This week in Council

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 Proposes Stricter Requirements for Expediter Licenses Amid Concerns Over License Revocations and Crimes

Proposal to Raise Minimum Wage for City Contractors Moves Forward Despite Resistance from Business Groups A Philadelphia City Council measure would require companies that receive city contracts to pay their workers at least $15 an hour, affecting thousands of construction and service industry employees who work on public projects.

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Philadelphia Zoning Code Gets Major Overhaul with Removal of Outdated Provisions

This bill updated Philadelphia's Zoning and Planning Code by removing expired provisions and revising several areas, including definitions, administration, overlay districts, use regulations, and development standards.

150766

Zoning Changes Repealed in Downtown Philadelphia Neighborhood Bounded by Green, Second, Spring Garden, Third Streets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

Ridge Avenue Merchants Face Changes as City Updates Overlay Zoning Rules for Neighborhood Business Area

This bill amends overlay zoning rules in a specific neighborhood along Ridge Avenue to make related changes.

150722

Hermitage Street to Shurs Lane: City Adopts Zoning Map Changes

Proposed Ban on Single-Use Plastics Sparks Debate among Philly Businesses; Council members are pushing for an end to straws, bags, and other disposable items in local restaurants and stores.

150721

City Council Tackles Foreclosure Crisis with Bill Clarifying Vacant Home Definition and Maintenance Requirements

Homeowners facing foreclosure could see a glimmer of hope as City Council proposes changes to the city's Property Maintenance Code, potentially sparing them from costly fines and penalties. The proposed updates aim to exempt occupied foreclosures from strict maintenance rules.

150719

Philadelphia Council Passes Zoning Change in Ludlow Street Area

Philadelphia Residents Face Higher Parking Fees As City Council Passes Ordinance to Boost Revenue from Downtown Lots The new fees will cost drivers $4 per hour in most city-owned parking garages.

150705

Minors Prohibited from Soliciting Contributions on City Roadways, Tougher Penalties for Permitters

Under proposed new rules, parents and guardians of minors caught panhandling on Philly roads could face fines up to $1,000, while the minors themselves might get counseling instead of arrest.

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New Residential Buildings in Philadelphia Must Install Food Waste Grinders Under New Law

Residents of Philadelphia's newly constructed homes will be forced to adopt a high-tech approach to reducing their trash starting next week, as a new law mandating food waste grinders takes effect.

150651

City Inspectors Gain Access to Vacant Properties as Council Passes New Maintenance Code Reform

This bill requires vacant property owners to allow City inspections upon reasonable notice, with certain terms and conditions.

150650

Permit Holders Must Notify Neighbors Before Issuing As-Of-Right Building Permits in Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Philadelphia homeowners who plan to build anew could soon have to get permission from their neighbors, under a new proposal that aims to curb neighborhood disruptions and preserve character.

150643

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.

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City Council Passes New Zoning Rules to Regulate Home Outdoor Spaces

Rooftop residents would soon have easier access to outdoor spaces under a proposed city ordinance, which aims to clarify balcony and deck regulations for homeowners in Philly's dense neighborhoods.

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