Skip to content

Weekly recap

This week in Council

September 24 to September 30, 2021

14 introduced1 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.

250099

→
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.

260765

→
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.

260761

→
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.

260698

→
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.

260801

→
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.

260797

→
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.

260831

→
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.

260830

→
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.

260854

→

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.

260764

→
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.

260697

→
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.

260689

→
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.

260688

→
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'.

260800

→
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.

260855

→
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.

260851

→
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.

260896

→
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.

260895

→

Became law

Newly introduced

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

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 10, 2022

West Philly Neighborhoods Get Boost from New Affordable Housing Preservation Zone, Demolition Moratorium Enacted

Low-Income Families' Affordable Homes Face Threat of Eviction as Rent Control Extension Bill Heads to City Council Vote, Frustrating Advocates Who Say It's Just a Band-Aid Solution.

210778-AA

→
Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Sep 30, 2021

Philadelphia Council Tackles Bill to Lure Hollywood Filmmakers with Tax Credits and Production Deals

Councilmember Oh introduces bill to create film industry incentives in Philadelphia, aiming to attract Hollywood filmmakers and digital media productions with tax credits and production deals.

210784

→
Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

Philadelphia Council Adds Security Cameras to Safe Play Zones Amid Rising Crime Concerns

Under pressure from parents and community leaders, city council has agreed to install surveillance cameras in playgrounds across Philadelphia as part of a push to tackle rising crime rates near schools. The plan targets some of the city's most vulnerable neighborhoods.

210783

→
Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

Philadelphia City Council Adds Security Cameras to Safeguard Popular Recreational Areas Throughout The City

This bill amends the Capital Program to add funding for security cameras in Safe Play Zones.

210782

→
City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 2, 2021

Parking Time Limits Set for Specific Streets Near Franklin and Mifflin Streets

This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including time limits for parking on certain streets.

210781

→
Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 2, 2021

Two-hour parking regulations established in several Philadelphia neighborhoods.

This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including around Clarion Street and Reed Street, Manton Street and S.

210780

→
Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Sep 30, 2021

Philadelphia City Council Tackles Sidewalk Café Regulations with New Rules and Licensing Requirements

Philadelphia is revising sidewalk cafe regulations with new licensing and location restrictions, affecting outdoor eating spaces in the city. Details of changes to Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code are expected.

210777

→
Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 2, 2021

City Rolls Out "Streeteries" Program Allowing Expanded Outdoor Dining in Philly Neighborhoods This Summer

Philadelphia residents can expect to see more street-side cafes and dining areas popping up in popular neighborhoods this summer, but some business owners are still waiting on the details of the new "Streeteries" program.

210776

→
Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Sep 30, 2021

City Council Targets Parking Lot Troublemakers with New Liability Law Taking Hold Across Philly Streets

This bill makes property owners responsible for nuisance behavior on their parking lots shared with multiple businesses.

210775

→
Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 2, 2021

City Tightens Grip on Commercial Parking in Neighborhood Streets Except During Loading and Unloading Times

This bill restricts commercial vehicles from parking in certain streets and neighborhoods except for loading/unloading purposes.

210773

→
Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Named Agent for Green Stormwater Projects Across City Construction Sites

Philly's building boom just got a greener twist: the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority will now oversee eco-friendly stormwater projects at every new development site, from skyscrapers to community centers.

210771

→
Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 2, 2021

Pension Board Required to Conduct Annual Stress Test of Retirement System

Philadelphia homeowners facing foreclosure could get a reprieve as council votes on plan to delay eviction proceedings by at least 6 months, giving them more time to catch up on payments and stay in their homes.

210772

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 2, 2021

Plaque Honoring Computer Pioneer Grace Hopper Set to Replace Existing Panel on North Broad Street Sidewalk

A tribute to pioneering computer scientist Grace Hopper is coming to North Broad Street, as City Council approved a measure to install a commemorative plaque in front of Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School.

210779

→
Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 2, 2021

Water Main Construction Underway in Philadelphia as Council Approves Massive Infrastructure Project in Wells Street and Charles Street Neighborhoods

Philadelphia's aging water mains are getting a long-overdue upgrade as city council greenlights a massive construction project that will bring fresh water to thousands of residents in underserved neighborhoods.

210774

→