Weekly recap
This week in Council
June 5 to June 11, 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.
City Officials Move to Ban Chokeholds and Hogtying Tactics Used by Philadelphia Police
This bill prohibits certain physical contact by peace officers that could lead to asphyxiation, including chokeholds and hogtying, in order to prevent unnecessary death or injury.
200368-A
Philadelphia Modifies Tax Abatement Rules to Boost New Residential Construction Across City Limits
Philadelphia homeowners facing rising property tax bills may see some relief as developers push to build new residential units across the city with sweetened tax breaks. Builders can now snag a decade of full tax exemptions on recent projects, but newcomers must settle for a gradual decline in incentives.
200366
City Council Requires Public Hearing Before Signing New Labor Deal With FOP Represented Police Officers
Philadelphia Businesses Must Comply with New Paid Sick Leave Law, Starting Next Year Starting January 1st, businesses with 10 or more employees will be required to provide up to five paid sick days per year, impacting an estimated 70,000 workers across the city.
200364-A
City Teams Up With Indego to Bring More Bikes to Philly Streets Amid Ongoing Pandemic Crisis
Low-Income Seniors Could Face Higher Tax Bills Under Council Proposal to Slash City Property Tax Rebates Philadelphia seniors making less than $40,000 would see their rebate checks shrink by up to 75% under the proposed legislation affecting over 35,000 Philadelphians.
200370
Philly Voters to Weigh in on Creation of Independent Police Oversight Body in Upcoming Special Election
Landlords and Tenants at Odds Over Proposal to Strengthen Rent Control Protections, Cap Annual Rent Increases at 5% for Philly Apartments.
200367
Tax Breaks on New Philly Buildings to End by Year's Close, Officials Say
Tax breaks for new Philly buildings will end by year's close, as a bill aiming to cancel real estate tax abatements for certain projects heads to the city council's Finance Committee.
200372
City Council Moves to Tax Investors' Holdings in Latest Effort to Boost Revenue Streams
City Council proposes taxing investors' holdings, targeting stocks and bonds owned by Philadelphia residents with a new annual tax. The revenue would go towards city purposes under certain terms and conditions.
200371
City Council Approves Creation of Philadelphia Poverty Action Fund to Tackle Poverty Citywide
Low-income Philadelphians could get a much-needed financial boost under a new city program that would offer small loans, grants, and job training to help residents break the cycle of poverty. A proposed City Council measure aims to make it easier for affordable housing developers in Philadelphia to secure funding by streamlining the permitting process.
200369
Council Proposes Stricter Licensing Rules for Fire Suppression Workers Amid Safety Concerns Arise Locally
Philadelphia's construction industry would be hit with a new layer of regulation under proposed legislation mandating specialized training for workers who install and inspect fire safety systems. Homeowners and building owners could face higher costs as a result.
200365
Philadelphia Council Seeks To Require One-Year Residency For All New Civil Service Hires
Philadelphia City Council is pushing to make it harder for out-of-towners to get city jobs, proposing a rule that would require all new hires, from cops to teachers, to live in Philly for at least 12 months first.
200363
Vincent Cappello's Fruit Truck Wins Overnight Parking Exemption on Dickinson Street between 9th and 10th Streets
Vincent Cappello's fruit truck is exempt from certain city regulations, allowing him to park overnight on Dickinson Street between 9th and 10th Streets under specific terms.
200375
Chalfont Playground Renamed in Honor of Veteran Corporal Jimmy O'Connor
This bill renames Chalfont Playground in Northeast Philadelphia as the 'Corporal Jimmy O'Connor Memorial Playground' in honor of a veteran.
200374
Gojjo Incorporated Cleared to Bring Sidewalk Café to Bustling Baltimore Avenue Business District
West Philly Residents Voice Concerns as Council Considers Plan for More Bars on Washington Avenue Nightlife Strip. A proposed ordinance would expand the number of bars allowed along this crowded stretch by up to 20%.
200373