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Weekly recap

This week in Council

October 9 to October 15, 2020

8 introduced3 became law0 failed or vetoed

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

Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Environment·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Community & Neighborhoods·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 AM · Committee on Rules

Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Business & Commerce·In Committee

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.

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Environment·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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'.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Business & Commerce·In Committee

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.

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Became law

Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2020

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2020

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

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 19, 2020

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.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Oct 15, 2020

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2020

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.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Oct 15, 2020

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 10, 2020

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.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 19, 2020

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.

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