Weekly recap
This week in Council
January 16 to January 22, 2015
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Targets Abandoned Vehicles With Multiple Parking Tickets, Owners Risk Impoundment
This bill amends the city's towing and immobilization laws to allow for removal or immobilization of vehicles with three or more delinquent parking tickets or those where the city cannot obtain registration information.
150013
City Mandates Energy and Water Tracking for Larger Commercial Buildings Across Philadelphia
Commercial property owners, including major corporations and real estate firms, will soon be forced to reveal their energy-hungry habits as a new city law expands tracking requirements for buildings over 50,000 square feet.
150011
Philadelphia Posts Missing Person Alerts on City Websites and Social Media Sites Daily
Philly residents are one step closer to staying informed about missing loved ones: a new city policy will automatically post daily Missing Person Alerts on all major city websites and social media channels.
150009
City-funded projects must prioritize hiring Philadelphia residents under new law
Philadelphia's Small Business Tax Rate Would Drop 50% in Five Years Under City Council Proposal for New Microbusiness Development Initiative. This would give thousands of entrepreneurs a significant financial break, potentially creating more jobs and opportunities for low-income residents.
150010
Philadelphia Rental Property Owners Face Hike in Annual Licensing Fees Under New City Code Changes
Under new regulations, small landlords will pay up to $150 more per year for licenses, while large corporations could shell out an extra $1,500 annually; impacted owners say the hike is "unfair".
150008
Zoning Changes Take Effect in Northeast Philadelphia Neighborhood Bound by Front, Oxford Streets
This bill changes the zoning maps for a specific area of Philadelphia to reflect new zoning designations.
150007
Parking Restrictions Imposed on Fairmount Avenue and Nearby Streets
This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia: Fairmount Avenue and 18th Street, Melon Street and 15th Street, and 4th Street and Thompson Street.
150006
Council Seeks Public Vote on Creating Independent Panel to Guide City's Pre-K Expansion Plans
Council Seeks Public Vote on Creating Independent Panel to Guide City's Pre-K Expansion Plans: Under the proposal, voters would decide whether to create a new commission that would develop a comprehensive plan to expand pre-k programs citywide, potentially benefiting thousands of young families.
150005
Philadelphia City Council Votes to Implement Two-Hour Parking Limits in Four Busy Neighborhoods
Parking limits will be imposed in four Philadelphia neighborhoods, restricting parking time to two hours from Monday to Friday between specified hours. Affected areas include streets near 45th and Spruce, Cedar and 47th, 34th and Brandywine, and Farragut and Walnut.
150004
City Kicks Bank of America and Citibank Out as Official City Funds Depositories Amid Controversy Over Rate Manipulation Practices
Philadelphia's city funds will no longer be deposited into Bank of America or Citibank due to allegations of interest rate manipulation that led to financial losses for municipal entities. The city has filed lawsuits against the banks over the LIBOR scandal.
150002
City Contracts for Indigent Defense Limited to Three Philadelphia Organizations
City Council tightens control on city-funded lawyers, requiring approval of contracts with three approved firms handling indigent defense cases, a move critics say will stifle competition and boost costs for taxpayers. Local advocates warn of uncertain impact on low-income clients.
150001
Philly Officials OKs Plan Revision, Sets Conditions for Krams Avenue Alteration
This bill allows for a revision to the Philadelphia City Plan by removing part of Krams Avenue from the map.
150012
Pennsylvania University Gets Green Light to Build Temporary Pedestrian Bridge over Civic Center Boulevard
A new path forward for Penn students: Philadelphia City Council approves plan for temporary pedestrian bridge over Civic Center Boulevard, giving University of Pennsylvania access to convention center campus.
150003