Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 11 to October 17, 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
Public Property Commissioner to Sell Land to PAID with Community Benefits Promise
This bill allows the Commissioner of Public Property to transfer ownership of a plot of land in Center City Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID).
190712
City of Philadelphia Buys Land Near West Cumberland Street and York Street
This bill authorizes the City of Philadelphia to acquire land in a specific area bounded by West Cumberland Street, North 8th Street, West York Street and North 9th Street for an unspecified purpose.
190707
City of Philadelphia Authorized to Issue $1.5 Billion in General Obligation Bonds to Refund Outstanding Debt
Philly homeowners will see a small tax increase next year due to plan to refinance $1.5 billion in debt, with average homeowner's tax bill rising by about $30.
190706
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
Council Approves Narrowing of Old York Road in Northeast Philadelphia, Requires Property Owner Agreements
Narrowing of Old York Road sparks concerns for Northeast Philly businesses, as council approves plan to squeeze road to just 50 feet in a specific stretch, affecting scores of property owners who now face costly reconfigurations.
190562
Council Votes to Add JPMorgan Chase Bank to List of Official City Depositories Overnight
Under threat of fines, small businesses in Philadelphia may soon face stricter regulations on outdoor dining permits, after Council passes new rules mandating costly annual fees and increased inspections. The changes would hit mom-and-pop eateries hardest.
190509
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Tackles Zoning Reforms for Central Delaware Riverfront in Bid for Sustainable Growth
Philadelphia Residents With Outstanding Tax Debts Could See Relief Under New Proposal Aimed at Encouraging Property Owners to Pay Up.
190811-A
City Council Moves to Launch Working Parent Tax Credit for Local Families with Young Children
Philadelphia residents who work and have young children may soon qualify for a new tax credit, as the City Council takes steps to launch the Working Parent Tax Credit program. The credit is part of the city's Wage and Net Profits Tax Code revisions.
190810
Philadelphia Parents Get Reprieve on Tax Bills with New Credit for Working Caregivers
Working parents with children in Philadelphia may be eligible for up to $3,800 per year in tax credits towards childcare expenses. The credit requires parents to apply through the Department of Revenue and use it solely for childcare costs.
190809
Grandparents Caring for Kids in Philadelphia Get New Tax Break Under City Council Proposal
City Council proposes "Working Grandparent Tax Credit" to provide financial relief to grandparents caring for their grandchildren under Philadelphia's Wage and Net Profits Tax law. The credit would be added as a new definition in the tax code.
190808
Grandparents Caring for Grandkids Full-Time Get Up to $3800 Annual Tax Relief Under New City Plan
Philadelphia Grandparents Caring for Grandkids Full-Time Eligible for Up to $3,800 Annual Tax Relief. A new city plan provides a tax credit to grandparents who care for their grandchildren as primary caretakers under certain terms.
190807
Council Introduces New Permit Parking District on North Philly Streets Along Erie Avenue, Front Street and Kensington Avenue
This bill establishes a new Permit Parking District in Philadelphia, specifically District 39, which is bounded by Erie Avenue, Front Street, and Kensington Avenue.
190805
City Closes Loophole on E-Cigarettes in Philly Businesses Where Kids Can Browse
New Limits on Parking Placards to Hit Low-Income Residents Hardest: City Council Votes to Raise Cost of Resident Permits
190804
New Parking Rules Take Effect in Philadelphia Neighborhoods Around Salford and Chestnut Streets
This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific locations around Philadelphia.
190803
City Council Introduces New Two-Hour Parking Rules for Busy Mount Vernon and N. 32nd Street Corridors
Residents of Mount Vernon and North 32nd Streets are in for a change: parking will soon be strictly limited, forcing drivers to keep their cars moving every couple hours unless they're a resident or business owner.
190802-A
Trucks Banned From Parking on Several Philly Streets Including Castor Avenue and Wingohocking Street Blocks
Philadelphia residents living near busy commercial corridors are breathing a sigh of relief as city council votes to ban large trucks from parking on several neighborhood streets, including the congested stretch of Castor Avenue.
190806
University of the Sciences Takes Control of Street Lights Along Woodland Avenue in West Philly Neighborhood
Bill allows University of the Sciences to own and maintain existing street lights on Woodland Avenue in West Philadelphia.
190801