Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 10 to May 16, 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 Department of Public Health Seeks Additional Funding from State for Philly Health Clinics
Philadelphia home healthcare workers face uncertain future as council weighs plan to privatize Medicaid-reliant services, putting 4,500 jobs at risk in a move that sparks fierce debate among advocates and city officials.
190353
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
Fox TV Allowed to Install Planters on Market Street Building Under Newly Negotiated Deal Terms
This bill allows Fox Television Stations LLC to install and maintain planters at 330 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, under specific conditions.
190210
Vending Prohibited on City Avenue Between Haverford and 77th Street Under New Law
A long-standing debate comes to a head as Philadelphia Council passes legislation limiting sidewalk vending on major thoroughfares, with City Avenue being the first to feel the pinch starting tonight.
190209
Automated Speed Cameras Set to Monitor Roosevelt Boulevard
Philadelphia's City Council passed a bill to use automated cameras on Roosevelt Boulevard to detect speeding violations and improve safety.
190184
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
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
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
Tour Vehicle Operator Gets Permission to Use Existing Ticket Booth on South Independence Mall West
Philadelphia's iconic Independence Mall East side is about to get a new occupant: a company cleared by City Council to take over a long-vacant ticket booth, promising to bring tourists back to this historic area. A 10-year lease deal approved by the city council will allow a licensed tour vehicle operator to set up shop in a ticket booth on the west side of Independence Mall West.
190085
South Street Parking Restrictions Tightened Between 21st and 27th Streets
Business owners along South Street are breathing a sigh of relief as the city finally tackles notorious parking congestion between 21st and 27th Streets, where drivers will now face fines and towing for parking anywhere at any time.
181046
Trucks Banned from Decatur Road Between Red Lion and Comly Roads Due to New Ordinance
Residents of a North Philadelphia neighborhood are breathing a sigh of relief as the city's latest effort to reduce truck congestion takes aim at parking restrictions on Decatur Road, a notoriously clogged stretch of road. Truck owners must now find alternative spots for their vehicles.
181009
Bike-Friendly Businesses Get Free Curb Loading Zone Perks Under New City Ordinance Proposal
Small business owners on Main Street could soon save thousands of dollars as city council considers an ordinance that waives curb loading zone fees for bike-friendly shops along dedicated bike lanes.
180950
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
South Philadelphia Zoning Map Changes Bound Tasker, 4th, Porter, and 9th Streets
A proposed rezoning of nearly 50 acres in South Philly could bring new development to long-vacant lots, but critics warn it will also push out low-income families and small businesses.
190415
Council proposes zoning change for area bounded by Walnut Street, Front Street, South Street, and 8th Street.
This bill proposes to change the zoning designations for certain areas of land in a specific neighborhood bounded by Walnut Street, Front Street, South Street, and 8th Street.
190414
City to Assume Recycling Responsibilities Under Agreement with Contractor
Philadelphia residents could see reduced recycling rates under new city contract, as city council passes measure giving Waste Management control over trash-to-cash program. The pact promises cost savings, but critics warn of potential job losses and environmental risks.
190413
City Council Greenlights PACE Program Allowing Commercial Owners to Finance Clean Energy Upgrades
Low-Income Families to Gain Access to Affordable Healthcare with New City Council-Approved Plan Under the new plan, thousands of low-income Philadelphians will be able to enroll in Medicaid or the state's Children's Health Insurance Program.
190412
Council Votes to Rewrite Zoning Maps Around Cobbs Creek Neighborhood to Spur New Development Efforts
This bill changes the zoning maps in a specific area of Philadelphia to allow for different land uses.
190409
City Council Moves to Revise Zoning Rules for Philly Neighborhoods, Preserve Unique Character and Aesthetics
This bill amends Philadelphia's zoning and planning laws to revise rules for Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts (NCO).
190408
Council Votes to Revamp Zoning Rules in West Philadelphia Neighborhood Along 56th and Spruce Streets
A proposal to transform a West Philly commercial corridor cleared a key hurdle as city council members voted to overhaul zoning rules on 56th Street, paving the way for new restaurants, shops, and apartments.
190407
City Council Proposes Major Zoning Overhaul for West Philly Neighborhood Along Aspen to 26th Streets
West Philly Residents Face Uncertainty as City Council Considers Revamping Zoning Laws Along Busy Commercial Corridor, Potentially Altering Future of Local Businesses and Homes.
190406
Broad Street Gets New Farmers Market Spot in Proposed City Council Bill
Councilmembers push for a bustling farmers market to sprout on Broad Street, bringing fresh produce to a long-stretching commercial corridor, with vendors set to descend upon the intersection of Morris and Broad next summer.
190410
Eastwick Streets Get One-Way Makeover Under New City Traffic Regulation Plan
Eastwick residents can expect new traffic patterns as city council votes to restrict two-way traffic on several streets in the neighborhood, potentially alleviating congestion but also sparking worries about added commute time for local drivers.
190411
Woodlin Wins Right to Expand Oversized Balcony at Busy 29th Street Location Despite Neighbors' Concerns
Philadelphia homeowners will soon be allowed to extend their outdoor living spaces into streetside areas, but not without strict new regulations designed to prevent over-development after a landmark ruling.
190405