Skip to content

Weekly recap

This week in Council

November 25 to December 1, 2016

6 introduced11 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.

260076

→
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.

250807

→
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.

250768

→
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.

260516

→
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.

260462

→
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.

260760

→
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".

260759

→
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".

260711

→
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.

260710

→
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.

260709

→
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.

260704

→
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.

260703

→
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.

260702

→
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.

260695

→
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.

260694

→
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.

260690

→
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.

260687

→
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".

260686

→
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'.

260800

→
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.

260796

→
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.

260795

→

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.

260764

→
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.

260697

→
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.

260689

→
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.

260688

→
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.

260855

→
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.

260851

→
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.

260896

→
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.

260895

→

Became law

Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2016

City Seeks Bonds to Refund Youth Center Debt Amid Leases With Municipal Authority

Philadelphia taxpayers will foot the bill for a refinanced youth center debt, while also extending lease agreements with the city's municipal water authority, in a bid to save millions on future payments.

160968

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2016

Zoning Map Changes Signed into Law for Properties Along Charles Street, Harbison Avenue, and Cheltenham Avenue

This bill changed the zoning designations of some areas in Philadelphia bounded by Charles Street, Harbison Avenue, and Cheltenham Avenue, allowing for different uses or development on those properties.

160918

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2016

Zoning Designations Changed in Philadelphia Area Bounded by Charles Street and Other Streets

This bill changes the zoning classifications in a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by several streets, allowing for new land uses.

160917

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2016

Zoning Map Changes Made Near Philadelphia University Under New Master Plan

Philadelphia University students are one step closer to seeing significant changes along their campus corridors as city council greenlights ambitious development plans that will overhaul zoning maps and usher in new high-rise buildings and amenities.

160869

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2016

Philadelphia Developers Must Post Detailed Project Info on Signs and L&I Referrals

Philadelphians can expect to see more transparency from developers as new regulations kick in today, forcing builders to display detailed project details on site and share inspection records with neighbors.

160865

→
City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2016

City Buildings Must Provide Baby Diaper Changing Stations for Public Use Under New Council Proposal

Philadelphia Parents May Soon Have More Peace of Mind: Council Bill Mandates Diaper-Changing Stations in Public Restrooms Throughout City Buildings. The measure targets 45 facilities, including recreation centers and libraries.

160811

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2016

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

→
Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2016

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

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2016

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

→
Education·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2016

Philadelphia Schools Must Meet Stricter Water Safety Standards Before Occupying Buildings

Philadelphia Schools Must Meet Stricter Water Safety Standards Before Occupying Buildings: As of next year, every Philadelphia school will need a clean bill of health from the Water Department before kids can step foot in the classroom.

160618

→
City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2016

Philadelphia Mandates Lead Safety Certifications for Older Childcare Centers as Licensing Condition

Low-Income Neighborhoods Will Benefit from Free Solar Power Under New Philly Program A proposed city ordinance would make Philadelphia the largest city in the country to offer free solar panels to low-income residents, providing hundreds with clean energy and reduced bills.

160609

→

Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Education·LapsedIntroduced Dec 1, 2016

Council proposed law to fund teachers' personal classroom expenses through non-profit corporation.

Philadelphia teachers will soon have a non-profit fund to reimburse them for money spent on classroom supplies and materials. City officials will file articles of incorporation to establish The Philadelphia School Teachers Reimbursement Fund, Inc.

161061

→
Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 20, 2017

City to Accept Title to Waverly Street Community Garden, Add it to Fairmount Park System

This bill adds the Waverly Street Community Garden to the Fairmount Park System and allows the city to accept title to the garden from the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.

161060

→
Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Dec 1, 2016

City Council Revamps Affordable Housing Zone Rules Allowing Public Land Sales for Low-Cost Development Sites

Philadelphia City Council has revised rules governing Affordable Workforce Housing Opportunity Zones, clearing the way for public land sales at low prices to support development of affordable housing sites in designated areas. The change aims to boost affordable housing options for middle-class residents.

161059

→
Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Dec 1, 2016

Council sought to impose historic preservation review fees on new construction projects in Philadelphia

Philadelphia developers will now pay a new fee - up to $10,000 - for historic reviews of construction projects, including demolitions, additions, and alterations. The fee is 25% of the associated building or demolition permit, with a minimum of $50.

161056

→
Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 9, 2017

Philadelphia Energy Authority Board to Expand from Five to Seven Members

Council Votes to Allow Small Businesses to Keep Parking Spots, Sidewalk Cafes for Longer; Changes Aimed at Boosting Local Economy.

161058

→
Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 30, 2017

EB Realty Wins Approval for Permanently Expanded Building at North Broad Street Corner Spot

Developers Score Victory as City Council OKs Expansive New Building on Bustling North Broad Street Corner, Despite Concerns Over Potential Impact on Pedestrian Traffic and Local Businesses.

161057

→