Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 26 to December 2, 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
City Hall Gives Director of Finance Power to Shuffle Funds Across Departments This Fiscal Year
Philadelphia's Affordable Housing Trust Fund Would Get Boost Under New City Council Proposal Mayor Kenney's administration would gain the power to add more money to the trust fund, potentially freeing up millions for low-income housing initiatives.
210900
Truck Parking Ban Takes Hold on Wynnefield Avenue Corridors as City Council Implements New Regulations
This bill prohibits truck parking on Wynnefield Avenue from 52nd Street to 54th Street, 54th Street from Wynnefield Avenue to Gainor Road, and Georges Lane from Wynnefield Avenue to Gainor Road.
210847
Large Commercial Vehicles Banned from Parking on Certain Philadelphia Streets
Neighbors of Northeast Philly's industrial corridor are breathing a sigh of relief as city council moves to ban oversized trucks from clogging residential streets near the Betsy Ross Highway.
210846
Philadelphia to Revise City Plan, Remove Cresson Street, Create Sewer Right-of-Way
This bill revises Philadelphia's City Plan to remove Cresson Street from Osborn Street to Vassar Street and create a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes.
210826
Northeast Philly Neighborhoods Feel Pinch as City Council Moves to Redraw Zoning Maps Overnight
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change zoning designations for certain areas of land in Northeast Philadelphia.
210808
Sidewalk Cafes Extended Through 2022 as City Council Votes to Roll Back Pandemic Time Limits
Small Business Owners Breathe Sigh of Relief as City Council Extends Sidewalk Cafe Permits Through 2022 Amid Ongoing Pandemic Challenges The measure will allow restaurants and bars to continue expanding onto sidewalks, providing crucial income for owners struggling through the economic downturn.
210798
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Two-Hour Parking Limits Established in Four Philadelphia Street Intersections
Resident complaints about parking congestion are sparking a sudden shift on four busy Philly streets, where drivers will now face two-hour time limits to park in an effort to ease congestion for neighbors.
210746
Bryan Street Becomes One-Way Northbound from West Mount Pleasant Avenue to Allens Lane
Motorists on Bryan Street face a major change today as the city's traffic flow is reversed, with all northbound traffic now forced onto the one-way street from Mount Pleasant Avenue to Allens Lane.
210690
Vending Allowed on Parts of 49th Street as City Council Passes New Rules for Street Vendors
Philadelphia Residents May Soon Be Able to Sell Food Outdoors Without a Permit Under Proposed City Council Legislation Aiming to Streamline Regulations for Street Vendors and Home-Based Businesses
210679
City Takes Aim at Parked Cars Along Allens Lane with New Summer Parking Restrictions
This bill establishes parking regulations on Allens Lane between Wissahickon Avenue and Orwell Road, prohibiting parking from April to October between 8am and 6pm.
210678
Sidewalk Parking Fines to Double to $300 Under New City Ordinance
Philadelphia's busy business districts will soon see a significant spike in enforcement against drivers who park on sidewalks, a move aimed at keeping pedestrians safe as fine hikes take effect next month. Drivers of commercial trucks face stiff penalties under new regulations, with repeat offenders risking $5,000 fines and vehicle seizures if they block bike lanes or pedestrian zones downtown.
210675
Funeral Homes Ordered to Warn Heirs on Transferring Deceased Loved Ones' Property Titles
A new city rule will soon require funeral directors to advise grieving families about navigating the complex process of transferring their loved ones' property deeds, a potentially daunting task for those who have never done it before.
210671-A
Truck Parking Banned on Weccacoe Street and Oregon Avenue with New Signage Regulations
Neighbors near FDR Park breathe a sigh of relief as the city starts enforcing strict no-parking zones for trucks along Weccacoe Street and Oregon Avenue, bringing an end to late-night congestion and safety concerns.
210584
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Launch Public Financing Entity Amid Efforts to Boost Local Economic Growth
This bill creates a public financing entity to promote community economic development and address financial disparities in Philadelphia.
210956-A
Council Proposes Ethics Code Change to Require Financial Disclosure from City Officials
This bill amends the City of Philadelphia's ethics code to require city officials and employees to disclose their financial interests in legislation and disqualify themselves from participating in decisions related to those interests.
210954
Penn University's Master Plan to Be Amended for Graduate School Building Area
This bill amends the University of Pennsylvania's Master Plan for a specific area around the Graduate School of Education building at 3700 Walnut Street.
210957
Trucks Banned from Parking on Both Sides of N. Daggett Street Through Vine Street Neighborhood
Big rigs will have to find a new spot to idle as Philadelphia City Council passes measure to ban trucks from parking on both sides of North Daggett Street, a major artery through the Vine Street neighborhood.
210955