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Weekly recap

This week in Council

November 9 to November 15, 2018

20 introduced1 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.

Monday, November 9, 2:00 PM · Committee on Streets and Services

Transportation·In Committee

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.

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Transportation·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Environment·In Committee

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.

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Transportation·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Community & Neighborhoods·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Transportation·In Committee

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.

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Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 AM · Committee on Rules

Zoning & Development·In Committee

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 Committee

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 Committee

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 Committee

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·Introduced

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·In Committee

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 Committee

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 Committee

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 Committee

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·LapsedIntroduced Nov 15, 2018

City Council Targets Schools with Big Budget Boosts in Bid to Enhance Fire Safety Requirements

Councilmember Green's bill aims to boost fire safety in schools by requiring those owned by entities receiving significant city funding to obtain a special inspection certificate before occupancy. The enhanced regulations aim to ensure compliance with fire and environmental laws.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Philadelphia Fire Code Updated to Align with 2018 International Fire Code Standards

This bill updates the Philadelphia Fire Code to align with the 2018 International Fire Code.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

Council Approves Major Redesign of Tasker Street, Blvd, and Dickinson Street in South Philly to Boost Safety and Pedestrian Flow

A proposed overhaul of Roosevelt Boulevard would create a dedicated bus lane, reducing congestion on the notoriously crowded highway that's plagued commuters for decades. Under new regulations, all gas stations within a half-mile of schools and parks in Philly must implement pollution-reducing measures to safeguard public health.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

Philadelphia City Council Expands Powers of Energy Authority to Boost Clean Energy Jobs and Sector Growth

Small business owners and residents may see increased opportunities for solar panel installations and community solar programs after city council votes to expand the authority's role in advancing renewable energy projects. A new era of green jobs is on the horizon for Philadelphia.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 7, 2019

Zoning Designations Changed for Land Along Roosevelt Boulevard and Surrounding Streets

This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Philadelphia, bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard and surrounding streets.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

Fireworks Banned from Philly Street Vendors Amid Safety Concerns and Summer Heat

This bill prohibits street vendors and sidewalk sellers from selling fireworks in Philadelphia.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Nov 15, 2018

City Council Proposes New Overlay Zone for East Luzerne Street to Curb Development

Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez introduces bill to create new overlay zone on East Luzerne Street, aiming to regulate land use and restrict certain types of businesses in the area. The proposed zone would add specific regulations to Chapter 14-500 of the Philadelphia Code.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

City Officials Set to Shuffle Millions Within Budget as Year-End Transfers Gain Approval

Millions will be reallocated within Philadelphia's budget, diverting money from underperforming programs into essential services as year-end transfers gain momentum despite critics' warnings about potential long-term consequences. The city's transportation agency is set to lose millions in funding after a contentious vote on a proposal that would redirect those dollars to the Mayor's office and

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

City Council OKs Plan to Shuffle Millions Within City Budgets Amid Ongoing Fiscal Year 2019 Review

Philadelphia Renters Face New Requirements Under Proposed Bill Mandating Landlords Provide Proof of Licenses, Safety Certifications Before Tenant Applications Are Approved

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 2, 2019

City Council Tries to Curb Medical Marijuana Dispensary Sprawl in Residential Neighborhoods

This bill amends the Philadelphia Code to revise zoning regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Nov 15, 2018

Council proposed regulation on sharps disposal containers at city facilities.

Philadelphia businesses will now be required to provide public access to sharps disposal containers and display signs with collection information, as part of a new city regulation aimed at improving public safety.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

Philadelphia Council Passes Parking Regulation Bill for City Neighborhoods

City Streets Would Get More Than 1,000 New Parking Meters Under Council Proposal Aimed at Tackling Congestion in Busy Commercial Districts.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

City Council Moves to Boost Fees for Boilers and Incinerators in New Permit Proposal

Philadelphia could see a significant hike in costs for businesses that burn fuel or waste as City Council proposes new permit fees for boilers and incinerators, sparking concerns from industry leaders about economic impact on local manufacturers.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 7, 2019

PECO Wins Approval to Build Transmission Lines Through West Philly's Deritis Playground

This bill allows PECO Energy Company to install transmission lines across a portion of Deritis Playground in West Philadelphia, under certain terms and conditions.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

City Council Moves Forward with Public Employee Retirement System Overhaul Amidst Changes in Contribution Rates

Philadelphia Teachers Could See Higher Pension Contributions as City Council Considers Plan to Shift More Costs onto New Hires; The proposal would affect thousands of educators, with some paying up to 10% more towards their retirement benefits.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned May 16, 2019

Trucks Banned from Decatur Road Between Red Lion and Comly Roads Due to New Ordinance

Residents of a North Philadelphia neighborhood are breathing a sigh of relief as the city's latest effort to reduce truck congestion takes aim at parking restrictions on Decatur Road, a notoriously clogged stretch of road. Truck owners must now find alternative spots for their vehicles.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

City Council Tinkers with Outdated Capital Budget Plan to Reflect Latest Fiscal Realities and Projects

This bill amends an existing capital budget ordinance passed in June 2018 to update its details.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

Council Updates City's Six-Year Capital Budget Plan with Revised Fiscal Roadmap in Place

Philadelphia's six-year capital budget plan is getting an overhaul as city council votes to revise the financial roadmap, prioritizing infrastructure projects and paving the way for fresh spending priorities that will impact every ward in the city.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

City Officials Relocate Portion of Warnock Street to Align with Original Plan

This bill allows the city to revise a portion of City Plan No.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jan 24, 2019

PHA Properties Exempted from Property Licensing Requirements Under New City Law

This bill provides exemptions from property licensing requirements for certain properties owned and operated by the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) and its subsidiaries.

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