Weekly recap
This week in Council
January 23 to January 29, 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
Became law
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
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Parking Restrictions Imposed in Multiple Philadelphia Neighborhoods Under New City Ordinance
Angry drivers are hitting the brakes as new parking restrictions take effect on popular streets like Carlisle, Evergreen, and Gravers Lanes, limiting parking time to just two hours.
150059
Parking Regulations Established on Three Philadelphia Streets for Limited Hours
Get ready to move your car on Camac Street, Church Lane, and Westmoreland Street as drivers will now face two-hour parking limits every weekday morning." The new rules aim to improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion in these busy Philadelphia neighborhoods.
150058
Mobile Food Vendors to Get Regulated Under New City Ordinance
Mobile food vendors in Philly face new regulations defining their operations, amid a growing street food scene. City Council's proposed rules aim to bring order to the increasingly popular industry.
150057
Mobile Food Vendors Get Green Light in Philadelphia Under New City Regulations
This bill updates Philadelphia's laws to allow mobile food vendors in certain areas, adding exemptions and definitions for their use and regulation.
150056-A
Neighborhoods Get New Parking Rules: Time Limits and Restricted Days Hit Christian Street to Clarion Street Avenues
This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific Philadelphia neighborhoods, with rules like two-hour time limits and restricted days for parking.
150055
City Tax Credit Offers Relief to Low-Income Families with Young Children in Qualified Preschool Programs
Low-income families with young children in qualified preschool programs may soon receive tax relief through a new credit and refund program, helping them offset costs for early childhood education. The plan establishes standards for eligible programs and procedures for participants.
150051
Montrose Street and 17th-18th Streets Zoning Changes Affect Local Land Use
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas near Montrose Street and 17th-18th Streets.
150050
Thomas Jefferson University Gets Green Light to Install Bollards on Locust Street
Residents along Locust Street may soon see a new safety measure as a local university gets permission to install illuminated street posts outside its flagship building, sparking debate about aesthetics and crime prevention.
150054
Homeowner Wins Approval to Keep Emerson Street Retaining Wall After City Review
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Save Big on Water Bills Under New Council Proposal Council members aim to slash water rates for low-income households by 50% in a bid to make affordable housing more feasible, targeting over 25,000 residents struggling to pay their bills.
150053
City Playground on East Indiana Avenue Officially Renamed Hope Park to Reflect Community Renewal Efforts
This bill renames a City of Philadelphia-owned playground on East Indiana Avenue as 'Hope Park' to reflect the community's commitment to making it a clean and safe space for children.
150052