Weekly recap
This week in Council
December 10 to December 16, 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
North Broad Street Encroachment Permitted Near Arch Street Under Certain Conditions
Philadelphia's City Council has given the green light to plans for a sprawling outdoor cafe on the corner of 13th and Market Streets, but critics warn it will displace local vendors who have sold goods there for years without permits.
210932
Independence Park Hotel Gets Reprieve on Exterior Ramp Compliance Deadline Extension
A last-minute reprieve has been granted to the owners of the Independence Park Hotel, who will get another chance to install a long-planned accessibility ramp on their exterior facade. The hotel's deadline to meet city requirements was just hours from expiring when council members stepped in to give them more time.
210931
Company Gets Reprieve on Independence Mall Ramp Project Deadline Extension Approved
Philadelphia's historic district may get a new entrance soon as city council approves delay in construction deadline for Independence Mall West ramp, giving developers another six months to finish the project.
210930
Parking Restrictions Imposed in Multiple Philadelphia Neighborhoods Under New Two-Hour Regulations
This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in various Philadelphia neighborhoods, limiting parking time from 8 AM to 2 AM every day except for certain RPP zones.
210929
City Council Moves to Revamp Zoning Maps for Neighborhood Along Crispin Street and Frankford Avenue Boundaries
Property owners along Frankford Avenue could soon see their businesses transformed as City Council tackles long-standing complaints about outdated zoning laws governing storefronts and industrial spaces near the Torresdale neighborhood.
210926
City Gives Go Ahead for Planters on Calumet Street, Subject to Strict Requirements
Residents of 19th Ward Get Relief from Litter with New Recycling Bins Added to Neighborhood Streets A new city initiative will introduce 50 recycling bins along the busy commercial corridors of Roosevelt Boulevard, aiming to reduce litter and promote a cleaner environment for local residents.
210921
Philadelphia City Council Proposes Landlord-Tenant Eviction Diversion Program Amid Rent Relief Concerns Rise
Philadelphia homeowners could be forced to wait up to six months for a property tax refund under a proposed City Council bill that aims to streamline the refund process for delinquent payments. Homeowners who pay in full will still get priority, but others may face long delays.
210920
Council Votes to Make East Godfrey Ave One-Way Westbound Through Summerdale To Pratt Street Intersection
This bill makes East Godfrey Avenue between Summerdale Avenue and Pratt Street a one-way street for westbound traffic.
210919
Camac Street Between Wagner and Fisher to Become Northbound One-Way Under New Traffic Plan
South Philly Residents Fear Noise and Congestion as Proposed Bill Would Ban Left Turns onto 13th Street from Broad Riverside Plaza. A new traffic plan would eliminate left turns onto 13th Street from the Broad Riverside Plaza parking garage in a bid to ease congestion on the busy thoroughfare.
210918
Philadelphia Council Unveils Tough New Leasing Laws to Protect Commercial Tenants from Hidden Fees and Fines
This bill requires commercial property owners to provide certain disclosures before leasing a space, and offers protections for tenants.
210917-A
Philadelphia Council Votes to Create New Zoning Law for Affordable Housing in Select Neighborhoods
This bill amends Philadelphia's zoning laws to create a new 'Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District' (MIN).
210633-A
Roxborough Residents Face Temporary Demolition Freeze as City Weighs Historic Designation Possibility
Philadelphia City Council Sends Measure to Regulate Payday Lending to Committee, Aimed at Capping High-Interest Loans to Overburdened Residents The proposal would cap annual interest rates on payday loans in Philly at 36%, targeting lenders who critics say prey on low-income neighborhoods.
210899
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
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
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
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
Zoning Map Overhaul Underway in Northeast Philly as Council Approves Broad Street Land-Use Changes
This bill changes the zoning maps for a specific area bounded by Old York Road, Broad Street, and 65th Avenue to reflect new zoning designations.
210689
Philadelphia City Council Approves Zoning Board of Adjustment Expansion Plan
A proposed overhaul of Philadelphia's zoning process would give more power to community groups and require that applicants demonstrate a clear plan to benefit local residents when seeking variances. Under the proposal, developers seeking exceptions to city rules would be required to hold public hearings within 30 days or face penalties.
210669
Philadelphia Closes Nicholas and Turner Streets for Utility Infrastructure Upgrade
Philadelphia Residents May Soon Face Parking Perils as City Council Votes to Eliminate Overnight Street Parking on Certain Blocks Council Approves Measure to Limit Access to Some Parks During Evening Hours to Combat Crime and Vandalism
210629
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Officials to Get Clearer Rules for Handling Surplus Properties Amid Transparency Push
City officials will now have clearer guidelines to follow when deciding what to do with surplus properties, as a new amendment adds criteria for non-competitive dispositions. The changes aim to increase transparency in managing city-owned land.
211022
Council Moves to Clamp Down on Outside Earnings, Mandating Disclosure for Members, Officials
Council members and officials would have to disclose outside earnings and abide by limits on non-city income under a new city ethics law proposed by Councilwoman Quiñones Sánchez.
211021
Sidewalk Café Permitted at South 10th Street Location, Subject to Specific Terms and Conditions
Small business owners on South Street are set to get a taste of the street life expansion, as a proposal to allow a sidewalk café on 10th Street is up for vote, potentially boosting foot traffic for local shops.
211020
Truck and trailer parking banned on several West Philadelphia streets to boost neighborhood safety
West Philadelphians can expect a drastic reduction in truck traffic on their streets as city council votes to ban large vehicle parking on several key routes, citing safety concerns for residents and pedestrians. Streets like 60th Street near Malcolm X Park will soon be no-go zones for big rigs.
211019