Weekly recap
This week in Council
June 5 to June 11, 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'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
Council Moves to Revamp Former Mount Sinai Site Zoning Rules Allowing Townhomes Downtown
This bill changes the zoning in a specific area around the former Mount Sinai Hospital to allow for new residential townhome development.
150355
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
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
New Department of Planning and Development Created with Cabinet-Level Director
Council Members Unveil Plan to Merge City Agencies, Create Cabinet-Level Post for First-Ever Director of Planning and Development Amid Growing Concerns Over Affordable Housing Shortage in Philly Neighborhoods.
140721
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Voters to Decide Fate of Independent Panel Focused on City's African-American Male Challenges
A proposal to create a city panel focused on addressing disparities in education, employment, and healthcare among African-American men could soon head to Philly voters; supporters say it's time for bold action to improve lives.
150573-A
Construction of Sewer on Waterloo Street to Begin Soon Amid Ongoing Sanitation Concerns
Construction is set to begin soon on a sewer in the Waterloo Street area, aimed at alleviating unsanitary conditions. The project will cover sections of Waterloo and Hewston Streets.
150572
City Council Gives Pedestrian Area Project on Pearl Street More Time To Meet Deadline Requirements
Developers of the highly anticipated Pearl Street pedestrian project will get an extra two years to finish construction after City Council voted to extend its deadline for meeting zoning requirements. The delay will give them until June 17, 2017 to complete the job.
150574
Liberty Property Gets Greenlight for Twin Newsstands and Utility Upgrades on Bustling Arch Street Block
Liberty Property has been given permission to set up two newsstands on Arch Street, with access to electricity, water, and other utilities. The company will also install underground connections for these services.
150571