Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 9 to November 15, 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
181008
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.
181006
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.
181010
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.
181007
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.
181005-A
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.
181004
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.
181003
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
181002
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
181001
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.
180998
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.
180997
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.
180995
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.
180994
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.
180993
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.
180991
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.
181009
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.
181000
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.
180999
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.
180996
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.
180992-A