Weekly recap
This week in Council
January 30 to February 5, 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
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
Businesses Earning Tax Credits Swell to 10 Times Previous Level Under New Code Amendment
Philadelphia's Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credits Soar as City Council Approves Expansion of Incentive Program Benefiting Local Investors and Community Developers, Triggering Widespread Investment in Underfunded Projects.
141028
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
150076
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.
150075
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.
150080
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.
150078
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.
150074
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.
150079-AA
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.
150077