Weekly recap
This week in Council
June 4 to June 10, 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
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
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
Philadelphia City Council Passes Law Regulating Off-Road Vehicle Use in City
Philadelphia Homeowners Rejoice as Council Votes to Limit Street Paving Noise The proposed legislation would require companies to do nighttime paving work only on major thoroughfares, sparing residents from 3am jackhammering outside their homes.
210423
City Officials Seek to Redirect Traffic Flow on 9 Philly Streets Amid Parking Overhaul Plans
This bill regulates traffic flow on certain streets in Philadelphia by making them one-way and adjusting parking rules.
210422
Philadelphia Introduces Parking Regulations Along Several City Streets
This bill establishes two-hour parking limits in specific areas of Philadelphia to regulate traffic and parking congestion.
210416
Trucks Banned from Parking Along West 65th Avenue in South Philadelphia Neighborhood Streets
Philadelphia residents along a stretch of West 65th Avenue will soon breathe easier as a new city proposal aims to clear the way for smoother traffic, eliminating overnight truck parking in the South Philadelphia neighborhood streets.
210415
No Parking Allowed on N. 3rd Street Between W. Erie Avenue and W. Sedgley Avenue Overnight
This bill establishes a no-parking regulation on N.
210414
Truck Parking Prohibited on Lowber Avenue Between Upsal and Hortter Streets
This bill prohibits truck parking on both sides of Lowber Avenue between East Upsal Street and East Hortter Street.
210413
Truck Parking Ban Hits Summerdale Avenue Amid Resident Complaints of Congested Streets and Safety Concerns Mount
This bill prohibits trucks from parking on either side of Summerdale Avenue at its intersection with blocks 6400.
210412
Northeast Philly Businesses Face New Regulations as City Council Overhauls Zoning Laws in the Area
Proposed Changes to Philly's Soda Tax Could Boost Small Businesses, But Raise Questions About Public Health Funding; The 2% tax on sweetened beverages could be replaced with a more targeted fee that benefits small retailers and health initiatives.
210425
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.
210394
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.
210393
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.
210392
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.
210391
Parking Restrictions Enacted in Six City Neighborhoods
This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to manage traffic and parking congestion.
210390
City Facilities Required to Offer Free Feminine Hygiene Products to Visitors
Low-Income Families Win Big: Philadelphia's New Ordinance Ensures Every Public Library and Rec Center Will Now Stock Free Menstrual Products, Ending "Period Poverty" for Thousands of Residents.
210364
Center City Neighborhood Set for Zoning Overhaul with New Mid Walnut Street Area Guidelines Implemented
This bill creates a new zoning area in Center City called the 'Mid-Walnut Street Area', which will have specific height and parking regulations.
210362
City Council Enacts New Parking Restrictions on Morris Street in South Philly Neighborhood
This law establishes a 2-hour parking limit on Morris Street and surrounding streets from 8am to midnight every day.
210334
City Council Slaps Two-Hour Parking Time Limits on Greenwich, Reed, Moyamensing Neighborhoods
Drivers in three South Philly neighborhoods will have to circle the block if they stay too long, with new two-hour time limits on streets where residents are fed up with non-resident parking spilling over onto their blocks.
210333
City Rolls Out Emergency Funding Transfers to Balance Budget Ahead of Crucial Fiscal Deadline
Philadelphia Schools Face Cuts as Council Votes on $100 Million in Funding Reductions, Affecting Thousands of Students and Educators The proposal would slash school district funding by 5% across the board, impacting everything from textbooks to teacher salaries, amidst ongoing budget negotiations with the mayor's office.
210328
Council Proposes Putting Recreational Cannabis Legalization Question on Future City Ballot
Philly Renters Face Higher Fines Under New Council Proposal, Small Property Owners Push Back Against "Overly Broad" Changes to Eviction Laws.
210206
City Council Votes To Redraw Neighborhood Maps Along Cottman Avenue and the Delaware River Watershed
This bill amends Philadelphia's Zoning Maps to change zoning designations for specific areas near Cottman Avenue and the Delaware River.
210204
Philadelphia Updates Property Licensing and Hotel Tax Laws for Short-Term Rentals and Limited Lodging
This bill updates Philadelphia's property licensing and hotel tax laws to clarify regulations around short-term rentals and limited lodging activities.
210081
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
Property Owner Cleared to Install Overhang at Historic Walnut Street Building After Council Approval
Philadelphia Homeowners May See Rent Relief with Proposed Increase in Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens and Disabled Residents. A new law would grant eligible homeowners a larger tax exemption, potentially saving thousands of dollars each year on their property taxes.
200627
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Council Approves Extended Life for City Avenue Business Improvement District Through 2042
Small Businesses along Torresdale Avenue Get a Reprieve: Council Passes Bill Allowing for Additional Six Months to Pay Water Bills Amid Utility Company Payment Processing Delays.
210549
Council proposes COVID-19 emergency leave provision to expire with federal pandemic proclamation
Philadelphia's COVID leave policy will automatically expire when a federal emergency order related to the pandemic ends, no longer requiring employers to provide paid time off for affected employees.
210550