Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 20 to March 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
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 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
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
Philadelphia Council Expands Options for Smokers in City Establishments Under New Rules
Under new rules, some Philly restaurants and bars will be allowed to have indoor smoking sections, but only if they're enclosed spaces that don't share air with non-smoking areas or outside spaces.
150090
Philadelphia Businesses Get Boost as City Expands Green Roof Tax Credit Program Amid Growing Stormwater Concerns
Philadelphia property owners with green roofs could soon see their utility bills decrease as a result of expanded tax incentives, while residents concerned about flooding may have less access to the program under new caps.
150078
City Council Signs Law Regulating Interactive Public Installations
Neighborhood residents who've long complained about the noise from giant music-enabled art sculptures may soon see some relief as city council passes new rules limiting large interactive public installations in quiet areas.
140907
Philadelphia Updates Zoning Code to Allow Large Digital Displays in Select Areas
Philadelphia's streets will soon be illuminated with larger-than-life digital ads, courtesy of a new zoning law that clears the way for sprawling Urban Experiential Displays to pop up in designated areas across the city.
140906-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Terrace Street neighborhood zoning designations changed by new city ordinance
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood.
150236
Military Service Public Employees to Get More Retirement Options Under Revised City Code
Philadelphia Public School Teachers Could See Significant Pay Raises Under Proposed Council Resolution, Which Aims to Bring Teacher Salaries More in Line with Peers in Surrounding Districts.
150235
Philadelphia Council Mandates $1000 Minimum Pension for City Firefighters After 20 Years on the Job
Rising pension costs force city to limit benefits for new police officers: after January 2025, all rookies will have to pay into the pension system themselves from day one.
150234
Pennsylvania University to Renovate Historic Mellon Building at 3457-59 Walnut Street
Philadelphia's Affordable Housing Crisis Hits Home for Low-Income Renters: A proposed new law would raise the annual income cap for Philly Housing Authority tenants by 20%, affecting 1,400 struggling families.
150232
Germantown Avenue Neighborhood Zonings Set for Change as Council Proposes New Land Use Designations
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas within a specific area bounded by Germantown Avenue, School House Lane, Greene Street, and Armat Street.
150239
Shipon Gets Permission to Open Sidewalk Café on Queen Street
This bill allows Alvin Shipon to set up an open-air sidewalk café at 342-344 Queen Street, with specific rules for tables and seating.
150238
City OKs Outdoor Café Permit for Popular Ridge Avenue Eatery Property Owner
Small Business Owners Rally Behind Proposal to Hike Minimum Wage for City Workers A new law would raise the minimum wage for city employees from $12 an hour to $15 over the next two years, affecting over 3,000 municipal workers in Philadelphia.
150237
Free Library of Philadelphia and City Sign Deal to Occupy Space in Iconic Rodin Market Building Downtown
This bill allows the Free Library of Philadelphia and Public Property Commissioner to sign a sublease agreement with PAID (Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development) for space in the Rodin Market building at 2000 Hamilton Street.
150233