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Weekly recap

This week in Council

March 11 to March 17, 2016

8 introduced6 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.

Thursday, November 12, 10:00 AM · CITY COUNCIL

City Government·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Environment·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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".

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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".

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Business & Commerce·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Public Safety·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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".

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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'.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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.

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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

Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 17, 2016

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.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 17, 2016

Philadelphia City Council Tackles Upgrades to Capital Program with New Projects and Funding Sources Added

A package of amendments is set to boost investments in Philly's parks, schools, and transportation systems with millions more dollars added from new sources like taxes on ride-hailing services and a portion of the city's water revenue.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 17, 2016

City Council Adds Millions to 2016 Capital Budget with Overhaul of Major Projects and Funding Sources

This bill amends Philadelphia's 2016 Capital Budget by adding and revising certain projects, amounts, and sources of funding.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 17, 2016

City Council Clears Major Transfer Of Funds From City Departments To General Fund For Fiscal Year 2016

Philadelphia homeowners may see a slight property tax increase after City Council approved a budget transfer that siphons millions from underfunded departments, including public works and parks and recreation. The move is expected to shore up the city's cash reserves.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 17, 2016

Philadelphia Council Extends Tax Breaks for Longtime Homeowners in City

Council Passes Bill Protecting Tenants from Rapid Rent Hikes Amid Philly's Housing Crunch; New Law Mandates 12-Month Lease Term and Limits Annual Rent Increases to 4% per Year.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 17, 2016

Philadelphia's Green Roof Tax Credit Program Gets Technical Overhaul and Clarifications

Philly homeowners and businesses may soon see their costs for environmentally friendly rooftop gardens drop, but some critics argue the proposed changes will favor big developers over small businesses and residents.

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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 May 5, 2016

Authority Moves Forward with Eminent Domain Plan to Acquire Properties for Massive North Philadelphia Housing Project

This bill allows the Philadelphia Housing Authority to use eminent domain to acquire additional properties needed for a large housing development project in North Philly.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 12, 2016

Green Street, Second Street, Spring Garden Street, and Third Street Zoning Designations Revised

Plan to Rezone Bustling Area Along Green Street Sparks Fears Over Gentrification, as Business Owners Warn "These changes could displace long-time residents and small businesses in favor of new developments.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Mar 17, 2016

Council seeks to require towing companies to post clear signs on private property before towing vehicles.

Property owners must now give towing companies permission before their vehicles can be removed from private lots and driveways. Clear signs are also required on these properties warning drivers about the towing policies.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 5, 2016

Zoning designations changed for areas near Girard Avenue and 6th Street.

A long-standing debate over neighborhood character is heating up as city council considers changing zoning laws in a busy stretch of North Philly near Girard Avenue, potentially altering everything from small businesses to row homes.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 5, 2016

City Council Votes to Loosen Zoning Rules Allowing More Types of Households in Busy Commercial Neighborhoods

This bill modifies the types of household living uses allowed in a specific commercial zoning district (CMX-3).

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Mar 17, 2016

City Unveils Online Driveway Inventory, Revealing Public Parking Spots in Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Philadelphia is creating a public online inventory of driveways and parking spaces after a city ordinance was updated to require the creation and publication of such information on the city's website.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 16, 2016

City Council Gives Green Light for All-Way Stop Signs at Hazardous Intersection of Boone and Dupont Streets

This bill installs all-way stop signs at the intersection of Boone Street and Dupont Street to improve traffic safety.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 16, 2016

Council Moves to Revamp Zoning Laws on 4 Philly Neighborhood Streets Bound by Ford Road and Monument Road

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations for specific areas of land bounded by Ford Road, Chamounix Drive, Belmont Avenue, and Monument Road.

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