Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 4 to May 10, 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 Seeks to Purchase Large Parcel of Land Near 69th Street Shopping Hub for Up to 3.5 Million Dollars
This bill allows the City to buy a piece of land in a specific area for up to $3.5 million.
180239
City Moves to Acquire Land Along Delaware River and Trails for Parks and Recreational Development
Faced with a looming deadline, Councilors are pushing to protect vulnerable Philadelphia residents from lead poisoning by expanding mandatory water testing in public schools. Philadelphia Could Start Issuing Fines to Property Owners Who Fail to Clear Snow After Winter Storms The plan aims to hold property owners accountable for snow removal after blizzards, shifting the burden from already-straine
180237
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
City OKs Lease for 520 N. Delaware Ave. Property
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to enter into a lease agreement with Spring Del Associates, LP for part of a property at 520 North Delaware Avenue.
180106
City Land Sold to Development Authority with Strings Attached at North Front Street
Philadelphia's city government has agreed to sell two vacant lots in North Philadelphia, but only if a developer agrees to prioritize hiring from the surrounding community and meeting other social goals. A new policy aims to bring more local control to development projects.
180105
City Council Approves Transfer of Vacant Lot on Westmoreland Street to PAID Agency
Vacant lots on North Broad Avenue Could Be Converted into Affordable Housing Units, But Some Neighbors Object A proposed zoning change would allow the conversion of two abandoned lots on North Broad Avenue into apartments with rent-restricted units, sparking concerns from some local residents about gentrification and property values.
180104
City Must Conduct Appraisals on All Major Real Estate Deals Under New Proposal
This bill requires the City of Philadelphia to conduct appraisals for certain real estate acquisitions and dispositions to ensure fair market value.
180011
City Seeks to Purchase Land in North Philly's Broad Street Corridor Under Contingent Agreement Terms
Philly Looks to Buy Up Land in Bustling North Philly Corridor Amid Developer Interest; City would gain control over key properties along Broad Street through a combination of purchases and eminent domain powers.
171084
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Boarding Homes Must Install Hard-Wired Smoke Alarms Citywide Under New Fire Safety Regulations
Landlords of over 1,000 city boarding houses must now install modern smoke alarm systems, a move aimed at reducing preventable fires that disproportionately affect low-income residents.
180464
Flavored Tobacco Products Banned in Philadelphia, Except for Cigarettes, Under New City Law
Philadelphia Could Require Bars to Pay Homeless Residents for Work Under Proposed Bill Aimed at Addressing Homelessness City officials propose paying homeless residents a stipend to work in bars, sparking debate over the merits of this unique approach to tackling homelessness.
180457
City Council Approves 2019 Capital Budget for Philly Gas Works with $134.5 Million in Spending Allocations
Philadelphia Gas Works is set to receive a major boost with a new $134.5 million capital budget, but critics warn that the plan prioritizes short-term upgrades over long-term sustainability for the city's aging gas infrastructure.
180458
City Tightens Littering Laws with New Penalties for Short Dumping
This bill amends Philadelphia's 'Refuse and Littering' law to impose additional penalties for short dumping (illegal disposal of trash).
180465
Wander Inn Granted Permit for Outdoor Café on South 3rd Street Amidst Zoning Restrictions
This bill allows Wander Inn, Inc.
180461
City Acquires Land in Huntingdon Street Area for Potential Public Use
This bill authorizes the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire land in a specific area bounded by West Huntingdon Street, North 31st Street, and others for potential future city use.
180456
Council Votes to Rezone Neighborhoods Along Grant Avenue and Academy Road Boundaries
This bill changes the zoning designations for specific areas of land in Philadelphia bounded by Grant Avenue, Academy Road, Convent Avenue, Willits Road, and Ashton Road.
180454
City OKs Deal to Keep Market Street Office Space With Philly Authority Partnership
Market Street office space will be saved from being sold off, thanks to a city deal that'll allow local authority Philly Authority for Industrial Development to stay put for another decade in a key downtown location.
180462
City Secures Easements for Recreation Trail and Stormwater Drainage Along Meetinghouse Road in Northeast Philadelphia
Northeast Philadelphia Residents Get a Green Space: A new recreation trail is coming to Meetinghouse Road thanks to city easements that will turn part of the road into a park and give homeowners access to a stormwater drainage system.
180459
City Subleases Computers and Equipment from Philly Water, Leasing Deal Set to Boost Free Library's Tech Capabilities
Free Library Patrons Will Benefit from $1 Million in Upgrades as City Council Approves Proposal to Lease 150 New Computers from Philly Water, Expanding Access to Digital Resources Across the City. A new city ordinance requires all non-union employees hired by Philadelphia after July to have a high school diploma or equivalent, sparking debate over its potential impact on the city's workforce dive
180453
Philadelphia to Update Rules on Rooftop Access Structures, Technical Changes Take Effect
Residents and business owners who have installed rooftop decks or terraces may soon be forced to tear down or modify them under a new council proposal that redefines what's allowed on Philly rooftops.
180463
LED Lights and Metal Screens Coming to 618 Market Street Facade in Philadelphia as Developer Seeks Approval
Developer's plan for 618 Market Street gets contentious: proposed LED lights and metal screens would illuminate the building's facade but also cast shadows over neighboring shops, sparking debate among local business owners.
180460
City Signs Lease Deal with Why Partners to Occupy Arch Street Property Space
A long-vacant city-owned building on Arch Street is set to get a new tenant in Why Partners, a developer with plans to revitalize the historic space into high-end retail and office space. (Note: I rewrote the lede text)
180455
City Extends Deadline for Street Revision and Bed Dedication Requirements
This bill extends the deadline for complying with requirements from an earlier ordinance related to revising city streets and dedicating beds of those streets to the City.
180452
University of Pennsylvania Expansion Wins Council Approval at 3900 Walnut Street Meeting
This bill amends the Master Plan for the University of Pennsylvania and approves a new addition to 3900 Walnut Street.
180451