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Weekly recap

This week in Council

February 16 to February 22, 2018

8 introduced9 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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Became law

Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 22, 2018

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.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 22, 2018

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.

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City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 22, 2018

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 22, 2018

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 22, 2018

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.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 22, 2018

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 22, 2018

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.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 22, 2018

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 22, 2018

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.

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Newly introduced

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

City Council·LapsedIntroduced Feb 22, 2018

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.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 5, 2018

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.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 5, 2018

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 5, 2018

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.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 7, 2018

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.

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Transportation·LapsedIntroduced Feb 22, 2018

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 5, 2018

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.

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Transportation·LapsedIntroduced Feb 22, 2018

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.

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