Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 13 to February 19, 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
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
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
Philadelphia Plans to Refund $700 Million in Existing Debt Through New General Obligation Bonds Issue
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to issue $700 million in general obligation bonds to refund existing debt, with proceeds used for various purposes such as infrastructure and city services.
141027
Children's Hospital Wins Approval to Build Sidewalks, Bridges, and Planters Along South Street
South Street Businesses Fear Loss of Parking Spots as City Council OKs Plan for Children's Hospital Sidewalk Expansion A proposal allowing the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to install new sidewalks, bridges, and planters on South Street has been approved by the city council, sparking concerns from local business owners about parking and accessibility.
140971
Philadelphia City Council Tackles Dumpster Regulations with New Rules on Recycling and Medallion Use
Philadelphia Residents Face Higher Parking Fines as Council Votes to Increase Penalties for Illegally Parked Cars in Residential Areas and Meter Zones.
140903
City Plans Big Change for Northeast Philly Neighborhood as Cayuga Street Set to be Swapped for Sewer Tunnels
A 100-year-old Northeast Philly street is poised to be erased from official maps as part of a massive infrastructure project aimed at upgrading the neighborhood's aging sewer system. Cayuga Street will disappear in favor of underground tunnels, affecting multiple homeowners and businesses along its route.
140902
Philadelphia Allows Select Bars to Apply for Smoking Waivers Under New Ordinance Guidelines
A new proposal would exempt some Philadelphia bars from the city's indoor smoking ban, allowing them to offer patrons a designated smoking area on their premises.
140886
Philadelphia Bars Given Limited Time to Apply for Smoking Waivers Under New Law
Smoke Break: Philadelphia Bars Can Now Apply to Light Up, But Only Those that Meet Strict Requirements Will Get the Green Light to Bring Back the Ashtrays.
140649
Philadelphia Council Bills Grant Smoking Waivers to Select Bars Amid State COVID Restrictions
Philadelphia Council Bill Eases Zoning Rules for Affordable Housing Projects, Sparking Concerns Over Community Displacement A proposed change to the city's zoning code would streamline permits for affordable housing developments, but critics warn it could lead to gentrification and displace long-time residents in vulnerable neighborhoods.
140635
Philadelphia Council Bill Would Temporarily Allow Some Private Clubs to Permit Smoking Indoors Again
Private club owners are breathing a sigh of relief as a proposed city council measure would temporarily suspend indoor smoking bans, allowing some establishments to reapply for exemptions and permit patrons to light up within their walls again.
140517
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Zoning Changes Loom for Kensington Avenue Neighborhood Land Use Designations Up for Review
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for certain areas bounded by Kensington Avenue, Letterly Street, Jasper Street, and Hagert Street.
150124
Finance Department Gearing Up for Major Fund Transfers Amid Tight Budget Deadline Looms
City Budget on Thin Ice as Council Approves $15 Million Mid-Year Shift, Sparking Fears of Service Cuts and Layoffs in Cash-Strapped Departments.
150122
Greener Pastures Approved for New Farmers Market on Southampton Road Under Strict Guidelines
This bill allows Greener Pastures LLC to operate a farmers' market at 1290 Southampton Road, with specific terms and conditions.
150123
Homeowner Gets Reprieve for Sidewalk Patio After Years of Debate over West Philly Property Line
A West Philadelphia homeowner has been given permission to keep a patio that extends onto the sidewalk at their property on Sergeant Street, with certain terms and conditions applied. The patio will be allowed under specific regulations after years of debate over the property line.
150121