Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 12 to May 18, 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Council Unveils Plan To Help Struggling Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure Through Counseling And Payment Relief
Low-Income Families Could Be Protected from Eviction Under Proposed City Bill Requiring Landlords to Register Vacant Properties Before Filing Abatement Notices. The legislation aims to curb unnecessary evictions by providing a safety net for vulnerable residents, including seniors and families with young children.
170519-A
City Council Tackles Development Rules Around Rittenhouse Square with Stringent New Regulations
Developers who want to build near Rittenhouse Square will have to meet stricter zoning rules, including increased setbacks from the park's edges, in a bid to preserve the neighborhood's character. The new regulations could impact several high-rise projects currently underway.
170498
Zoning designations changed for areas bounded by 3rd Street, Berks Street, 6th Street, and Lehigh Avenue.
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood bounded by 3rd Street, Berks Street, 6th Street, and Lehigh Avenue.
170516
City Council Extends Economic Incentives for Philly's Growing Navy Yard Industrial Zone
Philly Small Business Owners Push Back Against Proposal to Raise Minimum Permit Fees for Food Vendors A new city proposal would increase permit fees for street vendors by up to 300%, sparking concerns from entrepreneurs who rely on these licenses to make a living.
170515
City Authorizes Contract for Shuttle Bus Services at Philadelphia International Airport
This bill authorizes the city to enter into a contract with a vendor for shuttle bus services at Philadelphia International Airport, with an initial four-year term and optional one-year renewals.
170514
City Transfers Key West Philly Land Parcel to PRA for Redevelopment
Proposal Targets Vacant Lots as Affordable Housing Sites, Starting with 10 Philly Neighborhoods City Council members are pushing a new plan that would require property owners to convert vacant lots into affordable housing units or face increased fines and penalties in targeted neighborhoods.
170511
Zoning Map Changes Signed for Area Bounded by Cottman Avenue and Surrounding Streets
Northeast Philadelphians May Soon See More Apartment Complexes Rising Along Major Avenues as City Council Votes to Lift Residential Density Limits in Highly Contested Zoning Rezone.
170501
Zoning Maps Overhauled in North Philly Neighborhoods Along Girard Avenue Corridor
This bill changes the zoning maps in a specific area of Philadelphia, bounded by Girard Avenue, 41st Street, Parkside Avenue, and Railroad Right of Way.
170496
City Council Tackles Green Roof Requirements in Residential Developments Across Philly Neighborhoods
Philadelphia homeowners are facing a costly surprise as City Council considers stricter green roof regulations that could add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of building or renovating their homes.
170495
Towing Companies Face Steep Fines for Mishandling Crash Scenes in Philadelphia Streets Daily
This bill increases the fine for towing companies that don't properly clean up an accident scene from $100 to $300.
170517
City Plan Revision Approved: Westview Street to be Relocated for Utility Infrastructure Upgrades
This bill allows the city to remove a portion of Westview Street from official maps and replace it with a right-of-way for sewer, drainage, and water main purposes.
170510
City Council Approves Changes to Streets Near Shawmont Avenue and Port Royal Avenue After Years of Development
This bill revises the City Plan to reflect current physical conditions in a specific area near Shawmont Avenue and Port Royal Avenue.
170509
Pearl Street Removed from City Plan, Right-of-Way Designated for Sewer and Utility Purposes
This bill allows the city to change the plan for Pearl Street between 13th and Broad Streets by removing it from the map and replacing it with a right-of-way for sewers, water mains, and public utilities.
170518
City Clears Way for Lease Deal with Grays Ferry Partners to Occupy Vacant Land near Schuylkill River Trail
This bill authorizes a lease agreement between the city and Grays Ferry Partners, LP for use of property at 3009 Grays Ferry Avenue.
170513
City Council Approves Plans for New Ballpark Services Building in Southwest Philly
Southwest Philly residents may soon see more traffic on their streets as City Council approves a plan to build a massive parking garage and services complex near Citizens Bank Park, angering local business owners who worry about congestion.
170512
City Leases Space Near City Hall From Philly Water Agency Under New Council Measure
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Higher Property Taxes Under Proposed Rate Hike: Council Bill Seeks to Increase Levy on Existing Homes by 10% Over Two Years.
170508
City Council OKs Sublease for City Use at 1425 Arch Street Under Municipal Authority
Philadelphia taxpayers will foot the bill as the city signs a lucrative 15-year lease for part of a downtown high-rise, sparking questions about accountability and transparency in the deal's terms. Details on the rent remain unclear, fueling public curiosity.
170507
City Leases Frankford Avenue Property from Washington Service Corp in Major Land Deal for Public Use
This bill authorizes the City of Philadelphia to lease a property at 8747 Frankford Avenue from Washington Service Corp.
170506
City Seals Deal on New Lease in Northeast Philly, Securing Space for Municipal Operations
City Council authorizes Commissioner of Public Property to sign one-year lease with option to renew for four years at 25,000 square foot office and garage space on New State Road in Northeast Philly.
170505
Philadelphia's Zoning Code Revised to Reflect Changes in Sign Definitions
Philadelphia Businesses Face New Fees: Proposed Tax on Large Commercial Signs Would Fund City Parks Maintenance, Targeting Property Owners with Multiple High-Profile Ads. Under the proposal, sign owners would pay a tax based on the size and visibility of their signs, generating millions for city parks upkeep.
170504
Northeast Philadelphia Zoning Designations Altered Along Bridge Street and Surrounding Streets
Philly Small Business Owners Blast Proposed City Council Bill Requiring Them to Pay Higher Fees for Street Permits and Licenses Starting Next Year. Philly's Affordable Housing Stock May Plummet as City Council Considers Landlord Tax Hike Proposal That Could Send Rents Soaring.
170503
Council Proposes Boundary Shift for Certain Neighborhood Area Zoning Changes
Zoning maps in a section of Philadelphia's Frankford neighborhood are set to change after Councilman Henon introduces new zoning classifications. The affected area is bounded by Sheffield Avenue, Leon Street, and other local roads.
170502
Temple U Approves Plans for Major Addition to Liacouras Walk Building in North Philadelphia Neighborhood
Residents of the North Philadelphia neighborhood surrounding Temple University will soon see a major transformation on Liacouras Walk as a new wing is added to a prominent student hub, bringing more space for students but also sparking concerns about increased noise and traffic.
170500
City Officials to Reopen 150 Foot Stretch of Vine Street Between Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets
This bill allows for a revision of City Plan No.
170499
Trucks Banned from Parking on Cobbs Creek Parkway Section Near Popular Parks and Trails Daily
Residents near Cobbs Creek Park are breathing a sigh of relief as trucks will no longer be allowed to park along the busy Cobbs Creek Parkway, freeing up space for joggers and families. The ban aims to reduce congestion and improve safety.
170497