Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 13 to May 19, 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
City Gives Public Safety Officers Power to Move Abandoned Cars from Philly Streets After 10-Day Warning Period
This law gives Public Safety Officers the authority to order the removal of abandoned vehicles on public streets if they pose a safety hazard or remain unclaimed after 10 days' notice.
210802
Philadelphia Schools Mandate Regular Safety Inspections as Council Votes to Boost Educational Building Codes
Philadelphia Tenants Could Face Stiffer Fines, Eviction for Rent-Related Code Violations Under New City Council Proposal Under the plan, landlords who fail to address code issues could face increased penalties, including steeper fines and more expedited eviction proceedings, impacting thousands of tenants citywide.
210685-AA
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
South Philadelphia Overlay District Zoning Regulations Altered to Allow More Office and Commercial Space
Developers of new projects in South Philly's bustling job market will have more freedom to build offices under updated zoning rules, but must now set aside space for low-income residents as part of every new development.
220458
City Given Authority to Execute Deals and Sign Agreements for Delaware River Waterfront Development
Philadelphia Renters Could Face Mandatory Lease Renewals Under New Council Proposal, Forcing Landlords to Offer Tenants a 90-Day Extension of Current Terms to Maintain Stability in Rent-Regulated Buildings.
220457
Zoning Maps Altered for Public Open Space Development Above Delaware Expressway
Residents near the Delaware River are set to see new parks and green spaces sprout up along their waterfront, as Council members aim to boost recreation options and revitalize neglected parcels of land.
220456
Philadelphia Boosts Homestead Exemption Limits to Higher Amount Starting Next Tax Year Immediately
Philadelphia will exclude a higher amount from taxable property values starting next tax year, under a bill introduced by Councilmember O'Neill. The new exemption limit replaces the current $90,000 threshold.
220455
City Council Approves Bike Lane on West Market Street Between 20th and 23rd Streets Despite Local Business Opposition
This bill creates a bike lane on West Market Street between 20th and 23rd Streets, removing one travel lane and some parking spots to make room for cyclists.
220453
City Council Eyes Boost to Philly Public Transportation with New TOD Designations in Five Neighborhoods
This bill amends Philadelphia's zoning code to designate five additional transit stations as areas for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), which aims to increase density and efficiency around public transportation hubs.
220452
Zoning designations changed in West Philly area bounded by Arch Street and 54th Street.
Councilmember Bass's proposal would label swaths of West Philly as 'Innovation Districts', sparking concerns among residents about gentrification and increased commercial activity on quiet side streets. The changes could bring new shops and jobs to the area.
220451
Zoning Changes Set for Woodland Avenue Commercial Corridor as City Council Approves Land Use Shifts
Woodland Avenue business owners brace for change as city council votes to rezone a 2-block stretch, paving the way for taller buildings and more intense development in the historic commercial corridor.
220450
Council Votes to Redraw Zoning Maps on Market Street Block from Commercial to Residential Use
Market Street block's commercial zoning designation is being changed to residential, with City Council voting in favor of the change that also includes a new master plan for the area.
220449
Philadelphia Council Votes to Loosen Stricter Rules on Single-Room Residences Amid Housing Shortage Crisis
Philadelphia City Council has approved a bill to relax rules governing single-room residences, allowing for their limited expansion under certain terms and conditions amidst the city's housing shortage crisis.
220447
Council proposes zoning overhaul for Ninth District Overlay District in Philadelphia.
This bill amends the zoning rules for a specific area in Philadelphia, known as the Ninth District Overlay District.
220446
Northeast Philly Neighborhoods See New Zoning Designations Sprout Amid Revitalization Efforts Underway
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Northeast Philly, bounded by Cottman Avenue and others.
220445
Council Adjusts Population Counts For Philly's 10 Districts To Reflect Prison Data In New Boundaries
This bill adjusts the population estimates for each of Philadelphia's Councilmanic Districts to include data from state and county prisons.
220444
City Plan Revised to Widen Hillcrest Avenue and Modify Intersection with Germantown Avenue
Hillcrest Avenue residents face longer commutes starting tomorrow as part of the street is slated for a surprise widening, while neighbors on nearby side streets worry about increased traffic congestion around Germantown Avenue's modified intersection.
220459
City Council Advances Bill to Boost Rooftop Solar Power with Easier Installation Regulations
Councilmember Green's bill to ease rooftop solar panel installation advances, allowing certain systems to exceed height and structural limits in Philadelphia. The new regulations aim to make it easier for residents and businesses to install solar panels.
220448
City Council Votes to Close Unused Stretch of Krewstown Road Following Community Requests for Action
This bill allows the city to vacate a portion of Krewstown Road that is not used by traffic and has been requested by abutting property owners.
220454