Weekly recap
This week in Council
January 14 to January 20, 2022
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
Philadelphia Businesses Banned From Operating Unregulated Casino-Style Games That Accept Cash Payments
Tighter Regulations on Philly's Street Vendors Take Effect, Small Business Owners Worry About Losses; A new city ordinance restricts where street vendors can operate, affecting hundreds who sell everything from food to handmade crafts.
210923
Zoning Changes to Specific Philadelphia Neighborhood Bound by Fountain, Umbria Streets
A proposed zoning overhaul could bring more density and diversity to the bustling corridors along 5th Street and Lehigh Avenue, but some residents worry about losing small businesses and community character.
210922
Philadelphia Hotel Owners Hit with New Fees as Council Extends Tourism Improvement District
Philadelphia's Fair Share of Tax Revenue at Stake in City Budget Battle Mayor's proposed budget plan would shift millions from city's general fund to new "public safety" kitty, sparking concerns among some council members that community programs and social services are being shortchanged.
210683
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia City Council Votes to Redraw District Lines for Fairer Representation Across The City
Philadelphia Homeowners May Face Higher Property Taxes Under New City Council Proposal Requiring 7% Annual Assessments on Rising Real Estate Values. Under the proposal, property owners with rising home values would see a sharp increase in their tax bills unless they opt for annual payments.
220003
Philadelphia Council Passes Revised Building Code Requiring Pre-Construction Surveys
Construction companies would be forced to notify nearby residents about disruptions in advance under new regulations aimed at stemming the tide of noise complaints on quiet city streets. The proposal also mandates detailed documentation of work done on impacted homes.
220008
City Council Expands Affordable Housing Preservation Zone in West Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill adds certain areas to the Affordable Housing Preservation Overlay District, which provides incentives for developers to include affordable housing units in their buildings.
220007
City Mandates Employers Alert Workers to Available Tax Credits Amid Growing Income Inequality Concerns
Low-income Philly workers may soon have a clearer path to tax savings as city council targets income inequality with a new bill requiring employers to alert employees about available credits. The move aims to reach thousands of eligible Philadelphians.
220006
New zoning rules set for area near Girard Avenue and 54th Street
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas near Girard Avenue and 54th Street.
220005
Philadelphia Property Owners Can Now Claim Tax Credit for Installing Life-Saving Rope Ladders on Buildings
Philadelphia property owners can now claim tax credits for installing life-saving rope ladders on buildings to aid emergency escape. The credit applies to costs incurred for these installations.
220004
City Council Sends Gender-Neutral Education Referendum to Philly Ballot in May Election
Philadelphia Students with Non-Binary Identities Could See Curriculum Overhaul After City Council Votes to End Single-Gender Designations in School Textbooks and Educational Materials. Changes would impact approximately 200 schools serving over 300,000 students.
220002
Philadelphia City Council Votes to Put Gender-Neutral Charter Amendment on May Ballot Next Year
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Steep Fines Under Proposed Law Requiring Regular Tree Maintenance, Targeting Vacant Lots Across City Neighborhoods.
220001