Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 25 to March 31, 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Approves Record-Breaking $5 Billion Operating Budget for Philadelphia's Fiscal Year 2023
Philadelphia Homeowners Face New Property Tax Bill with Proposed Increase of Up to 20% Over Five Years; City Council votes on measure that would raise taxes for nearly 300,000 property owners in the city.
220286
Council Approves Record-Breaking $3.567 Billion Capital Budget For Philadelphia's Infrastructure Upgrades This Year
Philadelphia's crumbling roads and bridges are one step closer to repair with the passage of a massive infrastructure upgrade package, set to pump nearly $4 billion into city coffers over the next year. Council Approves Measure to Ban Single-Use Plastics in Philly Restaurants by 2025 Philadelphia restaurants will no longer be allowed to hand out single-use plastics like straws and bags starting
220285
City Unveils $11.06 Billion Capital Plan for Six-Year Budget Cycle
This bill establishes a 6-year capital program (2023-2028) with an estimated budget of $11.06 billion to fund city projects and infrastructure.
220284
Council proposes stricter fire safety standards for Philadelphia's high-rise buildings
High-rise buildings in Philadelphia will now be required to install automatic fire sprinkler systems under new regulations exempting older residential towers. The change affects new construction and renovations in certain areas of the city's high-rise buildings.
220299
Philadelphia Proposes Annual Tax on Residents' Stocks Bonds Other Investment Assets Starting Next Year
Philadelphia residents who own stocks and bonds could face an annual tax starting next year under a proposal being considered by City Council. The proposed tax would apply to intangible personal property valued at over $10,000 per year.
220297
City Employees Can Live Where They Please Under New Plan Allowing Non-Philadelphia Residents to Be Hired
Philadelphia city employees can now be hired if they've passed a GED test, completed a degree in the city within 5 years, or served in the military and returned home. The new rules allow non-Philadelphia residents to join city staff under certain conditions.
220296
Philadelphia Offers Up To 10000 Bonuses For New Police Officers And Referrals
Philadelphia is offering up to $10,000 in bonuses to new police cadets, along with incentives for referring individuals to become officers, as part of a program aimed at boosting recruitment.
220295
Philadelphia Amending PACE Program Participation to Align with New State Legislation Requirements
Small businesses across Philadelphia may soon be able to finance energy-efficient upgrades without upfront costs, but a contentious council proposal seeks to overhaul the city's PACE program to comply with new state regulations.
220293
City Council Approves Plan to Issue 189 Million Dollars in Bonds for Capital Projects Across Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Small Businesses Could Get a Break from Parking Tickets Under Proposed City Council Bill The bill would waive fines for parking citations issued between 2015 and 2020 if small businesses can prove they didn't receive notice of the tickets within the required time frame.
220292
City Finance Department Given Green Light to Move Funds Amid Budget Crunch Fears Rise
Philadelphia Schools Face Major Cuts as Council Passes Bill Ending 100-Year-Old Pension Credit Deal A new law eliminates a century-old program that allowed retirees to keep their pension checks even after collecting Social Security benefits, affecting thousands of Philly seniors.
220291
City Takes Control of Privately Owned Water Lines as New Reporting Requirements Kick In
Philadelphia's private water, sewer, and stormwater lines will be subject to new reporting and maintenance requirements once they're taken over by the City. The Water Department must issue findings, notify property owners, and assume responsibility for upkeep after conversion.
220290
City Takes Control of Aging Water Infrastructure on Conshohocken Avenue Corridor This Week
Philadelphia's Water Commissioner is set to take ownership of water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure on several roads in a specific neighborhood. The city will convert private to public control under certain terms and conditions.
220289
Philadelphia Creates Demolition Fund to Raze Blighted Properties and Boost Economic Growth Across City Neighborhoods
Philadelphia's most neglected neighborhoods could see a major facelift, with the city creating a $10 million fund to raze abandoned buildings and charge developers a small price to speed up tear-downs. Homeowners near these blighted properties might finally get some peace from crime and decay.
220288
Philadelphia Lawmakers Raise Recording Fees for City Documents
This bill increases certain fees for recording deeds and mortgages with the Philadelphia City Recorder.
220287
Jefferson Hospital Breaks Ground on New Proton Therapy Center at Torresdale Campus Location
Philadelphia's Jefferson Hospital is one step closer to offering life-changing cancer treatment, with plans underway to build a state-of-the-art Proton Therapy Center at its Torresdale campus.
220298
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Clarify Powers of Philadelphia Energy Authority as it Expands Clean Energy Efforts
Philadelphia residents may see lower energy costs as City Council proposes new rules for the Philadelphia Energy Authority, which would allow it to purchase power directly from renewable sources and increase its oversight of city buildings.
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