Weekly recap
This week in Council
September 2 to September 8, 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 Council Unveils Plan to Sell Bonds for Capital Projects with Voter Approval Set for November Election
Philadelphia homeowners and renters could see their property taxes increase under a new proposal that would raise millions for city infrastructure and development projects. If passed, the additional revenue would fund upgrades to Philadelphia's aging water system.
160610
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
Council Proposes Zoning Changes for North Philadelphia Neighborhood Along Diamond Street Corridor
This bill changes the zoning maps in a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by Diamond Street, Franklin Street, Berks Street, and 9th Street to accommodate new land uses or developments.
160460
City Council Votes to Redraw Zoning Maps for Swath of North Philly Neighborhoods Along 21st Street and Oxford Street
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations for certain areas of land in a specific neighborhood.
160398
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Moves to Lift Restrictive Covenants Blocking Grocery Stores Across Philadelphia Neighborhoods
City Council votes to limit restrictive covenants blocking grocery stores in Philadelphia neighborhoods, addressing concerns about food deserts and access to affordable healthy food. The new law would prohibit property owners from using restrictive covenants to bar grocery stores on their properties.
160720
Ground Floor Uses Tightened in City's CMX-2 and CMX-2.5 Commercial Districts
This bill modifies zoning regulations in certain commercial districts (CMX-2 and CMX-2.5) to require non-residential uses on ground floors and prohibit residential uses along the frontage.
160716
City Council Proposes Overhaul of Parking Rules in Busy Philly Neighborhoods Near Major Shopping Centers
Parking requirements in certain Philadelphia districts are set to change under a proposed overhaul aimed at aligning with local needs and development around major shopping centers, according to Councilmember Blackwell's bill. The changes would affect parking ratios for motor vehicles in specific areas.
160710
Society Hill Area Added to Center City Overlay District Zoning Regulations
This bill adds a new area called 'Society Hill Area' to the Center City Overlay District and updates zoning regulations in that area.
160718
Zoning Designations Changed for Area Bound by Front Street, Amber Street, Lehigh Avenue, and Emerald Street
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land in a specific neighborhood.
160715
Parking Regulations Established in Seven Philadelphia Neighborhoods Bounded by Specific Streets
This bill establishes parking regulations in seven areas of Philadelphia.
160714
Philadelphia Building Service Workers Get Paid Minimum Wage and Decent Working Conditions Under New City Law Mandate
City Council Approves Legislation to Protect Philly's Low-Income Seniors from Utility Shut-Offs, Guaranteeing Essential Services Amid Economic Crisis for Thousands of Residents
160713
Land Bank Gets First Crack at Tax Liens Before City Auctions Them Off Publicly
Land Bank to get advance notice on city's auction plans for some tax liens, potentially giving it chance to acquire or discharge them first. The move aims to help revitalize properties in low-income neighborhoods.
160712
Philadelphia Businesses Must Certify Local Work, Face Penalties Under New City Contract Rules
This bill amends the city's procurement contract policy to provide further details on the Local Bidding Preference, including certification and re-certification requirements for local business entities.
160709-A
City Officials Move to Expand Tax Breaks in Additional Neighborhoods Across Philly
This bill amends Philadelphia's code to designate additional areas as Keystone Opportunity Zones, which are economic development zones that offer tax incentives and other benefits to businesses.
160708-AAA
Dumpsters Restricted Near City Streets and High-Foot-Traffic Areas
This bill limits where dumpsters can be placed in public right-of-way by restricting locations near certain businesses and areas with high foot traffic.
160719
Trucks Banned from Parking on Gorgas Lane Between Anderson and Crittenden Streets
This bill prohibits trucks from parking on Gorgas Lane between Anderson and Crittenden Streets at any time.
160724
Trucks Banned from Parking on Vernon Road Between Anderson and Crittenden Streets Overnight
This bill prohibits trucks from parking on Vernon Road between Anderson Street and Crittenden Street at any time.
160723
Carpenter Lane Made One-Way Westbound from Greene Street to Sherman Street
This bill makes Carpenter Lane one-way westbound from Greene Street to Sherman Street.
160722
Truck Parking Ban Slated for Gorsten Street Section Between Gorgas Lane and Vernon Road Boundaries
This bill prohibits truck parking on Gorsten Street between Gorgas Lane and Vernon Road.
160721
AION Partners Wins Extension on South Broad Street Construction Deadline Amid City Review Delays
AION Partners gets reprieve on South Broad Street construction timeline, but critics say the delay will only drive up costs and further burden already-taxed city residents.
160717
Terrace Street Café Expansion Plan Gains Approval as Council Okays Open-Air Sidewalk Diner Permits
Philadelphia's small business owners are getting a boost with the council-approved expansion of outdoor dining areas in commercial districts, paving the way for more al fresco meals and community spaces. The move is expected to benefit eateries like the popular Café du Jour on South Street.
160711