This week in Council

Council Proposes Ban on Unsanctioned Government Takeovers of Neighborhood Parks and Recreation Facilities

Philadelphia council members propose strict limits on government use of neighborhood parks and recreation facilities without explicit authorization. The move aims to prevent unsanctioned takeovers of community spaces by the city or courts.

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City Council Tries to Shield Philly's Immigrants from Police Checkpoints and Enforcement Actions Daily

A proposed law would prevent police from enforcing federal immigration laws within city limits, sparking debate over public safety and the rights of undocumented immigrants living in Philly's neighborhoods.

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Philadelphia Police Ordered to Clearly Display Badges and Official IDs at All Times On Duty

Philadelphia police are now required to visibly display their badges and official IDs at all times while on duty, a move aimed at transparency and accountability.

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Philadelphia Bans Deals with Immigration Enforcement Contractors Amid Fierce City Council Debate

City workers would no longer partner with companies like ICE, under a new proposal aimed at severing ties with contractors who aid in immigration enforcement. Thousands of Philadelphians could be shielded from potential deportation risks.

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Philadelphia Businesses Required to Treat Immigrants Fairly Under New Law

Small business owners across Philly are adjusting to a new law requiring them to provide equal services to customers, regardless of their immigration status.

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Philadelphia City Agencies Must Keep Immigration Data Secret from Cops

Philadelphia residents who are undocumented or have family members in the country illegally could be protected under new proposed rules that shield their personal data from local law enforcement.

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City Agencies Banned from Asking Citizenship Status Amid Efforts to Boost Trust in Services for All Residents

Philadelphia city agencies are barred from asking about citizenship status, with the goal of boosting trust in services among all residents as part of new regulations. The restrictions also prohibit discrimination based on immigration status when accessing City services.

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Philadelphia Approves Pact with PAID to Foster Local Economic Growth Through Development Assistance Programs

Philadelphia City Council has approved a pact with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to foster local economic growth through development assistance programs. The agreement includes a service fee and other costs related to promoting commercial development in the city.

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Philadelphia Building Codes Get Major Update with Adoption of 2021 National Standards and City-Specific Changes Enacted

Philadelphia building codes are being updated to align with national standards and local amendments will also be implemented. Changes will affect the way new buildings and renovations are constructed across the city.

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Retailers Ordered To Round Down Cash Transactions for Customers Without Exact Change

Retailers in Philadelphia would be barred from rounding cash transactions upward when customers lack exact change under proposed law requiring downward rounding to nearest five-cent increment. Customers must be clearly informed of rounding policies by retailers.

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New Building Safety Rules Take Effect in Philly as City Adopts Latest Residential Code Edition

Philadelphia's building safety rules are changing with the adoption of a new residential code edition, requiring builders and property owners to follow updated standards for residential construction in the city.

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Philadelphia Building Code Gets Technical Updates for State Compliance

This bill amends parts of Philadelphia's administrative code related to building and construction regulations, making technical changes for compliance with state codes.

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Philadelphia Buildings Face New Safety Standards with Updated Fuel Gas and Existing Building Codes Adopted

Philadelphia buildings will be subject to updated safety standards, including new regulations for fuel gas systems and existing structures, aligning with national codes from the International Code Council. The changes aim to strengthen building code enforcement citywide.

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Philadelphia's Mechanical Code Updated to Align with International 2021 Standards

Philadelphia buildings are now required to meet updated standards for heating and cooling systems starting immediately, as the city adopts a new edition of the International Mechanical Code.

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Farmers Markets Find New Homes Across Philly as Council Votes to Expand Permitted Locations

Philadelphia's streets will soon allow farmers' markets in new areas, including Rittenhouse Square and Headhouse Square, under an ordinance amended by Council President Johnson and Councilmember Young. The change expands permitted locations for these markets citywide.

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City Council Votes to Expand Longtime Owner Tax Breaks to Include Trust-Owned Properties

Trust-owned homes now eligible for tax breaks under new city law, expanding exemption to trusts that own property for the benefit of a natural person under certain conditions.

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Philadelphia Council Expands Tax Breaks for Low Income Seniors Held by Trusts Benefiting Family Members

Low-income seniors in Philadelphia may soon be eligible for tax breaks through trusts held by family members, under a new proposal from Councilmember Young. The change aims to provide relief to vulnerable residents and align with current city code provisions.

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Philadelphia Council Tackles Trust Tax Breaks Extending Low-Income Relief to More Property Owners Today

Councilmember Young's bill aims to extend low-income tax relief to trusts that own property benefiting a natural person, under specific conditions.

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City Seeks Long-Term Deal on Email, Cloud Services as Philly's Tech Needs Soar Daily

City Council President Johnson and Councilmember Landau's bill would allow the City to secure long-term licenses for essential computing products and services, including email and security software. The proposed deal aims to meet Philadelphia's growing tech needs.

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Parking Restrictions Established on Six Philadelphia Streets with Two-Hour Time Limits

Parking restrictions are now in effect on six Philadelphia streets, limiting drivers to two hours per day, Monday through Sunday. Acorn Street is the first of these streets to see enforcement, with restrictions applying from 6am-10pm weekdays.

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Philadelphia Signs Multi-Year Deal for Mainframe Software Support Amid Growing Cybersecurity Concerns

City officials have been given the green light to sign a multi-year contract with a vendor to support mainframe and database software used for public safety and financial reporting, amid growing cybersecurity concerns in Philadelphia.

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City Requires Mural Owners to Notify City Hall Before Seeking Permits for Certain Properties

City property owners must now notify City Hall about certain murals on their properties when seeking specific permits to avoid potential preservation issues. The move aims to protect these artworks.

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City Council Tweaks Zoning Laws to Streamline Special Exceptions in Ninth District Business Zones

Philadelphia's zoning laws are being tweaked to simplify the process for businesses in certain areas of the Ninth District to secure special exceptions, following a bill proposed by Councilmember Phillips.

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City Council Slaps Parking Meters on Lawrence Street and Sparks Street Residents

Residents in two Philadelphia neighborhoods will soon face new parking rules: Lawrence Street between Tabor Road and Olney Avenue will allow 2-hour parking from 8am to 10pm, Monday through Friday; Sparks Street will permit 3-hour parking from 8am to 6pm.

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City Council Gives Green Light for Market Street Property Owner's Frontage Enhancements or Market Street Business Owner Cleared to Install Bollards and Planters Along 2955 St Frontage

City Council has cleared the way for the owner of 2955 Market St to install bollards and planters around their property's frontage, with permission granted under specific terms and conditions.

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Council Seeks to Rename South Philly Park After Beloved Local Leader Tyrone "Cakes" Sims

Philadelphia City Council seeks to rename a South Philadelphia park after Tyrone "Cakes" Sims, a beloved local leader who devoted decades of service to the community. The proposed name change would recognize Sims' contributions to West and Southwest Philadelphia.

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Philadelphia Code Revised to Clarify Debris Dumping Violation Standards and Prosecution

City Council President Johnson and Councilmember Gilmore Richardson's bill changes what counts as littering violations, altering who can be prosecuted for dumping debris.

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