Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 13 to November 19, 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.
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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
Capital Program for Philadelphia Expanded with New Projects and Funding Sources Added
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Higher Water Bills Under New Council Measure A proposed bill aims to increase the city's water rate hikes to help pay for aging infrastructure repairs, impacting thousands of residents with fixed incomes or struggling to afford housing costs. Philly Small Businesses Would Pay More in Taxes Under Proposed Council Ordinance A new proposal seeks to boost Philadel
150790
City Expands Retirement Benefits to More Workers Including Some AFSCME Union Members in Housing Department
Low-Income Families to See Rent Hikes Under Proposed Council Bill Allowing Luxury Apartments in Neighborhoods Zoned for Affordable Housing The proposal would allow developers to build luxury apartments in neighborhoods currently zoned for affordable housing, sparking concerns over rising rents for low-income families.
150720
Council Okays 2 Million Dollar Transfer To Boost Energy Efficiency in City's Affordable Housing Units
Low-income Philadelphians could see lower utility bills as city council votes to pour $2 million into energy-efficient retrofits for 1,000 at-risk homes. The program will prioritize properties in disrepair, keeping families safe from mold, lead, and heat-related hazards.
150653
Mayfair Neighborhood Improvement District Established with Special Property Assessments Authorized
This bill establishes a neighborhood improvement district in Mayfair, allowing for special property assessments to fund improvements like cleanliness, safety, and beautification.
150348
City Council Bill Would Let Philly Water Customers Pay Delinquent Bills in Installments
Low-Income Philadelphians Could Get a Reprieve from Sky-High Water Debt Under Council Plan, but Some Critics Warn of Unintended Consequences for Small Businesses.
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Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Cranes Under Scrutiny as Council Moves to Toughen Safety Regulations for Mobile Equipment
City Council moves to strengthen safety regulations for mobile cranes, adding new rules on insurance, signaling, and rigging duties for operators in construction zones across Philadelphia. The updated code aims to mitigate potential hazards associated with these heavy equipment vehicles.
150897
New Permit Parking District 35 Established in Philadelphia with Roosevelt Boulevard Boundaries
This bill creates a new Permit Parking District 35 in Philadelphia.
150895
Council sought to allow SEPTA to install digital signs near subway entrances
SEPTA will soon unveil digital ads at subway entrances across Philadelphia after City Council authorized the move. The signs will be constructed on public right-of-way at various train and rail entrances.
150900
City Council Approves Plan to Vacate Portion of Byberry Road at Philadelphia-Bucks County Line
This bill authorizes the vacating of Byberry Road in a specific area near the city limit with Bucks County, requiring owners and the City to meet certain conditions within two years.
150899-A
Parking Ban Established on Delmar Street Between Mansion Street and 230 Feet East Thereof
Resident complaints prompt sudden shift in parking rules: as of today, drivers must avoid Delmar Street's eastern stretch to alleviate congestion and safety concerns for pedestrians.
150898
City Council Redraws Permit Parking Lines on South Philly Streets Near Schuylkill River Waterway
Residents near the Schuylkill River Waterway will soon have to adapt to new permit parking rules as City Council redraws the lines on South Philly streets, affecting thousands who pay for coveted spots. Neighbors may find themselves on the wrong side of a newly drawn boundary.
150896
Pedestrian Walkway Removed, Utility Infrastructure Reconfigured Along Former Thompson Street
This bill allows for the removal of a pedestrian walkway and some utility infrastructure from a city map in a specific area of Philadelphia.
150894
Green Street Homeowner Gets Go-Ahead for Concrete Stairs and Landscaping Makeover
A long-awaited renovation of a Green Street home is finally underway, thanks to a city council vote that clears the way for a concrete staircase and lush new landscaping - but only if it doesn't encroach on the sidewalk too much.
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