Weekly recap
This week in Council
December 4 to December 10, 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 Introduces New Bike Lane on North 8th Street Between Vine and Race Streets Downtown
Pedestrians and cyclists will soon share the road on North 8th Street as city planners aim to reduce congestion by carving out a new bike lane, while drivers face loss of parking and travel lanes.
200663
Metal Art Arrives on Osage Avenue as City Clears Way for Permanent Displays of Urban Sculpture
Philadelphia residents may soon see public spaces transformed by permanent installations of urban sculpture, as city officials consider allowing a local artist to showcase large-scale metal artworks on Osage Avenue's streetscape. Local business owners are weighing in on the potential impact of these displays.
200661
Truck Parking Ban Takes Hold on Henry Avenue as Council Enacts Strict New Regulations
This bill makes it illegal to park a truck on Henry Avenue between Allegheny and Abbotsford Avenues at any time.
200660
Truck Parking Ban Takes Effect Overnight on Busy West Philly Corridors and Side Streets
Starting tonight, truck drivers will face fines for parking on designated streets in West Philadelphia, as a new parking ban aims to ease congestion and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the area's commercial hubs.
200659
Trucks Prohibited from Parking on Lancaster Avenue Between 52nd and 63rd Streets
Residents along Lancaster Avenue are breathing a sigh of relief as City Council passes legislation to ban truck parking, ending a long-standing frustration with oversized vehicles clogging narrow streets. Trucks caught breaking the rules face an automatic boot and hefty fine.
200657
Council Votes to Lock in Low Energy Rates for City Buildings and Vehicles
Philadelphia's 1,000+ city buildings and thousands of municipal vehicles could save millions as Council passes measure locking in low energy rates through at least 2025, ensuring a stable budget line for fuel costs.
200654
City Council Revamps Tax Breaks For Philly Businesses, Tinkers With Tax Abatement Levels Daily
Philadelphia's largest employers would pay hundreds of thousands more in property taxes under a proposal to scale back lucrative tax breaks on commercial and industrial developments across the city. Small business owners in gentrifying neighborhoods fear they'll be priced out by new tax hikes proposed for larger properties, which currently receive massive subsidies.
200653
Philly Officials Plan Major Overhaul for Bustling Christopher Columbus Boulevard in South Philly Neighborhood
This bill revises a portion of Philadelphia's City Plan to create a more uniform right-of-way width and continuous footway area for Christopher Columbus Boulevard between Washington Avenue and Christian Street.
200626
City Council Approves 11 Million In Federal Funds For Community Development Projects Amid Ongoing Pandemic Response
Philadelphia Homeowners Facing Tax Foreclosure May Get Another Chance To Keep Their Homes, Thanks to Council's Proposed Measure to Extend Relief Programs. Under the plan, thousands of city residents on the brink of losing their homes could receive a temporary reprieve.
200624
Capital Budget Altered to Total $3,296,325,000 in Fiscal 2021
Philadelphia's crumbling roads and bridges are in line for a major fix, with Council voting to inject nearly $150 million into city infrastructure projects, set to hit the ground running next fiscal year.
200623
Philadelphia Council Approves $11.43 Billion Capital Program for 2021-2026 Budget Period
Philadelphians can expect more park renovations, new library branches, and upgraded public transportation after city council members voted to pump millions into the city's capital budget, boosting spending by $140 million since last year's projections.
200622
City Official Given Green Light to Shift Funds Between Departments Amid Ongoing Budget Crunch
Philadelphia's struggling schools could see a much-needed cash infusion as a new city council measure gives school officials the authority to raid unspent budgets from other departments to plug funding gaps.
200621
Council Votes To Give Mayor Broad Power To Shuffle City Funds Amid Ongoing Budget Crunch
Residents' Parking Permits Would Cost More Under Proposed Measure; Council Seeks Feedback on Potential Increase from $20 to $50 per year to Fund Street Cleaning Services.
200620
City Allows Continued Use of Utility Corridor Through Its Property on Essington Avenue for Another 25 Years
Philadelphia's utility infrastructure will be able to stay on Essington Avenue for another quarter century after a council vote greenlit a deal allowing continued use of a private property easement through city land. The agreement benefits SEPTA and other public utilities.
200619
City Council Approves Moratorium on Evictions as City Awaits Federal Aid Amid Ongoing Pandemic Crisis
Philadelphia homeowners will face significant increases in property taxes next year under a new assessment formula approved by City Council, which critics say will disproportionately harm low-income neighborhoods and small business owners.
200616
City Employers Required to Give Employees Chance to Challenge Negative Credit Info Before Job Actions
Philadelphia businesses with 25 or more employees will soon be forced to take a step back: giving workers time to clear up bad credit before firing, disciplining, or denying them promotions.
200614
Strawberry Mansion Residents Get New Zoning District as City Officials Move to Preserve Neighborhood Character
Philadelphia Homeless Shelters Face Cuts to Funding as City Officials Consider Bill Limiting Aid to Low-Income Residents A proposed change to the city's shelter funding would slash aid to residents who have already received support, leaving thousands of low-income Philadelphians struggling to find a place to sleep.
200613
City Council Seeks to Revamp Zoning Around 30th Street Station With New Residential Overlay District
Residents and businesses around 30th Street Station could see changes with new zoning rules that prioritize dense, mixed-income housing and allow more flexibility for developers. Under the proposed overlay district, several properties along Baltimore Avenue would be rezoned.
200602
Philadelphia City Council Creates Haverford Village Overlay District Amid Zoning Map Overhaul in West Philly Neighborhoods
Homeowners along the 3700 block of Wallace Street could see their properties re-zoned under new rules governing development height and density, sparking debate over gentrification in West Philly's Haverford Village neighborhood.
200601
City Plan Changes Unveiled Allowing Removal of Drainage Easement Along Former Hartranft Street Extension
Philadelphia's Minimum Wage Could Soon Match City's Living Wage, Boosting Pay for Thousands of Low-Income Workers, Under New Council Proposal
200598
Four Philadelphia Streets to be Repaved Under New City Ordinance
This bill authorizes the paving of four streets in Philadelphia: Frances Harper Drive, Pollock Street, Schuylkill Avenue, and Forten Way.
200597
City Maps to Undergo Major Overhaul as Council Approves West Passyunk Avenue Infrastructure Revisions
This bill authorizes revisions to city maps and infrastructure along West Passyunk Avenue and nearby streets for intersection improvements and road expansions.
200596
Philadelphia Maps Get Major Makeover as Council Approves New Road Names and Layouts
This bill revises city maps to reflect new road layouts and names in certain neighborhoods.
200595
City Prohibits Use of 3D Printers in Firearms Manufacturing Amid Growing Public Safety Concerns
Philadelphia could become a national leader in restricting 3D-printed guns as city council takes aim at a loophole threatening public safety with a bill targeting manufacturers and sellers. The proposal aims to plug a potentially deadly gap in existing laws.
200593
Council Seeks To Rewrite Zoning Maps For Neighborhood Along Wissahickon Avenue And Hunting Park Avenue Streets
This bill changes the zoning designation of certain areas in Philadelphia from one type to another, affecting a specific geographic area bounded by Wissahickon Avenue, Hunting Park Avenue, Fox Street, and Roberts Avenue.
200592
City Contractors Must Disclose Workforce Diversity Under New Rules Mandated by Council Resolution
Contractors doing business with Philly must now reveal how many minority workers they hire under a new rule aimed at promoting diversity in the city's $1.5 billion construction industry. The move targets companies that have been criticized for lacking racial equity on site.
200590-A
City Contractors Must Disclose Demographic Data of Employees Working on Certain City Contracts
This bill requires City contractors and subcontractors to provide demographic information about their employees working on certain city contracts.
200589-A
City Contractors Must Disclose Past Experience and Demographic Data in Bidding Process
Small Business Owners Protest Proposed Rule Requiring Contractors to Hire Local Residents for City Projects City Council's proposed ordinance would mandate that construction companies working on municipal projects hire at least 25% of workers from Philadelphia neighborhoods, sparking concerns among business owners who fear added costs and bureaucratic hurdles.
200588-A
Council OKs Major Revision to City Map as Road Gets Axed and Utility Space Reserved
A long-disused South Philly street is officially dead: Council votes to erase Penrose Ferry Road from city maps, freeing up land for future development but raising questions about historic preservation efforts.
200578
City Council Moves to Restrict Impervious Ground Cover Near Wissahickon Streams Under New Construction Rules
Developers would have to scale back on pavement under a proposed zoning overhaul, limiting new construction projects' impact on Wissahickon's fragile waterways, which supply drinking water to over 1 million Philadelphians.
200577
City Council Proposes Overhaul of Neighborhood Conservation Rules Amid Confusion Over Development Notices
Homeowners in Philadelphia's most densely populated neighborhoods could see a significant shift in the way they're informed about new development projects under changes being pushed by City Council members. Changes aim to cut down on confusion over missed notices and expired permits.
200576
City Council Approves Pedestrian Staircase Linking Green Lane Bridge to Leverington Avenue Neighborhood
Residents of the Leverington Avenue neighborhood are one step closer to a safer commute, as City Council votes to allow a private pedestrian staircase linking the Green Lane Bridge to their homes.
200575
City Council Tries To Simplify Tax Abatement Process For Delinquent Property Owners Amid Confusion Over Eligibility
Homeowners facing delinquent tax bills may breathe easier under proposed changes that would streamline the tax abatement process, but critics argue it could also open loopholes for those who dodge their tax responsibilities.
200573
Zoning Designations Changed in North Philadelphia Neighborhood Along Diamond Street Corridor
Proposal to revamp Diamond Street corridor's zoning rules could lead to more apartments and shops in North Philly, but some residents worry about the impact on community character and long-time small businesses. Homeowners and entrepreneurs are weighing in on the potential changes.
200571
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 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
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
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
South 15th Street Homeowner Cleared to Build New Exterior Stairway After Council Approval
This bill allows Stephen Garafolo to build a new exterior stairway at his property on South 15th Street, subject to certain conditions and regulations.
200543
Nifty Fifty's Sidewalk Café Set to Open at 2700 South 10th Street in Philadelphia.
This bill allows a restaurant called Nifty Fifty's to set up a sidewalk cafe in front of its location at 2700 South 10th Street.
200542
Philadelphia Boards Must Record Meetings and Make Them Publicly Available Online Within 10 Days
Transparency Takes a Step Forward: A proposed law would force scores of city agencies to start recording and posting their public meetings online for the first time, ending a decades-old lack of transparency.
200541
Wynnefield Residents Face New Nighttime Business Restrictions Under Newly Created Overlay District
Philadelphia's Minimum Wage Bill Targets Big Box Retailers, Could Raise Pay for Thousands of City Workers A proposed wage hike would bring minimum pay for city workers to $15 an hour, affecting thousands employed by companies with 26 or more employees across the city.
200516
Philadelphia Council Passes Law Clarifying Criminal Record Screening for Job Applicants
City Employers Face New Restrictions on Using Criminal History; Proposal Would Require Job Applicants to be Considered Based on Qualifications, Not Past Arrests Alone.
200479
Philadelphia's Fair Practices Ordinance Excludes Credit Screening for Non-Employer Jobs
Job seekers breathe easier as City Council votes to limit employers' ability to scrutinize credit scores; changes will apply to 80% of city businesses, excluding cops and bankers.
200413
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
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
Manton Street becomes one-way westbound between 24th and 25th Streets under new traffic law.
This bill makes Manton Street one-way, westbound, between 24th and 25th Streets, effective thirty days after it becomes law.
200257
No Parking Zone Established on East Side of Cemetery Avenue from Kingsessing Avenue
Residents and students at nearby Mastery Charter School may soon have one less spot to park along Cemetery Avenue as council votes to ban parking on that stretch of road today. The change affects a 410-foot section starting just south of Kingsessing Avenue.
200086
Kingsessing Avenue Gets No Parking Zone from Cemetery Avenue to South 62nd Street
Kingsessing Avenue becomes a no-parking zone overnight as a new ban takes effect along the busy thoroughfare, leaving residents and business owners scrambling to adjust their daily routines.
200085
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council Proposes Extension of Paid Leave During Public Health Emergencies Until December 31, 2021
Philadelphia workers affected by public health emergencies like COVID-19 will now be able to take paid leave through next year under extended provision. The city's provision is set to expire December 31, 2021, instead of its original deadline on December 31, 2020.
200714
Low-Income Philadelphia Residents Exempt from First Vehicle Parking Permit Fees
Low-income Philadelphia residents in designated neighborhoods can breathe a sigh of relief - no more paying up to $200 annually for parking permits, but those with multiple vehicles will still have to pay.
200712
City Council Votes to Redraw Permit Parking Map with New District Added and Boundaries Shifted Again
This bill amends the permit parking district boundaries in Philadelphia and establishes a new district (District 39).
200710
North Philly Neighborhoods Set for Zoning Overhaul as Council Tackles New Land Use Proposals
This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas in North Philadelphia (bounded by Lehigh Avenue, Frankford Avenue, Master Street and 6th Street) to allow different land uses.
200713
Resident Parking Permit Rules Tightened for Multi-Family Households in Permit Parking District 38
Non-Profit Organizations Could Soon Get Tax Breaks on Unoccupied Lots Amid City Council's Proposed Zoning Overhaul Philadelphia's zoning code would be updated to allow non-profits to convert vacant lots into affordable housing and community spaces, potentially boosting development in underserved neighborhoods.
200711