Weekly recap
This week in Council
April 19 to April 25, 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
City Workers to Get Second Chance at Paying Back Past Jobs with New Retirement Code Amendment
Philadelphia Water Department Employees Face Layoffs as Council Considers Bill Cutting 25% of Staff to Balance Budget.
190132
Philadelphia Campaign Finance Laws Get Update with New Regulations on Contributions and Disclosures
Philadelphia Residents Could Soon See Lower Water Bills Thanks to City Council Plan to Revamp Utility Fees; Proposed changes aim to redistribute costs among large commercial properties.
190083-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
New Parking Rules Allow Ride Share Vehicles to Park Free in Designated Areas Overnight
Ride-hailing drivers will breathe easier tonight as Council passes legislation allowing them to park for free in designated areas, but some neighbors worry about increased traffic and noise in residential zones.
190321
Philadelphia School Board Gets Greenlight for Revenue-Neutral Real Estate Tax Hike Next Year
Council passes bill allowing School District to impose revenue-neutral real estate tax at rate set by City Council, intended to produce same level of tax revenues as prior year.
190319
City seeks to stabilize real estate taxes with revenue-neutral rates starting 2020.
Philadelphia's new real estate tax formula aims to keep revenues stable starting in 2020, adjusting rates as needed annually. The "revenue neutral" rate will match the prior year's level, with adjustments possible if deemed necessary.
190318
City Council Moves to Boost Homestead Tax Exemption for Philly Homeowners Amid Rising Property Values Slowdown
Philadelphia Homeless Services Office Seeks Increased Funding for Emergency Shelters and Housing Programs amid Soaring City Rent Prices.
190317
Parking Garages Ordered to Hire Adequate Staff or Face City Fines and Penalties Imposed
Philadelphia Residents Could Be Left Without Mail Delivery as City Council Considers Bill Mandating Minimum Wage for Postal Workers
190316
City Council Passes Parking Employee Protection Law
Parking attendants at Philly's municipal lots could soon have more job security after a city council move to shield them from unfair firings and clarify what constitutes a legitimate dismissal.
190315
City Council Passes Bill Requiring Fresh Food Markets to Meet Minimum Square Footage Requirements
Smaller vendors face squeeze as city tightens rules on fresh food markets, forcing some entrepreneurs out of coveted spots along Main Street.
190313
Zoning Changes Along South Street, Schuylkill River to Allow for New Building Uses
This bill changed the zoning designations of certain areas along South Street, the Schuylkill River, Spruce Street (extended), and Broad Street.
190312
Council Proposes Ban on Two-Family Buildings in North Central Philly Overlay District Amid Zoning Overhaul
A proposed zoning overhaul for North Central Philadelphia would block new two-family homes from being built in the area, sparking debate among residents and developers about housing affordability and density.
190311
Council Votes to Rethink Land at Second and Germantown, Giving City Control Over Newly Created Cut-Back Area
Philadelphia's urban landscape is about to get a major tweak as City Council votes to hand over control of a key Germantown Avenue corner, but some residents worry it's a power grab that could price out local businesses.
190307
Philadelphia Farmers' Markets Expand to New Locations Along Delaware River Waterfront District
Local residents along the Delaware River waterfront will soon have more opportunities to buy fresh produce as a new city initiative expands existing farmers' markets into high-demand areas, doubling the number of vendors and shoppers.
190320
City Transfers Millions Between Funds as Philly Faces Fiscal Shortfall This Summer
Millions in city funds are being shuffled as Philadelphia's budget takes a hit, with the transfer of millions set to affect vital services for low-income seniors and struggling families in North Philly neighborhoods.
190314
City Approves Sublease Deal Allowing Philly to Occupy Office Space on Broad Street
Philly's next chapter in Broad Street revitalization takes shape as city officials secure prime office space, securing a long-term home for key departments near City Hall and Temple University.
190310
Spring Garden Street Vending Ban Takes Shape as Council Proposes New Regulations for the Popular Shopping Corridor
This bill amends a section of The Philadelphia Code to prohibit vendors from selling goods on certain parts of Spring Garden street.
190309
Vine Street Section Struck from City Plan in 20-Foot Revision Along 17th and 18th Streets
Philadelphia homeowners may soon see an easement on their property removed if they live in a narrow stretch of Vine Street where a proposed council measure would eliminate a notorious eyesore: a small, unused road strip.
190308
Council Passes Bill to Update Neighborhood Zoning in Venango Street Area
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood bounded by Venango Street, 11th Street, Erie Avenue, and Marvine Street.
190306
Temple University Plans Major Expansion at North Philadelphia Site Amid City Council Approval Push
This bill amends Temple University's Master Plan and approves construction at 1835-99 N.
190305
Council Approves Curved Corner on 34th Street and Curb Extension in Mantua Area
A new curved corner is coming to a bustling intersection in Mantua: the city council has given the green light for a redesigned 34th Street and Mantua Avenue intersection that will improve pedestrian safety.
190304