Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 8 to February 14, 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
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
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
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
City Council Proposes Ballot Question to Make Charter Language More Inclusive
Philadelphia City Leaders Consider Implementing Universal Pre-K Program with Public Funding A new proposal would establish a publicly funded pre-kindergarten program, potentially providing free education to thousands of low-income children and setting up a possible showdown with Governor Wolf over state funding.
180820
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council Transfers Funds to Boost Construction Enforcement and Hire More Police in Philly Streets
City Council transfers $1.4 million to hire more police officers and allocates $600,000 for additional inspectors at Licenses and Inspections amid concerns over building safety and enforcement.
190107
City Buildings Must Install Automated External Defibrillators and Advanced First Aid Kits Under New Law
Thousands of Philadelphians working in city-owned offices and facilities will soon be safer thanks to a new requirement for life-saving AED devices, with installation costs to be split between the city and building owners.
190099-AA
Philadelphia Landlords and Tenants Must Unite Against Bed Bugs Under New City Ordinance Requirements
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Be Forced to Inspect Their Roofs Twice a Year Under New City Mandate A proposed ordinance would require homeowners to inspect their rooftops at least twice annually to ensure safety and prevent costly repairs down the line.
190106-A
City Council Calls Special Election to Let Philly Voters Set Minimum Wage Standard
Philly Small Business Owners Scramble as City Council Votes to Impose Strict Regulations on E-Cigarette Sales A new ordinance targets online retailers and convenience stores, requiring them to verify customers' ages and restrict flavored products in a bid to curb youth vaping epidemic.
190102
Two-Hour Parking Zones Expand to 7 More Neighborhoods Across South Philadelphia
This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to manage traffic and ensure convenient access for residents, businesses, and visitors.
190105
Sidewalk Sales Restricted on Woodland Avenue Between Sixtieth and Sixty-seventh Streets
Woodland Avenue vendors face restrictions along a two-block stretch between 60th and 67th Streets, under new rules limiting sidewalk sales. Councilmember Johnson sponsored the measure to curb commercial activity in this area.
190100
Parking Regulations Established in South Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to help manage traffic and parking.
190101
Trucks Banned from Parking on Townsend Road as Council Approves Strict New Regulations
Residents living near Philadelphia Zoo are up in arms over a new measure requiring all large vehicles to move at least 500 feet away from the zoo's main entrance by next month.
190104
McNulty Road Becomes Truck-Free Zone as City Council Outlaws Parking and Towing Loops in Place.
Residential Residents Revolt Over Proposed Bill to Limit Outdoor Dining Permits Near 30th Street Station, Fearing Noise and Congestion for Neighborhood Streets. The bill would restrict outdoor dining permits within two blocks of the station, aiming to reduce noise complaints from nearby residents.
190103
City Officials Crackle Down on Parking on 13th Street West Side From Master to Jefferson
West Philadelphia residents are set for a parking crunch as a new city rule limits street time on 13th Street, forcing drivers to rotate in and out every two hours.
190098