Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 13 to March 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Voters Set to Decide Fate of LGBT Affairs Office in Upcoming Special Election This Fall
Council Approves Plan to Create New Office for Philly's LGBT Community, Paving Way for Special Election This Fall; Measure Now Heads to Voters Who Will Decide on Office's Fate.
150216
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Hold Property Owners Liable for Hazardous Streets Across the City
Property owners across Philadelphia could soon be held liable for hazardous streets not owned by the city, under a proposed amendment to the Home Rule Charter. The Department of Streets would enforce remediation and recoup costs from property owners.
150219
Center City Sidewalk Vendors Face Uncertain Future as Designated Spots are Eliminated Suddenly
Under a new proposal, popular street food carts and merchants who line Center City sidewalks may soon be forced to find new spots, leaving some worried about their livelihoods as the city aims for a sleeker look.
150218
City Mandates Trash Cans and Recycling Bins for Large Buildings Starting This Summer
This bill updates the city's property maintenance code to require owners of properties with 10+ dwelling units to provide designated containers for trash and recycling.
150217
City Council Moves to Redraw Zoning Maps for Large Section of North Philadelphia Neighborhood
Small Businesses Fear Eviction as Proposed Bill Allows Major Development on Bustling South Street Corridor; Property owners are pushing back against the measure citing concerns about gentrification and displacement.
150215
Philadelphia Installs Red Light Cameras at Busy 2nd Street and Erie Avenue Intersection
Drivers navigating one of North Philadelphia's most congested intersections will soon face increased scrutiny as city officials prepare to install cameras that can ticket drivers who run red lights on 2nd Street and Erie Avenue. The new technology aims to reduce accidents at the notoriously hazardous intersection.
150214
Red Light Cameras Installed at 26th Street and Penrose Avenue Intersection
This bill authorizes the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of 26th Street and Penrose Avenue to prevent red light violations.
150213