Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 14 to May 20, 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Zoning designations changed in Philadelphia area bounded by Broad Street and Hunting Park Avenue.
This bill changes the zoning classifications for certain areas of Philadelphia, updating the zoning maps to reflect new designations within a specific area bounded by several streets.
210484
Neighborhood Bound by Allegheny Avenue and Surrounding Streets to Get New Zoning Rules
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land within a specific neighborhood bounded by Allegheny Avenue, Collins Street, Westmoreland Street, and Tulip Street.
210483
Philadelphia Self-Service Laundries Must Display Info, Ensure Dryer Safety, and Limit Hours
This bill modifies the requirements for operating a self-service laundry in Philadelphia by requiring businesses to display certain information, ensure dryer safety, and limit operating hours.
210481
Civic Center Area Zoning Map Changes Signed into Law
This bill amends Philadelphia's Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for areas bounded by Civic Center Boulevard, University Avenue, Spruce Street, and 34th Street.
210480
Two-Hour Parking Regulations Established in Multiple Philadelphia Neighborhoods Across the City
This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in various locations throughout Philadelphia, including specific streets and intersections.
210478
City Seeks Major Grants to Combat Homelessness Blight in Philadelphia Neighborhoods and Revitalize Communities Across the City
This bill allows the Director of Planning and Development to apply for federal and state grants for community development, homelessness prevention, and blight elimination.
210475
City Council Moves Forward with Zoning Reforms to Spur Affordable Housing Developments Throughout Philadelphia
This bill revises Philadelphia's zoning regulations to offer incentives for developments that provide affordable housing and meet certain height requirements.
210474-AA
Christian Street Properties Placed Under Temporary Demolition Freeze Amid Historic Preservation Review Efforts Begin
Neighbors of Christian Street Voice Concerns Over Proposed Condo Development That Would Replace Iconic Local Businesses A new proposal would transform a strip mall into upscale condos, sparking worries from longtime residents and owners of nearby bars and restaurants about displacement and gentrification in the South Philly neighborhood.
210473
Philadelphia's Permit Parking District 16 Boundaries Adjusted to New Locations in City
Residents along a 1.2-mile stretch of Broad Street are about to face stricter parking rules as Permit Parking District 16 expands, requiring thousands of new permits from drivers who once had free reign. Those without permits will now risk hefty fines.
210472
Council Proposes Zoning Overhaul for North Central Philly Areas Subarea B and C
This City Council bill amends zoning regulations for two specific areas in North Central Philadelphia (Subarea B and Subarea C).
210469
City Hall Acts to Create New Overlay District Along Girard Avenue Amid Plans for Major Redevelopment Efforts
Riders on SEPTA's Route 11 bus may see fewer stops as City Council votes to eliminate five trolley stops along Market Street in an effort to speed up travel times during peak hours. Philadelphia small business owners could face stricter regulations under a new bill aimed at reducing litter and maintaining storefront appearances.
210468
City Council Unveils Zoning Plan to Tame Heliports Over TJU Hospital Skies
Residents Living Along Elverson Avenue Fear New High-Rise Development A proposed zoning change would allow for taller buildings on that street, sparking concerns among residents who worry it will exacerbate existing traffic and parking woes in the neighborhood.
210482-A
Philadelphia Gas Works Capital Budget for 2022 Approved, $147.5 Million in Spending Authorized
This bill approves the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget for the Philadelphia Gas Works, which includes $147.5 million in spending, and acknowledges a revised forecast of capital budgets from 2023 to 2027.
210477
City Council Approves Major PGW Spending Plan Amendments Amid Revised Forecast Projections Revealed
Philadelphia Gas Works customers face a potential 10% rate hike next year as City Council passes amended budget, adding $25 million in new spending despite decreased projected revenue over the next five years.
210476
University of Pennsylvania Moves Forward with Plans to Build on Historic Landmark Site along Chestnut Street
This bill amends the Master Plan for the University of Pennsylvania by approving a new building addition at 3317-33 Chestnut Street.
210479
Parking Permitted on Ridge Avenue Property Under Certain Terms and Conditions
Philadelphia City Council Votes to Lift Parking Restrictions on Two Ridge Avenue Properties, But Advocates Warn of Long-Term Impact on Neighborhood Traffic and Safety.
210471
Market Street Digital Signs Get New Rules Amid Concerns Over Visual Clutter and Neighborhood Character
This bill amends sign regulations for digital display signs in a specific area of Philadelphia near Market Street, allowing for certain exemptions and restrictions.
210470
City Council Votes to Rezone Historic North Philly Neighborhood along Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Property owners on Cecil B. Moore Avenue are facing a potential windfall as City Council votes to allow mixed-use development in long-dormant lots; advocates say it's a boost for local businesses.
210467