Weekly recap
This week in Council
June 9 to June 15, 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
Deadline Extended for Encroachment Permittees Along Market Street and Surrounding Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
Business owners along Market Street and surrounding neighborhoods face a last-minute reprieve as a city council measure pushes back the deadline for removing unauthorized storefront expansions, some of which have been there for years.
170566
Gaul & Co. Malt House Gets OK to Open Sidewalk Café at 3133 Gaul Street
This bill allows Gaul & Co.
170565
Philadelphia Property Assessments to Consider Rent Restrictions in Valuations
Council Seeks to Shield Low-Income Tenants from Soaring Property Taxes as Rising Rents Leave Few Affordable Options in Philly's Tight Rental Market. A proposed law would tie property assessments to a building's affordable housing designation, potentially saving thousands for landlords and tenants alike.
170564
New Parking Rules Set for Granite Street in Frankford as Restrictions Tightened Near Popular Commercial Area
This bill changed the parking rules on Granite Street in Northeast Philadelphia from 2-hour parking to 4-hour parking, Monday through Saturday.
170562
Bicycle Lane Added to 15th Street Between Carpenter and Washington Avenues
This bill creates a bicycle lane on 15th Street between Carpenter and Washington Avenues, removes parking spaces, and changes traffic flow in the area to improve bike safety.
170561
Philadelphia Council Approves Changes to Moravian Street for New Development Project
This bill authorizes revisions to City Plan No.
170556
City Officials Set to Seek Millions in Federal Grants for Housing, Homeless Services and Blight Prevention Efforts
Philadelphia Renters Could Face Higher Fees Under New Council Proposal; Plan Would Add 5% Fee on Vacant Properties to Fund City's Housing Trust Fund.
170555
Newsstand Owner Gets Green Light to Install Underground Electrical Conduits
This bill allows a newsstand owner to install conduits under 34th Street for electrical service, with conditions such as obtaining necessary permits and providing a bond.
170554
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 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 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
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
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
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
Philadelphia Gas Works Secures Four Year Lease on Germantown Properties Amid Urban Renewal Push
Philadelphia's Largest Landlord to Get Rent Freeze on Thousands of Units Amid Ongoing Code Enforcement Debate A proposed bill would grant a two-year freeze on rent increases for Philadelphia Housing Authority tenants in 3,500 units owned by the largest landlord in the city.
170438
Homeowner at 5200 C Street Wins Reprieve on Public Space Encroachment with Council Approval
A contentious dispute over a South Philadelphia yard has been temporarily resolved, but the owner of 5234 Christian will have to wait longer for a final decision on her own property encroachment case.
170435
Philadelphia Continues Issuing Gas Utility Bonds, Tying Repayment to Rate Collections Citywide
Philly homeowners may see their gas bills rise with new debt financing plan; City Council approved issuing $25 million in Revenue Notes, which will be repaid through utility rate collections citywide.
170434
Philadelphia City Council Approves 2018 PGW Capital Budget Touting $115 Million Investment Plan
Philadelphia's homeowners could face higher water bills next year as City Council votes on a plan to hike rates by up to 20% over five years to fund water infrastructure upgrades.
170433
Philadelphia Council OKs Plan to Sell New Gas Works Bonds Worth Millions Annually
Philadelphia Homeowners May Soon Face Higher Water Bills as City Seeks Loan from PennPAC to Pay Off Debt The proposed loan would raise homeowners' annual water bills by $150, adding pressure on low-income families who rely on the city's public water system.
170432
City Council Restores Exemption for Certain Contracts with Advocate Group for Children in Peril
Contractors working with vulnerable kids may face higher scrutiny after City Council votes to scrap a key exemption, potentially upending decades-long relationships with groups like the Support Center for Child Advocates.
170401
City Takes First Step Toward Safer Biking on Chestnut Street with Buffered Lane Approval
This bill creates a buffered bicycle lane on Chestnut Street from South 45th to South 34th Streets, and removes one travel lane in that area.
170400
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
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
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
Bicycle Lanes Coming to American Street: Two-Lane Designation Set in Motion by City Council
Get ready to ride: Philadelphia City Council has voted to transform American Street into a two-way bike highway, prioritizing cyclists' safety along a major commercial corridor.
170289
Food Truck Owner Gets Approval to Power Royal Tea Truck with Street-Side Electrical Lines
This bill allows a food truck owner to install and maintain electrical wires in a specific street location for powering his business.
170242
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
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
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
City Council Unveils New Parking Rules for Busy Carpenter Street Corridor Near Broad and Washington Ave
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia: Carpenter Street, Broad Street, and Washington Avenue.
170012
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council Tries to Boost Minority and Female Business Deals Through Stricter Oversight and Review Requirements
Philadelphia's city council is set to boost deals with minority and female businesses through stricter oversight, requiring regular review of contracts under new economic opportunity plans. Minority-owned companies will face increased scrutiny.
170625
City Seeks Voter Approval to Borrow Up to 172 Million Dollars for Capital Projects Through Bond Sales
Philadelphia's Water Department Faces Rate Hikes Amid Aging Infrastructure Upgrades A proposed city law would increase water rates by 15% over five years to fund critical upgrades to the city's crumbling water infrastructure, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses.
170623
West Side Parking Restrictions Hit Germantown Avenue from Phil-Ellena to Westview in New City Move
Parking restrictions are now in effect on the west side of Germantown Avenue from Phil-Ellena to Westview, limiting parking time to two hours between 8am and 6pm, Monday through Saturday.
170624