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Weekly recap

This week in Council

September 15 to September 21, 2017

13 introduced0 became law0 failed or vetoed

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

City Government·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Environment·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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".

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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".

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Business & Commerce·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Public Safety·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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".

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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'.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedHearing Nov 12

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.

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Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 AM · Committee on Rules

Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Environment·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawIntroduced Sep 21, 2017

City Council Votes to Shake Up Zoning Maps Along Trenton Avenue to Somerset Street Neighborhood Corridor

Trenton Avenue's small businesses may be squeezed out by soaring demand as new luxury apartments and offices are allowed to move in under updated zoning maps that could displace existing mom-and-pop shops along Somerset Street.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 15, 2018

Zoning Map Changes Bound by Front Street, Oxford Street, and Girard Avenue

This bill changes the zoning rules for a specific area of Philadelphia, bounded by Front Street, Oxford Street, American Street, Master Street, 6th Street, and Girard Avenue.

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Transportation·LapsedIntroduced Sep 21, 2017

City Rolls Out Temporary No-Parking Signs Amid Confusion Over New Vehicle Recovery Rules

City officials are rolling out temporary no-parking signs in previously allowed spaces, with new rules governing vehicle recovery from these areas. The changes affect drivers who park their vehicles in spots marked by the temporary signs.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2017

Market Street Property Owner Gets Approval to Install Decorative Pedestrian Features

A proposed pedestrian plaza along a busy stretch of Market Street has sparked debate, as City Council approved a plan to install 20 decorative bollards and planters with benches that could significantly reduce street space for drivers. Nearby business owners are split on the idea.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 19, 2017

City Council Bill Extends Tax Breaks for Select Philly Neighborhoods Amid Economic Recovery Push

This bill amends Chapter 19-3200 of The Philadelphia Code to provide additional extensions of benefits for certain tax-exempt zones in Philadelphia, including specific addresses and parcels.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2017

Philadelphia's Public Bath Regulations Repealed from City Code

Philadelphia Property Owners Face New Rules on Renters' Repairs as City Council Passes Bill Mandating Landlord Accountability; Tenants Hope for Improved Living Conditions Across the City.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2017

City Drops Ban on Aircraft Littering as Council Votes to Repeal Outdated Law

Council Votes to Axe Parking Ticket Fine Hike, Leaving Thousands of Philly Drivers Unscathed for Now; proposed 50% increase in parking ticket fines would have netted city an extra $10 million annually.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2017

Philadelphia Council Moves to Repeal Electronic Scanner Regulations Amid Ongoing Retail Debate

Retailers may soon be free to install electronic scanner-only stores in Philly under a new proposal that scraps regulations on the devices, sparking concerns about job losses and consumer rights.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2017

Philadelphia Council Votes to Scrap Mandatory Premarital Medical Exams for Marriage License Applicants

Philadelphia Council Advances Bill Requiring Landlords to Install Smoke Alarms with 10-Year Batteries, Impacting Thousands of Renters Across the City. Rent-stabilized tenants will soon be protected from faulty smoke alarms after a city council bill requiring landlords to install new models passes committee review.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Sep 21, 2017

City Council Takes Aim at Tailgating Rules in Philly Sports Complex Parking Lots

Philadelphia's tailgating rules at sports complex parking lots are on the chopping block as Council President Clarke and four other council members push for repeal. Repealing a 2017 law that regulates tailgating in outdoor lots is their goal.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2017

City Scraps Outdated Rules on Shoe Fluoroscopes, Streamlining City Code Requirements

Long-abandoned rules governing "shoe fluoroscopes" will be erased from Philadelphia's code books as part of an effort to modernize the city's regulations, freeing up space for more pressing health concerns.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2017

City Council Votes to End Pagers Sales Ban as Outdated Regulation

Philadelphia Small Businesses Face Higher Taxes Under New Wage Tax Increase Proposal The proposed hike would raise the wage tax by 0.5% for employees making more than $133,000 annually, potentially affecting thousands of city workers.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2017

Philadelphia to Remove Regulations on Milk and Milk Products

Philadelphia Homeowners Could See Hefty Fees Spike Under Proposed Tax Abatement Reform Bill, Which Aims to Increase Payments for Municipal Services from Commercial Properties.

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