Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 22 to March 28, 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
Business Owner to Operate Sidewalk Café at 436 E. Girard Avenue
This bill allows a business owner to install and maintain an open-air sidewalk café at 436 E.
190161
Parking Restrictions Imposed on Multiple Streets in Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Residents near 20th Street and Market Street Scramble for Spots as Overnight Parking Ban Takes Hold; No Vehicles Allowed on the Block Between 2am and 6am.
190084
Montgomery Avenue One-Way Plan Gains Momentum as Council Moves to Restrict Westbound Traffic Flow Entirely
This bill makes Montgomery Avenue one-way eastbound from Second Street to Front Street.
190082
One-Way Lane Established On Cecil B Moore Ave Westbound From Front St To 6th St
Philadelphia drivers are in for a change as the city converts a stretch of Cecil B. Moore Avenue into a one-way street, forcing eastbound traffic to find a new route through North Philadelphia neighborhoods. Residents and business owners in the area will see significant changes starting immediately.
190081
Council Greenlights Outdoor Café for The Thirsty Soul on Bustling West Passyunk Avenue Location
West Philly Homeowners Face Higher Taxes Under New Bill Targeting Vacant Properties; Proposed legislation aims to force long-term owners to pay annual fees on vacant lots in an effort to revitalize neglected neighborhoods.
190061
Motor Homes Banned from Parking on Both Sides of Woodbine Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia Neighborhood
This bill prohibits parking of motor homes on both sides of the 5300 block of Woodbine Avenue.
181102
City Council Votes to Impose Strict Parking Rules Along Popular Park Avenue Stretch in Southwest Philly
Commuters and small business owners along Park Avenue will soon face stiff penalties for overstaying their parking spot, as a new rule restricts time spent in one location during peak hours.
181100
Vending Prohibited on Certain Streets in West Philadelphia Under New City Ordinance
A proposal to ban sidewalk vendors from bustling areas of West Philadelphia has Council members pitting small business owners against residents who say the cluttered streets are a safety hazard for kids walking to school.
181061
City Council Slaps Parking Restrictions on Busy Philly Streets Amid Driver Frustration and Congestion Woes
Frustrated commuters face a new challenge as proposed parking restrictions aim to ease congestion by limiting two-hour parking spots on Broad Street, 13th Street, and surrounding commercial corridors during peak hours.
180967
Marlborough Street Parking Time Limit Established on West Side Neighborhood Area
West Philly Residents May Soon Face New Fines for Taking Up Too Much Space at Local Parks with proposed expansion of "no double parking" zones in four city parks, including Malcolm X Park.
180945
Two-Hour Parking Limit Established on Taney Street from Brown to Aspen Streets
Residential neighbors on South Street are breathing a sigh of relief as a new law takes effect tonight, banning large student events and loud gatherings in single-family homes and row houses after 11 PM. The city's noise ordinance will now prohibit amplified music, parties with more than eight guests, and other disturbances that had been a thorn in the side of quiet residents.
180944
City Renovation Projects Must Prove Lead Safety Before Finishing Work on Public Properties
Philadelphia's Low-Income Families Will Face Higher Fines for Unpaid Trash Fees Under Proposed New Ordinance. Under the proposal, families earning less than $25,000 per year could face fines of up to $500 if they fail to pay their trash fees on time.
180938
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council proposed altering zoning map boundaries in Kensington Avenue area.
Philadelphia's Fading Corner Stores Could Get a Second Chance under Proposed Legislation Supporting Small Business Owners with Rent Relief and Support Services.
190232
City Council Approves 19 Million Dollar Allocation for Low-Income Housing Initiatives in Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Philadelphia residents on fixed incomes may soon see rent relief as City Council unanimously approved funding for 1,300 new affordable housing units and existing homeownership assistance programs. Low-income families will benefit from the allocation of $19 million in city funds.
190231
City Transfers Funds to Support Vacant Lot Cleanup Efforts and Job Creation Initiatives Throughout Philadelphia Neighborhoods
City Council President Clarke and Councilmember Johnson sponsor legislation transferring funds to support programs cleaning and greening vacant lots, aiming to create jobs for local residents and returning citizens. The move aims to revitalize Philadelphia neighborhoods through vacant lot stabilization initiatives.
190230
East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District Extension Gets Council Approval For Three More Years
Property owners on East Passyunk Avenue are now locked into paying extra taxes for the next three years, with some estimating an added $1,500 expense per year, as council votes to extend the Business Improvement District's life. Local merchants had lobbied hard for its renewal.
190233
City Rolls Out Funding for Public Safety Makeover with Last Year's Bond Money Still Unspent
Low-Income Families Face Higher Utility Bills as City Council Considers Tax on Major Utilities; The proposal would add a new fee to energy bills to fund affordable housing initiatives.
190229