Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 2 to March 8, 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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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.
Lead-Safe Certification Required for Pre-1978 Family Child Day Care Facilities to Obtain Licenses
Thousands of Philly kids at risk: City Council votes to make pre-78 day cares meet tough new lead paint standards, forcing centers to prove their buildings are safe for tiny tots.
180215
City Halts New EV Parking Spots Amid Move to Reclaim Street Space for Residents
City Council approves bill halting new EV parking spots as existing ones expire; measure passed with unanimous vote.
180218
Larger Accessory Signs Allowed in East Passyunk Avenue Neighborhood Under Revised Zoning Requirements
East Passyunk Avenue shopkeepers will soon be able to unfurl bigger signs touting their wares after city council approved changes to zoning rules that allow larger accessory signs in the bustling neighborhood's commercial district. The move is expected to boost visibility for local businesses, particularly small retailers.
180217
St. Joe's Gets Greenlight for Sidewalk Café and Planters at 54th Street Corner Spot
A new corner spot in West Philly is about to get a lot more lively as St. Joseph's University gets the greenlight for a sidewalk café and planters at its busy intersection with North 54th Street.
180216