Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 24 to March 30, 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 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
Phila. Lawmakers Pass Code Change to Simplify, Standardize Construction Permit Fees
This bill amends Philadelphia's Building Code to revise fees for construction permits and licenses, including annual permits and accelerated plan review fees.
170167
Philadelphia Aims to Update Licensing Fees for Boilers and Refrigeration in New City Ordinance
Philadelphia small business owners may see a significant hike in licensing fees, with boiler operators facing a 40% increase and refrigeration engineers seeing a 25% jump under new city ordinance guidelines.
170166
Philadelphia Ramps Up Fees for Food Establishments, Newspaper Boxes and Public Parking
Council's proposed fee shake-up would sock small-time street vendors with steeper licensing costs, while bigger food shops get a break in some neighborhoods, sparking debate over fairness and local business viability. Under the plan, tiny corner stores could pay five times more than their larger counterparts.
170165
Special District Created for Street Vendors on Thirty-second Street Between Market and Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia's Street Vendors Face New Fees and Regulations: Licenses Must Be Purchased by End of Day, Prompting Concerns from Small Business Owners. The new rules affect over 1,000 vendors who sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts on city sidewalks.
170164
Center City Sidewalk Vendors Limited to 300 by New City Ordinance
This bill removes designated locations for sidewalk vendors in Center City and limits their total number to 300.
170113
Council Approves Plan to Bring Fresh Produce to North Side of Snyder Avenue Every Weekend
Fresh produce is coming to a neglected neighborhood: a weekly farmer's market will now set up shop every weekend along the Snyder Avenue corridor, promising fresh food and economic growth. Local vendors are celebrating as council passes legislation paving the way for Saturday morning markets on North Snyder Avenue from 8th Street east.
170112
City Accepts School District's Gift of Westmoreland Street as Public Right-of-Way and Slope Easements Grant
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Higher Taxes Under Proposed Bill Tying Property Values to Rent Rolls: Council members unveiled legislation that would adjust property taxes based on rent income, affecting thousands of city landlords. City's Aging Infrastructure Gets Boost with Proposed Bill Allowing Utility Companies to Use City-Owned Land for Construction: A new bill aims to fast-track infrast
170111
Council Approves Bench Encroachment at 701 Sansom Street in Philadelphia
The City Council authorized Hy Goldberg to build and maintain a bench encroachment at 701 Sansom Street.
170092
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
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 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
City OKs Plan Change, Removes Euclid Avenue Section from Fifteenth to Sixteenth Streets
This bill allows for a revision to City Plan No.
170004
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
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Center City Zoning Regulations Reinstated with Height Limits and Use Tables Restored
Neighborhood Residents Rally Against New 22-Story Tower Plan, Citing Overcrowding Concerns Amid Philly's Building Boom Surge
170306-A
City Streets Open to Electric Vehicle Charging Stations with Special Permit
Philadelphia small business owners can now apply for permits to install electric car charging stations in front of their shops, but neighbors are raising concerns about parking and aesthetics. A new rule makes it easier for property owners to build on empty lots in North Philadelphia, potentially bringing affordable housing to underserved neighborhoods.
170311
City Council Proposes Zoning Map Overhaul for Kensington Neighborhood to Spur New Development
This bill changes the zoning maps for a specific area in Philadelphia, bounded by Aramingo Avenue and others, to allow different types of development.
170310
City Seeks to Buy Key Frankford Property Along Frankford Creek and Leiper Street Boundaries
Long-planned park project inches closer to reality as city officials seek to buy 5-acre waterfront property, potentially giving residents along Leiper Street a much-needed green space.
170309
Airport Bond Ordinance Amended to Reflect Changes at Philadelphia International Airport
This bill makes amendments to a bond ordinance related to Philadelphia International Airport.
170308
Buses Banned From Parking on Edmund Street Blocks in Northeast Philly Overnight
Buses will no longer be allowed to park overnight on certain blocks of Edmund Street in Northeast Philly, following a new city ordinance. The prohibition affects the 7100 and 7200 blocks between Cottman Avenue and Princeton Avenue.
170307
Philadelphia City Council OKs Plan to Expand Farmers Market Hours on South 43rd Street Near Clarke Park
Local vendors are cheering after City Council voted to extend the hours of the bustling 43rd Street Farmers Market, giving customers more time to snag fresh produce from community growers. The move aims to boost sales and attract new shoppers.
170305