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Weekly recap

This week in Council

October 22 to October 28, 2021

10 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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'.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Became law

Newly introduced

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

Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

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.

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Public Health·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 23, 2022

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.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

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.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Oct 28, 2021

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.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

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.

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Transportation·LapsedIntroduced Oct 28, 2021

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

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.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

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.

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