Weekly recap
This week in Council
January 17 to January 23, 2020
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council Introduced Bill Requiring Community Benefits Agreements for City-Supported High-Impact Projects
Developers on major projects must now negotiate benefits deals with Philly neighborhoods as city support or financial assistance is tied to Community Benefits Agreements. Local community groups will be involved in these agreements for large-scale developments receiving city aid.
200005
City Employees Who Report Sex Harassment Now Protected From Retaliation By City Hall Authorities
City employees who report sex harassment will be protected from retaliation by city authorities under a new law proposed by Councilmember Oh. The bill provides immunity for cooperation against harassers and is aimed at safeguarding victims' rights.
200035
Philadelphia Voters to Decide on Mandatory $50 Million Annual Funding for Affordable Housing
Philadelphia voters will be asked to approve a mandatory $50 million annual appropriation to the Housing Trust Fund, as proposed by Councilmember Oh. The change would alter the city's operating budget through an amended Home Rule Charter.
200034
Council proposes new voting machines to be programmed in languages spoken by city's non-English speakers
Philadelphia's new voting machines must now offer languages other than English, benefiting around 22% of speakers who don't speak fluently or at all. The change aims to include more non-English languages in the city's voting systems.
200029
Philadelphia City Voters to Decide Council Term Limits This Spring
City voters will decide this spring whether to limit council members to four terms in office, with a special election set for April 28, 2020. The proposed change would start taking effect January 1, 2024.
200017
Philadelphia Homeowners Set to Save Thousands as City Boosts Homestead Exclusion Threshold to $80,000 Next Year
Philadelphia Homeowners Set to Save Thousands as City Boosts Homestead Exclusion Threshold to $80,000 Next Year, Saving Median Homeowner $1,300 Annually; Over 30,000 Local Families Will Benefit from the Tax Break Starting in January.
200012
Large Philly Businesses Ordered to Offer Paid Family Leave Benefits to Thousands of Employees Now
Philadelphia businesses with 50 or more employees must soon offer paid family leave benefits to thousands of workers, under a bill pending before the City Council. The requirement would later be reduced to employers with 10 or more employees.
200011
Philadelphia Council Moves Forward on Creation of New Department of Labor and Enforcement Agency
Philadelphia Business Owners Face Higher Taxes Under Proposed Plan to Create Public Bank, Funding Affordable Housing Initiatives and Community Development Projects. City Council Approves Bill to Raise Minimum Wage for Airport Workers to $15 Per Hour by 2024, Affecting Thousands of Employees at PHL.
200008
Council Pushes for Tougher Oversight at Philadelphia Pension System Amid Growing Financial Worries
Philadelphia's pension system would get stricter oversight under a proposed amendment to the city's Home Rule Charter, adding independent experts to its board and requiring minimum funding contributions.
200033
City Council Proposes Creation of Independent Legislative Budget Office to Guide City Spending Decisions
City Council wants to create a Legislative Budget Office to provide expertise and information to inform the city's budget process. The new office would be established through an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
200032
Philadelphia Real Estate Taxes Now Based On Previous Year's Accurate Assessments Or Last Year's Value
Philadelphia property owners will be taxed based on last year's assessed value if an audit finds current assessments are not accurate, under a proposed city ordinance. The change would affect real estate taxes levied on taxable properties in the City of Philadelphia.
200030
City Transfers Unpaid Tax Bills to Private Collectors After Year of Delinquency With No Payment Plan in Place
Philadelphia will now transfer unpaid tax bills to private collectors after a year's worth of delinquency with no payment plan in place, targeting those who have avoided making payments.
200028
Council introduced plan to form non-profit fund to reimburse Philadelphia school teachers' personal expenses
Councilmember Oh introduces bill creating non-profit fund to reimburse Philly teachers for out-of-pocket classroom expenses. The fund will help cover costs for supplies, materials, and equipment needed in classrooms.
200026
City Council Moves to Scrap 72-Year-Old Law Governing Philly's Parking Enforcement
City Council seeks to scrap a 72-year-old law that governs parking enforcement in Philadelphia, paving the way for potential changes to city codes. The outdated ordinance created the Philadelphia Parking Authority and its powers over on-street parking regulations.
200025
Parking Regulations Established in Specific Areas of Philadelphia with Time Limits and Exemptions
Residents in seven Philly neighborhoods face stricter parking rules as new regulations kick in, limiting street time to just two hours and forcing drivers to dig deeper for change in RPP zones.
200023
Council proposes ban on 'blackface' in public places with fines for violators.
Wearing "blackface" or disguises to hide identity will be prohibited in public places, including parades, under new city law aimed at preventing racially insensitive conduct. Fines and penalties will be imposed on violators.
200022
Truck Parking Ban and Tow-Away Rules Take Effect on Chesterfield Road
Philadelphia Residents Face $200 Fines for Littering, Under New Proposal Targeting Chronic Waste Dumps in Northeast Neighborhoods The measure would penalize violators of a local ordinance targeting littering on public and private properties with fines up to $200.
200020
Far Northeast Zoning Regulations Amended to Limit Commercial Activities and Height Restrictions
Resident-led efforts to stem the tide of overdevelopment in Philly's Far Northeast have gained traction as City Council members push through new zoning laws aimed at preserving neighborhood character and slowing growth.
200019
Tax Rates for Low-Income Residents in Philadelphia Revised to Provide Relief
Low-income Philadelphians could soon breathe a little easier under a new proposal to slash property and income taxes, potentially saving thousands of dollars per year for the city's most vulnerable residents.
200016
Council Proposes Changes to Allow City Employees to Volunteer in Local Elections During Free Time
This bill proposes a change to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter that would allow city employees to volunteer in state and federal political campaigns outside of work hours without using city resources.
200015
City Council Prepares Public Financing Referendum for November Ballot in Special Election
Philadelphia voters will soon decide on public financing for elected officials' campaigns after Council members Green, Henon, and Quiñones Sánchez introduced a special election referendum.
200014
Neighborhood Zoning Changes Adopted in South Philly Area Bounded by Morris Street and More
This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas of land in a specific neighborhood (bounded by Morris Street, 26th Street, Moore Street, and 27th Street).
200013
Digital Sign Bill Seeks Approval for Single Free-Standing Ad Board in North Philly Area
Councilmember Henon's bill seeks to permit a single digital sign in North Philly, bounded by Levick Street and others, under specific conditions. The proposed sign would be a one-time exception to zoning rules for the area.
200009
CTE Grads Get Boost on City Jobs as Council Approves Preference for Qualified Candidates
Philadelphia's Career Tech students get leg up on city jobs as Council votes to give priority to recent grads in hiring process, potentially saving hundreds of hours spent re-taking civil service exams.
200007-A
City Council Pushes Ballot Question on Preferential Treatment for Tech Ed Grads in City Jobs
Proposal Aims to Boost Local Developers' Access to Affordable Housing Incentives City Council has introduced legislation to widen eligibility for tax breaks and other benefits aimed at encouraging private developers to build more affordable housing units in under-served neighborhoods.
200006-AA
North Broad Business District Takes Shape As New Improvement Plan Unveils Ambitious Revitalization Efforts
North Broad Street business owners could soon see new revitalization efforts as a proposed neighborhood improvement district takes shape, spanning from Spring Garden to Indiana Avenue.
200003
Council Votes to Put Measure on Ballot Giving Itself Power to Block Unfair Property Tax Hikes
City Council takes step towards giving itself power to block unfair property tax hikes, sending proposed amendment to November ballot for voter approval.
200031
Council proposed $14 million transfer from General Fund to Community College of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia City Council approves $14 million transfer to address long-standing funding shortfall at Community College of Philadelphia, ensuring the institution receives its minimum required revenue. The funds will come from three city offices.
200027
Philadelphia Parking Rules Tightened Around Broad Street Corridor and Northeast Neighborhoods
This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to help manage traffic and parking.
200024
Philadelphia Officials Propose Uniform Rules for Objecting to BIDs Amid Growing Property Owner Frustration
This bill establishes a uniform procedure for property owners to file objections against Business Improvement Districts and Special Services Districts in Philadelphia.
200018
City Council OKs Five-Year Deal for Online Research Tools, Investigative Software Worth Estimated $5 Million
Philadelphia's top cops and lawyers will soon get a pricey upgrade: a $5 million deal to give them access to cutting-edge online tools for digging up evidence and researching cases. Philly police officers and city prosecutors could be equipped with the latest investigative software, but at what cost to taxpayers?
200010
Right-of-way reserved for public utilities removed from city plan in southern Philadelphia.
A narrow strip of city-owned land on the South Side is about to be repurposed, as Council votes to strip away its utility status, freeing up space for potential development in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.
200004
Trucks Banned from Grant Avenue, Tow-Away Zone Established Along Krewstown Road to Bustleton Avenue
This bill prohibits trucks from parking on Grant Avenue between Krewstown Road and Bustleton Avenue and establishes a tow-away zone in this area.
200021