Weekly recap
This week in Council
April 22 to April 28, 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
Truck Parking Banned on South 61st Street Between Lindbergh Boulevard and Eastwick Avenue
This bill makes it illegal to park trucks on South 61st Street between Lindbergh Boulevard and Eastwick Avenue at any time.
220223
Ridge Avenue Curbline Relocated and Pedestrian Area Created Along Calumet Street
This bill changes the location of curbs and sidewalks on Ridge Avenue and Calumet Street in Philadelphia, creating a wider pedestrian area and adjusting traffic lanes.
220222
Philadelphia Residents Get Price Hike on Sanitation Services as Duplex Owners Gain Exemption
Single-Family Homeowners Face 67% Spike in City Sanitation Fees; Duplex Owners to Get Break on Annual Charge The city's new sanitation fee hike will bring an extra $200 annually to most homeowners, but owner-occupied duplexes are getting a free pass.
220190
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Tightens Ethics Protections to Prevent Retaliation Against Whistleblowers and Ethics Investigators
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Tax Bills Amid City Council Push for More Progressive Property Tax Reform Under the proposed changes, owners of larger properties could see their tax rates reduced while lower-income families may face significant increases as part of an effort to make taxes more equitable across neighborhoods.
220360
Nonprofit to Build Free Alexander Calder Museum on Parkway in Public-Private Partnership Deal
This bill authorizes a lease with a nonprofit corporation to build and operate an Alexander Calder museum on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, exempting it from certain regulations.
220366
Port Richmond Neighborhood Improvement District Extended Again Despite Initial Set Deadline Looms Over Property Owners
Port Richmond homeowners face another year of special fees to finance local upgrades, after city council voted to extend a Neighborhood Improvement District beyond its original 5-year deadline. Property owners will continue to pay up to $75,000 in assessments.
220365
Retailers Must Charge Fee for Single-Use Bags Under Proposed City Ordinance
Starting next year, Philly residents who forget reusable bags at home will have to shell out 5 cents per paper or plastic bag, a cost that small business owners say will ultimately be passed on to consumers.
220364
Council Votes to Put Redistricting Reform Before Voters in Upcoming Special Election on City Charter Change
Council votes to put redistricting reform before voters in upcoming special election on city charter change. A Redistricting Commission would be created to reapportion City Council districts after each census, with a special election scheduled to let voters weigh in on the proposal.
220362
Council Tackles Campaign Finance Reform with Revisions to City Law on Political Contributions and Expenditures
Local activists are cheering a proposal that would ban corporate donations to Philly politicians, but opponents warn it could silence small business owners' voices in city politics.
220361
Philadelphia to Enter Energy-Saving Contract with Ameresco to Light Up City Streets More Efficiently
Residents and businesses along Main Street can expect brighter lights at reduced energy costs under new plans for a city-wide LED conversion set to save millions annually. The proposal aims to replace outdated bulbs with high-efficiency LEDs across Philadelphia's 87,000 streetlights.
220359
Ridge Avenue Business Owners Face New Zoning Rules Limiting Space and Windows in Central Philly
This bill amends zoning regulations for the Ridge Avenue /NCA district in Philadelphia, limiting commercial floor space and requiring clear glass facades.
220358
Zoning Changes Adopted Near Schuylkill River, Impacting Penn's 2910 South Street Development
This bill makes zoning changes and updates the University of Pennsylvania's Master Plan in a specific area bounded by South Street, the Schuylkill River, 34th Street, University Avenue, Civic Center Boulevard, and Health Sciences Drive.
220363
Temple U Plans Major Overhaul in West Philly Campus as New Health Building Nears Reality
Temple University is revamping its West Philly campus, making way for a state-of-the-art health facility that will significantly expand the university's medical programs and draw in hundreds of students and healthcare professionals every day.
220357