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Weekly recap

This week in Council

January 24 to January 30, 2020

18 introduced0 became law0 failed or vetoed

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

Transportation·In Committee

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.

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Transportation·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Environment·In Committee

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.

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Transportation·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Community & Neighborhoods·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Transportation·In Committee

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.

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Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 AM · Committee on Rules

Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Business & Commerce·In Committee

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.

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Environment·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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'.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Business & Commerce·In Committee

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.

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Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

Council Unveils Plan for November Vote on End to Stop and Frisk Amid Police Controversy in Philadelphia Streets

This bill proposes an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to end the practice of unconstitutional stop and frisk by police officers.

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Public Health·LapsedIntroduced Jan 30, 2020

Philadelphia Council Moves to Shield Residents From Winter Water Service Cuts Amid Frozen Pipe Fears

Philadelphia water service cutoffs will be prohibited from December 1 to April 1 under a new bill aimed at reducing winter pipe damage and public health risks. The restrictions are intended to safeguard residents' access to running water during the cold months.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Jan 30, 2020

City Officials Could Run for Office Without Quitting First Under Proposed Philly Charter Change

City officials could soon be able to run for public office without quitting their current jobs first, under a proposed change to the city's charter. The plan would also limit terms in office for Council members and the City Controller.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 1, 2020

South Street Neighborhoods to See Zoning Changes as Council Approves New Development Plans

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas in South Street and nearby streets, allowing for new developments or uses under specific conditions.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 22, 2020

Society Hill Zoning Laws Tightened to Limit Skyscrapers, Parking Demands, and Billboards

Low-Income Families Get Reprieve from Eviction Notices with New Council Proposal Philadelphia residents making less than 60% of the area median income would get a one-year moratorium on eviction notices if landlords fail to provide certain repairs under this proposed law.

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Transportation·FailedIntroduced Jan 30, 2020

City Council Targets Parking Congestion on Busy Fairmount Avenue and Surrounding Streets with New Two-Hour Limit

This bill would have established two-hour parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including Fairmount Avenue and various surrounding streets.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 5, 2020

Parking Regulations Established in Philadelphia Neighborhoods to Promote Traffic Flow and Accessibility

This bill establishes parking regulations in specific Philadelphia neighborhoods, limiting parking time and hours of operation to promote traffic flow and accessibility.

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City Council·LapsedIntroduced Jan 30, 2020

City Steps Up Aid for Struggling Families as Bill Revises Debt Relief Rules for Low-Income Water Customers

City Council is set to help low-income Philadelphians with water bills, revising rules to forgive debt more quickly for those in the Income-Based Water Rate Assistance Program. The revised provisions would affect customers participating in this program.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 5, 2020

Vending Permitted on Busy Streets Near 56th Street as City Council Okays New Sidewalk Sales Rules

Small Business Owners Celebrate Victory as Philly Council Votes to Allow Roaming Food Vendors on Main Streets Near University of Pennsylvania Campus. The new rules aim to boost local commerce by permitting vendors in high-traffic areas around Drexel University and the hospital corridors.

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City Council·LapsedIntroduced Jan 30, 2020

Philadelphia Council Votes to Limit Terms of Office for City Commissioners and Sheriff

Philadelphia city officials could soon be limited to five consecutive terms in office, pending a special election next year that will give voters the final say. Term limits would apply to City Commissioners and the Sheriff, starting July 1, 2020.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 17, 2021

City Hall Unveils Plan to Create Department of Fleet Services, Puts Question to Philly Voters This Fall

Philadelphia's 4,500 municipal cars could soon be under one roof as City Council introduces legislation to establish a standalone agency overseeing all city fleets and green transportation programs. Council Members Aim to Curb Parking Ticket Profiteers with Tough New Enforcement Rules A proposal would limit the number of parking tickets issued per day to any individual vehicle, seeking to prevent

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Education·LapsedIntroduced Jan 30, 2020

Philadelphia Demands Safety Plans from New Youth Residential Facilities Before Doors Open to Minors

New residential facilities housing Philadelphia youth must submit a detailed "Opening Plan" for approval before opening, prioritizing the minors' health, safety, and well-being.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Jan 30, 2020

Zoning Board Ordered to Post Variances Online in Major Transparency Move for Philadelphia Homeowners

Zoning Board ordered to post variance decisions online, increasing transparency for Philadelphia homeowners. Homeowners will have access to more detailed information about zoning variances granted by the board.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 5, 2020

City Council Proposes Rewrite of Solar Panel Incentive Rules for Philly Businesses and Homes

Philadelphia City Council Eyes Stricter Lead Paint Regulations for Old Homes Amid Growing Health Concerns for Low-Income Families A new ordinance would require landlords to disclose past lead paint issues and mandate additional safety measures in buildings built before 1978.

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Budget & Finance·LapsedIntroduced Jan 30, 2020

Council Votes to Overhaul Tax Abatement Rules Amid Growing Concerns About Compliance Requirements

Philadelphia City Council is poised to overhaul tax abatement rules, altering eligibility requirements based on tax compliance for certain property owners. The proposal aims to address growing concerns about compliance requirements.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 5, 2020

Independence Park Hotel Clears Way for New Ramp at Chestnut Street Property After Council Approval

A new ramp will soon connect visitors with disabilities to the historic hotel's entrance on Chestnut Street after Philadelphia City Council gave the green light to the project, despite initial opposition from local residents.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2020

No Parking Zone Established on East Side of Cemetery Avenue from Kingsessing Avenue

Residents and students at nearby Mastery Charter School may soon have one less spot to park along Cemetery Avenue as council votes to ban parking on that stretch of road today. The change affects a 410-foot section starting just south of Kingsessing Avenue.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2020

Kingsessing Avenue Gets No Parking Zone from Cemetery Avenue to South 62nd Street

Kingsessing Avenue becomes a no-parking zone overnight as a new ban takes effect along the busy thoroughfare, leaving residents and business owners scrambling to adjust their daily routines.

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