Weekly recap
This week in Council
June 1 to June 7, 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 Council Votes to Revamp North Philly Redevelopment Plans to Align with City's Latest Master Plan
This bill amends the redevelopment plan for a specific area in North Philadelphia (Model Cities Urban Renewal Area) to make it consistent with recent city plans and policies.
180397
Council Votes to Revamp Bustleton Avenue Neighborhood Land Use Designations
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations in a specific area bounded by Bustleton Avenue, Solly Avenue, Eastwood Avenue, and Stanwood Street.
180395
City Codifies Technical Fixes for Senior Tax Breaks in Quiet Legislative Move
Low-income seniors facing tax hikes could see relief as a new law clarifies eligibility for exemptions, but critics say it doesn't go far enough to address rising costs and outdated formulas.
180393
City Council Replaces Outdated Language in Realty Transfer Tax Law
Philly Landlords May Be Forced to Pay More in Taxes Under New Bill Aimed at Reducing Displacement of Long-Term Tenants; Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez says the measure is essential for preserving affordable housing stock.
180392
Zoning Map Changes Signed into Law for Area Bounded by Ridge Avenue and Henry Avenue Streets
Philadelphia's commercial corridor along Ridge Avenue is poised to see significant changes under a proposed new zoning plan that aims to boost local businesses and curb over-development in the crowded neighborhood. Residents who live and work there are divided on the proposal's merits.
180385
Council OKs Revised Plan for Cecil B Moore Avenue Renewal Area to Align with Philly2035 Blueprint
North Philly residents could see a major facelift along Cecil B. Moore Avenue as City Council gives the green light to a revamped urban renewal plan, bringing new life to long-neglected storefronts and parks.
180384
Philadelphia Councilors Push to Erase Juvenile Records from Job and License Background Checks
Thousands of Philly teens could see their past mistakes erased from job applications, with a new proposal that shields juvenile offenders from lifetime penalties on credit checks and professional licenses.
180368
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
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
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
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 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.
180133
City of Philadelphia Set to Lease Fairmount Park Land and Facilities to Drive Economic Growth in the City
Philadelphia's Fairmount Park could soon become a hub for innovation and development, but critics worry about the long-term implications of leasing public land to private interests with the proposed City-PAID partnership. Thousands of park-goers and community groups may see changes in how their beloved green spaces are managed and used.
180108
Northern Liberties Neighborhood Launches Self-Funded Improvement Effort with Newly Established Business District
Philadelphia's Long-Standing Zoning Code Revision Finally Takes Shape as Council Introduces Landmark Overhaul; Proposed Changes Aim to Streamline Development Process for Small Businesses Across the City.
171131
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Proposes Hike in Real Estate Taxes to Fund Schools Amid Budget Crunch
Councilmembers Gym and Squilla propose increasing real estate taxes for city properties and school district properties to fund schools amidst a budget crunch. The updated tax rates would apply to property owners in Philadelphia starting with the 2014 tax year.
180605
City Workers Face Changes in Pension Contributions and Plan Membership Under New Council Proposal
This bill makes technical amendments to Philadelphia's Public Employees Retirement Code (PERC).
180599-A
City Seeks to Lower Business Income Tax Rates Under New Revenue Plan
Philadelphia businesses will pay lower taxes under new rates set by City Council, with a revised millage rate to be applied to annual receipts and a reduced net income percentage.
180607
School District Seeks Power to Tax City Property Owners With New Realty Use Tax Authority
School District seeks power to tax city property owners, imposing a new tax on real estate use and occupancy within its boundaries with rates set by the district.
180606
Council Proposes Stricter Eligibility Rules for Senior Citizens' Tax Breaks Amid Funding Concerns
Philadelphia Residents with Low-Income Jobs Could Get More Time to Pay City Taxes Under Proposed Council Bill Changes, extending payment deadlines by 30 days to help working poor comply.
180603
Philadelphia City Council Eyes Major Expansion of Tax Break Zones Across The City
This bill expands Philadelphia's Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) to include several new parcels of land.
180600-A
Three City Streets to Vanish Within Two Years Under Major Revision to City's Official Map
Long-abandoned thoroughfares like 56th Street in West Philly and two others are slated to be erased from the city's map, clearing the way for infrastructure upgrades but sparking concerns over lost parking spots and property values.
180604
Truck Parking Prohibited on Weikel Street Between Tioga and Ontario Streets
South Philly residents rejoice as new parking restrictions take effect on Weikel Street, but owners of local businesses worry about lost parking options for employees.
180608
City OKs Sublease Deal for Portion of 100 South Broad Street Building, Site of Future City Hall Expansion
Philadelphia City Council clears way for expansion plans at City Hall by greenlighting a deal to lease office space in the historic 100 South Broad Street building, set to accommodate growing municipal staff needs. The agreement targets over 50 city employees and contractors currently working on-site.
180602
Stairway Enclosure at 2048 S. 21st Street Gets Legal Approval Under Certain Conditions
Local Business Owners Will Have to Pay Higher Fees for Trash Collection Permits Under Proposed Council Ordinance Change The new fees are expected to generate an estimated $1 million in revenue for the city's sanitation department each year.
180601