Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 23 to October 29, 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
City Council Advances Plan to Redraw Zoning Maps in Bustling Callowhill Neighborhood
This bill changes the zoning designation for a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by Spring Garden Street, 9th Street, Callowhill Street, Franklin Street, Vine Street Expressway, Vine Street, and Broad Street.
150666
City Hall Mandates Recording of Survey Plans and Plats Amid Push for Transparency in Development Process
Long-sought changes to Philly's development rules could boost transparency as city planners unveil plan to record survey plans and building blueprints in a public database, sparking hope for more accessible information on new construction projects.
150645
Developers Must Notify Commerce Director on Certain Industrial District Permits
This bill requires developers to notify the Director of Commerce when applying for certain permits in industrial districts, to ensure that business and economic interests are considered in planning decisions.
150499
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Mandates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in New Developments Across City
This bill requires new developments in Philadelphia with residential use and 20+ parking spaces to include electric vehicle charging stations in a certain percentage of those spaces.
150814
Council proposes changing zoning designations for Northeast Philadelphia area along Cottman Avenue.
Northeast Philly neighborhoods face changes as City Council proposes reworking local land use laws with new zoning map updates for several streets. Zoning designations would be altered in a bounded area, affecting multiple intersections.
150811
City Unveils Plan to Acquire Land Along Delaware River for Public Recreation Use and Trails Expansion
This law allows the City to buy or take land along the Delaware River and the Delaware River Trail for public recreation use.
150818
Employers Must Consider More Factors When Screening Job Applicants with Criminal History
Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed legislation that gives employers a harder look at past crimes, forcing them to consider the severity of offenses when deciding who to hire or license.
150815
Philadelphia Approves Plan to Issue Water and Wastewater Bonds for Major Infrastructure Upgrades
A $500 million bond package would finance major upgrades to Philadelphia's water treatment plants, benefiting over 1.6 million residents who rely on safe drinking water and sewage services daily.
150813
City Council Clears Way for Sale of Bonds to Finance Water and Wastewater System Upgrades
Philadelphia residents can expect rate hikes on their water bills to help pay off a massive bond sale, which will fund long-overdue upgrades to the city's crumbling water and sewage infrastructure. Homeowners and businesses may see increases as early as next year.
150812
Council proposed zoning change for areas bounded by Adams Avenue and surrounding streets.
North Philadelphia neighborhoods are getting a zoning overhaul as City Council approves changes to land-use designations in specific areas bounded by key streets. The alterations affect zoning maps for certain parcels of land.
150810
City Council Approves Renewal of Comcast Cable Franchises Across Four Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill authorizes the City's Managing Director to renew Comcast's cable television franchises for four areas in Philadelphia under certain terms and conditions.
150809
Philadelphia Repeals Tax Lien Provision Allowing Corporations to Buy Up City Commercial Properties at Discounted Prices
Philadelphia scraps a provision allowing corporations to buy up city commercial properties at discounted prices due to unpaid tax liens, in a move aimed at reforming the city's tax lien sale process.
150808
City Approves Changes to City Plan No. 195, Revisions to Webb Street Boundaries
This bill allows the city to revise a portion of City Plan No.
150817
City Hall OKs Plan to Redirect Water and Gas Mains Through Portion of Northeast Philly Neighborhood
This bill allows the city to remove a section of right-of-way reserved for water and gas mains on City Plan No.
150816
City Cancels 25-Foot Easement Along Former Hamilton Street Between Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets
This bill allows the city to cancel a 25-foot easement along former Hamilton Street between Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets.
150807
Newsstand Owner Gets Green Light to Install Electrical and Phone Conduits
This bill allows a newsstand owner to install electrical and telephone conduits on his property at 17th street and Ranstead street, under certain conditions.
150806