Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 22 to October 28, 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.
Philadelphia City Council Passes Bill Updating Energy Efficiency Requirements for New Buildings
This bill updates requirements for energy efficiency and environmental design in new City of Philadelphia buildings, aiming to achieve a higher level of sustainability.
210862-A
Loud Motor Vehicle Noise Prohibition Signed into Law
Disgruntled neighbors will soon have less say in what they deem too loud as a new measure aims to balance noise complaints with the rights of drivers, who face fines up to $500 for excessive exhaust or music.
210870
Vehicle Access Restricted in South Ninth Street Market Overlay District
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Hefty Fines as City Council Votes to Impose Stricter Rules on Rental Unit Registration and Inspections A new city regulation requires landlords to register their properties with the city and allow regular inspections, aiming to improve living conditions for thousands of tenants across Philadelphia.
210869
Council Seeks to Tighten City's Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban with New Reporting Requirements
Philadelphia's single-use plastic bag ban gets a major update, with retailers now required to report on their usage and face a 15-cent fee per bag if usage doesn't decline by 80% in one year.
210868
Permit Parking District 19 Boundaries Expanded in Philadelphia
This bill amends the boundaries of Permit Parking District 19 in Philadelphia to reflect a new area.
210867
Philadelphia Launches Innovative Parking Programs, Regulators Eye Smart Spots Citywide
Philadelphia is giving regulators the power to create innovative programs using loading zone and metered parking spaces, allowing for dynamic pricing and experimental rules in certain circumstances. These new programs would be established through regulations under specific terms and conditions.
210866
Council Votes to Allow Up to 42 Deals With Community Groups for Food Tax Credits
Low-income Philadelphians could see more affordable groceries on shelves as city council votes to expand partnerships with local groups offering tax breaks to food retailers who donate to community programs. Some 42 deals may soon be forged with CDFIs, nonprofits, and intermediaries.
210864
City Council Approves Zoning Map Changes for Six Neighborhood Streets in North Central Philadelphia
This bill changes the zoning designation for certain areas in Philadelphia, specifically within a bounded area including Huntingdon Street, Howard Street, Susquehanna Avenue, American Street, Jefferson Street, and 6th Street.
210863
Far Northeast Developers Face New Parking Rules and Stricter Building Limits Under Proposed Council Changes
Philadelphia Taxi Industry on Brink as City Council Considers New Regulations: Drivers May Lose Medallion Revenue Stream, Fares Could Rise A proposed council bill aims to shift the revenue model for Philadelphia's taxi medallions from a rental-based system to a flat fee, potentially saving drivers thousands but also making it harder for them to earn a living.
210865
Zoning Map Change Underway on Berks to Tulip Streets in North Philadelphia Neighborhood
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designation of a small area bounded by Berks Street, Memphis Street, Wilt Street, and Tulip Street.
210861