Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 25 to October 31, 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
Philadelphia Council Moves Forward with New Fee for Solar Panel Installations in City Buildings
Solar-powered city buildings could get pricier: a proposed new fee would slap developers with a $200 charge per installation, hitting big builders hardest but also affecting small community groups trying to go green.
190785
Philadelphia Sets New Timelines and Fees for Permit Applications and Accelerated Reviews
Developers will soon have clearer deadlines and higher costs when navigating Philadelphia's complex permit process, as a new set of rules goes into effect today, affecting thousands of construction projects across the city annually.
190767
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
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
City Council Loosens Restrictions on Historic Buildings Amid Push for Revitalization and Economic Growth Spurred by Local Business Owners
This bill amends zoning regulations to make it easier for owners of historic properties to use their buildings as they see fit.
190613-A
City Council Moves to Ease Parking Burden on Philly's Historic Neighborhoods Amid Zoning Code Revamp
This bill amends Philadelphia's zoning code to reduce parking requirements for historic buildings and make related changes.
190611-A
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Shield Thousands of Domestic Workers from Unlawful Discrimination Practices
Thousands of low-wage caregivers could soon have better safeguards against workplace injustices under a new proposal aimed at closing loopholes that leave them vulnerable to exploitation and bias.
190607
City Rolls Out Streamlined Process for Selling Vacant Properties Amid Push to Revitalize Neighborhoods
Philadelphia Businesses Will Face Stricter Regulations on Single-Use Plastics Under New Proposal Aimed at Reducing Waste and Protecting Waterways. The measure would prohibit many single-use items, including straws, bags, and containers, in an effort to combat pollution.
190606-AA
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council sought to make doctors, dentists distribute educational materials on opioid prescriptions and treatment
Philadelphia doctors must immediately give patients warning labels about opioid prescriptions, while also distributing educational materials on substance use disorder treatment. Patients will receive this information from their healthcare providers starting now.
190863
Philadelphia Enacts New Regulations for Affordable Housing Properties Receiving Federal Assistance
New Rules for Renters: City Officials Propose Stricter Landlord Licensing Requirements, Focusing on Properties with History of Code Violations and Unresolved Disputes with Tenants.
190860-A
Philadelphia Tightens Building Permit Rules in Neighborhood Conservation Zones to Ensure More Consistent Designs
This bill updates rules for building permits in Philadelphia's Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCO).
190866
Hospitals Ordered to Report Overdose Data to City as Philly Grapples with Opioid Epidemic Crisis
Philly Landlords Would Have to Pay Fines for Not Allowing Tenants to Display Security Cameras Under Proposed Council Bill The measure would require landlords to obtain written consent from renters before blocking or removing security cameras, potentially affecting thousands of tenants across the city.
190864
Philadelphia Officials to Get New Political Leeway Under Proposed Home Rule Charter Overhaul
Philadelphia city officials and employees could soon have new freedom in participating in state and federal politics under a proposed overhaul of the Home Rule Charter. The revised rules would still bar them from using work time or resources for such activities.
190861
Developers to Earn Bonuses for Affordable Housing Under Revised Zoning Rules in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Developers May Get Tax Breaks for Adding Affordable Units Amid City's Affordable Housing Shortage; Under revised rules, developers can pocket up to $50,000 per unit in tax credits for building below-market-rate apartments.
190859
City Council Authorizes Emergency Funds Transfers to Balance Budget as FY19 Deadline Looms Near Again
A last-minute maneuver is needed to avoid a late-night deadline, with City Hall scrambling to shift $43 million in funding between departments to get Philadelphia's books balanced by July 1st.
190857
Council Boosts City's Big Build Budget by 65 Million Amid Infrastructure Push
Philadelphia homeowners and small businesses could see their property tax bills rise under a proposed council measure increasing annual tax hikes on vacant land, with proceeds earmarked for affordable housing initiatives. A new city ordinance aims to bring electric vehicle charging stations to every Philadelphia neighborhood by 2025, but critics argue it may not go far enough in supporting low-i
190854
Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area Redevelopment Plan Gets Eighth Amendment Approval
Philadelphia's Fossil Fuel Ban Takes a Step Forward: City Council Votes to Prohibit New Gas Hookups in Residential Buildings Starting Next Year. The move aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by targeting new construction projects, affecting hundreds of developers planning residential buildings across the city.
190853
Treasurer's Office Seeks Deal for High-Tech Cash Tracking System Amid City Budget Scrutiny
Philadelphia taxpayers' dollars may soon be tracked more efficiently, but at what cost? A proposed deal would outsource management of the city's $1.4 billion in cash reserves to a private firm.
190850
Council Expands Tax Breaks for Keystone Zone Properties Amid Economic Rebound
Property owners in blighted neighborhoods could reap significant tax savings under a new proposal aimed at spurring economic growth, with some estimates suggesting thousands of dollars in annual discounts for eligible parcels.
190848
No Stopping Allowed on Jasper Street Section Designated as Tow Away Zone
Motorists beware: drivers caught parking in the newly restricted area will face towing and fines, leaving some residents scrambling to adjust their daily routines along one of the city's busiest commercial strips.
190868
City Transfers Big Bucks to Help Struggling ACCT Philly Feed and Shelter Homeless Animals
City is sending $480,800 to support ACCT Philly's operations after transfers are authorized by Director of Finance, increasing funding for the animal sheltering agency.
190865
City Leases Space at Mount Airy Property for Expanded Fire Department and Public Health Services
Philadelphia's Fire Department and Department of Public Health are poised to expand their services in Mount Airy with a proposed lease on a long-vacant strip mall property on Ogontz Avenue.
190862
City Council Greenlights Fund Transfers for 25 City Departments Across Five Funds for Fiscal Year 2020
This bill authorizes transfers of funds from various city departments and funds to others in Fiscal Year 2020.
190856
Philadelphia Officials Launch One-Way Traffic Pilot on Elkhart Street from Helen to Emerald Streets
This bill makes a portion of Elkhart Street one-way eastbound between Helen and Emerald Streets.
190867
City Leaders Vote to Make Ruth Street One-Way Northbound Through Major Neighborhood Revitalization Effort
This bill makes Ruth Street one-way northbound between Hart Lane and E.
190858
City Council Boosts FY20 Capital Budget by 64 Million Amid Municipal Spending Hike Proposal
A proposed 10% hike in municipal spending would hit Philadelphia homeowners with a projected $18 tax increase, sparking debate among council members about the city's fiscal priorities and financial accountability.
190855
Truck Parking Banned on Sheffield Avenue Between Walker and Cottage Streets
Resident complaints spark city action as a new ordinance bans large vehicles from parking on Sheffield Avenue, narrowing the already congested street and causing frustration for local drivers and pedestrians alike.
190852
Owner Gets Green Light to Install Sidewalk Café at 1301-05 North Howard Street in Philly
This bill allows Steven Cook to install and maintain a sidewalk café at 1301-05 North Howard Street in Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions.
190851
Newsstand Owners Cleared to Install Electrical Conduits on 43rd Street Corner in West Philly
Newsstand owners cleared to install electrical conduits on 43rd Street corner after City Council approval; permit requirements and cost agreements must still be met by the business.
190849