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Weekly recap

This week in Council

January 30 to February 5, 2015

7 introduced3 became law0 failed or vetoed

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

Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Environment·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Became law

Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

City Government·LapsedIntroduced Feb 5, 2015

Council proposed stricter hotel rental regulations to combat human trafficking in Philadelphia.

Hotels in Philadelphia are now required to maintain a registry of room assignments to combat human trafficking. Rentals at less than the daily rate or hourly rates, often used by traffickers, have also been banned.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Feb 5, 2015

Philadelphia Hotels Forced to Train Employees to Spot Human Trafficking Signs Amid Growing City Concerns

Philadelphia hotels will be required to train employees on spotting human trafficking signs, a move aimed at tackling the growing concern in the city. The training must cover identifying victims and activities.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Feb 5, 2015

City Council Sets Stage for Faster Permits at Higher Cost Under New Review Rules Proposal

Philadelphia developers will now pay a minimum $1,000 upfront cost for expedited building permits under new rules that aim to speed up the review process. The changes set deadlines for city reviews and inspections.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2015

Philadelphia Businesses Get Boost as City Expands Green Roof Tax Credit Program Amid Growing Stormwater Concerns

Philadelphia property owners with green roofs could soon see their utility bills decrease as a result of expanded tax incentives, while residents concerned about flooding may have less access to the program under new caps.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 12, 2015

Sidewalk Vendors in Sixth Councilmanic District Must Obtain Special License to Sell

This bill amends Philadelphia's 'Sidewalk Sales' law to regulate sidewalk vendors in the Sixth Councilmanic District.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned May 7, 2015

Donation Bins in Philly Require License and Property Owner Permission

Philadelphia Residents With Outstanding Parking Tickets Will Soon Face Heavier Fines as Council Votes to Raise Penalties for Unpaid Tolls. The new law aims to combat rampant unpaid parking tickets that have left the city with millions in lost revenue.

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Budget & Finance·LapsedIntroduced Feb 5, 2015

Love Park Garage Sale Proceeds to Fund City Services Amidst Avenue of the Arts Deal

Philadelphia City Council President Clarke, along with Councilmember Goode, authorized transfers to the General Fund from the Grants Revenue Fund for city services. The transfer is contingent on the sale of the Love Park Parking Garage and a four-year agreement with Avenue of the Arts North and South.

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