Weekly recap
This week in Council
September 9 to September 15, 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
Philadelphia Council Signs Zoning Bill Altering Front Street, York Street, Howard Street, Berks Street Areas
This bill changed the zoning classifications for certain areas of land in Philadelphia, near Front Street, York Street, Howard Street, and Berks Street.
160681
City Council Moves to Tighten Rezoning Requirements Amid Fears of Widespread Development Overhauls
Philadelphia homeowners could soon face tougher hurdles when trying to rezone their properties as City Council debates stricter guidelines on development overhaul proposals. A proposed rezoning rule aims to give neighbors more say in large-scale development projects.
160525-A
Zoning Changes Made in 6-Block Area Bounded by North 3rd Street and Oxford Street
This bill changes the zoning designations for a specific area in Philadelphia bounded by several streets, affecting how that land can be used.
160466
Zoning Map Overhaul Proposed for North Philadelphia Neighborhood Boundaries
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas in North Philadelphia, bounded by North Front Street, West Berks Street, North 3rd Street and West Oxford Street.
160465
City Council Seeks to Redraw Zoning Maps Along Indiana Avenue Stretch in South Philly Neighborhoods
South Philadelphians could soon see new businesses and housing sprout up along Indiana Avenue as City Council introduces a plan to rewrite zoning rules that have frozen development in the area for decades.
160277
Philadelphia Businesses Must Share Economic Data with City Under New Transparency Law
Homeowners in Southwest Philly Could Face Higher Taxes with Proposed Land Value Tax; Councilors debate whether this new assessment method would raise revenue for public services or unfairly burden residents.
160015-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Approves Plan to Sell Up to 184 Million in Bonds for Major Capital Projects
The City of Brotherly Love's purse strings are about to get a lot looser as Council votes to issue nearly $200 million in bonds for costly infrastructure upgrades, leaving taxpayers to pay off the price tag.
160767
Zoning Law Changes Unveiled for Key Philly Blocks Near Stadium and River
Developers are eyeing a major makeover for South Philly's stadium district with proposed zoning law changes that could bring in new high-rise apartments and businesses, sparking concerns about gentrification and displacement of long-time residents.
160776
City Seeks to Purchase or Condemn Land Along Delaware River for Public Use Near Penn Treaty Park
This bill allows the City to acquire land along the Delaware River and in Penn Treaty Park through purchase or condemnation for public use, with the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority acting as the agent.
160775
Construction Sites Must Have Waste Collection Plan Under New City Ordinance
Philadelphia's Building Code Gets a Major Overhaul: Council Votes to Tighten Oversight on Home Renovations, Mandating Regular Inspections to Prevent Unlicensed Contractors from Dodging City Regulations. The new law requires property owners and contractors to obtain permits before work begins and undergo bi-annual inspections to ensure compliance.
160768
Trucks Banned from Double Parking on Aramingo Avenue as New Restrictions Take Hold Now
Trucks are now banned from double parking on Aramingo Avenue between Ann Street and Clearfield Street, effective immediately. The new regulation applies to both sides of the avenue.
160785
City Plan Revision Clears Council: Herschel Road Line Set for Removal as Liability Concerns Linger
This bill allows the City to remove Herschel Road from its official city plan, but requires the property owners to agree to release the City from liability and make necessary changes to infrastructure.
160773
Council Proposed No Truck Parking Along Aramingo Avenue Between Cambria and Ann Streets
Truck parking is now prohibited along a stretch of Aramingo Avenue from Cambria Street to Ann Street, in place since the ban took effect overnight.
160784
Trucks Banned from Parking on Both Sides of Cedar Street Between Cambria and Ann Streets
Trucks are now banned from parking on both sides of Cedar Street between Cambria and Ann Streets, with no exceptions allowed at any time. The new regulation takes effect immediately, as stated in the ordinance.
160783
Council proposed truck parking ban along Cedar Street from Ann to Clearfield.
Trucks will no longer be allowed to park on Cedar Street between Ann and Clearfield Streets at any time under a new regulation. The restriction applies to both sides of the street.
160782
Trucks Barred From Parking Along Entire Length of Ann Street Between Cedar and Aramingo Avenues
Trucks will no longer be able to park along Ann Street between Cedar and Aramingo Avenues, as a new regulation takes effect. The ban applies to both sides of the street.
160781
Trucks Banned from Parking on Both Sides of Ann Street in Historic District.
Trucks are now prohibited from parking on both sides of Ann Street in the historic district between Gaul and Cedar Streets at any time. The ban takes effect immediately.
160780
Trucks Banned from Ann Street Between Aramingo and Memphis
Trucks are now banned from parking at any time on both sides of Ann Street, stretching from Aramingo Avenue to Memphis Street. The new regulation aims to alleviate congestion in the area.
160779
Truck Parking Banned on Cambria Street Between Aramingo and Memphis in Move to Ease Congestion for Pedestrians
Truck parking is now banned along Cambria Street between Aramingo and Memphis, aiming to ease congestion for pedestrians in the area. The regulation takes effect immediately.
160778
Trucks Banned from Parking on Cambria Street Between Cedar and Aramingo Avenues in New City Ordinance
Trucks are now banned from parking on Cambria Street between Cedar and Aramingo Avenues, following a city ordinance. Residents and businesses in the area can no longer park commercial vehicles along that stretch of road at any time.
160777
City Accepts Easement Agreement for Delaware River Property Along North Delaware Avenue
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to accept an easement agreement for property along the Delaware River, as part of a larger effort to manage and maintain public spaces.
160774
Truck Parking Ban Takes Hold on E Vernon Road as Council Seeks to Reduce Congestion and Safety Concerns
Truck parking is now banned on E Vernon Road from Michener Avenue to W Cheltenham Avenue, with no exceptions allowed. The new regulation aims to reduce congestion and safety concerns in the area.
160772
Truck Parking Banned on Pickering Avenue Between E Mt Pleasant and E Phil Ellena Streets
This bill makes it illegal to park trucks on both sides of Pickering Avenue between E Mt Pleasant and E Phil Ellena Streets at any time.
160771
Trucks Banned from Parking on Medary Avenue Between North Sixth and Eighth Streets in Philadelphia Limits.
Residents along Medary Avenue are about to see a drastic change as city council votes to ban trucks from parking on one of their main thoroughfares, citing concerns over street congestion and pedestrian safety. The ban will affect all vehicles over 10 feet long.
160770
City Officials Set to Erase Balfour Street from Official Maps in Narrowly Defined Corridor Area
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to remove Balfour Street from the city's official map and make related changes, but with certain conditions and costs.
160769