Weekly recap
This week in Council
April 14 to April 20, 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 Approves Five-Year Concession Deal for Mobile Food Vendors at City Parks With 13RIVER15 LLC
Mobile food vendors are getting a new home at Philly parks under a 5-year deal approved by City Council, but some critics warn it could squeeze out smaller operators from competing for spots. A long-awaited plan to bring more amenities to city beaches has stalled in City Hall after council members expressed concerns over the potential impact on existing vendors and taxpayers.
170291
City Set to Buy Land Along Schuylkill River for Expansion of Popular Park Trail
Philadelphia's beloved Schuylkill River Trail is about to get a major boost, with city officials poised to purchase 15 acres of prime riverfront property to connect parks and bike paths for thousands of commuters.
170263
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
North Philadelphia Neighborhoods Get Zoning Overhaul as Council Tackles Land Use Changes Along Major Streets
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas in North Philadelphia.
170107
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
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
South Street and Washington Avenue to be Zoned for Mixed-Use Development.
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations for certain areas in a specific region of the city bounded by 6th Street, South Street, the Delaware Expressway, and Washington Avenue.
161112
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
Philadelphia Council Tries to Rewrite Zoning Maps for Neighborhoods Near Delaware River and State Road
Residents along the Delaware River could see new developments sprout up on their doorsteps as council seeks to transform areas zoned for industrial use into mixed-income neighborhoods with apartments and shops.
161004
University of Pennsylvania to Build on Public Space Along Convention Avenue
A major overhaul to Philadelphia's historic district zoning laws has been approved by city council, giving developers more leeway to build taller buildings along major commercial corridors like Broad Street.
160999
University of Pennsylvania Clears Path for New Patient Pavilion on Convention Avenue Amidst Minor Zoning Adjustments
Penn students and faculty are one step closer to a state-of-the-art medical center, as City Council voted to change zoning rules to make way for the new $1.5 billion pavilion on Convention Avenue.
160808
Society Hill Area Added to Center City Overlay District Zoning Regulations
This bill adds a new area called 'Society Hill Area' to the Center City Overlay District and updates zoning regulations in that area.
160718
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Boosts Hero Awards for Families of Fallen First Responders to New High of Fifty Thousand Dollars Each
Philadelphia's Homeowners Would Pay More for City Services Under Council Proposal to Raise Property Tax Revenue by 3% Each Year The proposed tax hike would mean an extra $100 a year on a $200,000 home and generate millions more in revenue for city services.
170366
Truck Parking Banned on East Allegheny Avenue Between 2800 and 2900 Blocks
Neighbors near Temple University are breathing a sigh of relief as a new law takes effect today, banning overnight truck parking in their densely populated neighborhood to reduce congestion and noise. Truckers must now find alternative routes for loading and unloading goods.
170359
Council sought to permit city funds to be deposited in Santander Bank.
Philadelphia's City Treasurer could deposit city funds in Santander Bank under certain terms and conditions after a City Council vote. Sponsor Councilmember Green supports the authorization of deposits with the bank.
170365
Trucks Banned From Parking Along Kingsessing Avenue in Southwest Philly as Traffic Relief Efforts Gain Momentum
Trucks are now banned from parking along a stretch of Kingsessing Avenue in Southwest Philly, affecting residents who had grown frustrated with traffic congestion. The regulation takes effect immediately.
170364
Trucks Prohibited from Parked Along North 76th Street in Overbrook Area
Philadelphia residents are breathing a sigh of relief as city officials aim to reduce truck traffic through residential areas with new restrictions on parking on one of Overbrook's busiest streets. Truck drivers will now face fines for ignoring the new rules.
170363
City Council Votes to Ban Parking on East Side of Flat Rock Road from Leverington to Fountain.
This law prohibits parking on the east side of Flat Rock Road between Leverington Avenue and Fountain Street at any time.
170362
No Parking on Fox Street Between Roberts Avenue and Abbottsford Avenue Established
Cars are about to disappear from a once-bustling stretch of street in Northeast Philly, as a new no-parking zone takes hold along the east side of Fox Street. Residents who had grown accustomed to finding spots there will have to look elsewhere.
170361
City Council Repeals No Parking Rule on North Side of Burnside Street from Tower to West Limit
This bill removes a 'no parking' rule on a specific section of Burnside Street in Philadelphia.
170360
Philadelphia Set to Lease Property on Cecil B. Moore Avenue from Private Developer in New Agreement
City Hall is set to hand over a prime spot on Cecil B. Moore Avenue to private developer Beech Interplex, leasing the land near Temple University's campus in a move that could pave the way for new student housing.
170358
Liberty Property Wins Approval to Build Two Newsstands at Busy 18th and Arch Intersection
This bill allows Liberty Property to build two small newsstands on the sidewalk at 1800 Arch Street, with some rules and regulations to ensure pedestrian safety.
170357