Weekly recap
This week in Council
September 6 to September 12, 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
Youth Sports Facility Lease at 144 Moore Street Approved for 29 Years
The City Council has approved a 29-year and six-month lease for E.O.M.
190508
City Council Approves Plan to Sell 185 Million Dollars in Bonds for Capital Projects and Expenditures
Homeowners could see a slight tax increase as part of a plan to issue $185 million in bonds for city improvements, with some arguing it will benefit neighborhoods while others decry added debt burden.
190431
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
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council proposes doubling fines for unpermitted construction projects in Philadelphia.
City fines for unpermitted construction work in Philadelphia are set to jump significantly under a newly approved measure, targeting contractors who skirt regulations and put public safety at risk.
190654
Council sought to require voting machines to display voter's chosen language in ballots.
Philadelphia's voting machines will now offer ballots in voters' preferred languages under a new city requirement. Councilmember Oh sponsored the legislation aimed at increasing voter accessibility.
190661
South Philly Gets New Facelift As Council Passes Bill for Market District Improvement Fees
South Philly property owners face new fees to fund improvements in designated Market District area after city council passes improvement district bill. The assessed special fee will fund renovations and enhancements in several streets and areas.
190660
Fishtown and Kensington Neighborhoods Unite Under New Business Improvement District Plan
Philly's Struggling Street Vendors Get Boost with Proposed New Ordinance Changes The proposed ordinance would waive permit fees for mobile food vendors and reduce health inspection requirements, giving small business owners a fighting chance in the city's crowded marketplaces.
190659
Parking Restrictions Rolled Out on Key South Philly Streets as Council Eyes Congestion Relief
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including Dickinson Street, Greenwich Street, and Wharton Street, limiting parking time to 2 hours during certain hours.
190656
City Council Mandates Active Uses for Street Level Commercial Spaces in Historic Center City Neighborhoods
Vibrant storefronts are coming to historic streets: Philadelphia City Council votes to shake up commercial spaces, forcing empty lots to become bustling shops, restaurants, and cafes in Center City neighborhoods.
190655-A
City Council Votes to Broaden Protections in Fair Practices Ordinance With Inclusive Gender Identity Definitions
Philadelphia Small Business Owners Worry About New Fee for Food Delivery Services Under Proposed City Regulation A proposed city regulation aims to tax food delivery companies, generating millions in revenue for the city, but restaurants fear it will hike their costs and squeeze profit margins.
190651
City Council Approves Funding for New Business Corridor Cleaning Program in All 10 Philadelphia Districts
Philadelphia's business corridors will receive a boost in cleaning efforts thanks to a new citywide program employing 30 trainees per district. The initiative aims to keep neighborhood business areas tidy and maintained.
190650
Council proposed $10 million transfer from Grants Revenue Fund to School District and General Fund.
Philadelphia City Council has approved a $10 million transfer to fuel the School District's capital projects this fall, with funds set to improve and maintain buildings and facilities. The money will come from the Grants Revenue Fund.
190649
City Rolls Out Two-Hour Parking Zones on Key Philly Streets Amid Congestion Concerns
This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in specific locations throughout Philadelphia to manage traffic and parking.
190648
Philadelphia to Enact Parking Restrictions on Certain Streets in City Neighborhoods
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including restrictions on time limits and days of the week for parking on certain streets.
190646
New Permit Parking Zones Unveiled for Three Philly Neighborhoods Amid Boundary Shifts
Residents in three Philly neighborhoods are about to get a lot more crowded with metered parking spots, as new permit zones go into effect next month affecting thousands of commuters and homeowners in North Philly and Strawberry Mansion.
190644
New Parking Regulations Take Effect in Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill establishes new parking regulations in several neighborhoods of Philadelphia, setting time limits for parking on specific streets and days.
190643
New Two-Hour Parking Limits Take Effect in West Philly Neighborhoods Along Cedar Avenue and More Streets
West Philly drivers face a new reality as parking limits shrink to two hours on key streets like Cedar Avenue, forcing commuters and shoppers to plan their visits carefully to avoid fines. Residents in several neighborhoods are bracing themselves for the changes.
190642
City Council Votes to Shake Up Zoning Rules in Bustling West Philly Neighborhoods
This bill changes the zoning designations of certain areas in West Philadelphia, specifically around 52nd Street and Cedar Avenue, from existing zones to new ones.
190638-A
City Seeks to Buy Sayre Morris Rec Center on Walnut Street for Public Use and Upgrades
The City Council passed a bill allowing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire Sayre Morris Recreation Center at 5800 Walnut Street for public recreational or other purposes.
190637
South Street Headhouse District Clears Way for Benches, Pavilions Along Second Street Median Island Near Headhouse Square Plaza
This bill allows the South Street Headhouse District to build and maintain benches, pavilions, lighting, and planters in a specific area of public right-of-way along 2nd Street near Headhouse Square Plaza.
190658
City Council Approves Parking Regulations for Four Philadelphia Neighborhood Areas
Parking abuse is set to become a costly habit in four South Philly hotspots as council passes stricter regulations limiting parking time and enforcing fines on repeat offenders, starting immediately.
190657
Motor Homes Banned from Parking Along Drexel Road in West Philly Neighborhood
This bill prohibits motor homes from parking on Drexel Road between City Avenue and Upland Way.
190647
Philly to Ban High-Sulfur Fuel Oil in Residential Buildings
Local business owners who burn dirty fuel oil to heat their buildings will be forced to switch to cleaner-burning alternatives by 2025 under a new measure aimed at slashing air pollution.
190636-A
Council sought to ban truck parking on McNulty Road.
McNulty Road becomes a "no truck parking" zone, with tow-away regulations now in place for non-compliant vehicles. Trucks parked there can be towed, effective immediately.
190653
Trucks Banned From Parking On McNulty Road In Northeast Philly Starting Immediately
Trucks are now prohibited from parking on McNulty Road in Northeast Philly, with towing enforced starting immediately. The new regulation spans the road from Townsend Road to its northeastern terminus.
190652
Private Developer to Build Exterior Stairway at North Front Street Property
This bill allows a private property owner to build an exterior stairway at their property on North Front Street in Philadelphia, under certain conditions.
190645
City Council Moves To Install Four-Way Stop Signs At Busy 49th And Walton Intersection
Four-way stop signs are proposed for the busy intersection of 49th and Walton Streets in Philadelphia, a change that aims to improve traffic flow. Councilmember Blackwell sponsors the legislation.
190641
Four-Way Stop Signs Coming to Troubled Intersection of 61st and Webster Streets
This bill installs four-way stop signs at the intersection of 61st and Webster Streets to improve traffic safety.
190640
Four-Way Stop Installed at Busy 53rd and Woodland Intersection in Effort to Boost Safety
A four-way stop is being installed at the intersection of 53rd and Woodland Streets to improve traffic safety, as mandated by City Councilmember Blackwell. The new signs are part of a bid to boost safety in the area.
190639