Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 23 to March 1, 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
Philadelphia Council Ends 72-Hour Warranty for Used Car Buyers at Dealerships
Used car buyers beware: the Philadelphia City Council has voted to eliminate the 72-hour warranty for pre-owned vehicles sold at local dealerships, putting more financial risk on consumers who spot major flaws.
171124
Amusement Businesses Win Insurance Break as Council Votes to Scrap Liability Requirement
Small Business Owners in Philadelphia's Food Truck Scene Push Back Against Proposed Regulations on Where They Can Park
171123
Philadelphia Streets Get Safety Makeover as Outdated Excavation Rules Face Repeal
This bill repeals outdated provisions in Philadelphia's 'Safety' chapter related to excavations and obstructions on streets and sidewalks.
171122
City Council Votes to Streamline Refuse Collection Rules Allowing More Flexible Scheduling Options for Contractors
Philadelphia Property Owners May See Increased Parking Fines as City Council Proposes New Fee Structure A proposed ordinance would hike parking fines by up to 50% and impose steeper fees on repeat offenders, generating millions of dollars for city coffers annually.
171121
Council Votes to Scrap Outdated Motion Picture Ordinance in Bid to Streamline City Codes
Small Business Owners Relieved as Council Passes Bill Exempting Certain Ventures from Need for Zoning Variances for Outdoor Seating; New Law Aims to Ease Burden on Local Eateries and Cafes. Philadelphia's Homeless Population May Be Affected by Proposed Ban on Sleeping in Vehicle Lanes, a Measure Designed to Clear Streets and Enhance Public Safety in Busy Commercial Districts.
171120
City Scraps Outdated Motor Bus Rules, Eliminates Red Tape for Philly Carriers
Low-Income Families Reap Benefits from City's New Affordable Housing Voucher Program; Thousands Eligible for Reduced Rent Assistance The city council has approved a measure that will provide up to 2,000 additional Section 8 vouchers to help low-income Philadelphians pay their rent on time.
171119
City Repeals Outdated Reviewing Stand Rules as Council Moves to Update Safety Regulations
A long-overdue overhaul of Philly's amusement park rules is set to drop, ditching decades-old guidelines for reviewing stands in favor of safer standards that will boost protection for workers and thrill-seekers alike.
171118
City Council Votes to Tighten Newspaper Box Regulations in Northern Liberties Neighborhood
This bill regulates newspaper boxes on public sidewalks in specific areas of Philadelphia, including Northern Liberties.
170962
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Unveils Philly's $4.7 Billion Operating Budget for FY19
Council Approves Plan to Give Minimum Wage Hike to Thousands of Philly Workers: Low-income employees at small businesses and non-profits would see their wages rise under a new law aimed at closing the poverty gap.
180164-A
Philadelphia Updates Building Codes to Meet New National Standards in Major Overhaul of Construction Rules
A Proposed Parking Tax Could Generate Hundreds of Millions for City Funds, but Would Also Hit Philly Residents Hardest at a Time When Gas Prices are Soaring.
180176
Philadelphia Residents to Vote on Mandatory 50 Million Dollar Annual Housing Funding Boost
City Council votes to put $50 million annual housing funding boost on ballot, requiring voters to approve constitutional amendment affecting the Housing Trust Fund.
180180
Council Increases Realty Transfer Tax Rate To Boost Funding For Philly Schools
Property owners will soon pay a higher fee when selling homes and businesses in the city, with the added revenue directed towards cash-strapped public schools. A proposed 0.3% hike in the realty transfer tax would raise hundreds of millions for Philly's education system over the next decade.
180167
Council Votes to Give City Schools Power to Levy Real Estate Taxes Starting This Year
Council President Clarke and Councilmember Henon's bill to give city schools power to levy real estate taxes starts taking effect this year, allowing the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on properties in the city.
180165
Council proposed reducing tax rates for city residents' and non-resident's wages and net profits.
Philadelphia's tax rates on residents' salaries and wages will decrease by five cents, from 2.39% to 2.34%, while non-residents' rates will also drop slightly.
180178
Philadelphia Council Tackles Overhaul of City Building Codes to Align with State Regulations
This bill updates and clarifies Philadelphia's administrative code for construction projects, ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania state regulations.
180175
Philadelphia Buildings Fall in Line With National Safety Standards as Council Adopts Updated Residential Code
Homeowners in 1,200 older Philly row houses face costly repairs or risk being declared uninhabitable under a new city law requiring lead pipe removal and replacements. Philly Small Businesses Get Break from Fines as City Council Votes to Suspend Parking Violation Fees for Restaurants and Bars Downtown.
180174
Northeast Philly Neighborhood Zoning Designations Overhauled Following Weeks of Community Input and Debate
After months of heated debate, Philly Council votes to rezone 17 city blocks in Northeast Philly, allowing for denser residential development on Frankford Avenue and sparking concerns about gentrification in the neighborhood. Council Aims to Curb "Irresponsible" Landlord Practices with Stricter Rental Regulations The proposed legislation targets rental units in Philadelphia's most poverty-stricke
180173
Northeast Philly Zoning Map Overhaul Unveiled in City Council Bill Amid Controversy Over Development Plans
This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas in Northeast Philadelphia, bounded by Oakmont Street, Torresdale Avenue, Pennypack Creek, Rhawn Street, and Rowland Avenue.
180172
City Council Clears Way for Expanded Sidewalk Cafes Along Busy Frankford and Cottman Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia
This bill allows sidewalk cafes to be set up on Frankford Avenue and Cottman Avenue under certain conditions.
180171
City's Wage and Net Profits Tax Rates Lowered for Residents and Non-Residents Working in Philadelphia
This bill amends the tax rates for Philadelphia's Wage and Net Profits Tax, lowering them slightly.
180168
City Council Unveils 2019 Capital Spending Plan with Focus on Major Infrastructure Projects
Philadelphia homeowners may soon see a $20 tax hike to fund city repairs and renovations under a new infrastructure plan. The increase would help pay for pothole fixes and stormwater management upgrades in neighborhoods across the city.
180163-A
Philadelphia Adopts Six-Year Capital Plan for City Projects and Initiatives
A proposed plan would pour $1.5 billion into Philly's parks system over the next five years, with a focus on revitalizing aging playgrounds and upgrading community recreation centers in underserved neighborhoods. If passed, the influx of funds could transform some of the city's most neglected green spaces.
180162
Twenty-Second Street Merchants Get Sidewalk Sale Reprieve With Loosened Rules in City Code
This bill allows property owners and tenants on both sides of Twenty-second Street between Lehigh Avenue and Allegheny Avenue to have sidewalk sales without following certain regulations.
180179
Northeast Philadelphia Streets and Drainage Plan Revised by City Officials
This bill authorizes changes to the city's map and plan for streets and drainage systems in a specific area of Northeast Philadelphia.
180170
Philadelphia Council Moves to Regulate Semi-Detached Homes Amid Growing Neighborhood Development Concerns
A proposed regulation aims to curb "missing middle" housing in Philly, restricting semi-detached homes in certain areas, sparking debate among developers and residents who want more affordable options.
180169
Philadelphia Homeowners Get Tax Break as City Council Boosts Homestead Exclusion to Record High
Philadelphia Homeowners Receive Relief as City Council Votes to Raise Homestead Exemption; Thousands of Families Will See Lower Tax Bills Starting Next Year. The increased exemption will save the average homeowner around $300 annually.
180166
City Leases Land in Roxborough to Local Developer for New Project with Uncertain Timelines
Homeowners near 53rd and Spruce are rallying against a proposed zoning change that would allow a six-story apartment building in their midst, sparking concerns about density and neighborhood character.
180177