Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 19 to October 25, 2018
Coming up: public hearings
Committees hear testimony before voting. Open any bill and tap the bell to get a reminder the day before.
Monday, November 9, 2:00 PM · Committee on Streets and Services
City Council Introduces Bill to Convert Dupont Street to Two-Way Traffic from Baker to Smick.
City Council votes to make Dupont Street a two-way street from Baker Street to Smick Street, starting from the westernmost portion of Baker Street.
250099
Eighth Councilmanic district imposes time limits on parking of large vehicles on public streets.
Eighth Councilmanic district restricts parking of large vehicles, including boats and RVs, to no more than 3 hours on public streets unless posted otherwise, citing public safety concerns.
260765
Drexel Institute of Technology seeks permission to install street tree planters along 3001 Chestnut Street.
Drexel Institute of Technology is seeking permission to install 28 street tree planters along its property line at 3001 Chestnut Street, with 4 planters encroaching onto Ludlow Street.
260761
Homeowners exempt from fines for missed trash collection days when city fails to collect on time
Homeowners can breathe a sigh of relief if the city misses trash collection days, as a new bill would exempt them from fines for missed pickups. The proposed change would cancel fines and provide refunds for payments already made.
260698
City to vacate Hartwell Lane and reserve water main and public utility right of way
Hartwell Lane is set to be vacated and a right of way reserved for water main and public utility purposes, with the city to accept a grant under certain terms and conditions.
260801
Property owner seeks permission to install 17 concrete planters along Walnut Street sidewalks
Property owner seeks permission to install 17 concrete planters along Walnut Street sidewalks, including 7 on the east curbline of South 19th Street. The planters will be located near the property line of 1849 Walnut Street.
260797
Civic Center Boulevard to be Renamed Roberts Way at Two Intersections Near Osler Circle
Osler Circle near Civic Center Boulevard and Curie Boulevard is set to be renamed Roberts Way at two intersections, according to a bill sponsored by Councilmembers Gauthier and Landau.
260831
South Philly Italian Kitchen owner seeks permit for sidewalk café at 2655 South 18th Street location.
South Philly Italian Kitchen owner seeks permit for sidewalk café at 2655 South 18th Street location, with plans for 12 tables and 36 seats, pending compliance with city regulations.
260830
Boats and large vehicles can be towed or immobilized after 30 days of street parking.
Philadelphia's streets will soon have new towing rules, allowing large vehicles, boats, and vending carts to be towed or immobilized after 30 days of street parking, as Councilmember Squilla introduces new regulations.
260854
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 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 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
Council Votes To Impose Fines For Defiant Trespass And Marijuana Related Offenses In City Limits
This bill amends Philadelphia's laws regarding disorderly conduct and marijuana possession.
180699
Shift Capital LLC Gets Approval to Install Access Vaults on North Philadelphia Street
Utility company PECO faces opposition from residents as city council votes to grant Shift Capital permission to build three underground access points for its development projects along bustling Broad Street. The move sparks debate over gentrification and community control.
180691
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Moves to Tighten Lead Paint Regulations with Mandatory Testing and Stricter Penalties
Philadelphia Property Owners Face Fines Up to $10,000 if They Don't Test Their Buildings for Lead Paint Under New City Council Proposal.
180936-A
Larger Signs Permitted in Commercial Mixed-Use Districts Under Revised Philadelphia Sign Regulations
Small business owners along busy Broad Street may soon see a brighter future as city council votes on revised sign laws that could boost visibility and foot traffic for local shops and eateries tonight. The proposed changes would allow businesses to install larger, more brightly lit signs in Commercial Mixed-Use districts.
180954
Philadelphia Building Codes Updated to Conform with State Standards
Homeowners in flood-prone areas face steeper fines under proposed legislation raising minimum elevation requirements for new construction. The measure aims to reduce stormwater damage and protect city infrastructure.
180953
Fitzwater Street and Surrounding Neighborhoods to Enact Parking Time Limitations
This bill sets parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods, limiting parking time to 2-3 hours in specific areas.
180952
City Seeks to Buy 15-Acre Property in Tinicum Township Under Unclear Future Plans
Controversy Erupts Over New Tax on Philly's Largest Landlords as Council Passes Bill to Levy Additional Fees Council members push through legislation imposing a new tax on large landlords, sparking heated debate over gentrification and the city's affordability crisis affecting thousands of tenants.
180951
Philadelphia Council Proposes Raising Income Threshold for Senior Tax Freeze Relief
Philadelphia City Council proposes increasing the maximum income level for senior citizens to qualify for a tax freeze, a change aimed at helping low-income seniors. The move would raise the threshold for those eligible for relief under the city's Senior Citizen Low Income Special Tax Provisions.
180949
Philadelphia Code Amended to Designate Litter Enforcement Corridors in City Streets
This bill amends Philadelphia's Code to designate certain blocks as Litter Enforcement Corridors, where littering and related offenses will be more strictly enforced.
180946
Retailers Ordered To Accept Cash Payments Under New City Ordinance Amid Growing Concerns Over Payment Discrimination
This bill makes it illegal for retail businesses in Philadelphia to refuse cash payments, with some exceptions.
180943
Philadelphia Establishes Two-Hour Parking Limits on Multiple City Streets
This bill establishes new parking regulations in several locations throughout Philadelphia.
180942
Philadelphia Businesses Must Disclose Ownership Information for Commercial Licenses
Philadelphia Property Owners Face Stricter Rules on Tenant Evictions Amid Ongoing Housing Crisis Concerns A new city law now limits the reasons landlords can use to evict tenants and requires them to provide more notice before taking action against renters in rent-controlled units.
180940-A
Philadelphia Property Owners Must Provide More Detailed Information on Owner Accountability
Philadelphia Landlords Must Disclose Criminal Histories Under New Transparency Measure A proposed ordinance would mandate that landlords disclose the presence of certain convictions, including violent crimes, to potential tenants or face stiff penalties under new regulations.
180939-A
City Renovation Projects Must Prove Lead Safety Before Finishing Work on Public Properties
Philadelphia's Low-Income Families Will Face Higher Fines for Unpaid Trash Fees Under Proposed New Ordinance. Under the proposal, families earning less than $25,000 per year could face fines of up to $500 if they fail to pay their trash fees on time.
180938
City Pediatricians Ordered to Screen Young Patients for Lead Poisoning Starting This Fall
Low-Income Families Face Higher Rent Increases Under New Council Proposal Philadelphia landlords would be allowed to raise rent by up to 10% annually on rent-controlled apartments, affecting thousands of low-income tenants who rely on the city's program to keep costs down.
180937-A
Businesses in Keystone Opportunity Zones Must Offer Apprenticeships to Career and Technical Students
Low-Income Philly Families Face Higher Parking Fees as Council Approves Plan to Raise Rates at City Lots and Garages. The new parking fees will go into effect this summer, with prices rising by $1 per hour on weekdays for drivers from outside the city's low-income neighborhoods.
180935
Bike-Friendly Businesses Get Free Curb Loading Zone Perks Under New City Ordinance Proposal
Small business owners on Main Street could soon save thousands of dollars as city council considers an ordinance that waives curb loading zone fees for bike-friendly shops along dedicated bike lanes.
180950
Truck Parking Restricted on East Washington Lane from 6pm to 6am Daily.
Local residents near Temple University are rejoicing as a new city ordinance aims to curb overnight truck congestion along East Washington Lane, where large vehicles will soon be banned from parking.
180956
Council proposed two-hour parking restrictions on Germantown Avenue.
Two-hour parking limits will be set for both sides of Germantown Avenue from W Phil-Ellena to Gorgas Lane, with varying restrictions depending on the side and day. The west side has stricter regulations than the east side.
180955
Zoning Map Changes Set for Swath of Neighborhoods Along Flamingo to Hillside Avenue
South Philly Small Businesses Breathe Easier with New Outdoor Dining Permits for Any Street-Level Establishment. A unanimous city council vote has approved permits allowing eateries to set up outdoor tables on sidewalks in densely populated neighborhoods.
180948
Council Moves to Block Truck Parking On Both Sides Of Crispin Street Amid Resident Complaints
Residents of the 8000 block of Crispin Street are cheering a proposed city law that would ban truck parking from the narrow street, which they say is causing congestion and safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike.
180947
Marlborough Street Parking Time Limit Established on West Side Neighborhood Area
West Philly Residents May Soon Face New Fines for Taking Up Too Much Space at Local Parks with proposed expansion of "no double parking" zones in four city parks, including Malcolm X Park.
180945
Two-Hour Parking Limit Established on Taney Street from Brown to Aspen Streets
Residential neighbors on South Street are breathing a sigh of relief as a new law takes effect tonight, banning large student events and loud gatherings in single-family homes and row houses after 11 PM. The city's noise ordinance will now prohibit amplified music, parties with more than eight guests, and other disturbances that had been a thorn in the side of quiet residents.
180944
City Council Creates New Parking Zones to Ease Congestion on Busy Philly Streets
This bill sets parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia: near 45th and Spruce, Cedar and 47th, 34th and Brandywine, and Farragut and Walnut streets.
180941