Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 29 to June 4, 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia School Board Seeks Power to Impose New Tax on Commercial Properties Downtown
Councilmembers Introduce Plan to Ban Single-Use Plastics in Philly Restaurants and Cafes Next Year Philadelphia businesses will have 12 months to switch from throwaway cups and straws as council members push for a ban on single-use plastics in restaurants and cafes throughout the city.
150535
City Council Approves Tax Hike on Real Estate Owners Effective Next Year
Property owners will face a 2.9-cent increase per $1,000 of assessed value under a new tax hike set to kick in next year, with the average homeowner expecting to pay around $10 more annually on their city real estate taxes.
150533
Council proposed increased floor area and height bonuses for environmentally friendly buildings.
Philadelphia buildings can now earn extra floor space and height permits if they achieve higher levels of LEED certification, under new zoning code amendments sponsored by Councilmembers Reynolds Brown and Squilla.
150540
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Strengthen Safety Rules for Exterior Stairs and Fire Escapes Across The City
Philadelphia property owners must now ensure regular safety inspections and report results for exterior stairs and fire escapes, posting warning signs about proper use. Violations will be penalized under new code requirements.
150538
City Council Increases Parking Tax Rate to 22.5% for Fiscal Year 2016 and Beyond
Drivers are in for a surprise as City Council votes to hike parking taxes, adding extra dollars to every parking ticket, toll bridge, and garage fee starting July 1st.
150534
City Sets Ground Rules for Airlines at PHL as Commerce Chief Gets Leasing Power
Riders in South Philly Neighborhoods Will Pay Less for Parking Thanks to City Council's New Meter Rules Council Passes Bill to Allow Electric Scooters on Bike Lanes After Company Agrees to Safety Improvements
150531
Council sought to clarify tax on banks' real estate use for school funding.
Banks in Philadelphia now subject to a tax on real estate use and occupancy, joining other property owners who fund schools through this tax. The new law affects banking institutions' city tax obligations.
150543
City Council Sends Proposed Changes to Emergency Management Office to Philly Voters in November Election Ballot
City Council sends proposed changes to Emergency Management Office to November ballot, giving voters a say in the agency's role and responsibilities.
150537
Philadelphia Council Signs Bill Altering Zoning Rules for Valley Green Road Properties
Philadelphia's Minimum Wage Could Soon Rise: City Council Proposes Hike to $15 an Hour, Impacting Thousands of Low-Income Workers Across the City.
150542
Trucks Banned from Parking on Gorsten Street in Northeast Philly Between Gorgas Lane and Vernon Road
Trucks will no longer be allowed to park at any time on the 6800 block of Gorsten Street, between Gorgas Lane and Vernon Road. The regulation was established by Councilmember Bass.
150541
City Council Axes Northern Liberties Auction's Permits for Spring Garden Street Sidewalk Encroachments
This bill repeals a previous law allowing Northern Liberties Auction to build on Spring Garden Street, essentially removing their right to an existing construction.
150539
Council sought to extend April 15, 2015, project deadline to April 15, 2017.
Deadline for project along Forty-Seventh Street extended to April 15, 2017, giving developers additional time to meet previous ordinance conditions. The original deadline was previously set for April 15, 2015.
150536