Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 15 to February 21, 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
Bike Lanes Installed on North 10th and 13th Streets in Philadelphia
This bill creates designated bike lanes and no-stopping zones on North 10th Street and North 13th Street in Center City Philadelphia.
190063
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
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
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 Passes Parking Restrictions on 6 City Streets Amid Resident Complaints Over Congestion and Overnight Parking Abuse
This bill establishes parking regulations for six specific areas in Philadelphia, requiring drivers to park their vehicles within two-hour time limits and adhere to certain days of operation.
181104
City Council Revamps Tax Exemption Rules for Longtime Homeowners in Bid to Simplify Benefits Process
This bill amends Philadelphia's tax exemption policy for long-time owner-occupants of residential properties to revise eligibility and benefit determination standards.
181103
Philadelphia Establishes New Parking Rules on Busy City Streets Including Locust and S 45th Street
Tired commuters will have to adjust their morning routines as a new city ordinance restricts parking along congested streets like Spruce and Pine, limiting drivers to two hours on weekdays.
181099
New Parking Limits Take Effect on East Side of 46th Street Between Larchwood and Osage Avenues Daily
This bill establishes a two-hour parking limit on the east side of 46th street between Larchwood and Osage avenues, from 8am to 6:30pm, Monday through Friday.
181098
Two-Hour Parking Limit Established on Haverford Avenue Between 31st and 32nd Streets
Haverford Avenue residents and shoppers face stricter parking rules starting this week as city officials aim to curb congestion in the popular West Philly neighborhood.
181097
City Council Votes to Enforce Two-Hour Parking Rules Along Germantown Avenue from East Hortter to Gorgas Lane
This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations on Germantown Avenue between East Hortter Street and Gorgas Lane, both sides of the street.
181065
Frankford Avenue Property Owner Granted Approval for Exterior Stairway Construction
City Council Approves Change in Zoning Laws, Giving Northeast Philadelphia Residents the Right to Replace Chain Link Fences with Decorative Alternatives Starting Next Month. Residents along Torresdale Avenue will no longer need special permits to install decorative fences after City Council votes on a zoning law revision today.
181048
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
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Submits Three-Term Limit Proposal to Philly Voters for November Ballot Vote
Councilmembers seek voter limit on their own tenure, proposing a three-term cap that would take effect after January 2020, limiting future Council election eligibility.
190122
Council Tackles "Percent for Art" Program with Proposed Changes to Boost Public Art in Philadelphia Construction Projects
Philadelphia's "Percent for Art" program may get a boost with new proposals from Councilmembers Henon, Blackwell, and O'Neill to modify the requirement that 1% of construction costs go towards public art in city spaces. The changes aim to enhance aesthetics in city structures.
190120
City Officials Set to Revise Berks Street on City Map as Part of Ongoing Grid Updates Effort
Dispute Resolution Ordinance Would Mandate Mediation for Certain Landlord-Tenant Disputes in City-Maintained Housing Projects A new city ordinance would require mediation for disputes involving rent hikes, lease terminations, and safety concerns in 11 large public housing projects across the city. The measure aims to reduce evictions and improve living conditions.
190121
City Council Moves to Limit Parking on Busy Stretch of 22nd Street West During Rush Hours Daily
Commuters may soon face tighter parking options as City Council considers limiting spaces on 22nd Street West during peak hours; the proposed restriction would affect over a thousand drivers daily.
190119