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Weekly recap

This week in Council

September 7 to September 13, 2018

29 introduced3 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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".

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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".

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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".

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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'.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Became law

Newly introduced

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

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

Fire Sprinklers Mandated in High-Rise Buildings Over 45 Feet Tall Under New Law

New Requirements for Philly Property Owners: Starting next year, owners of buildings over 75 feet tall will have to install costly new fire suppression systems or face hefty fines.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 4, 2018

Council Allocates Recurring Funds to Boost Affordable Housing and Revitalize Neighborhoods Across Philadelphia

This bill allocates recurring funding to support affordable housing and neighborhood development in Philadelphia.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Sep 13, 2018

Kensington Avenue Gets Zoning Boost Amid Push for More Density and Cleaner Streets

Kensington Avenue businesses and residents will be subject to new zoning regulations allowing for increased density, while also requiring on-site trash storage in certain buildings. The Market-Frankford Elevated Overlay District aims to clean up streets and boost development along this busy corridor.

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City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 24, 2019

Philadelphia Council Ups Littering Fines, Adds New Penalties for Trash Dumping

Small Business Owners Blast Council Proposal to Raise Minimum Wage to $15/Hour, Saying Higher Labor Costs Will Devastate Local Economy and Force Closures A proposal to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour is sparking controversy among small business owners who claim it will lead to job cuts and bankruptcies.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Sep 13, 2018

Philadelphia City Council Moves to Restrict Businesses in Eighth Councilmanic District Zoning Overhaul

Restrictions on businesses move forward in Philadelphia's eighth councilmanic district with a proposed zoning overhaul that bans certain activities like daycare centers and vehicle repair shops.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Sep 13, 2018

Philadelphia City Council Moves to End Real Estate Tax Abatements for Select Construction Projects

Councilmembers Bass and Gym introduce bill aiming to end real estate tax abatements for select construction projects, citing termination date of October 31st, 2018.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 18, 2018

Private Waste Bins Get Green Light for Sidewalk Placement Under New City Ordinance Rules

Philadelphia Homeowners May Soon Be Able to Park Cars on Street Without Moving Car Share Vehicles, Thanks to Proposed Council Bill The proposed measure would exempt vehicles parked by homeowners from car share company regulations, giving residents a break from sharing lanes with commercial vehicles.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

Riverfront Property Owners Face New Inspection Mandate Under Proposed City Code Changes

Philadelphia residents who rent homes in gentrifying neighborhoods may see increased rental costs under a new city proposal that ties rent increases to rising property values, affecting thousands of tenants across the city.

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Public Safety·IntroducedIntroduced Sep 13, 2018

Philadelphia Council Moves Swiftly to Strengthen Laws Against Criminal and Defiant Trespassers Citywide

City Council strengthens laws against trespassers with new definitions and penalties across Philadelphia. The move aims to clarify procedures for dealing with criminal and defiant trespassers in the city.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 4, 2018

City Council Proposes Splitting Trust Fund into Separate Sub-Funds for Recording Fees and Other Revenues

Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Recording Fees as City Council Considers Bill to Create New Revenue Streams, potentially increasing costs for homebuyers and sellers by tens of thousands of dollars.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 18, 2018

Parking Restrictions Imposed Near Penn Street and Kennedy Street, Mascher Street and Norris Street

Resident Fears Condemning Small Businesses as City Council Approves Measure to Ban Overnight Deliveries in Residential Neighborhoods, citing noise complaints and concerns about traffic safety.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

New Parking Rules to Take Effect in Four Philadelphia Neighborhoods

This bill establishes new parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods, limiting parking times and days for certain streets.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

Parking Regulations Established Along Grays Ferry Avenue and Several Surrounding Streets

This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific Philadelphia neighborhoods to improve traffic flow and management.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

Parking Limits Enacted in Six Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Philadelphia Small Businesses Fear Increased Taxes Under Proposed Council Bill Aimed at Boosting City Revenue through Higher Property Tax Rates on Commercial Properties.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

Old City Business Owners Must Pay More Under Proposed 5-Year Plan for District Services

Philadelphia's 3,000 Small Businesses Could Face Higher Taxes as Council Considers New Tax Increment Financing Policy A proposed policy would allow the city to capture tax revenue from new developments in specific neighborhoods to fund public projects, raising concerns among small business owners who might see increased property taxes.

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Budget & Finance·In CommitteeIntroduced Sep 13, 2018

City Hall OKs $Millions in Funding Transfers Amid Tight Budget Deadline for Fiscal Year 2019

Philadelphia City Council has approved funding transfers amid a tight budget deadline for Fiscal Year 2019, shifting funds from various accounts to the General Fund and Housing Trust Fund. The move was sponsored by Quiñones Sánchez, Clarke, and Squilla.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 18, 2018

Zoning Changes Set to Sweep Through Northeast Philly Neighborhoods Bounded by Parker Avenue and Ridge Avenue

This bill changes the zoning designation of certain areas in Philadelphia bounded by Parker Avenue, Ridge Avenue, Cinnaminson Street, and Mitchell Street.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 18, 2018

33rd Street Parking Rule Changes: City Council Approves Restrictions Between Haverford and Wallace Streets Daily

This bill establishes a new parking regulation on 33rd Street between Haverford Avenue and Wallace Street, allowing for two-hour parking during weekdays except Sundays.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 18, 2018

Philadelphia Implements Two-Hour Parking Limitations Along Several Streets Including Locust and 57th Streets

This bill establishes two-hour parking restrictions on certain streets in Philadelphia: Locust Street between 46th and 47th Streets, 46th Street between Larchwood Avenue and Cedar Avenue, and 57th Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 18, 2018

Germantown Avenue Gets Green Light for New Farmers Market Location in Historic Area

This bill allows a farmers' market to be located on Germantown Avenue between East Church Lane and East School House Lane, under certain terms and conditions.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 18, 2018

Council Outlines New Parking Limits for Busy Streets Near Old York Road and Olney Avenue

Motorists navigating busy streets around Olney may soon face tighter parking restrictions as city council votes on limiting time spent on three crowded thoroughfares. Residents in those areas hope the changes will ease congestion and improve quality of life.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

Old City Special Services District Gets Term Extension Until 2038 Amid Ongoing Revitalization Efforts

Philadelphia's iconic Old City neighborhood will continue to reap benefits from its self-imposed tax for another three decades as city council votes to extend its special services district. Business owners are breathing a sigh of relief.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

City Sells Small Land Parcel at Grant Avenue Intersection to Developer for Redevelopment Project

The City of Philadelphia is selling a small parcel of land at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Academy Road to UL Grant Avenue, LLC, with certain terms and conditions.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

Council Approves Plans to Bar Trucks from Parking, Towing Away Vehicles on Busy Commerce Way Stretch

This bill prohibits truck parking and establishes a tow-away zone on Commerce Way from McNulty Road to its terminus.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 18, 2018

Esperanza Health Wins Approval for Patio Expansion at Busy East Allegheny Avenue Location

Philadelphia's Historic Districts Face Tighter Zoning Controls as Council Votes to Restrict New Construction Permits The measure aims to preserve the city's historic character by limiting large-scale developments in protected neighborhoods, drawing concerns from developers and business owners.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

Truck Parking Banned on Passmore Street Blocks

This bill prohibits trucks from parking on both sides of Passmore Street (4100 and 4200 blocks) at any time.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

Trucks Banned from Parking on Ditman Street Between Cottman Avenue and Rhawn Street

Residents along Ditman Street are breathing a sigh of relief as truck congestion is set to disappear with new restrictions now in place, but some business owners say the ban will hurt their bottom line.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 18, 2018

Newsstands Banned on North Side of Arch Street Between 18th and 19th Streets

This bill prohibits newsstands on the north side of Arch Street between 18th and 19th Streets in Philadelphia.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 18, 2018

Spring Garden Street Parking Time Limit Enacted on North Side of Philadelphia

This bill establishes a 2-hour parking time limit on Spring Garden Street, between 34th and 33rd streets, from 8am to 6:30pm, Monday through Friday.

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