Skip to content

Weekly recap

This week in Council

March 2 to March 8, 2018

4 introduced13 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.

260076

→
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.

250807

→
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.

250768

→
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.

260516

→
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.

260462

→
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.

260760

→
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".

260759

→
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".

260711

→
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.

260710

→
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.

260709

→
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.

260704

→
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.

260703

→
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.

260702

→
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.

260695

→
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.

260694

→
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.

260690

→
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.

260687

→
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".

260686

→
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'.

260800

→
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.

260796

→
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.

260795

→

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.

260764

→
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.

260697

→
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.

260689

→
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.

260688

→
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.

260855

→
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.

260851

→
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.

260896

→
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.

260895

→

Became law

Education·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

Philadelphia City Council Proposes Overhaul of School Board Selection Process in Upcoming Special Election Ballot Question

Parents could soon have more say in shaping Philadelphia's education system under a proposed overhaul of the school board selection process that would give them direct representation on the board.

180098

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

Northeast Philadelphia Zoning Map Changes Signed into Law After Years of Review

Philadelphia Homeowners and Businesses Are About to See Big Changes: City Council Just Approved a Bill that Allows More Bars and Restaurants in Certain Neighborhoods, Starting Next Month.

180075

→
Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

City Council Votes to Shift $200K from Grants Fund to Support Mayor's Anti-Violence Initiatives

Council Approves Plan to Funnel Millions into City-Owned Parking Garages Amid Growing Congestion Concerns Under the new policy, all parking garage revenues will be transferred to a city-owned trust fund, allowing for the repair and modernization of the city's aging garages.

180006

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

Zoning Map Rewrite Shifts Development Rules For Properties Along Euclid Street to 53rd Street Corridor

This bill changes the zoning rules for certain areas in Philadelphia bounded by Euclid Street, 53rd Street, Morse Street, and Georges Lane.

180005

→
Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

South Street Business Owners Face New Fees to Fund Revamps Along Eastern Section

Philadelphia Drivers Could See Increased Parking Fines Under City Council's Proposed Ordinance The fine increase would target drivers who park in designated loading zones and commercial areas across the city, generating an estimated $4 million annually for traffic management efforts.

171130

→
Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

South Street Headhouse District Authority Gets New Lease on Life Through 2027 Extension Bill

Small Business Owners Rejoice as Proposed Minimum Wage Increase Hits $15 Per Hour by 2024 A new city law would raise the minimum wage for Philadelphia workers to $12 in 2022, then incrementally increase it to $15 per hour by 2024, affecting over 140,000 employees.

171129

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

Philadelphia City Council Votes to Rezone Small Section of South Philly Neighborhoods Along Moore Street Corridor

Residents living near 11th and Wharton streets are set to see new shops and restaurants pop up as City Council approves zoning change, allowing for more commercial development in the long-standing residential neighborhood. But will it displace long-time residents?

171128

→
City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

Philadelphia Council Votes to Scrap Regulations on Garbage Disposal Units in Major Overhaul

Homeowners and businesses with older homes may soon be able to install new or replacement garbage disposal units without meeting strict requirements under a proposed change to Philadelphia's plumbing codes affecting thousands of residents.

171127

→
City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

Philadelphia Police Radio Broadcast Rules Undergo Major Overhaul Amid Calls for Modernization

Police officers and firefighters could soon receive more timely emergency updates under a proposed overhaul of city rules governing radio communications, potentially saving precious seconds in critical situations.

171126

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

North Philadelphia Zoning Map Changes Unveiled Allowing New Businesses to Set Up Shop Along Allegheny Avenue Corridor

Business owners along Allegheny Avenue are rejoicing as a new city plan scraps outdated zoning laws, clearing the way for everything from trendy restaurants to hip gyms in long-neglected neighborhoods. New shops could pop up on every corner, boosting local economy and pride.

171003

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

Northeast Philadelphia Neighborhoods to Get New Zoning Rules After Years of Community Push

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas in Northeast Philadelphia.

171002

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

Zoning Changes Unveiled for North Philly Neighborhood Along Henry Avenue Corridor

This bill changes the zoning designations for a specific area in Philadelphia, bounded by several streets, to allow for different land uses.

170996

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 8, 2018

Ridge Avenue Neighborhood Zoning Map Overhaul Underway as Council Considers Land-Use Changes

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood, bounded by Ridge Avenue and others.

170995

→

Newly introduced

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