Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 16 to February 22, 2018
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 Council Votes to Convert Island Avenue and Enterprise Avenue into Bike-Only Lanes
Philadelphia's South Philly neighborhoods are in for a major traffic shift as City Council approved changes that will ban cars from portions of Island Avenue and Enterprise Avenue by the end of 2023.
180076
Bike Lane Added on Race Street Between 8th and 5th Streets
This bill adds Race Street from North 8th to North 5th as a bike lane and removes a travel lane on Race Street from North 8th to North 6th.
180016
City Council Tries Again: Sidewalk Café on 10th Street Not Set to Automatically Expire After Nine Months.
Small business owners on 10th Street are breathing a sigh of relief as City Council votes to extend the life of a sidewalk café permit, potentially saving 1338 Inc.'s outdoor seating area from an early expiration deadline.
180014
Bustleton Resident Allowed to Build Retaining Wall After City Review and Permit Approval
This bill allows a property owner to install and maintain a retaining wall and existing fence on their property in the Bustleton Avenue area.
180009
Philadelphia's Wage Theft Law Strengthened With New Penalties and Complaint Procedures Established
Local business owners are now facing increased penalties and fines if caught underpaying or cheating employees out of wages, with the city cracking down on widespread wage theft that has drained millions from workers' pockets annually.
171113
City Council Moves to Clear Path for Bike Lanes, Crosswalk at Pennypack Trail Entrance
Residents who frequent the popular Pennypack Trail may soon have a safer and more accessible entrance as City Council proposes removing 17 parking spots along Torresdale Avenue to accommodate a new bike lane and pedestrian crossing.
171083
Newsstand Owner Cleared to Build Electrical Conduits Under Corner of 52nd and Spruce Streets
Long-time news vendor can finally upgrade his stand's power supply after city council votes to permit him to dig up sidewalk at 52nd and Spruce, but only if he restores it to original condition afterwards.
171082
Voters to Decide on Mandatory Police Advisory Commission Funding in Special Election
Shining a Light on Law Enforcement: A special election next month will ask Philadelphians whether a minimum $500,000 annual funding commitment is necessary for an independent police watchdog agency.
170716
Philadelphia Parking Regs Get Boost on Busy Chester Avenue Stretch Near 55th Street
The city is changing parking regulations on Chester Avenue between 55th and 56th Streets to require two-hour parking from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday through Saturday.
170669
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Code Amendment Would Offer Protection and Immunity for Employees Disclosing Sexual Harassment
City Council proposes new protections for employees who report sexual harassment, shielding them from retaliation and providing immunity if they cooperate against harassers in certain circumstances. The move aims to bolster workplace safety and accountability.
180140
Code Changes Clarify Real Estate Tax Payment Agreements
Homeless Philly Residents Could Gain Affordable Housing Vouchers Under Proposal to Expand City Program The bill would expand eligibility criteria and increase funding for the city's housing voucher program, providing a lifeline for thousands of low-income residents struggling to find stable homes.
180138
Philadelphia Council Revamps Realty Use and Occupancy Tax Calculation With Split-Year Assessed Values Rollout
This bill amends how the Realty Use and Occupancy Tax is calculated in Philadelphia.
180139
City Council Votes to Revamp Zoning Maps for Northern Phila Neighborhoods Along Bustling Roosevelt Boulevard Corridor
This bill changes the zoning maps for a specific area in Philadelphia to allow new uses and developments.
180137
City Contractors Must Reveal Leadership Demographics or Lose Chance at Philly Contracts and Deals
Philly Landlords Could Be Required to Pay Rent Assistance Fees for Tenants Displaced by New Developments The proposal would impose a fee on developers building new housing projects in gentrifying neighborhoods, with proceeds used to support rent assistance programs for displaced tenants.
180133
City of Philadelphia Given Extra Time to Meet Conditions on Vacated Cayuga Street Revocation Project
Philadelphia's deadline to comply with Cayuga Street revocation conditions extended; new timeline aims to resolve outstanding requirements tied to vacating the street.
180136
Zoning Overlay Added to St Mary's Area with Technical Changes and Parking Provisions
Proposal Would Raise Minimum Wage for City Employees to $15 an Hour, Potentially Impacting 2,500 Municipal Workers Including Police Officers and Sanitation Crews.
180135
City Officials Must Seek Approval Before Altering Popular Bike Lane Routes in Philly
City officials must get approval before changing bike lanes in Philadelphia, under new rules proposed by Councilmember Blackwell.
180134