Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 19 to February 25, 2016
Coming up: public hearings
Committees hear testimony before voting. Open any bill and tap the bell to get a reminder the day before.
Thursday, November 12, 10:00 AM · CITY COUNCIL
Philadelphia City Council Seeks Public Vote on Establishing Independent Child Welfare Oversight Board
Philadelphia City Council is seeking public approval to establish an independent child welfare oversight board through a referendum, which would amend the city's Home Rule Charter.
260076
Council Introduces Bill to Acquire Land for Public Parks Between Vine Street and Fairmount Avenue
City Council bill would allow the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire land in Fishtown for public parks, expanding recreational space in the neighborhood. The proposed development would be bounded by Vine Street, Fairmount Avenue, 8th Street, and 12th Street.
250807
Philly Contractors Hired to Collect Garbage Must Use Recycling Facilities Not Incinerators Anymore
Philadelphia contractors hired by the city must now use recycling facilities instead of incinerators when disposing of collected trash. The change aims to reduce waste sent to incinerators under new city regulations.
250768
Bill Aims to Relax Parking Requirements in Philadelphia's Commercial Mixed-Use District
Philadelphia's commercial mixed-use zoning rules have been overhauled to allow for more multi-family housing in certain areas under new zoning regulations approved by City Council. Changes will affect what types of buildings can be constructed and how they are zoned.
260516
Zoning Map Changes Set for Neighborhood Around St Joseph's Preparatory School This Week
Changes to zoning map and code amendments proposed for neighborhoods around St Joseph's Preparatory School, affecting areas bounded by Thompson Street, Girard Avenue, and others. Councilmember Young sponsored the bill.
260462
Zoning designations changing in Philadelphia area bounded by Wharton Street, Broad Street, Reed Street, and Carlisle Street.
Zoning designations in an area bounded by Wharton Street, Broad Street, Reed Street, and Carlisle Street will be changed to align with new zoning maps, as proposed by Council President Johnson and Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
260760
Zoning designations to be changed in area bounded by Wharton Street, 28th Street, Reed Street, and Newkirk Street.
Zoning designations in the Wharton Street to Newkirk Street area are set to change, shifting boundaries from existing designations on Map "A" to new ones on Map "B".
260759
Zoning designations for areas bounded by Roberts Avenue and Germantown Avenue proposed for change.
Councilmember Bass proposes changing zoning designations for areas bounded by Roberts Avenue, Germantown Avenue, and surrounding streets, as outlined in Maps "A1," "A2," and "A3".
260711
West Broad Street Businesses Exempt from Commercial Curfew with Limited Exception
Businesses along West Broad Street in the Eighth Councilmanic District will now be allowed to stay open until 6 a.m. under a limited exception to the commercial curfew, but violating the new hours will result in a $1,000 fine per day.
260710
Philadelphia's Eighth Council District Zoning and Land Use Overhaul Underway with New Overlay District Rules
Councilmember Bass is pushing to revise zoning rules in Philadelphia's Eighth Council District, limiting additional uses and making technical changes to the /EDO Overlay District.
260709
Northeast Philadelphia Zoning Districts Combined into New Tenth District Overlay District
Northeast Philadelphia's zoning map is getting a makeover with the combination of two existing districts into the new Tenth District Overlay District, streamlining zoning regulations in the area.
260704
Self-service storage facilities prohibited in certain locations under proposed zoning change
City Council proposes banning self-service storage facilities in certain locations, as defined in a new zoning and planning code amendment introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.
260703
Philadelphia Limits Loud Devices on Public Waterways to Prevent Disturbance
Loud devices on Philadelphia's lakes, rivers, and creeks are now strictly regulated to prevent disturbance, with violators facing a $2,000 fine and a maximum sound level of 100 feet from the device allowed.
260702
Philadelphia's Zoning Laws Revised to Define Adult Cabarets in New Way
Philadelphia's zoning laws are being revised to define adult cabarets, which include businesses that may serve alcohol and feature topless or exotic dancers, in a new way. The change affects business owners and patrons of such establishments.
260695
Philadelphia zoning laws revised in Main Street/Manayunk and Venice Island area.
Zoning laws in Main Street/Manayunk and Venice Island are being revised to revise boundaries, restrict additional uses, and update maps, aiming to maintain the area's unique character and commercial identity.
260694
New Southwest Center City Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District Created Amid Zoning Regulations Changes
Zoning regulations in Southwest Center City are set to change with the creation of a new Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, revising boundaries and imposing specific rules on affected properties.
260690
Philadelphia Zoning Maps to be Amended with New Zoning Designations in Specific Areas Bounded by 65th Avenue and Chelten Avenue
Philadelphia's zoning maps are set to be updated in areas bounded by 65th Avenue, 3rd Street, Chelten Avenue, and 5th Street, with new zoning designations to be reflected on the maps. Councilmember Phillips' bill authorizes the zoning map changes within a specific area.
260687
Zoning designations for areas along Wyncote Avenue, Ogontz Avenue, and 68th Avenue are being changed.
Zoning designations for areas along Wyncote Avenue, Ogontz Avenue, and 68th Avenue are being changed to new zoning designations, with the exact changes outlined on Maps "A" and "B".
260686
Zoning Designations Changed in Area Bounded by Lehigh Avenue and Aramingo Avenue Streets
Councilmember Squilla's zoning bill changes designations in a neighborhood bounded by Lehigh Avenue, Belgrade Street, Aramingo Avenue, and Miller Street, altering uses and development in the area as shown on Maps 'A' and 'B'.
260800
Zoning designations in area near Lancaster Avenue and 62nd Street to be changed under new maps.
Zoning designations near Lancaster Avenue and 62nd Street are set to change under new maps "A" and "B". The exact changes will be indicated on the updated maps.
260796
Pennsylvania University's Master Plan Amended in West Philadelphia Area Bounded by Walnut and 33rd Streets
Philadelphia's University of Pennsylvania Master Plan is being amended in a West Philadelphia area bounded by Walnut and 33rd Streets, specifically related to the David Rittenhouse Laboratory. The changes will take effect immediately.
260795
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
Tractor Trailers Banned from Parking on Torresdale Avenue Between Rhawn Street and Pennypack Creek in New City Ordinance
Residents along Torresdale Avenue are breathing a sigh of relief as the city passes a new ordinance banning oversized trucks from parking in their neighborhood, citing safety concerns for pedestrians and local businesses.
160093
Truck Parking Banned on Torresdale Avenue from Ashburner Street to Pennypack Creek
This bill prohibits truck parking on both sides of Torresdale Avenue between Ashburner Street and Pennypack Creek, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety.
160092
Business Owner Wins Approval for Sidewalk Café on Busy Frankford Avenue Strip
This bill allows Roland Kasis to install and maintain an open-air sidewalk café at his property on Frankford Avenue, with certain conditions.
160071
City Abandons Drainage Right-of-Way Along Former Jackson Street Corridor
This bill allows the city to remove a drainage right-of-way from City Plan No.
160017
City to Abandon Right-of-Way Between Galloway Street and Pattison Avenue Under New Agreement with Property Owners
Neighborhood residents along the 1600 block of Pattison Avenue are breathing a sigh of relief as a long-standing eyesore is set to be demolished under a new plan that would rezone the area, paving the way for new development.
160014
Truck Parking Banned on Torresdale Avenue and Megargee Street in Philadelphia.
A new measure aims to ease congestion on northeast streets by banning truck parking, but owners of the large vehicles say it's a major headache for deliveries and small businesses that rely on them daily.
160011
City Contracts with Advocates to Represent Children in Courtroom Battles Daily
Low-income families on Philly's South Side could soon have a stronger voice in court thanks to a proposed law requiring city-funded lawyers for kids involved in contentious custody battles. The move aims to ensure vulnerable youth receive fair representation.
160009
Council Proposes Stricter Rules for Hoverboard Riders Under 12 as Safety Concerns Mount in City Streets
A new proposal would require parents of younger riders to face fines if their child is caught driving a hoverboard without proper safety gear in Philadelphia's streets, sparking debate over liability and responsibility. The city saw over 100 reported hoverboard injuries last year alone.
160008
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Issues First Municipal ID Cards to Philly Residents in Bid to Boost Public Safety and Services
Philadelphia's proposed "Fair Workweek" law could soon force certain employers to pay overtime if employees work more than 40 hours a week.
160151
Philadelphia Council Moves to Boost LGBTQ+ Business Ties with City Contracts through New Disparity Study Rules
Philadelphia must consider LGBTQ+ businesses as disadvantaged in its annual disparity study, a move aimed at boosting ties between the city and these business owners through more equitable contracts.
160152
Council sought to update zoning maps for a neighborhood bounded by Buttonwood Street, Broad Street, Callowhill Street, and 15th Street.
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for certain areas in a specific neighborhood.
160149
New Parking Rules Implemented in Philly Neighborhoods Near Pine Street and Locust Street
Furious Bike Commuters Demand Safety Improvements Along Delaware Avenue as Council Debates Lane Usage Reforms for Busy Commercial Corridor
160147
Thirty-Seventh Street and Surrounding Streets to Get Repaved Under New Law
This bill authorizes the paving of certain streets in Philadelphia, including Thirty-Seventh Street from Market to Filbert and Warren Streets, under specific conditions.
160146
Council Gets Budget Boost as Finance Director Clears Way for $125000 Transfer to Cover Council Expenses
Philadelphia residents could be paying more for council expenses as a proposed $125,000 transfer from city funds would cover costs like website maintenance and council aide salaries. The shift would divert taxpayer dollars towards City Hall staff needs.
160150
West Philly Business Owners Clear Path for Outdoor Café Expansion on Bustling Baltimore Avenue
Proposed Tax Break Aimed at Philadelphia's Smallest Businesses Could Bring Much-Needed Relief to Thousands of Family-Owned Corner Stores
160148
Street Revisions in Certain Philadelphia Neighborhoods Approved with Conditions
This bill allows for changes to be made to City Plan No.
160145