Weekly recap
This week in Council
June 19 to June 25, 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
Philadelphia City Council Adopts 2021 Operating Budget Outlining $4.8 Billion in Spending
Philadelphia's 2021 operating budget pours billions into schools, slashing taxes for low-income seniors and boosting funding for libraries, but critics say it falls short on addressing poverty and crime. The city's 600,000 residents are expected to feel its impact.
200287
Council Seeks to Raise Parking Tax Rates in City's Commercial Districts Again
This bill amends Philadelphia's 'Parking Tax' law to change tax rates on parking facilities.
200288
Philadelphia Adjusts Tax Rates for Non-Residents and Businesses Operating Within the City
This bill adjusts tax rates for non-residents who earn income in Philadelphia and businesses operating in Philadelphia.
200291
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Approves 40 Million Dollar Boost for Local Housing Programs Amid Ongoing Pandemic Efforts
Low-Income Families to Get Much-Needed Relief as Council Approves Measure to Expand Access to Affordable Healthcare and Housing The new initiative will provide 500 additional Section 8 vouchers for struggling Philadelphians, bringing the total to over 1,000 residents in need.
200329-A
Philadelphia Mandates Protections for Employees Disclosing COVID-19 Health Order Non-Compliance
Philadelphia City Council Proposes Tougher Penalties for Business Owners Who Put Workers at Risk, Shielding Whistleblowers and Protesting Employees From Retaliation Amid COVID-19 Crisis.
200328
Healthcare Employers in Philadelphia Required to Compensate Employees for Pandemic-Related Medical Expenses
Hospital workers, already on the frontlines of COVID-19, are now fighting for fair pay as city council pushes legislation to guarantee lost wage reimbursement when contracted illnesses force them into unpaid leave.
200306
City Set to Sell Bonds to Fund $134 Million in Capital Projects Across Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Aging Parks Get a Boost: Council Passes Bill to Allocate $20 Million for Playground Renovations and New Athletic Fields. Council Pushes to Protect Tenants from Eviction Amid Rent Increases: New Bill Requires Landlords to Provide 90-Day Written Notices Before Hiking Rents.
200298
City Greenlights Multi-Million Dollar Plan to Upgrade Gas Works Infrastructure and Refinance Debt
Philadelphia homeowners are facing a potential 10% hike in their annual gas bills as the city plans to borrow $150 million to overhaul aging pipes and refinancing debts tied to the Gas Works Department.
200296-A
Emergency Contracting Revisions Signed Into Law to Expedite Public Health and Safety Contracts
Philadelphia Residents Could Face Increased Fees for Water and Sewer Services as Council Considers New Rate Hikes to Fund Aging Infrastructure Repairs; Rates may jump by 15% starting next year.
200293
Philadelphia Eliminates Discount for Early Payment of Real Estate Taxes
Philadelphia homeowners who've been paying their real estate taxes ahead of schedule will have to rethink their budget, as City Council votes to nix a long-standing discount that's allowed them to shave off thousands from their bills.
200292
City Council Cuts Business Tax Rates in Slight Relief to Local Companies Amid Economic Struggles
Philadelphia Residents Could Pay Up to $300 More per Year Under Proposed Increase to Parking Fines and Fees.
200290
Philadelphia City Council Votes to Allocate Billions in Funding for Major Infrastructure Projects
This bill adopts a $3.15 billion capital budget for Fiscal Year 2021, outlining how Philadelphia will spend its money on various infrastructure and development projects.
200286
City Council Adopts $11.29 Billion Capital Program for Six-Year Term
Philly's Future Uncertain as Proposed 3% Property Tax Hike Heads to City Council Debate, with Homeowners Facing Sticker Shock on Upcoming Bills.
200285
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
Point Breeze Redevelopment Plan Updated to Align with City's Comprehensive Plan and Urban Renewal Goals
A new law aims to revamp the way Philly handles vacant lots, allowing property owners to rent them out to small farmers and gardeners instead of requiring expensive permits.
200183
Byberry Road Map Revised to Reflect Widening and New City Property
Southwest Philly residents face possible displacement as city officials unveil revised plans for expanding Byberry Road, which would shift its southern border 20 feet west, affecting eight area businesses and nearly a dozen families' properties. The changes take effect immediately.
200148
City Moves to Ban Hydrogen Fluoride from Fuel Production Amid Safety Concerns
This bill limits the use of hydrogen fluoride and hydrofluoric acid in Philadelphia's fire code, specifically banning their use as an alkylation catalyst in gasoline and heating oil production facilities.
200147
Philadelphia Officials Revise Alter Street Proposal to Better Align with Existing Neighborhood Layout
A proposed makeover of 20th and Market streets has been scrapped, replaced by a revised plan that scales back the ambitious redesign and better fits the neighborhood's grid layout.
200146
City Clears Path to Simplify Property Development in Bustling Northwest Philadelphia Neighborhood
This bill authorizes the City to vacate Charles Street (also known as Markle Street) between Manayunk Avenue and Dexter Street, making it easier for property owners to use their land without having to maintain a street.
200145
High-Rise Buildings Ordered to Keep Detailed Resident Rosters Amid Emergency Response Push
Philadelphia Building Owners Must Adopt New Energy Efficiency Standards Starting Next Year A proposed ordinance would require thousands of commercial building owners to retrofit their properties with energy-efficient systems, affecting over 1,000 buildings citywide and saving taxpayers millions in energy costs annually.
200116
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.
200076
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
No Fireworks Allowed After Dusk: Council Votes to Tighten Restrictions on Consumer Pyrotechnics Use
This bill makes it illegal to use consumer fireworks in Philadelphia after 9 p.m., with some exceptions for special events and holidays.
200392
City Council Pushes Forward Plan to Give Low-Income Tenants a Break on Philly Water Bills
Council President Clarke and Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez introduce a bill offering low-income tenants in Philly a discount on water rates and charges for landlords who rent to them under certain conditions. The proposed rate reduction targets landlord-properties rented to low-income tenants, with details outlined in the bill.
200391
Council introduced bill to protect homeowners from liens on property under installment payment agreements.
Homeowners with installment payment agreements will no longer face immediate liens from the city if they miss a payment. Instead, a lien can be placed only after the homeowner is in "material non-compliance" with their agreement.
200390
Mayfair Business Improvement District Extension Gets Council Approval Continuing Improvements in Area
This bill extends a business improvement district in Mayfair beyond its original end date, allowing for continued improvements and assessments on property owners.
200389
City Officials Launch Committee to Review Parking Industry Jobs Amid Calls for Reduced Tax Rate
Philadelphia's parking garage workers could see a small pay bump next year as city council considers slashing the lucrative parking tax, which has been criticized for driving up costs for drivers and burdening small businesses.
200387
Radnor Property Group Gets Green Light for Pedestrian Streetlights on 440 North 15th Street
A new ordinance gives homeowners along North 15th Street the option to illuminate sidewalks, but opponents warn it could lead to "strip mall" lighting that overwhelms the historic neighborhood's charm and character.
200388