Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 5 to May 11, 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
Time Limit Imposed on Electric Vehicle Parking Space Moratorium in Philadelphia to Last One Year Only
Philadelphia residents with disabilities will have exclusive access to city-mandated EV charging stations, but only until December 2024 when a one-year moratorium on new EV spaces expires unless extended by Council.
170336
Zoning Designations Changed Along Roosevelt Boulevard and Surrounding Streets
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for certain areas of land in a specific neighborhood bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard and surrounding streets.
170333
Council Gives Finances Director Power to Transfer Funds Between City Accounts This Year
Philly's Finances in Flux: In a bid to streamline budgeting, the City Council has granted its finance director unprecedented power to move millions in taxpayer dollars between key city accounts.
170332
Philadelphia Zoning Maps Overhauled Along Lehigh Avenue Corridor as Council Votes to Update Neighborhood Land Use Designations
This bill changes the zoning designation of certain areas in Philadelphia from Map A1 to Map B1, within a specific boundary bounded by Lehigh Avenue, 20th Street, Sedgley Avenue, and 22nd Street.
170331
City Council Approves Pact With Citizens Bank for Payroll Banking Services Amid Ongoing Budget Review
Philadelphia City Workers May Soon See Direct Deposit Payments Processed Through Citizens Bank After Council Vote to Approve Pact. The deal could save city taxpayers an estimated $250,000 annually in processing fees.
170330
Philadelphia Approves Deal for Wells Fargo to Handle City Payroll Finances Under New Agreement
Wells Fargo will take over management of Philly's employee paychecks under a new contract, potentially generating $2 million in annual savings for taxpayers, while critics question the deal's benefits for the bank.
170329
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
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
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
Trucks Barred from Parking on Both Sides of Ogontz Avenue Between Somerville and Belfield Avenue Streets
Commercial drivers would have to find new spots to park, as a proposed ban aims to clear congestion and improve safety along one of the city's busiest corridors. Residents are cautiously optimistic about reduced traffic and noise pollution on their streets.
170292
Trucks Barred From Parking On Both Sides Of Winchester Avenue In Latest City Ordinance Effort
This bill prohibits trucks from parking on both sides of Winchester Avenue between the 2600 and 2700 blocks at any time.
170286
City Council Passes Planter Bill Allowing Brandywine Operating Partnership to Build Market Street Planters
Market Street makeover: Brandywine Partners' planter installations get green light, but some business owners still worry about parking constraints caused by the new landscaping along one of Philly's busiest thoroughfares.
170284
Company Gets Approval to Build Sidewalk Planters and Benches at 1901 Market Street Location
This bill allows Piedmont 1901 Market LLC to build and maintain planters and benches on a portion of the sidewalk at 1901 Market Street, Philadelphia.
170283
American Street between Girard Avenue and Thompson Street becomes one-way northbound
Disability Advocates Voice Concerns Over Proposed Philly Ordinance to Charge Riders with Disabilities for ParaTransit Services The ordinance would require riders with disabilities who are able to walk a block or more to use SEPTA buses instead of ParaTransit, potentially saving the city millions.
170281
Bar Fred LLC Gets OK to Set Up Sidewalk Café in Front of North 2nd Street Location
This bill allows a business called Bar Fred LLC to install and maintain an outdoor café on the sidewalk in front of their location at 1040 North 2nd Street.
170264
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
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 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
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
North Philly Zoning Map Changes Signed into Law After Years of Review
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations for certain areas in North Philly, bounded by Girard Ave, 9th St, Brown St, 8th St, Spring Garden St, and Broad St.
170140-A
City Officials Revise Convention Avenue Map for Improved Drainage and Transportation
This bill authorizes the city to revise a part of its official map (City Plan No.
170086
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
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
Council Mandates Sidewalk Closure Permits Hinge on Safety, Alternative Routes Must Be Explored First
Residents and businesses along Market Street could soon face costly and time-consuming hurdles when trying to shut down sidewalks for construction projects, under new rules aimed at balancing progress with pedestrian safety concerns.
161108
Zoning Maps Altered Near Schuylkill Expressway As City Council OKs Changes to Broad Street Area Land Use
This bill changes the zoning designation of a specific area in Philadelphia bounded by Jackson Street, Broad Street, the Schuylkill Expressway, Vare Street, Passyunk Avenue, and 24th Street.
160680
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council Seeks to Revamp Zoning Rules Along Delaware River Waterfront in Major Overhaul
This bill changes the zoning designations for specific areas of land in Philadelphia, bounded by Front Street, the Delaware Expressway, Laurel Street, Canal Street, and Poplar Street.
170476
Rubber Tire Cutting Ban Takes Effect in Philadelphia, Prohibiting Outdoor Cuts
Residents near Southwest Philly's industrial corridor are breathing a sigh of relief as the city takes aim at tire cutting, a decades-old practice blamed for noxious fumes and toxic chemicals spewing into the air.
170470
City Council Seeks to Revise Zoning Rules Along Busy North Delaware Avenue Commercial Strip
This bill amends the North Delaware Avenue Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District in Philadelphia's zoning code to revise boundaries and requirements for commercial properties.
170469
Philadelphia Council Votes to Create Business Improvement District for Hotel Industry Development and Promotion
Hotels along Philly's Benjamin Franklin Parkway could see a surge in new development, courtesy of a city-authorized tax on the lucrative industry: establishments with 50 or more rooms would be subject to the assessment.
170468
City Sets New Property Valuation Standards for Taxation Purposes
Philadelphia Homeowners May See Higher Taxes as Council Votes to Allow Rent Payments to Be Counted Toward Mortgage Qualification, Boosting Buying Power. The measure aims to make it easier for renters to transition to homeownership.
170467
Roxborough Neighborhood Gets New Zoning Designations as City Council Approves Land Use Changes Overnight
Low-Income Homeowners Face Hefty Fees Under New Property Tax Bill Passed Unanimously by City Council Last Night The measure increases property taxes on low-income owners, raising costs for over 1,500 households making less than $30,000 annually.
170465
Treetop Quest Gets Green Light for Adventure Park in West Fairmount Park Amid Community Benefits and Investment Requirements
Philadelphia residents could soon be swinging through the trees at West Fairmount Park after City Council voted to allow Treetop Quest to build its first urban adventure park in the city, with a hefty price tag for amenities and services.
170464
Riverfront Zoning Changes Flow Through Philly as Council Aims to Revamp Neighborhood Land Uses
New rules could soon govern what goes up along the Schuylkill: proposed changes to waterfront zoning laws would bar large-scale developments from prime riverfront parcels, sparking debate among developers and residents.
170463
City Hall Overhauls Zoning Rules to Lure Waterfront Developers with Height Bonuses and Eased Setbacks
City zoning rules are being rewritten to offer height bonuses and relaxed setbacks to developers building along the Delaware River waterfront, in a bid to attract new investment.
170471
Restaurant Owner Gets OK for Sidewalk Café at 4th Street Philadelphia Property
South Philly Residents Concerned Over Proposed Zoning Change to Allow 5-Story Apartment Building on Busy Franklin Square Boulevard. A zoning variance that would permit construction of a 75-foot-tall apartment building at 2222 S. Franklin Square Blvd has Councilmembers scrambling for solutions.
170475
Philadelphia Sidewalk Café Plan Moves Forward for 1338-40 South 10th Street Business Owner
This bill allows a business at 1338-40 South 10th Street to install and maintain an open-air sidewalk café on the public sidewalk.
170474-A
Sidewalk Café Takes Shape in South Philly as City Approves B1 Holdings' Outdoor Seating Plan
Philadelphia's 3rd Street Corridor Will Get More Green Space as City Council Votes to Allow Community Garden on Vacant Lot. The garden, proposed by a group of local residents, will occupy a 0.6-acre lot at 1425 North 3rd Street and feature raised beds, a composting area, and community educational programs.
170473
Bar Owners Win Approval for Sidewalk Café at E Allegheny Ave Hotspot This Summer
This bill allows a specific bar to install and maintain an outdoor café on its sidewalk in the East Allegheny neighborhood.
170472
Truck Parking Banned on Castor Avenue Between Wyoming and E. Cayuga Streets
Castor Avenue residents breathe a sigh of relief as truck-filled sidewalks become a thing of the past, but small business owners worry about lost parking revenue in the already congested street.
170466
Concrete Planters Coming to 1818 Chestnut Street as City Approves Boyd's Realty Plan
Eye-catching concrete planters are headed for the iconic 1818 Chestnut Street building after city officials gave Boyd's Realty Partnership the green light to spruce up the property.
170462
Philadelphia Approves Open-Air Café on Busy Baltimore Avenue Stretch Near Drexel University Boundaries
Baltimore Avenue Businesses Breathe Easier with New Bike Lane Plan: A proposed Philadelphia city council resolution aims to carve out protected bike lanes on Baltimore Avenue, potentially easing congestion and improving safety for commuters like Drexel University students.
170461