Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 20 to May 26, 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
City to Prioritize Eco-Friendly Foam Alternatives in New Contracts
Philly Businesses Scramble as Council Unveils Plan to Ban Cash Payments from Public Benefits Recipients A new proposal would prohibit recipients of public assistance from using cash payments at most retail stores, a move aimed at curbing crime and reducing costs for taxpayers.
160110-A
Employers Banned from Using Credit History in Hiring and Employee Decisions
Low-Income Philly Residents Face Rent Hike as City Council Votes on Increased Parking Tax for Affordable Housing Fund The proposed tax would add 10% to parking fees at meters and lots across the city, generating millions of dollars for affordable housing programs.
160072
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City OKs Widened Delaware Avenue and Expanded Buckius Street as Part of Major Traffic Improvement Plan
A new traffic plan could soon ease congestion on Northeast Philadelphia's main roads, but some residents worry about increased noise pollution from widened Delaware Avenue. They fear the extra space will bring more speeding drivers to their quiet neighborhoods.
160555
City Launches Tax Break Incentive for Local Stores Selling More Healthy Drinks Options
Small Business Owners Face New Regulations on Signage and Window Displays Council members are pushing for stricter rules on storefront signs, aiming to preserve historic neighborhoods' aesthetic appeal while allowing some flexibility for businesses to promote themselves.
160552
Philadelphia Sheriff Office Overhauls Fee Structure to Boost Revenue with Transparent Rate Changes
Property owners face higher costs under new Sheriff's Office fee plan; rate hikes on real estate executions, personal property seizures, and attachments will boost city coffers but draw fire from business groups.
160551
City Gives Streets Department New Power to OK Last-Minute Street Encroachments in Philly Neighborhoods
This bill amends a previous ordinance to allow the Streets Department to approve minor modifications and encroachments in certain areas of Philadelphia without needing additional legislation.
160566
City Seeks to Buy Land Along Philly's Airport Corridor Through $2.5M Deal
A proposed deal could bring big changes for commuters: city officials want to buy up 13 acres along Roosevelt Boulevard, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety on one of Philly's busiest roads.
160563
Council Approves Plans to Widen Buckius Street and Add Drainage Path Along Delaware River
Residents along the Delaware River are in for a major overhaul as city council greenlights plans to transform Buckius Street, but some worry about the impact on local businesses and riverfront property owners.
160558
City Sets Stage for New Development on Troubled West Glenwood Avenue Property
Residents Near 54th Street and Pine Street to Face Increased Traffic as New Bill Seeks to Rezone Land for Larger Apartment Complex A proposed zoning change could bring a four-story, 46-unit apartment building to the block, sparking concerns among neighbors about overcrowding and noise pollution in the already congested area.
160553
City Council Extends Hope Street Sewer Project Deadline
Residents and business owners along Hope Street are breathing a temporary sigh of relief as Council votes to push back looming deadlines for major infrastructure work that has left some streets impassable.
160565
Tractor Trailers Banned from Both Sides of North 5th Street Near Spencer and Godfrey Avenues
This bill prohibits tractor trailer trucks from parking on both sides of North 5th Street between Spencer and Godfrey Avenues at any time.
160564
City Acquires 1 Point 2 Acres at Island and Escort Avenues in Northeast Philly Purchase Finalized
Northeast Philadelphians Worry Over Uncertain Fate of Long-Vacant Land as City Purchases 1.2 Acres at Island and Escort Avenues Amid Rumors of New Development.
160562
City Lands Grabs Up Last Remaining Acres on Bustling Enterprise Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia
Northeast Philly Residents Voice Concerns Over Plans for 6-Story Development Along Roosevelt Boulevard, as City Council Weighs Zoning Changes to Allow Higher-Rise Buildings.
160561
City Seeks to Purchase Airpark Land Parcel as Part of Larger Redevelopment Plan Moves Forward
Philadelphia is poised to purchase a key piece of land at the city's airport, setting the stage for potential development projects that could create hundreds of new jobs and spark economic growth in South Philly. The move would clear the way for a major redevelopment project nearby.
160560
East Falls Corp Gets Green Light to Build Public Planters Along Ridge Avenue and Midvale Avenue Streetscape Project
This bill allows East Falls Development Corporation to build and maintain planters in public right-of-way on Ridge Avenue and Midvale Avenue for a specific project at 4168 Ridge Avenue.
160559
City Leaders Clear Way for Playground Renovation with New Sublease Agreement at McArdle Park
A new ordinance aims to breathe life into beleaguered neighborhood parks, starting with 12 underutilized spaces in North and Southwest Philly, where community groups will have a say in planning upgrades and maintenance.
160557
City Paves Over Rough Roads in Northeast as Delaware Avenue and Buckius Streets Get New Facelifts
Philadelphia drivers are in for a smoother ride next year, thanks to a new plan that slaps fresh asphalt on rough Delaware Avenue and Buckius Streets in Northeast. Residents will soon see reduced pothole patches and improved road safety.
160556
Council Approves Lease Deal For Two City-Owned Parcels Near Delaware Avenue And Tioga Street
Philadelphia City Council approved a lease agreement between Philadelphia Gas Works and DelVal Realty Group for use of two city-owned parcels near Delaware Avenue and Tioga Street.
160554