Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 21 to May 27, 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
Long Term Care Facilities Must Notify City Before Ownership Changes Under New Council Bill
Philadelphia's elderly residents could soon have more transparency on who runs their long-term care facilities, as a new bill requires facilities to disclose ownership changes to the city and public. Families of nursing home residents may breathe easier with this added layer of oversight.
210331
Citizens Police Oversight Commission Established to Oversee Philadelphia Police Department
Low-Income Philly Residents Could See Huge Rent Hikes as Council Considers Bill to Eliminate Long-Standing Affordable Housing Protections for Small Landlords. The proposed legislation would allow property owners with fewer than four rental units to raise rents without restrictions, affecting thousands of low-income renters.
210074
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Offers $50 Gift Certificates to Vaccinated Residents Amid COVID-19 Incentivization Efforts
Low-income Families to Face Rent Increases Under Proposed City Tax Abatement Cuts Philly landlords could charge low-income tenants higher rents if City Council approves changes to property tax breaks, sparking concerns about gentrification and displacement in vulnerable neighborhoods.
210510
Vaccinated Philadelphians Rewarded with Discounted Gas and Water Bills Amid Ongoing Pandemic Efforts
Philadelphia Homeowners Hit Hard by Rising Property Taxes to See Relief from Council's Proposed Tax Freeze on Primary Residences.
210511
Voters to Decide Whether Mandatory Annual Funding for Housing Trust Fund Becomes a City Charter Requirement
City Leaders Clash Over Plan to Allow Philly Liquor Stores to Sell Wine and Beer on Sundays; Small Business Owners Say It Will Hurt Local Retailers, but Some Advocates See it as a Step Forward for Economic Development in Under-Served Neighborhoods.
210507
Council Passes Bill to Reconfigure City Plan 167 for Gas Main and Utility Infrastructure
Philadelphia's Zoning Code Gets Overhauled with Emphasis on Affordable Housing, Small Businesses to Get Boost from New Regulations.
210504
City Council Votes to Lower Evening Curfew Hours for Minors Across Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Minors in Philly will be able to stay out later under a new proposal that lowers the evening curfew from 10pm to 12:30am, but some community leaders say it's too lenient.
210503
North 13th Street Bicycle Lane Designation Signed into Law
This bill adds North 13th Street between Spring Garden and Green Streets to Philadelphia's designated bicycle lanes.
210502
Philadelphia Voters Told They Will Decide Fate of City Civil Service System Job Selection Process Changes
City Workers Could Face Easier Layoffs Under New Bill Aimed at Streamlining City Government; Municipal union leaders are warning that a proposed overhaul could put thousands of city employees out of work.
210501
Prevailing Wage Rules Expanded for Recipients of Charity Water Rates and Charges in Philadelphia
Low-income Philadelphians who rely on the city's charity water rates will soon earn at least $13 an hour on city-funded projects, a minimum wage increase aimed at leveling the playing field with private sector workers.
210500
Robots Invade Philly Streets as Council Seeks Tighter Reins on Personal Delivery Device Operators
Philadelphia's streets could become a minefield for careless delivery robots under new proposals that would impose strict liability on companies whose devices cause accidents or damage property.
210509
City Treasurer Authorized to Enter Agreement with Citizens Bank for Payroll Banking Services
Philadelphia's thousands of municipal workers will soon be able to manage their paychecks through online banking thanks to a new partnership between the city and Citizens Bank, cutting down on paper checks and trips to the bank.
210508-A
Council sought to establish one-hour parking restrictions on Elmwood Avenue and 70th Street.
Drivers parking on Elmwood Avenue and 70th Street in Philadelphia will face a one-hour time limit from 8am to midnight every day under new regulations. Violators risk fines and penalties for overstaying their parking slots.
210506
City Agrees to Extend Contract with MarketPlace PHL at Philadelphia International Airport for Food and Services Management
Airport travelers will continue to find options for dining and shopping as City officials greenlight a three-year extension of MarketPlace PHL's lucrative contract with modifications that benefit both the company and taxpayers.
210505