Weekly recap
This week in Council
January 20 to January 26, 2017
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
Olive Street Buildings to Be Legally Expanded Under New City Ordinance
This bill allows an existing property owner to officially legalize minor building and bay window encroachments on three adjacent properties in Philadelphia.
161016
City Unveils Plan to Issue Airport Revenue Bonds for Major Overhaul of Philadelphia International Airport Infrastructure
Philadelphia's airport is set to get a major facelift, with plans for new terminals, upgraded security checkpoints, and improved taxiway lighting, but opponents warn of massive debt burden for taxpayers.
161001
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Council Unveils Plan to Cut Business Taxes for Employers of Low-Skilled Workers Citywide
Philadelphia employers who hire low-skilled workers could soon qualify for a tax credit under a proposal introduced by Councilmember Oh. The plan also offers exemptions from certain water and sewer charges and taxes.
170022
City Council Moves to Reshape Zoning Designations Along Bustling West Philly Streetscorridor
Small business owners along Girard Avenue could soon see rent increases after a proposed council measure to rezone commercial spaces, potentially paving the way for higher-end developments to squeeze out long-time tenants.
170021
City Council Votes to Rewrite Zoning Map for Swath of North Philadelphia Neighborhoods Along Clearfield Street
This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Philadelphia, affecting the types of buildings that can be constructed or operated within those areas.
170019
Riverfront Zoning Laws Amended to Regulate Parking and Permanent Structures Along Delaware River
This bill amends zoning laws for a specific area along the Delaware River to regulate off-street parking and permanent structures.
170017
City Council Unveils New Parking Rules for Busy Carpenter Street Corridor Near Broad and Washington Ave
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia: Carpenter Street, Broad Street, and Washington Avenue.
170012
City Council Imposes Time Limits on Parking in Four Philadelphia Neighborhoods Amid Resident Complaints
Resident frustration boils over as City Council votes to impose strict time limits on parking in four Philadelphia neighborhoods, forcing drivers to keep moving in areas where congestion has long plagued commuters and local business owners alike.
170010
Ridge Avenue Businesses Face Zoning Overhaul as Council Proposes New Development Rules
Proposed Expansion of Philly's Soda Tax Could Hit Low-Income Families Hardest; City Council Weighs Reforms to Existing Beverage Levy to Generate More Revenue for Public Health Programs.
170008
City Council Unveils Plan to Rezone Neighborhoods Along Bustling Streets Including Shurs Lane and Ridge Avenue
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations for certain areas of land in a specific geographic area bounded by Shurs Lane, Walnut Lane, Henry Avenue, Lincoln Drive, Ridge Avenue, and Main Street.
170007
Council Moves to Rein In Parking Garage Development in Historic Roxborough Neighborhood
This bill limits where parking garages can be built in a specific neighborhood (Ridge Park Roxborough) to protect its character.
170006
City Council Proposes Rezoning Large Swath of North Philadelphia Along Busy Avenues
Councilman proposes overhaul of North Philly's commercial corridors, sparking debate over gentrification and community control, as new zoning rules would allow for taller buildings and more intense development along major avenues.
170005
Parking Times Set for Specific Philadelphia Streets
Residents along 52nd Street will soon face stricter parking rules under a new measure that slaps two-hour limits on weekday parking, leaving some business owners worried about customer accessibility.
170003
Philadelphia City Council Establishes Parking Rules For Select Neighborhoods To Curb Congestion and Confusion
This bill establishes parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods, limiting parking times and days to specific areas.
170001
East Side of Castor Avenue Vending Ban Takes Effect Along Oxford to Magee Avenues
Vendors who operate along a five-block stretch of Castor Avenue will have to pack up their carts and find new spots, as a new city ordinance takes hold limiting sales on the avenue's east side from Oxford to Magee Avenues.
170014
City OKs Plan Change, Removes Euclid Avenue Section from Fifteenth to Sixteenth Streets
This bill allows for a revision to City Plan No.
170004
City OKs Major Revamp for University Avenue Widening Project with Relocated Landmark and New Property Deeds
This bill authorizes a change to City Plan No.
170002
Chestnut Hill Parking Restrictions Revamped as City Council Votes to Ban All-Day Parking on East Side of Bethlehem Pike
This bill removes existing two-hour parking restrictions on a portion of Bethlehem Pike in Chestnut Hill and replaces them with no-parking restrictions at any time.
170020
City Council Approves Plan for Planter Boxes Along Busy North Broad Street Corridor
A new wave of greenery is coming to North Broad Street as City Council approves planter boxes for a prominent corner, aiming to beautify one of Philly's busiest corridors and create a more inviting atmosphere for pedestrians. Property owners at 339 North Broad will now be allowed to build and maintain the planters, subject to size and placement guidelines designed to minimize disruptions to traf
170018-A
City Council Moves to Exempt Stepparent-Stepchild Home Transfers From Realty Transfer Tax Hike
Philadelphia homeowners with blended families would save thousands on taxes if a new city council proposal passes, exempting transfers of primary residences between stepparents and their children from a hefty hike in the realty transfer tax.
170016
Philadelphia Sets Three-Year Time Limit for Requesting City Refunds and Credits
Philadelphia Residents Face Higher Water Bills as Council Votes to Hike Rates by 5% Next Year, Impacting Low-Income Households Hardest. The increase is expected to affect over 70,000 customers in the city's water department.
170015
Council Told to Clean Up Act as Philly Board of Ethics Adds Mandatory Training Requirement
City Council requires ethics training for members, mandating the Board of Ethics to provide regular instruction on high ethical standards, ensuring officials avoid misconduct and its appearance.
170013
Council proposed two-way traffic on 15th Street between Carpenter and Washington Avenues.
Carpenter and Washington Avenues will now have two-way traffic, while parking is banned on both sides of 15th Street between these points. The changes take effect immediately.
170011
Council Moves to Rezone Southwest Philly Neighborhoods Amid Plans to Revamp Historic Church Site
A long-vacant church in Southwest Philly could soon be transformed into a mixed-use development, but some residents are fighting back against the proposed rezoning that will affect 50 homeowners in the surrounding blocks.
170009