owners are watching closely to see how it will impact their bottom line.
140859
City Council Gives Green Light for Lucien E Blackwell Community Center on South Philly Land Parcel Lease
The City Council authorized a 99-year lease of land from the Philadelphia Housing Authority to build the Lucien E.
140853
Philadelphia Aims to Reel in Rogue Drones with New Regulations on Surveillance and Use
This bill proposes regulations on the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in Philadelphia, including restrictions on surveillance and penalties for improper use.
140852
Philadelphia Updates Aging Property Codes Effective New Year to Bring Safety and Efficiency
This bill updates technical language in the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code, a set of regulations for maintaining and improving properties in Philadelphia.
140856
Water Fund Transfers Set in Motion as Council Approves $17 Million Shift Within City Water Department
Philadelphia's Low-Income Renters Get Reprieve on Eviction Filings Amid Ongoing Housing Crisis, Council Passes Measure to Suspend Filing Fees for 6 Months. This would halt eviction filings fees for six months for low-income renters struggling to pay rent in Philadelphia.
140862
Zoning Map Changes to Designate Area Near Broad Street as Commercial Zone
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps and parking regulations to change the zoning designation for a specific area bounded by Chancellor Street, 16th Street, St James Street, and 17th Street.
140858
City Prohibits Private Sales of Public Parking Spaces on City Streets
This law prohibits selling, leasing, or reserving public parking spaces on city streets to private individuals or companies.
140855
City Prepares to Accept Land Gift from School District in West Philadelphia Neighborhood
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to accept a donation of land from The School District of Philadelphia, located in an area bounded by Media Street, N.
140854
City Transfers Millions to Police Department Funding Amid Aviation Budget Crunch Continues
Millions in city funds meant for airport upgrades are instead being redirected to police budgets, raising concerns about priorities amid a cash-strapped aviation department's dwindling resources. The shift affects city services that rely on Aviation Fund dollars.
140863