Weekly recap
This week in Council
April 17 to April 23, 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 Taxpayers Get Temporary Reprieve from Interest and Penalties Amid Assessment Appeals
This bill amends tax laws to pause interest and penalties on property taxes when a taxpayer appeals their assessed value, as long as certain conditions are met.
150197
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
Mobile Food Vendors Get Green Light in Philadelphia Under New City Regulations
This bill updates Philadelphia's laws to allow mobile food vendors in certain areas, adding exemptions and definitions for their use and regulation.
150056-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Officials Push 5-Cent Fee on Single-Use Plastic Bags to Cut Down on Philly Waste
Philadelphia retailers could soon face a new fee: a 5-cent charge on single-use plastic bags provided at checkout for food and other purchases. Consumers will pay the extra cost in an effort to reduce waste and promote reusable bags.
150373
City Council Gives Green Light to Massive Overhaul of Market Street East Shopping Hub
This bill approves a plan to redevelop the Market Street East Urban Renewal Area in Center City Philadelphia, including rehabilitating The Gallery at Market East as a mixed-use retail center.
150378
Market Street Pedestrian Bridge Construction Gets Green Light Amid Controversy Over Private Ownership Rights
Local businesses along Market Street are celebrating a major infrastructure upgrade, but residents and advocacy groups are sounding alarms over a provision allowing a private firm to control public access to a beloved pedestrian bridge. A contentious new law poised to change the face of Philadelphia's streetscape is set to take effect next year, sparking debate over who should have control over p
150377
Real Estate Deal Makers Barred from City Jobs Handling Vacant Land as Council Weighs Conflict of Interest Measures
Councilmember Bass introduces bill to ban real estate professionals from city jobs handling vacant land, citing potential conflicts of interest in decisions affecting City-owned properties.
150381
City Council Approves TIF Funding for Major Revamp of Market East Shopping Hub
This bill creates a Tax Increment Financing District in Center City Philadelphia, specifically the area around Market East, to support redevelopment and urban renewal.
150380
Market Street East Retail Area Added to Philadelphia Zoning Code with New Sign Regulations
New Regulations Coming to Center City's Busiest Streets: Proposed Changes to Sign Codes Could See a Spike in Billboard Removals Along Market Street and Surrounding Neighborhoods. Property Owners Must Comply with New Zoning Code by Year's End.
150379
City Council Clears Way for Revamp of Iconic Gallery Mall Shopping District along Market Street
Small Business Owners Alarmed as City Council Votes to Permit Major Redevelopment of Bustling South Street Corridor A contentious bill to relax zoning restrictions on several blocks of South Street, a hub for local shops and restaurants, has been approved by the city council despite opposition from many long-time merchants and residents.
150376
City Officials Given Green Light to Sign Deals for Redevelopment of North Market Street Properties
This bill authorizes officials to sign agreements and make decisions for the redevelopment of properties on Market Street between 8th and 11th Streets in Philadelphia.
150375
City Council Gives Green Light to Gallery Neighborhood Improvement District Plan
Small Business Owners Cheer as City Council Passes Bill Requiring Philly Restaurants to Post Food Safety Ratings Online The new law forces restaurants with poor safety records to prominently display their failing grades on menus and websites, sparking debate over transparency vs. public shaming.
150374
Farmers' markets cleared to operate at new locations around Philadelphia under new law.
A new wave of fresh produce is coming to Philly streets as City Council passes legislation to create seven additional farmers markets across neighborhoods, promising a boost for local food access and small business owners.
150372
City Signs Sublease Deal for South Philly Office Space Used by Multiple Municipal Call Centers
The City Council authorized a sublease agreement between the city and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to use office space at 2800 S.
150370
Philadelphia Real Estate Professionals Ordered To Report All Commissions And Fees Earned From City Transactions
Philadelphia real estate professionals must now report all commissions and fees earned from City transactions to the Department of Revenue, as part of new requirements aimed at increasing tax collections. The move affects City real estate deals, where agents will submit business income and receipts account numbers to Revenue.
150369
Philadelphia's Campaign Finance Laws Get New Disclosure Rules
This bill updates Philadelphia's campaign finance laws to improve disclosure and regulation of political contributions and expenditures.
150368
City Set to Sell Troubled Kensington Avenue Site to PAID Amid Plans for Economic Revitalization
Kensington Businesses Face Uncertainty as Council Proposes New Rules Allowing Food Trucks in Residential Areas, Stoking Debate Over Zoning and Noise Concerns.
150371
City Agrees to Sell Key Germantown Avenue Site to Boost Economic Development Efforts Overnight
A long-vacant lot on Germantown Avenue is poised to be redeveloped after the city agreed to sell the site to a public agency, potentially bringing new businesses and jobs to the neighborhood's struggling commercial corridor.
150367