Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 1 to May 7, 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 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
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
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
Food Vendors Must Provide Separate Waste and Recycling Bins for Customers
Dirty secrets will be harder to hide in Philly restaurants: a new city regulation requires eateries with take-out food to set up designated trash cans outside their doors.
150198
Donation Bins in Philly Require License and Property Owner Permission
Philadelphia Residents With Outstanding Parking Tickets Will Soon Face Heavier Fines as Council Votes to Raise Penalties for Unpaid Tolls. The new law aims to combat rampant unpaid parking tickets that have left the city with millions in lost revenue.
150079-AA
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Tax Exemptions Remain Locked In Once Set by Longtime Owner Occupant Program
Under proposed changes, Philly homeowners locked into LOOP tax breaks won't see their benefits revoked by rising market values, but could still switch to a more lucrative homestead exemption if they meet certain requirements.
150445
Philadelphia City Council Approves PGW's $115 Million Capital Budget Amid Strict Funding Guidelines
Philadelphia's struggling low-income residents are set to benefit from an expanded eligibility threshold for PGW's energy assistance program under a new city council-approved plan, tripling the number of households receiving aid this winter. Philly homeowners can breathe easy after a long-awaited delay on sewer rate increases was lifted by the city council, but some community leaders warn of im
150442
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Ease Short-Term Rental Rules as Tourism Booms Across the City
Local Business Owners Could See Spike in Competition as Proposed Bill Allows More Philly Neighborhoods to Host Short-Term Rentals, Wiping Away Years of Restrictions that Favored Certain Areas Over Others.
150441-A
Woodland Avenue Gets New Business District Allowing Sidewalk Vendors with Special Licensing Rules
Small Business Owners Cheer as Council Passes Bill Creating First-Ever Street Art Market on South Street, Bringing Vibrant Murals to the Neighborhood's Busy Commercial Corridor.
150439-A
Council proposed tax on businesses using school district real estate to support general school purposes
Philadelphia businesses will face a new tax on using or occupying city real estate, with the Philadelphia School District generating revenue for general school purposes. The tax rate has not been specified in the legislation.
150438
Philadelphia Council OKs Extension of Gas Supply Contracts Without Advance Approval
A measure passed by Philadelphia City Council expands power over city gas supplies, allowing the facilities management corporation to negotiate deals without council oversight - a move critics argue undermines accountability.
150443
Philadelphia City Council Votes to Transform Troublesome Intersection on Norcom Road and Nature Road into Safer All-Way Stop Zone
This bill requires all-way stop signs to be installed at the intersection of Norcom Road and Nature Road in Philadelphia.
150444
Council Moves to Rename Civic Center Boulevard as Raymond G Perelman Way Honors Philanthropic Legacy
Philadelphia's Civic Center Boulevard is set to be renamed Raymond G. Perelman Way in honor of the local businessman and philanthropist who made transformational gifts to Philadelphia's cultural, educational, and healthcare systems. The name change is intended as a tribute to his legacy of giving back to the city.
150440