Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 20 to February 26, 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
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".
150008
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.
150005
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.
140944
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.
140747
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.
140230
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
150148
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.
150146
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.
150145
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.
150149
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.
150144
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.
150147