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Weekly recap

This week in Council

November 6 to November 12, 2015

22 introduced4 became law0 failed or vetoed

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

Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Environment·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Became law

Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 12, 2015

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

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 12, 2015

City Council Launches Initiative to Amplify Philly's Diverse Music Scene with New Commission Creation Efforts

This bill creates the Philadelphia Commission on The Music Industry to promote and support the city's music scene, including classical, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and more.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 12, 2015

Philadelphia Introduces New East Callowhill Overlay District to Foster Walkability and Green Spaces Throughout the Neighborhood

East Callowhill residents could soon see more pedestrian-friendly streets, parks, and green roofs under proposed changes that aim to transform the neighborhood into a model for urban sustainability in Philadelphia.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 12, 2015

Landlords and Tenants Must Provide Each Other with 60 and 30 Day Notice

Philadelphia Renters Get a Break as Council Approves Longer Notice Periods, Now Landlords Must Warn Tenants Sixty Days Before Price Hikes Take Effect. The new rules aim to protect low-income families from sudden rent increases.

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Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

City Council Votes to Redraw Zoning Map Around Busy North Philly Corridor

This bill changes the zoning designations for a specific area in Philadelphia bounded by Allegheny Avenue, 17th Street, Westmoreland Street, and 19th Street.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

Zoning Designations Changed in Section of Philadelphia Bounded by South Street and Washington Avenue

This bill changes the zoning designations in a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by South Street, 6th Street, Washington Avenue, and 11th Street.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

Zoning Changes Unveiled for Northeast Philly Neighborhood Boundaries Along Roosevelt Boulevard

Roosevelt Boulevard's north side is poised for redevelopment as council introduces changes that could bring new businesses and housing to long-neglected parcels along the highway, sparking concerns about gentrification.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

Changes Philadelphia Zoning Maps in Specific Neighborhood Area

This bill changes the zoning maps for a specific area in Philadelphia bounded by Conshohocken Road, Country Club Road, Wentworth Road (Extended), Lankenau Avenue, and Cranston Road.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

City Council Votes to Protect Historic Neighborhood with New Roxborough Conservation Overlay Zone Established

Philadelphia's South Street will get a boost from a city council-approved measure increasing the number of parking spaces available along the corridor by 300, a move aimed at alleviating congestion.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

City Council Proposes Zoning Shifts Around Shedwick Street, Commissioner Street, 34th Street, and Indiana Street Boundaries

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations for areas around Shedwick Street, Commissioner Street, 34th Street, and Indiana Street.

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Budget & Finance·LapsedIntroduced Nov 12, 2015

Council Proposes Shift of Funds to General Fund for Fiscal Year 2016

City Council has approved a plan to transfer $15 million from various funds to the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2016, balancing city finances. The funds will be shifted from sources including the Department of Revenue and the Free Library of Philadelphia.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

City Sets Stage for Potential New Developments on Ruth Street with Land Transfer Deal

Philadelphia Residents Could Soon Be Paying More to Park in Popular Lots as Council Weighs New Fees for Privately Owned Parking Spaces; The proposal would increase parking fees in 22 city-owned lots from $3 to $6 per hour.

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Community & Neighborhoods·LapsedIntroduced Nov 12, 2015

Zoning Maps Overhauled as City Council Votes to Change Land Designations on Northeast Philly Blocks

Northeast Philly residents may soon see changes in their neighborhood's zoning after City Council voted to alter land designations in a specific area bounded by Rising Sun Avenue and nearby streets.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

City Moves to Buy Up Land Along Delaware River and Trails for Public Recreation Spaces

Philadelphia Residents Could Pay More for Trash Collection with Proposed New Fees on Commercial Properties; Small businesses would bear the brunt of increased costs under a proposed trash collection fee hike.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

Changes Zoning Designations for Land Along Atlantic Street and Old York Road

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations for areas around Atlantic Street, Old York Road, Tioga Street, and 13th Street.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

Zoning Changes Made for Neighborhood Near 37th and Sansom Streets

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for certain areas of land in a specific neighborhood.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Nov 12, 2015

Council proposed stricter green roof requirements for buildings near Schuylkill River waterfront.

This bill amends the city's zoning code to revise the development standards and definitions for green roofs in specific areas of Philadelphia.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

City Prepares for New Development with Paving of Gates Street and Cross Street Ahead

This bill authorizes the city to pave Gates Street and Cross Street in a specific area due to new residential development.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

City Officials Move Bill to Redirect $ From Grants Fund To General Fund In Budget Shuffle

This bill authorizes transfers of money from one fund to another within the city's budget for Fiscal Year 2016.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

City of Philadelphia Set to Lease Land near Philly International Airport for Next 50 Years

The City of Philadelphia is authorized to lease and purchase a 21.8-acre parcel of land from Tinicum Township adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport, with a 50-year term.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

Edgemont Street Struck from City Plan and Delaware Expressway Right-of-Way Lines Revised

Philadelphia's city map is getting an overhaul: Edgemont Street will officially disappear from its designated spot, while nearby expressway boundaries get realigned along Pennsylvania's borders, affecting property owners near I-95.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

Sidewalk Vendors Barred from Southern Side of Hunting Park Avenue through Bakers Square Center

A new proposal would ban street performers and hawkers from selling wares on the busy stretch of Hunting Park Avenue near Bakers Square Center, sparking concerns about lost revenue for local entrepreneurs.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

City Officials Revise Cross Street Layout to Conform with Existing Conditions and Allow for Wider Cartway

Resident-Owned Businesses Face Higher Parking Fees under Proposed New Ordinance; Small Shops on South 13th Street Say Increased Costs Could Devastate Their Bottom Line.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

City Council Gives Green Light for Last-Minute Shifts Within Shaky Water Fund Budget

Philadelphia's water customers are on the hook for nearly $8 million in last-minute budget shuffles, courtesy of a City Council vote that greenlights emergency transfers within the already-strained Water Fund.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2015

City Transfers Funds Within General Fund to Support Offices and Departments for Fiscal Year 2015

Philadelphia homeowners could see a slight increase in taxes next year as City Council debates proposal to raise property tax rate by 1%. The hike would fund a $25 million boost for public schools, the largest school district in Pennsylvania.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Nov 12, 2015

Philadelphia Zoning Maps Undergo Overhaul as Major Neighborhood Rezoning Effort Takes Shape Today

Philadelphia's zoning maps are set to change as City Council proposes altering land designations in a specific neighborhood bounded by major streets. The affected area includes Stenton Avenue, Eastburn Street, Rodney Street, and others.

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