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Weekly recap

This week in Council

December 3 to December 9, 2021

0 introduced14 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

Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

City Agreements Signed into Law to Purchase Electricity, Natural Gas, and Motor Fuel at Fixed Prices

Philadelphia's public schools and libraries could save millions under new energy deals set to boost city coffers, but consumer advocates worry about rising costs for residents stuck with variable rates.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

City Council Approves Contract to Modernize Cargo Handling at Philadelphia International Airport

The City Council authorized a contract with Kale Info Solutions to create and operate an Airport Cargo Community System at Philadelphia International Airport.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

Philadelphia Council Unveils Plan to Shift Funds Between City Departments Amid Budget Shortfall Emerges

Under the proposal, millions of dollars will be redirected from city departments including Parks and Recreation and Streets to plug a widening budget gap, with some officials warning it could harm essential services.

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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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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

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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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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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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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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

Zoning Change Takes Effect in Specific Philadelphia Neighborhood Bounded by Germania and Linden Avenues

This bill changes the zoning in a specific area of Philadelphia from residential to commercial/mixed-use.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

Zoning Changes to Take Effect in Neighborhood Bound by Walnut, 9th, Locust, and 10th Streets

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designation of certain areas in Center City.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

Citizens Police Oversight Commission Appointment Qualifications Revised Under Signed Law

Community advocates celebrate as city council votes to put outsiders in charge of policing; new rules bar cops from serving on oversight board, giving way to residents with a history of community work.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

City Bans Selling, Storing Motor Vehicles on Streets, Increases Fines

Philadelphia's Streets Department will begin issuing stricter penalties, including increased fines up to $1,000, targeting vehicle owners who obstruct sidewalks with their cars, starting next month. Homeowners in densely populated neighborhoods will be most affected by the new enforcement.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

Restaurants Feel Pinch as City Tightens Leash on Delivery Service Fees Again

This bill amends Philadelphia's law on food delivery services to limit fees charged to restaurants.

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Newly introduced

No bills were introduced this week. Council may have been in recess.