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Weekly recap

This week in Council

February 20 to February 26, 2015

6 introduced5 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

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 26, 2015

Philadelphia Rental Property Owners Face Hike in Annual Licensing Fees Under New City Code Changes

Under new regulations, small landlords will pay up to $150 more per year for licenses, while large corporations could shell out an extra $1,500 annually; impacted owners say the hike is "unfair".

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 26, 2015

Council Seeks Public Vote on Creating Independent Panel to Guide City's Pre-K Expansion Plans

Council Seeks Public Vote on Creating Independent Panel to Guide City's Pre-K Expansion Plans: Under the proposal, voters would decide whether to create a new commission that would develop a comprehensive plan to expand pre-k programs citywide, potentially benefiting thousands of young families.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 26, 2015

City Waives Registration Fees for Family and Group Day Care Centers Amid Ongoing Zoning Reform Efforts

Philadelphia's youngest residents get a financial break as the city scraps registration fees for family and group day care centers, but owners still foot the bill for costly hearing processes.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 26, 2015

Philadelphia Residents to Decide Fate of Mandatory Language Access Plans in City Agencies

Language barriers could soon be a thing of the past for thousands of Philly residents as a proposed charter amendment aims to make city services accessible to non-English speakers in their native tongues.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 26, 2015

Philadelphia Voters Set to Decide Fate of Proposed Commission for Women in Upcoming City-Wide Election

This bill proposes a city-wide vote on creating a Commission for Women to promote policies and programs that advance equal rights and opportunities for women in Philadelphia.

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Newly introduced

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

Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 16, 2015

City Council Moves to Shut Down Sidewalk Vending Zones in Center City Amid Renewed Safety Concerns

This bill eliminates previously designated locations in Center City where vendors can sell goods on sidewalks, under certain terms and conditions.

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Education·LapsedIntroduced Feb 26, 2015

City Council Proposes Tax Break for Businesses Investing in Local Job Training Initiatives Today

Philadelphia businesses that contribute to job training programs for students could soon receive a tax credit under a new proposal by Councilmember Johnson. The bill aims to incentivize local investment in employable skills education.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 8, 2015

Temple University's Border Gets Major Zoning Overhaul as City Approves New Construction Projects

After years of debate, a swath of North Philly near Temple University is getting a zoning facelift, paving the way for major development in the shadow of Main Campus' iconic clock tower.

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Budget & Finance·FailedIntroduced Feb 26, 2015

Council seeks to extend tax exemption application deadline from March 31 to June 1 for 2016 tax year.

Nonprofits in Philadelphia now have until June 1st next year to apply for a tax exemption, extending the original March 31st deadline for Tax Year 2016. The change affects organizations seeking exemptions under Section 2-305 of the City's Property Assessment Code.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2015

Philadelphia Tightens Real Estate Tax Exemption Rules, Requires More Detailed Property Documentation

This bill modified the process for real estate tax exemptions in Philadelphia, requiring more documentation and stricter rules for what types of properties can be exempted.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Feb 26, 2015

Council sought to impose nighttime no-stopping zone on Henslow Place block

Philadelphia residents on the 7400 block of Henslow Place will be prohibited from stopping their vehicles between 10pm and 6am. The new no-stopping zone is set to take effect immediately.

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