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Weekly recap

This week in Council

March 11 to March 17, 2022

9 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.

Budget & Finance·LapsedIntroduced Mar 17, 2022

City Council Boosts Budget for Community Life Improvement Program to Serve More Neighborhoods and Enhance Quality of Life

City Council boosts budget for Community Life Improvement Program, aiming to serve more neighborhoods and enhance quality of life. The increased funding will improve health, safety, and cleanliness in every neighborhood across Philadelphia.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 16, 2022

Towing rules tightened for large trucks parked illegally in Philadelphia streets.

Tougher Tolls Ahead: Philly Council Votes to Raise Parking Meter Rates by $1 an Hour, Raising Revenue for City Services Amid Budget Constraints. The increase would bring the hourly rate from $6 to $7, generating an estimated $8 million annually for city coffers.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 16, 2022

Semitrailer Parking Restrictions Take Effect in Philly, Limiting Street Space for Large Trucks and Tractor Trailers

Proposed Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags Hits City Council, Targeting Major Retailers Like Walmart and Target in Philly Neighborhoods The legislation would prohibit the use of single-use plastic bags by major retailers in Philadelphia, aiming to reduce litter and protect local waterways from pollution.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 16, 2022

City Expands Illegal Dumping Enforcement to Include Private Contractors, Fines Reach Up to $150

Philadelphia Small Businesses Face New Fees, Requirements Under Proposed Zoning Law Changes The proposed changes would impose a minimum annual fee of $250 on small businesses with less than 10 employees and increase requirements for outdoor seating and signage.

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Public Health·Signed Into LawSigned Sep 15, 2022

City Council Moves to Boost Benefits Transparency for Philly Foster Youth Amid System Overhaul

Philadelphia City Council Takes Aim at Congested Streets with New Parking Permit Rules A proposed measure would impose stricter parking permit regulations on certain residential streets, potentially reducing congestion but raising concerns from some property owners about fairness and enforcement.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 16, 2022

Semitrailer and Truck Tractor Parking Fines Established on Philadelphia Streets

Philadelphia Residents Face 20% Hike in Water Bills as City Council Approves Rate Increase Amid Ongoing Budget Struggles The rate hike is set to take effect in July and will affect over 500,000 households, with the average monthly bill increasing by $12 for residential customers.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Mar 17, 2022

Hawthorne's Outdoor Dining Space Gets Green Light for Installation Along Bustling South 11th Street Corridor

Hawthornes, a restaurant on South 11th Street, can install and maintain an outdoor dining space in front of its location under new city regulations. The space must meet city requirements and permits are required for installation.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 2, 2023

City Officials Unify Flag-Raising Standards as Council Approves New Ceremony Guidelines

Philadelphia Businesses Reap Benefits from Council's Vote to Expand Outdoor Dining Permits, doubling the number of available permits and allowing more restaurants to serve customers on sidewalks and parking lots.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Mar 17, 2022

Restaurant Owners Get Green Light for Outdoor Dining Space at Philadium on Packer Avenue

Restaurant owners at 1631 Packer Avenue, home to Philadium, can now install and maintain an outdoor eating space in front of their property under certain terms. The Streetery must comply with city regulations and obtain necessary permits.

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