Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 7 to May 13, 2021
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
Trucks Banned from Greymont Street Between Jeanes and Ferndale Streets
Residents who live along Greymont Street are rejoicing over the city's plan to ban truck parking, citing safety concerns and noise pollution, but local business owners warn of economic fallout from the new restrictions.
210292
Trucks Banned from Parking on Ferndale Street Between Jeanes Street and Red Lion Road
Ferndale Street residents breathe a sigh of relief as City Council's new parking restrictions take effect today, prohibiting trucks from parking along the busy street and increasing pressure on local towing companies.
210291
Trucks Banned from Parking on Chesworth Road, Both Sides, Between Verree Road and Ferndale Street
This bill makes Chesworth Road, between Verree Road and Ferndale Street, a no-truck parking zone.
210290
Council Imposes Strict Truck Parking Rules Along Bridle Road To Ease Congestion And Boost Safety
Philadelphia Residents Could Be Impacted By New Curfew For City Parks After Dark, as Council Members Introduce Measure To Ban Public Gathering During Overnight Hours. The proposed curfew would prohibit gatherings in city parks from 11pm to 6am daily, affecting thousands of Philadelphians who enjoy nighttime activities in urban green spaces.
210289
Brookmont Road Becomes No-Truck Parking Zone Under New Law
This bill makes Brookmont Road a 'no truck parking' zone and enforces towing for trucks that park there, effective immediately.
210288
Truck Parking Prohibited on Tomlison Road Between Bustleton Avenue and Lindsay Street
Philadelphia Council Votes Unanimously to Shut Down 25th Street Bar for Noise Violations After Repeated Complaints from Neighbors and Nearby Businesses The decision follows a year of complaints about excessive noise levels and disruptions caused by the bar's patrons, affecting residents and business owners in the area.
210287
Trucks Banned from Parking on Haldeman Avenue Between Clark Street and Red Lion Road
This bill establishes a 'no truck parking' and 'tow away zone' on both sides of Haldeman Avenue, from Clark Street to Red Lion Road.
210286
City Authorizes Agreements for Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Funding and Infrastructure Projects
This bill authorizes the City of Philadelphia to enter into agreements with various authorities to finance and implement a Neighborhood Preservation Initiative, which includes housing, commercial corridors, and neighborhood infrastructure programs.
210203
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia's Zoning Code Revised to Streamline Overlay Districts in Wynnefield, Overbrook Park and Allegheny West
Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier introduces zoning reform targeting 18 neighborhoods where small business owners may soon face new regulations on signage, parking, and building modifications. Her bill aims to balance preservation with economic growth.
210445
Philadelphia Hiring Entities Must Provide Workforce and Career Pathways Information to Job Seekers
Low-Income Families May Get Help with Home Repairs Under Proposed Council Measure The measure would establish a city program offering financial assistance and resources for low-income homeowners to fix up their homes, aiming to stabilize neighborhoods and boost property values.
210443
Council Proposes Steep Fines for Litterbugs and Refuse Offenders Under New City Law
Small Business Owners May Face Big Fines: Proposed Law Would Raise Penalties for Commercial Littering from $500 to as much as $2,000, Putting Stricter Regulations on Large Companies and Restaurants.
210451
Council Tweaks Zoning Rules Allowing Larger Homes in Residential Neighborhoods Throughout The City
Philadelphia Homeowners May Soon Be Able to Build Bigger Backyards as Council Considers Loosening Restrictions on Single-Family Homes in Residential Zoning Districts Across the City.
210449
Council Approves Measure Easing Zoning Rules for Owners of Historic Properties Across Philadelphia
This bill amends zoning laws to make it easier for owners of historically designated properties in certain areas to use their land without needing special approvals.
210446
City Seeks Land Along Delaware River for New Parks and Recreational Spaces Along Tacony Creek
Residents living near the Delaware River could see new green spaces as soon as next year, with a proposed purchase of 15 acres stretching from Tacony Street to the Frankford Arsenal Boat Launch. The city's Parks and Recreation Department would oversee development of the new parkland, bringing much-needed recreational facilities to a long-overlooked waterfront area.
210444
Council sought to revise tax rates on city parking facilities in proposed parking tax amendment.
This bill proposes to amend the 'Parking Tax' law in Philadelphia by revising tax rates on parking facilities.
210442
City Taps PRA to Spearhead Green Stormwater Projects in City-Owned Properties Across Philadelphia Neighborhoods
The city has partnered with the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to spearhead green stormwater infrastructure projects on city-owned properties through a new agreement. The PRA will act as the city's agent in incorporating these projects into construction plans.
210441
Truck Parking Banned on Chester Avenue Between 66th and 67th Streets
This bill prohibits trucks from parking on both sides of Chester Avenue between 66th and 67th streets at any time.
210447
City Seals Deal to Extend Lease on 1234 Market Street Office Space Amid Growing Civic Hub
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to enter into an amended lease agreement with SEPTA for office space at 1234 Market Street, under certain terms and conditions.
210450
Webster Street Parking Restrictions Take Effect with No Stopping Allowed Anytime
This bill establishes 'no stopping anytime' and tow-away zone parking regulations on both sides of Webster Street between 20th and 21st Streets.
210448