Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 28 to March 5, 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
Became law
City Set to Redraw Drainage Map in East Philly Neighborhood After Developer Donates New Right of Way
East Philadelphia residents may see relief from frequent flooding as proposed changes to a 40-year-old drainage map could reroute stormwater through a newly donated parcel of land near Torresdale Avenue. Homeowners along nearby streets have long battled waterlogged basements.
200120
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.
200092
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.
200091
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.
200090
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.
200087
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
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
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
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
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
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council adopted $5.2 billion city budget for Fiscal Year 2021 operations.
Philadelphia City Council adopts $5.2 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2021, outlining how funds will be allocated to various city departments and offices amidst ongoing pandemic challenges. The budget allocates appropriations from the General Fund.
200204
City Hall Unveils $3.2 Billion Fiscal 2021 Capital Budget Plan to Fund Major Infrastructure Projects
City Council approves $3.2 billion capital budget for Fiscal Year 2021, outlining infrastructure spending and initiatives. The budget, introduced by Council President Clarke and Councilmember Parker, will be available July 1, 2020.
200203
Council Proposes $11.4 Billion Capital Program for City Projects and Infrastructure
Philadelphia City Council adopts $11.4 billion Capital Program for six years, allocating funds for city projects and infrastructure from 2021 to 2026. The plan details estimated costs totaling $11.411.544.000.
200202
Philadelphia City Council Cuts Taxes for Wages and Net Profits Earned in the City Starting Next Summer
Philadelphia residents will pay a lower tax rate of 2.3616% on wages and net profits starting July 1, while non-residents' rates drop to 3.4395%. The reduced tax rates take effect this summer for the City of Brotherly Love's wage and net profits tax.
200206
Philadelphia Businesses Get Tax Break as Council Votes to Slash Net Income Tax Rates Starting Next Year
City businesses face reduced taxes starting 2025 as Council votes to revise tax rates under Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code.
200205
City Implements New Two-Hour Parking Limits Across Seven Neighborhoods Amid Congestion Concerns
Seven Philadelphia neighborhoods are getting a taste of citywide congestion relief as new two-hour parking limits take effect, forcing drivers to find alternative spots or face costly fines.
200209
Philadelphia Voters Face Special Election on Creating Office to Aid Crime Victims This Fall
This bill puts a question on the ballot for voters to decide whether the City of Philadelphia should create an Office of the Victim Advocate.
200208
City Transfers $6.3 Million from Various Offices to General Fund in Last-Minute Fiscal Maneuver
Director of Finance authorized to transfer $6.3 million from city offices and funds to the General Fund as part of last-minute fiscal maneuver. The move is outlined in a bill sponsored by Council President Clarke and Councilmember Parker.
200207
Truck Parking Ban Set for Busy Musgrave Street Segment in Northeast Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill prohibits trucks from parking on Musgrave Street between East Price and East Haines Streets at any time.
200211
Walnut Street Theater Corporation gets permission to build overhang above its property at 815-23 Walnut Street.
The City Council granted permission to the Walnut Street Theater Corporation to build a small overhang above their property at 815-23 Walnut St, with certain terms and conditions.
200210