Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 11 to March 17, 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
220240
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.
220246
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.
220245
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.
220243
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.
220239
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.
220247
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.
220241
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.
220244
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.
220242