This week in Council

City Expands Retirement Benefits for Thousands of City Workers Including Union Members

Low-Income Renters Face Higher Taxes on Unoccupied Properties, Says New Proposal; Under the proposal, owners of vacant properties would see a significant tax hike if they fail to secure tenants for at least one year within 12 months of vacancy.

140741

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.

140718-A

Council Proposed Tougher Security Measures for Commercial Buildings Across Entire City

Philadelphia's commercial buildings would be subject to new rules governing security devices that obstruct front entrances under a bill introduced by Councilmember Henon. The proposal aims to regulate such devices citywide.

140893

City Council Signs Law Regulating Interactive Public Installations

Neighborhood residents who've long complained about the noise from giant music-enabled art sculptures may soon see some relief as city council passes new rules limiting large interactive public installations in quiet areas.

140907

Philadelphia Updates Zoning Code to Allow Large Digital Displays in Select Areas

Philadelphia's streets will soon be illuminated with larger-than-life digital ads, courtesy of a new zoning law that clears the way for sprawling Urban Experiential Displays to pop up in designated areas across the city.

140906-A

Northeast Philly Zoning Overhaul Unveiled: Adams to Aramingo Avenues Get Major Land Use Makeover

City Council Introduces Affordable Housing Incentives: Landlords Who Offer Rent-Controlled Units Can Expect Increased Tax Breaks and Exemptions from Parking Requirements.

140901

Zoning designations changed in area bounded by Tacony Street, Bridge Street, and Delaware River.

Frankford Residents Fear New Zoning Changes Will Bring Higher Density Housing to Tacony Street Corridor Next Month, Sparking Concerns About Traffic, Parking, and Community Character.

140895

Philly Codifies Licensing Rules for Rental Properties, Vacant Lots, and Waterfront Structures

Philadelphia residents could save thousands on licensing fees as City Council proposes major overhaul of cumbersome permitting process for small businesses and homeowners.

140892-A

Council Proposes Changes to North Philly Zoning Laws along 33rd Street to Oxford Street Corridor

A proposed zoning overhaul for a stretch of 33rd Street could bring more bars and restaurants, but also displace long-time residents who fear gentrification is pricing them out of their neighborhoods. Small business owners are torn about the potential benefits.

140889

Zoning Maps Altered in Area Bounded by 33rd Street, Lehigh Avenue and Others

This bill changed the zoning maps for a specific area of Philadelphia to new zoning designations.

140888

Zoning Changes Made to Specific Neighborhood Near 33rd and Diamond Streets

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood.

140887

Philadelphia Allows Select Bars to Apply for Smoking Waivers Under New Ordinance Guidelines

A new proposal would exempt some Philadelphia bars from the city's indoor smoking ban, allowing them to offer patrons a designated smoking area on their premises.

140886

Philadelphia Lawmakers Suspend Key Business Regulations Pending State Approval for Emergency Powers

This bill suspends the effectiveness of certain sections of Philadelphia's laws related to businesses, trades, and professions, as well as individual conduct and activity, until state authorizing legislation is enacted.

140904

Philadelphia City Council Tackles Dumpster Regulations with New Rules on Recycling and Medallion Use

Philadelphia Residents Face Higher Parking Fines as Council Votes to Increase Penalties for Illegally Parked Cars in Residential Areas and Meter Zones.

140903

City Plans Big Change for Northeast Philly Neighborhood as Cayuga Street Set to be Swapped for Sewer Tunnels

A 100-year-old Northeast Philly street is poised to be erased from official maps as part of a massive infrastructure project aimed at upgrading the neighborhood's aging sewer system. Cayuga Street will disappear in favor of underground tunnels, affecting multiple homeowners and businesses along its route.

140902

City Partners With Titan 360 For Coordinated Street Furniture and Advertising Program Across Philadelphia Streets

Philly's streets are about to get a major facelift as the city prepares to install hundreds of new bus shelters and benches through a lucrative partnership with outdoor advertising giant Titan 360 Outdoor, LLC.

140897

City to Lease Small Parcel of Land on Baltimore Avenue to Philadelphia Authority

This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to lease a small parcel of city-owned land on Baltimore Avenue between 39th and 41st Streets to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, with further sublease allowed.

140885

Council Votes to Loosen Zoning Rules Allowing Firehouses and Police Stations Near Residential Areas

Firehouses and police stations can now be built near residential areas under revised zoning rules authorized by Councilmember Bass's bill. The changes aim to facilitate placement of safety services establishments with incidental vehicle storage.

140908

LaRosa Gets Greenlight for Outdoor Café on Christian Street as Council Approves Permits

Small Business Owners Could Face Higher Taxes Under Proposed City Levy Hike, Council Votes to Raise Tax Rate on Commercial Properties by 10% to Fund Public Services.

140905

Vestibule Permits Issued with Conditions for North Philly Property Owner at 4632 N 5th Street Intersection

Philadelphia's Zoning Code Overhauled as City Council Votes to Streamline Approval Process for Small Businesses, Lowering Costs by Thousands New rules would exempt businesses with less than five employees from lengthy permitting processes, but critics argue it undermines community input on development projects.

140900

City Council Approves Somerset Street Property Owner's Request for Encroaching Stairway Permit

Philadelphia Rent Control Advocates Decry Proposed "Rent Freeze" as Too Little, Too Late for Affordable Housing Crisis

140899

City Council Clears Way for New Concession Deal at Philly Airport After 7-Year Review

Philadelphia's airport is about to get a major makeover: City Council just voted to give the keys to one company to oversee everything from airport snacks to souvenir shops.

140898

Philadelphia to Rezone Portion of Broad Street in South Philly as Right-of-Way for Utilities Revised

Broad Street in South Philly will lose a 10-foot section from Geary Street to 105 feet southward, with the city reserving a right-of-way for water main and public utility purposes.

140896

Trucks Banned from Princeton Avenue During Daytime

Philadelphia homeowners rejoice: proposed zoning law blocks large-scale development in South Philly, safeguarding neighborhood character and affordability for long-time residents. This measure targets areas zoned RM-1, limiting projects to 6 units or fewer, a move advocates say will prevent gentrification and preserve community identity.

140891

Trucks Banned From Parking On Saint Vincent Street Through Roosevelt Boulevard in Bustling Northeast Philadelphia Neighborhood

Neighbors in East Torresdale are breathing a sigh of relief as a new city law aims to curb speeding trucks rumbling down residential streets, particularly on narrow Saint Vincent Street near Roosevelt Boulevard's notorious traffic hotspots.

140890

Philadelphia School Tax Code Gets Boost as S Corps' Profit Calculations Get Major Overhaul

This bill amends a city law to change how 'Net Income' is calculated for certain types of businesses (S corporations) when it comes to paying Philadelphia's school tax.

140884

Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code Update Delayed as Effective Date Shifts to Midsummer

Landlords and homeowners will have more time to comply with new property maintenance regulations as a key deadline for enforcing stricter code requirements is now set to take effect mid-summer. The delay affects thousands of Philadelphia property owners, including many in low-income neighborhoods.

140894