Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 24 to March 2, 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
City Seeks Control of Huge Airport Business Center Property Amid Ongoing Development Uncertainty
This bill allows the City to acquire an approximately 136-acre property in Tinicum Township, Delaware County, near Philadelphia International Airport, for unknown future use.
170106
City Eyes Delaware River Land Buys to Enhance Public Access and Recreation Opportunities Along Waterfront Trails
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to buy land along the Delaware River and the Kensington & Tacony Trail for public recreation use.
170089
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Adopts 6-Year Capital Program with Estimated Cost of $9.57 Billion
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Higher Tax Bills Due to Proposed Sewer Rate Hike A new city council proposal would increase sewer rates by up to 20% over three years, affecting hundreds of thousands of property owners and renters who already pay one of the highest water bills in the country.
170195
Philadelphia City Council Approves Spending Plan for Fiscal Year 2018 Amid Tight Budget Deadline Looms
A tight deadline looms as Philadelphia City Council approves a $4.3 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2018, allocating funds to crucial services like education and public safety.
170197
City Approves $2.64 Billion Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2018
This bill approved a $2.64 billion Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2018.
170196-A
City Signs Deal to Borrow Millions for Paving and Road Repair Through PAID Bond Issue Plan
Philadelphia homeowners will soon see their tax bills soar by up to 40 cents per $100 of assessed value, funding millions in road repairs and paving projects across the city. The proposed increase would put an extra $200 on a typical home's annual property taxes, with funds going directly towards long-overdue infrastructure fixes.
170206
City Creates Fund for Municipal Sign Revenue with Proceeds Going Directly to Philly Schools
This bill allows the Director of Finance to create a separate fund for revenue collected from advertising on municipal property and directs that revenue be given to the School District of Philadelphia.
170201
City Proposes Leasing Underutilized Parks and Libraries to Charitable Groups
Charitable groups will soon have access to underutilized parks and library spaces for renovation and operation after the City Council authorizes lease agreements with PAID. The move aims to spark capital repairs, renovations, and improvements to city facilities.
170207
Land Bank Gets Break on Recording Fees as Council Bill Streamlines Property Acquisitions Process
This bill exempts the Philadelphia Land Bank from paying city recording fees when it acquires property and allows the Land Bank to lease out its properties for short-term leases without council approval.
170205
Philadelphia Council Moves to Strengthen Protections Against Hate Crimes Amid Rising Concerns Over Public Safety
This bill amends Philadelphia's law on ethnic intimidation and institutional vandalism to clarify definitions and penalties.
170204
School District Given Authority to Impose Tax on Property Owners for General Purposes
This bill allows the Philadelphia School District to impose a tax on property owners within the district for general school purposes.
170200
City Council Votes to Give School District Power to Levy Annual Property Tax for Local Schools Funding
Philadelphia City Council approved a measure that would automatically raise property taxes each year to fund local schools, adding hundreds to homeowners' bills as officials search for stable revenue streams. The move affects more than 600,000 city residents and taxpayers.
170199
City Hall Targets Taxpayers with Sudden Rate Hikes on Salaries Wages and Profits
Middle-class Philadelphians could see their taxes soar under a new city plan that boosts rates on everything from modest incomes to big business profits.
170198
Philadelphia Zoning Maps Get Major Overhaul as City Council Votes to Rewrite Land Use Rules
Low-Income Residents May Soon Have Easier Access to Affordable Healthcare with New City Ordinance Supporting Community Health Centers Expansion. This ordinance streamlines permitting and financing processes for community health centers in low-income neighborhoods, opening up more resources for underserved populations.
170194
Council sought to require notice of temporary parking prohibitions through website and in-person signs
Philadelphia drivers will now receive advance notice through the city's website and in-person signs for temporary parking restrictions across the city, as part of new regulations taking effect.
170191
City Council Approves Zoning Changes Near University of Pennsylvania Campus
This bill amends Philadelphia's Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas near the University of Pennsylvania and approves various construction projects.
170192
City Council Moves Forward with Plan to Install All-Way Stop Signs on Busy Northeast Philly Corner
This bill authorizes the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 57th Street and Wyalusing Avenue to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians.
170203
City Council Takes Aim at South Lewis Street Congestion with New Parking Restrictions
South Philly Residents Face Higher Rent Bills under Proposed Tax Abatement Reform, Affecting Thousands of Tenants in Public Housing Projects.
170202
Philadelphians Prepare for New Planter Box Installations Along Bustling North Broad Street Corridor
North Broad Street gets a greener look: A new planter box installation will soon sprout up along the busy corridor, transforming the sidewalk with vibrant plant life, but sparking debate over public space usage.
170193-A