Weekly recap
This week in Council
January 18 to January 24, 2019
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
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
Aramingo Avenue Shopping District Extended and Updated with New Improvement Plan
Local businesses on Aramingo Avenue are facing higher assessment fees as part of an updated plan to keep their shopping district thriving, with some owners worried about added costs. The district's future is now secured through 2027.
180893
Council Votes to Boost Fire Safety with Annual Inspections for Smoke Control Systems Across Philly Buildings
Philadelphia residents living in high-rise buildings will soon face stiffer penalties if landlords neglect crucial fire safety equipment, under a new city council measure aimed at preventing catastrophic blazes like the 2015 Comcast Center inferno.
171112
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council proposed reducing real estate tax exemptions for certain property improvements and new constructions in Philadelphia from 20 to 10 years.
Philadelphia developers face reduced tax breaks as City Council votes to limit exemptions on property improvements and shorten their duration from 20 years to 10. The measure slashes incentives for major developments across the city.
190013
City Transfers 50 Million Dollars From Grants Fund to Aid Struggling Federal Workers During Shutdown
City Council transfers $50 million from Grants Revenue Fund to aid struggling federal workers during government shutdown. The move aims to support financial emergency assistance for the approximately 380,000 affected by the ongoing federal closure.
190017
City Council Proposes Zoning Changes for Residential Neighborhoods Along Broad Street and Nearby Avenues
Philadelphia Residents May Soon Face Increased Parking Fees for Vehicles with Expired Registrations A proposed city law would require vehicle owners to pay fines before their cars can be released from impound lots, generating new revenue for the city's tow truck operators and potentially burdening low-income drivers.
190016
Council proposed reducing real estate tax exemptions for certain property improvements and new construction.
Philadelphia property owners face increased tax burden as City Council proposes slashing exemptions for new construction and shortening the duration of these breaks.
190012
Cottman Avenue Residents Face New Permit Parking Rules Amid Growing Congestion Concerns
Residential streets around Cottman Avenue are about to get a lot more competitive: under new parking rules, drivers will soon be forced to pay for permits just to park near their own homes and on neighborhood mainstays like Roosevelt Boulevard.
190010
Council Asks Philly Voters: Should City Back State Legalization of Recreational Marijuana Sales?
Council members Green, Henon, and Squilla urge voters to weigh in on decriminalizing recreational marijuana use for those 21 and older. The city council is asking residents whether they support a state law change to regulate pot sales.
190008
Voters to Decide Fate of Office of Immigrant Affairs in Philadelphia Election
Proposal to Create New Office of Homeless Services Gains Momentum Among Council Members, but Questions Remain About Its Impact on Existing Shelters and Programs Serving Thousands.
190007
City Unveils Plan to Speed Up Vacant Property Sales with New Acquisition Rules in Place
Philadelphia is streamlining its acquisition process for vacant and underutilized properties through tax sales, allowing the city to speed up the sale of vacant properties. The new rules are part of an amended land bank policy.
190005
Deadline Extended for Low-Income Seniors to Apply for Real Estate Tax Refund or Forgiveness
Low-income seniors facing eviction over unpaid property taxes will get more time to seek refunds, but critics argue it's just a Band-Aid solution for deeper tax burden problems. The City Council has approved a plan to waive thousands of dollars in fees associated with applying for the city's property tax relief programs.
190004
Pharmacies Ordered to Stock Only FDA-Approved Naloxone Products in City Law Update
Pharmacies in Philadelphia must now stock only FDA-approved naloxone products, according to a city law update aimed at clarifying the types of antidotes required for availability.
190003
City Council proposed tightening animal ownership regulations, revising 'Animals' chapter in Philadelphia Code.
Philadelphia's pet ownership laws are getting a major overhaul as city lawmakers aim to clarify definitions and responsibilities for dog and cat owners, including a new age threshold for adult animals.
190002
Gowen Avenue Parking Restrictions Tightened with Ban on South Side Vehicles Between Devon and Ardleigh Streets
This bill prohibits parking on the south side of East Gowen Avenue between Devon Street and Ardleigh Street.
190015
Vincent Cappello Wins Approval to Install Electrical Wires in Dickinson Street Right-of-Way for Fruit Truck Power
This bill allows Vincent Cappello to install electrical wires and conduits in a specific right-of-way on Dickinson Street to supply electricity to his fruit and produce truck.
190014
Farmers Market Set to Take Root on Castor Avenue This Wednesday Starting July 11th
New life is sprouting up on Castor Avenue: this week, a weekly farmers market will debut in front of 6434 Castor Avenue, bringing fresh produce and goods to the community every Wednesday through Halloween.
190011
No Parking Zone Established on Ivy Hill Road Near Mansfield Avenue
Resident complaints about narrow streets spark new "no parking" zone on Ivy Hill Road, where cars often park on sidewalks and reduce already-tight road space for drivers. Starting this week, violators will face fines up to $100.
190009
Council Gives Thumbs Up to $ Millions in Mid-Year Budget Transfers Across City Agencies
This bill authorizes transfers of funds from various city offices and departments to the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2019.
190006
Drexel University's Master Plan Amended to Include Addition at 101 North 34th Street
This bill amends Drexel University's Master Plan and approves an addition to a specific building at 101 N.
190001