Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 9 to October 15, 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 Council Votes to Rename 30th Street Playground After Beloved Community Leader Howard McCall Sr.
Low-Income Families Could Lose Access to City's Only Free Outdoor Swimming Pool Under Proposed Council Bill Cutting Funding. Council Bill Seeks to End City Subsidies for Large Commercial Property Owners Who Rent Out Parking Spaces as Residential Units.
200424
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
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
New Construction Projects in Philadelphia to Fund Affordable Housing and Community Development Initiatives
Developers Building High-End Condos in Philly Would Now Help Pay for Affordable Homes Under New Proposal. A proposed tax would funnel millions into city coffers, with funds earmarked for low-cost housing programs and neighborhood revamps.
200556
Philadelphia Hotels Must Inform Workers of Ownership Shifts Under New Council Mandate
Minimum Wage Hike for Philly City Employees on Horizon After City Council Approves Pay Raise A 20% wage boost is coming for city employees, including police officers, firefighters, and sanitation workers, as the minimum hourly pay rate jumps to $18. Neighborhoods with High Crime Rates May See Increased Police Presence Under New City Plan The proposal would allocate more resources to policing are
200563
City Unveils Plans to Install Red Light Cameras at Busy 31st and Spring Garden Intersection Spotting Speeders
This bill authorizes the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of 31st and Spring Garden Streets in Philadelphia.
200561
New Residential Construction Tax Breaks Tightened as City Council Votes to Reform Exemption Rules
Philadelphia City Council tightens residential construction tax breaks, limiting full 10-year exemption to properties built before December 31, 2023. After that date, exemptions will gradually decrease over 10 years.
200558
Philadelphia Hotels Forced to Rehire Laid-Off Workers as Jobs Open Up Citywide
Philadelphia Residents May Pay More for Parking Due to New Fees on Residential Lots; Council Proposes Charging Non-Renal Lot Owners $200 Annual Fee to Curb Unfair Advantage.
200557
Philadelphia Code Revised to Clarify Aesthetic Ornamentation Requirements for Rebuild Projects Across the City
City Council revises a local law to clarify aesthetic ornamentation requirements, specifically for public art installations, in Rebuild projects citywide under certain conditions. The changes aim to empower neighborhoods and unlock diverse participation pathways for residents.
200560
City Contractors Must Clear Up Confusion Over New Law Protecting Displaced Workers in Philadelphia
Philadelphia City Council Votes to Toughen Rules on Gas Station Leases, Putting Small Business Owners at Risk of Losing Longtime Spots The proposed law would give the city more control over gas station leases, potentially forcing some business owners off their properties and affecting dozens of independent operators.
200559
West Philly Bench Stays: Council Approves Permit for John Bartram Association Ownership
Philadelphia's streets will soon be dotted with more community-driven street furniture after City Council voted to let local groups claim permanent ownership of public benches, starting with one beloved bench in West Philly. A John Bartram Association-backed permit paves the way for neighborhood beautification efforts.
200562