Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 6 to February 12, 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-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 Employers Mandated to Offer Paid Leave Options Starting This Summer Season
This bill requires Philadelphia employers to provide employees with paid and unpaid leave for personal and family health needs.
141026
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Landlords Ordered to Disclose Smoking Policies to Tenants in Thousands of City Apartments
Landlords in thousands of city apartments will be required to inform tenants about their smoking policies, adding transparency for residents. The new disclosure must detail the building's policy on individual dwelling units.
150097
Council sought to add surveillance cameras outside main exits at concert venues.
Concert venues and other high-capacity businesses in Philadelphia must install surveillance cameras outside main exits starting next year, a new requirement from the city.
150096
West Philadelphia Overlay District Created with New Zoning Regulations Signed into Law
This bill creates a new zoning overlay district in West Philadelphia called the WWA West Washington Avenue Overlay.
150091
Philadelphia Council Expands Options for Smokers in City Establishments Under New Rules
Under new rules, some Philly restaurants and bars will be allowed to have indoor smoking sections, but only if they're enclosed spaces that don't share air with non-smoking areas or outside spaces.
150090
Council proposed stricter airport ground-handling service permit requirements.
Companies providing ground-handling services at Philadelphia airports must now obtain a city permit before offering those services, and could face permit revocation under certain conditions. Ground-handling providers are required to get the permit from the city in advance of service.
150093
Truck Parking Ban Takes Hold On Busy Cottage Street Neighborhood Near Harbison Avenue Intersection
Residents of the Cottage Street neighborhood are breathing a sigh of relief as a new city ordinance goes into effect, limiting truck parking on their narrow street to ease congestion and improve safety.
150095
Council Gives Sewer Contractors Extra Time to Meet Revised Deadline for City Plan Changes
Sewer contractors breathing sigh of relief as Council passes measure granting extra time to comply with city's updated plan, but some critics warn delay may further slow long-stalled infrastructure projects.
150094
Metal Staircase Expansion Clears City Hurdles for Homeowner Lisa Lombardo at 2400 South Woodstock Street Location
Homeowners with disabilities in Philadelphia will soon have easier access to their homes, thanks to a new rule that allows for exterior metal staircases like the one Lisa Lombardo is building at her South Philly residence. The city has just approved changes to its zoning laws that enable residents like Lombardo to build these ramps on their property lines.
150092
City Council Approves Plans for New Exterior Stairs at 1700-14 Chestnut Street Development
This bill allows a property owner to build and maintain an exterior staircase at their Chestnut Street location under specific conditions.
150089