Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 27 to March 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
Montrose Street and 17th-18th Streets Zoning Changes Affect Local Land Use
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas near Montrose Street and 17th-18th Streets.
150050
City Mandates Energy and Water Tracking for Larger Commercial Buildings Across Philadelphia
Commercial property owners, including major corporations and real estate firms, will soon be forced to reveal their energy-hungry habits as a new city law expands tracking requirements for buildings over 50,000 square feet.
150011
Zoning Changes Take Effect in Northeast Philadelphia Neighborhood Bound by Front, Oxford Streets
This bill changes the zoning maps for a specific area of Philadelphia to reflect new zoning designations.
150007
Zoning Maps Change for Land in Midtown Philadelphia Area
This bill changes the zoning designations for some areas of land in Philadelphia by adjusting boundaries and labels on the city's zoning maps.
141031
Philly Council Adopts Zoning Changes for Area Between Market Street and Haverford Avenue
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations in a specific area bounded by Market Street, 48th Street, Haverford Avenue, and 46th Street.
140936
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council Adopts Finalized $3.8 Billion City Budget for FY16 Amid Some Cuts and New Spending
Philadelphia's homeless population will be impacted by a proposed plan to close two shelters on North Broad Street, citing rising costs and declining occupancy. The move would leave around 100 residents without immediate housing options.
150164
City Adopts $2.7 Billion Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2016
Taxpayers will foot the bill for a new police headquarters in West Philly, part of a $2.7 billion budget plan approved by City Council today that includes upgrades to city buildings and transportation systems.
150163
City Council Approves Six Year Roadmap for Major Infrastructure Projects Across Philadelphia
This bill established a 6-year capital program (2016-2021) for the City of Philadelphia, outlining projects and funding for infrastructure development.
150162
Philadelphia Code Revised to Adjust Wage and Net Profits Tax Rates for Residents and Businesses
Philadelphia Small Businesses Hit Hardest by New Ordinance Mandating Free On-Site Recycling Bins; Owners Citing Costs as Major Concern Amid Ongoing Economic Strains
150167
Valet Parking Zone Boundaries in Center City Philadelphia Revised Under New Ordinance
This bill adjusts the boundaries and fees for valet parking zones in Center City Philadelphia.
150172
Philadelphia Council Moves to Streamline Vending Spaces in Bustling South 9th Street Curb Market Area
South Philly Street Vendors Face New Rules: Council Proposes Limits on Daily Fees Amid Complaints of Price Gouging from Local Business Owners.
150171-A
East Passyunk Businesses Get Green Light for Larger Roof Signs Amid Zoning Overhaul
Local business owners along East Passyunk Avenue are poised to benefit from relaxed zoning rules that will soon permit larger rooftop signs, a move seen as a boon to struggling storefronts in the vibrant commercial corridor.
150170
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Sharpen Focus on Industrial Uses in Mixed-Use Districts Across City
Local business owners will have to choose between storefronts or warehouses as city council tightens rules for industrial areas, forcing developers to prioritize manufacturing over retail space in mixed-use districts. Some fear this shift could hurt small businesses.
150168
Philadelphia School District Wins Power to Levy Tax on Industrial Properties in City Limits
Philadelphia's industrial properties will be subject to a new tax, allowing the School District to impose fees on commercial and industrial real estate for general school purposes. Council President Clarke and Councilmember Jones sponsored the measure.
150166
City Council Advances Plan to Hike School Property Tax by 25% Starting Next Year
Philadelphia Residents Face Possible Double-Digit Rent Hikes as City Council Considers Bill Allowing Landlords to Pass Through Rising Property Taxes onto Tenants.
150165
City Set to Streamline Property Transfers with New Redevelopment Authority Partnership Plan Unveiled
Philadelphia Homeowners May Face Higher Property Taxes as Council Considers Bill to Levy Fees on Vacant Houses The measure would charge owners of vacant homes a yearly fee to cover costs associated with maintaining these buildings, affecting thousands of property owners across the city.
150161
Philadelphia Set to Issue Bonds for Capital Projects as City Looks to Refinance Existing Debt
Taxpayers may see a relief on their property tax bills if City Council passes a measure allowing the city to refinance over $1 billion in outstanding debt, saving an estimated $40 million annually.
150159
City Seeks Approval for New Bonds to Refinance Outdated Gas Works Debt Obligations
Proposed Parking Tax Hike Could Hit Local Businesses Hard as Council Considers Increased Levy on Employees' Paychecks; Owners say extra costs will stifle growth in city's commercial districts.
150160
Philadelphia City Signs 10-Year Sublease Agreement for Market Street Office Space
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to enter into an amended sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for office space at 701 Market Street.
150169