Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 8 to November 14, 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
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
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
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
Vending Prohibited on Portions of Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia Under New Law
Philadelphia Homeowners Could See Lower Property Taxes Under New Council Plan to Freeze City Tax Base at 2014 Levels. This could save many long-time residents thousands of dollars annually.
190782
Philadelphia Residents Face New Parking Rules on Four City Streets Amid Congestion Complaints
This bill establishes parking regulations in four different areas of Philadelphia: N.
190764
City Plan Revised: Widening of Tenth and Darien Streets Moves Forward Amid Property Line Changes
This bill allows for widening Tenth Street and Darien Street by relocating some property lines and curbs.
190452
Trucks Prohibited on Ryan Avenue Between Leon Street and Crispin Street
This bill prohibits trucks from parking on both sides of Ryan Avenue between Leon Street and Crispin Street at any time.
190446
City Provides Free Lawyers to Low-Income Philly Residents Facing Eviction in Landlord-Tenant Court Battles Daily
Philadelphia's Affordable Housing Task Force Chairwoman vows to block bill that would gut rent control protections for seniors and people with disabilities, calling it a "betrayal of the city's most vulnerable populations.
190386
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
Trucks Banned from Both Sides of Milnor Street Between Duncan and Orthodox Streets
This bill makes it illegal for trucks to park on both sides of Milnor Street between Duncan and Orthodox Streets at any time.
190080
Philadelphia Council Votes To Strip Guns From Individuals Who Pose Imminent Threat To Self Or Others
Philadelphia City Hall Is Now Required to Report Racial Breakdown of Gun Violence Incidents" A newly passed city council bill requires the Philadelphia Police Department to track and report the racial demographics of victims and perpetrators in gun-related crimes, sparking debate over policing tactics.
180553
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
South Philly Neighborhoods Get Major Zoning Overhaul as City Council Votes to Redraw Boundaries
A wave of changes is coming to South Philly's streets as city council votes to redefine neighborhood boundaries, shifting zoning rules for businesses and residents along Broad Street, Snyder Avenue, 7th Street, and Oregon Avenue.
190917
Council Proposes Zoning Changes for Areas Bounded by Walnut, Front, South, and 8th Streets
This bill would change the zoning designations for certain areas in Philadelphia bounded by Walnut Street, Front Street, South Street, and 8th Street.
190916
City Council Moves to Tighten Leash on Commercial Businesses Amid Fears of Overcrowding and Congestion Downtown
Commercial businesses in downtown areas could face new regulations under a proposed city ordinance aimed at managing overcrowding and congestion. The bill seeks to amend zoning laws for Commercial Districts, outlining specific uses permitted or prohibited.
190913
City Contractors Must Pay Prevailing Wage When Working on Charity-Funded Water Projects in Philly
Low-income families living in Philly's water-shutoff zones could see faster repairs and upgrades to their homes under new city council proposal requiring contractors to pay workers a higher minimum wage. Local construction union members would benefit from the increased wages.
190911
Center City Eruv District Boundaries Under Review for Expansion and Modification by Council
Philadelphia's growing Orthodox community is pushing for an expansion of the city's only eruv district, sparking debate over who should be included and how far it should stretch across Center City neighborhoods.
190910
West Philadelphia Land Bound by Cobbs Creek Gets New Zoning Designations
Neighborhood Businesses Face Uncertain Future as Proposed Council Bill Would Raise Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers to $7 an Hour, Affecting Thousands of Employees at City's Restaurants and Bars The new wage standard would apply to over 30,000 tipped workers in Philadelphia, forcing many restaurants and bars to adapt their business models or risk facing fines.
190898
West Philadelphia Zoning Map Changes Take Effect After City Council Passage
West Philly Residents Face Higher Rents as City Council Passes Bill Allowing Multi-Unit Development in Single-Family Neighborhoods, Sparking Fears of Gentrification on Haverford Avenue. New construction is expected to bring in thousands of dollars more for homeowners' taxes.
190897
City Transfers Ownership of West Philly Land Parcel to Redevelopment Authority for Potential Future Development Projects
Low-Income Homeowners May Face Higher Water Bills Under Proposed City Rate Hike; Average Residential Customer Could See 15% Increase on Their Annual Bill.
190896
City Council Bill Targets Overhaul of Zoning Designations in West Philly Neighborhood Boundaries
This bill changes the zoning designation for certain areas of land in a specific Philadelphia neighborhood.
190894
Zoning Changes Implemented for Ogden Street to 40th Street and Parrish Street to Preston Street Areas
This bill changes the zoning designations for a specific area of land in Philadelphia, bounded by Ogden Street, 40th Street, Parrish Street, and Preston Street.
190893
City Conveys Two Parcels to Penn and Children's Hospital Group for Further Development
This bill allows the city to sell and lease back two properties in University City (near 34th St and Civic Center Blvd) to a new entity formed by the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for further development.
190892
Civic Center Boulevard and University Avenue Zoning Designations Changed by City Lawmakers
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas near Civic Center Boulevard and University Avenue.
190891
Philadelphia Zoning Maps Get Overhaul as Council Approves Changes to Neighborhood Boundaries
This bill changes the zoning laws for certain areas in Philadelphia bounded by Chestnut Street, 45th Street, Ludlow Street, and 46th Street.
190890
Spring Garden Neighborhood Zoning Map Overhaul Proposed to Revamp Land Use and Development Patterns
Philly Businesses Scramble as New Parking Regulations Would Impose Stiffer Fines on Downtown Commercial Parking Lots, Boosting Revenue for City Coffers.
190889
Council Seeks to Tighten Reins on Far Northeast Business Development with New Zoning Restrictions Enacted
Far Northeast businesses will be subject to new zoning restrictions after the City Council approved amendments to the Far Northeast Overlay District. Councilmember O'Neill sponsored the changes to the district's boundaries and permitted uses.
190914-A
City Paves Over Parker Avenue as Developer Foots Bill for Repaving Project
Developer pays for repaving project along Parker Avenue in Philadelphia, covering all costs and expenses. Councilmember Jones' bill allows the Procurement Commissioner to enter into a contract for the work.
190909
City of Philadelphia Seeks Online Research Agreements, Budgeting Up To Five Million Dollars Over Three Years
Philadelphia's Procurement Department will enter into contracts for online legal research services and tools with vendors over three years, estimated to cost around $5 million. The agreements are expected to run from April 2020 to March 2023.
190906
Zoning Changes Coming to 22nd Street and Ludlow Street Neighborhood
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations in a specific area bounded by 22nd Street, Market Street, 21st Street, and Ludlow Street.
190902
City Council Vows to Revamp Newsstand Regulations Allowing Wider Merchandise Selection Amid New Signage Restrictions
Small business owners celebrate as City Hall eases restrictions on what newsstands can sell, but warns vendors to remove oversized signs from sidewalks or face fines starting next month.
190899
City Gives Nod to Owner of Cumberland Street Property for Exterior Ramp Repair Plans
Residents of the 400 block of East Cumberland Street may soon see repairs to the crumbling entrance ramp outside a local business after city council approved plans for renovation last night. The work is expected to take several months to complete.
190918
City Council OKs Major Changes to City Plan on North Philadelphia's Cumberland Street Grid
This bill revises City Plan No.
190915
City Hall Seeks Multi-Year Deal for New Code Updates and Online Access to Philly's Municipal Rules
Philly Homeowners Reap Rewards of New Recycling Incentive Program, But Critics Warn of Overly Broad Fees for Missed Collections. Philadelphia residents who consistently participate in the city's curbside recycling program could see their trash collection fees waived under a new incentive plan.
190912
Philadelphia City Council OKs Removal of Parker Avenue from City Map in Southwest Philly Neighborhood
Parker Avenue removed from City Plan No. 299 in Southwest Philly, requiring agreement and payment from affected property owners within two years under new city plan revision.
190908
Council seeks to ban trucks from parking on both sides of Callowhill Street block.
Trucks are now prohibited from parking on either side of the 6600 block of Callowhill Street in Philadelphia, with no exceptions allowed. The new regulation is in effect immediately, affecting truck drivers who regularly use this route.
190907
Cottman Avenue Merchants Get Green Light to Set Up Shop on Sidewalks Near Bustleton Avenue
This bill allows for sidewalk sales near the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Bustleton Avenue, with specific rules and limitations.
190905
Trucks Prohibited from Parking on Brown Street Between 22nd and Corinthian Streets
Drivers of big rigs will have to find a new spot to park their rigs after the city starts enforcing a ban on truck parking on a congested Philadelphia street today.
190904
North Philadelphia Sidewalk Café Gets Green Light with New Open-Air Permit
Small Business Owners Rejoice: Philly's First-Ever "Safe Injection Sites" Get Greenlight for Pilot Program A new council-approved plan paves the way for up to five safe injection sites in high-crime areas, aiming to combat opioid overdoses while raising concerns among nearby residents and business owners.
190903
Company Gets Permission to Build Patio and Ramp at Spring Garden Street Property
This bill allows MMB Contractors to build and maintain a patio, ramp, and planter boxes at a specific address on Spring Garden Street, under certain conditions.
190901
City Council Gives OK for Unconventional Bollards Outside Historic Reading Terminal Building Location
The City Council granted permission to the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to install non-standard bollards at a specific location in Center City Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions.
190900
Council Proposes Zoning Overhaul for Swath of Southwest Philly Neighborhoods Along Cedar Avenue
Councilmember Blackwell proposes changing zoning designations for areas near Cedar Avenue, Baltimore Avenue, and 47th Street in Southwest Philly. The exact changes are outlined on Maps "A" and "B".
190895