This week in Council

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 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

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

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

Zoning Changes Loom for Kensington Avenue Neighborhood Land Use Designations Up for Review

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for certain areas bounded by Kensington Avenue, Letterly Street, Jasper Street, and Hagert Street.

150124

West Philadelphia Overlay District Created with New Zoning Regulations Signed into Law

This bill creates a new zoning overlay district in West Philadelphia called the WWA West Washington Avenue Overlay.

150091

Neighborhood Zoning Overhaul Affects Area Bounded by Front, Amber, and several City Streets

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood.

150289

City Begins Removing Abandoned Bicycles from Public Spaces After Owner Notification Period

This law requires inoperable bicycles to be removed from public right-of-way after 10 days.

150287

Council proposes zoning changes for a Philadelphia area bounded by Mifflin Street, 8th Street, Dudley Street, and 9th Street.

This bill proposes to change the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Philadelphia, specifically within an area bounded by Mifflin Street, 8th Street, Dudley Street, and 9th Street.

150286

City Imposes Tougher Rules on Urban Experiences Amid Growing Concerns Over Community Impact

Large public art installations must now make a deal with city officials before going up, committing thousands of dollars in funding for community programs in surrounding neighborhoods. Local artists say it's a compromise between creative freedom and social responsibility.

150285

Zoning Changes Adopted in Philadelphia Neighborhood Bounded by Tulip Street, Tucker Street, Memphis Street, and Albert Street

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations in a specific area of the city bounded by Tulip Street, Tucker Street, Memphis Street, and Albert Street.

150284

Two-Hour Parking Restrictions to Be Enforced on 6th Street Between Christian and Carpenter Streets

Philadelphia's Small Business Owners Face Higher Taxes as City Council Passes Bill Increasing Commercial Property Tax Rate by 2% for Second Year in a Row. The new tax rate will bring an estimated $4 million increase in revenue, but small business owners worry about the economic burden on their already-struggling shops and restaurants.

150283

Automated Red Light Cameras Authorized at Belmont and Parkside Avenues Intersection

This bill authorizes the installation of automated red light cameras at the intersection of Belmont and Parkside Avenues to prevent red light violations.

150278

Council proposed new rule for construction waste disposal when costs top $10,000

Construction debris exceeding $10,000 in costs must now be placed in special construction dumpsters under new city code regulations aimed at streamlining waste management.

150276

City Council Introduces New Parking Restrictions for Five Philadelphia Neighborhoods to Ease Congestion and Boost Local Economy

This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, requiring two-hour parking during certain hours on weekdays and prohibiting parking on weekends.

150271

Philadelphia Council Sets Parking Rules on Key City Streets Including Catharine Street Corridor

Residents along busy Catharine Street will soon face stricter parking rules as city council votes to limit parking to just 2 hours from 10am-6pm on weekdays, citing congestion concerns.

150269

Council Proposes Shift From Housing Licenses to Rental Permits in 2015 Amid Fire Safety Overhaul

City landlords are facing a major shake-up as council members push for a switch from annual licenses to $45 permits, sparking concerns about added costs and bureaucratic headaches for small property owners.

150266

City Approves Plan to Sell Commercial Tax Liens to Aid Cash-Strapped School District Finances

Tighter purse strings at City Hall could ease the financial strain on Philly's schools as a new measure OKs selling off unpaid business taxes to boost school coffers. The move aims to inject millions into cash-strapped district finances.

150265

City Council seeks to clarify permit requirements, fine structures, and fee scales.

Philadelphia's Administrative Code is being updated to streamline the building permit process and clarify fines and fees.

150275

Parking Restrictions Established in Neighborhoods Near 18th and 20th Streets

This bill establishes new parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods, including restrictions on how long drivers can park their cars and when they are allowed to do so.

150270

Philadelphia's Zoning and Planning Code Gets Technical Overhaul With Minor Changes

This bill makes technical and clarifying changes to Philadelphia's Zoning and Planning Code, including definitions of terms like 'subdivision' and 'vehicle fueling station', as well as procedures for public hearings and notice requirements.

150264

Philadelphia Zoning Designation Change Affects Specific Block Bound by Mifflin, 8th, Dudley, and 9th Streets

This bill changes the zoning designation of a specific area in Philadelphia from Mifflin Street to 9th Street.

150288

West Side 12th Street Parking Limit Introduced to Regulate 2-Hour Time Spans

Drivers parking along the west side of 12th Street between Tasker and Morris Streets will be limited to two hours daily from 8am to midnight, Monday through Sunday.

150282

Rexford Road Parking Restrictions Take Effect Limiting Two-Hour Parking to Peak Hours Daily

This law establishes parking regulations on Rexford Street in Philadelphia, requiring two-hour parking from 6am to 10pm, Monday through Saturday.

150281

Council Seeks to Tighten Parking Rules Along Parkside Avenue Near 52nd Street.

This bill establishes parking regulations on Parkside Avenue between 52nd and 51st Streets, allowing two-hour parking from 9am to 10pm, Monday through Sunday.

150280

Parking Restrictions Established on Smick and Fountain Streets in Philadelphia

This bill establishes two-hour parking restrictions on Smick Street and Fountain Street from 6 PM to 6 AM, Monday through Sunday, with some exemptions.

150279

Parking Restrictions Imposed Near 57th Street and Lansdowne Avenue with Two-Hour Limit

Drivers on 57th Street and Lansdowne Avenue will face stricter time limits starting tonight as city council implements new parking restrictions aimed at easing congestion in the rapidly developing neighborhood. Business owners have long complained about limited parking options.

150277

Philadelphia Officials Revise Capital Plan Adding New Projects and Funding Sources Across City

New funding will pour into Philly schools, with $10 million earmarked for West Philly's Mastery Charter Schools, but critics say the allocation favors charter over traditional public education. A proposed tax hike on sugary drinks could raise millions for Philadelphia parks and recreation, but opponents argue it unfairly targets low-income communities.

150274

City Council Amends Fiscal 2015 Capital Budget with Changes to Certain Projects and Funding

This bill amends the Fiscal 2015 Capital Budget to add and revise certain projects, amounts, and sources.

150273

City Transfers Funds to Various Departments and Services for Fiscal Year 2015

Philadelphia's roads are set for a major facelift as City Council approved funding to repair crumbling streets, upgrade public property, and bolster community programs benefiting low-income families and small businesses. Over $10 million in city funds will be redirected to support these initiatives.

150272

Newsstand Owner Gets Green Light to Drill Conduits for Power and Phones on Busy E. Levick Street Corridor

This bill allows a newsstand owner to install conduits for electricity and phone service at their stand on East Levick Street.

150268

City Council OKs Street Vending on Busy North Philly Block Amid Concerns Over Safety and Sanitation

Residents on a bustling North Philadelphia corner are about to see a change: street vendors will be allowed to set up shop on the 5500 block of North 13th Street, bringing new food and goods options to the area. Small business owners nearby worry that the influx of vendors will bring increased competition for parking and sales.

150267