Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 29 to June 4, 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.
Streets Department Gains Power to Close Public Spaces Temporarily During Pandemic Health Crisis
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Stricter Zoning Rules Amid Affordable Housing Crunch Council members are set to vote on new regulations that would limit the number of luxury condos developers can build in residential neighborhoods, prioritizing affordable housing units instead.
200352
Council Extends Benefits for South Philly Development Project Amid Ongoing Pandemic Economic Struggle
Low-Income Families in North Philly May Face Higher Rent Increases Under New Proposed Zoning Rules A proposed zoning change could hike rent prices on over 1,000 units in a gentrifying North Philadelphia neighborhood, sparking fears of displacement for long-time residents and low-income families.
200347
Philadelphia Council Tries to Rein in Food Delivery Fees as City Eats Up the Tab
Small Business Owners Protest Philly's Proposed New Tax on Vacant Properties as City Aims to Reinvigorate Blighted Neighborhoods with Revenue Stream.
200344
City Council Mandates Reporting on Local Business Usage Goals to Boost Pandemic Recovery Efforts
Philadelphia businesses must now reveal how much of their contracts go to local companies, a new requirement aimed at boosting pandemic recovery efforts by injecting dollars into struggling community shops and services.
200353
Philadelphia Council Eases Sidewalk Café Restrictions through End of 2020 Due to Pandemic Emergency
Restaurants with existing licenses can now set up outdoor dining spaces without additional permits in most neighborhoods, while new businesses must still apply for approval. The emergency measure aims to boost struggling eateries through the end of 2020.
200351
City Council Proposes New Zoning District for Growing Neighborhood Along Norris Street Corridor
This bill proposed to change the zoning designation of a specific area in Philadelphia, bounded by Norris Street, American Street, Berks Street, and 3rd Street.
200350
City Council Moves to Transform American Street into Vibrant Retail Hub with Affordable Housing Requirements
Councilmember Maria Quiñones Sánchez's Proposal Would Require 20% of New North Philly Developments to be Affordable Housing Units This plan aims to boost affordability and community investment in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood by mandating set-asides for low-income residents in new construction projects.
200349
City Council Proposes New Zoning Rules for Bustling Section of Chestnut Street
This bill creates a new overlay zoning district called the 'WCS, West Chestnut Street Overlay District' to regulate development and parking in the area between 20th and 205 feet west of 20th on Chestnut Street.
200348
Zoning Changes Divide Philadelphia Neighborhood Around Market Street Area Bound by 56th, Arch, Conestoga Streets
Residents along Conestoga and Market Streets could see significant development changes if a proposed city plan is approved, allowing for taller buildings and more density in previously quiet neighborhoods.
200346
City Seeks Control Over Riverfront Properties to Create New Parks and Recreation Spaces
Long-abandoned factories along the Delaware River could become vibrant green spaces under a new proposal that gives the city control over key riverfront properties, sparking hope for revitalized neighborhoods and community amenities.
200345
City Officials Push Forward with Plan to Reclaim Underutilized Space Beneath I-95 in South Philly
Philadelphia's Minimum Wage Hike Bill Heads to Council Vote, Would Boost Pay for City's 50,000 Low-Income Workers. Under the proposed measure, workers earning minimum wage would receive an immediate raise from $7.25 to $15 per hour, impacting thousands of employees in the city.
200354
City Council Extends Deadline For Long Stalled Packer Avenue Infrastructure Project By Six Months
Resident-owned businesses along Packer Avenue are breathing a temporary sigh of relief as City Council votes to push back completion of long-stalled upgrades, delaying potential displacement and disruption for another half year.
200355