Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 2 to October 8, 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
Public Businesses Must Display Gender-Neutral Signage for Single-Occupancy Bathrooms Under New Law
Starting Friday, Philadelphia's 3,000 plus small businesses must post "All Restrooms" or "Gender Neutral Bathroom" signs in their lone unisex stalls as part of a new city ordinance aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all customers.
150668
Holy Redeemer Expansion Plan Moves Forward With New Cafeteria and Office Space Added
A long-awaited upgrade to Holy Redeemer's healthcare facilities is one step closer to reality as city council greenlights plans to expand the skilled nursing building with modern amenities for residents. The renovation will bring much-needed space and services to seniors.
150615
Finance Director Ordered to Track Diversity on City Projects and Set Future Workforce Goals
City Contractors Must Pay Workers Stipend for Parking Permits After Council Votes to Boost Bottom Line Under new rules, contractors who bid on city projects will be required to pay construction workers a $20 monthly stipend for parking permits.
150614
Philadelphia Council Approves Revised Eight Billion Dollar Capital Spending Plan This Year
Philly taxpayers will shell out $50 million more to upgrade City Hall facilities under a revised capital spending plan approved by Council; the move is part of a larger $8.9 billion budget that allocates funds for schools, roads and public safety upgrades.
150611
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
City Prepares to Accept 6-Acre Donation to Expand Wissahickon Valley Park with Conservation Restrictions
This bill allows the city to accept a donation of a 6-acre parcel of land from Natural Lands Trust, Inc., and incorporates it into Wissahickon Valley Park.
150475
Temple University's Border Gets Major Zoning Overhaul as City Approves New Construction Projects
After years of debate, a swath of North Philly near Temple University is getting a zoning facelift, paving the way for major development in the shadow of Main Campus' iconic clock tower.
150145
Zoning Map Changes to Designate Area Near Broad Street as Commercial Zone
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps and parking regulations to change the zoning designation for a specific area bounded by Chancellor Street, 16th Street, St James Street, and 17th Street.
140858
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Council Targets Tobacco Sales in Healthcare Facilities with Strict New Regulations
Philadelphia City Council votes to ban tobacco sales at healthcare facilities, including pharmacies. Health clinics will no longer be able to sell cigarettes or e-cigarettes.
150742
Philadelphia's Food Establishments Must Meet New Licensing Requirements Under Updated Health Code Rule
This bill updates rules for food establishments to get a license in Philadelphia.
150749
Philadelphia Expands Recycling Program Adding Mandatory Separation of Recyclables in City and Private Waste Collection
Low-Income Philly Residents Get a Break on Water Bills Under New Council Proposal; Monthly Fees Would be Capped at 10% of Income, Ending Threat of Shut-Off for Thousands.
150748
Philadelphia Council Proposes Looser Building Rules For Green Roofs Across City
This bill allows for more densely populated buildings in certain areas if they have a green roof, which supports living vegetation and includes specific layers.
150745-A
Zoning Changes Unveiled Along 10th Street, Packer Avenue Corridor Amid Plans For New Development Spree
This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas in Philadelphia from existing to new classifications, which may allow different types of development or land use.
150744
Truck Parking Banned on West Chelten Avenue Between North Sixth and North Fifth Streets
Residents and business owners along a popular Main Line corridor are breathing a sigh of relief as a new city law blocks big rigs from parking on Chelten Avenue, starting today.
150743
Philadelphia Introduces Law to Combat Wage Theft, Establishing Wage Theft Coordinator
Small Business Owners Could Face Stiff Fines Under New Law Mandating Automatic Seismic Retrofits for Buildings Over 30 Years Old in Philly's Most Vulnerable Neighborhoods The law would require thousands of buildings across Philadelphia to undergo costly seismic retrofits, potentially crushing small business owners already struggling to stay afloat in the city's most economically vulnerable neighbo
150741
Zoning Changes Repealed in Downtown Philadelphia Neighborhood Bounded by Green, Second, Spring Garden, Third Streets
Tougher Rules for Philly's Big Developers: Council Proposes New Ordinance Requiring 25% Affordable Housing Units in Large Projects
150747
City Clears Way for Development on Callowhill Street Drainage Easement After Long-Standing Impasse
Callowhill residents who've been locked in a years-long battle over development plans will have a clearer path forward now that Council has voted to lift restrictions on building near their homes' outdated drainage systems.
150746