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Weekly recap

This week in Council

April 23 to April 29, 2021

7 introduced8 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

City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 29, 2021

Philadelphia Council Passes Bill Expanding Protections for Victims of Coercive Control

Philadelphia Workers Would Have More Time to Care for Loved Ones Under New Bill Allowing Extended Leave for Family Care The proposed legislation would double the amount of time employees can take off to care for family members from 12 weeks to 24 weeks without risking their jobs.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 29, 2021

West Philly Neighborhoods Get Zoning Overhaul as Council Approves Major Land Use Changes

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations for certain areas in West Philadelphia, bounded by streets including 63rd Street and Lansdowne Avenue.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 29, 2021

Council Members Seek to Rezone Bustling Northeast Philly Corridor Along Major Thoroughfares

This bill changes the zoning designations in a specific area of Philadelphia, bounded by Delaware Expressway, Richmond Street, Lewis Street, Delaware Avenue, and Castor Avenue.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 29, 2021

South Philly Zoning Map Overhaul Proposed to Spur New Development in Bustling Neighborhoods

This bill changes the zoning designation for certain areas in South Philadelphia, allowing for different types of development.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 29, 2021

Zoning Changes Loom Along Bustling Cottman Avenue Corridor Near I-95

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations for certain areas of land near Cottman Avenue and Interstate 95.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 29, 2021

Philadelphia Council Passes Bill to Regulate Retail Sales in City Neighborhoods

Philadelphia Residents May Soon Face Higher Fines for Littering as City Council Introduces Bill to Strengthen Anti-Vandalism Laws; the proposal targets repeat offenders and aims to clean up public spaces across the city.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 29, 2021

Restaurants Get Green Light for Outdoor Entertainment Amid Ongoing City Permit Process

Small Business Owners Cheer as Council Approves Bill Streamlining Sidewalk Café Permits Amid Growing Popularity of Outdoor Seating Areas The new law reduces permitting fees for small restaurants, allowing them to expand outdoor dining spaces without excessive bureaucratic hurdles.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 29, 2021

City Council Proposes New Zoning Rules for Bustling Section of Chestnut Street

This bill creates a new overlay zoning district called the 'WCS, West Chestnut Street Overlay District' to regulate development and parking in the area between 20th and 205 feet west of 20th on Chestnut Street.

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Newly introduced

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

City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 17, 2021

Philadelphia Council Seeks Stricter Rules for Excavation Contractors Near Historic Sites

This bill updates Philadelphia's construction and business regulations by requiring excavation contractors to be licensed, adding safeguards for properties near construction sites, and changing rules for work on historic buildings.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 17, 2021

Contractor Licensing Requirements Revised in Philadelphia Following Passage of New Law

This bill amends licensing and conduct requirements for contractors in Philadelphia, including application procedures, required conduct, and prohibited activities.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 10, 2021

Bike Lane Authorized on Race Street Between North 5th and 4th Streets

South Philadelphians who live and work along the busy stretch of Race Street will soon see a new bike lane appear, but drivers are facing a reduced number of parking spots in exchange for improved safety features.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 10, 2021

Philadelphia Parking Regulations Take Shape as City Council Outlines New Restrictions Across Several Neighborhoods

Under Proposed Ordinance, Small Business Owners Fear Increased Fees Will Crush Independent Shops and Restaurants Along Bustling South Street Corridor A new fee structure would charge small businesses up to $1,500 per month in permit fees to operate along this iconic stretch of Philadelphia's South Street neighborhood.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 10, 2021

Parking Restrictions Enacted in Six City Neighborhoods

This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to manage traffic and parking congestion.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 10, 2021

Sidewalk Café Permitted Near 941 S. 8th Street with Limited Capacity and Hours

A long-awaited outdoor dining space is set to sprout on 8th Street, but concerns remain over noise levels and parking for nearby residents.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 10, 2021

Philadelphia Introduces Two-Hour Parking Limits in Busy Neighborhood Spots Throughout South Philadelphia

Drivers in South Philly's busiest shopping districts will soon face tighter parking restrictions, with two-hour limits introduced on key streets like Moore, McClellan, and S. 6th Streets starting this summer.

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