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Weekly recap

This week in Council

September 9 to September 15, 2022

13 introduced3 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.

City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 15, 2022

Philadelphia Code Gets New Chapter Protecting Reproductive Healthcare Privacy

This bill adds a new chapter to Philadelphia's code that protects the privacy of individuals seeking reproductive healthcare and related information.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 15, 2022

Cranes in Philadelphia Must Provide Regular Breaks for Operators Under New Law

Philadelphia's crane operators are now forced to trade in their hard hats for breaks, as a new city regulation mandates regular rest periods to prevent fatigue-related accidents on construction sites.

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City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 15, 2022

Philadelphia Health Code Amended to Protect Reproductive Healthcare Providers and Seekers

Philadelphia Council Passes Measure to Give Low-Income Residents Free Access to City Parks on Weekdays; Program Hopes to Reduce Summer Heat-Related Hospitalizations by 20%.

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Public Health·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 15, 2022

City Council Moves to Shield Philly Residents from Reproductive Health Discrimination Amid Bill Amendments and Revisions

Philadelphia Homeowners Could Be Barred from Renting Out Entire Homes under New Council Proposal Aimed at Regulating Short-Term Rentals in Neighborhoods. A Philadelphia City Council Member's Proposal Would Require Landlords to Provide Repairs and Maintenance within 7 Days of Tenant Request, a Move Advocates Say Is Long Overdue.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 17, 2022

Trucks Banned from Parking Near Rec Centers Libraries Parks Schools in Northeast Philadelphia's 4th Council District

Under New Bill, Philly Restaurant Owners Would Pay More for Trash Collection Amid Growing Concerns Over Public Health and Litter A proposed bill would double trash collection fees for restaurants across Philadelphia, targeting businesses that generate the most waste as city officials seek to reduce litter and improve public health.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 17, 2022

City Council Votes to Create New Zoning District for Affordable Housing in North Philly Neighborhoods

North Philadelphians could soon see more affordable housing options as City Council proposes new zoning rules limiting building heights in certain neighborhoods to preserve community character and prevent gentrification. The proposed overlay would target six North Philly zip codes.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 17, 2022

Yorktown Neighborhood Overlay District Created with Height and Roof Deck Regulations

This bill creates a new neighborhood overlay district in Yorktown, imposing specific height and roof deck regulations to preserve the area's character.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 3, 2022

Council Corrects Tax Rate Reduction Mistake Ensuring Small Businesses Receive Reduced Bills in FY2023

Long-awaited funding boost on the horizon: A city council proposal would divert nearly $1 million in surplus funds towards improving street lighting in North Philadelphia neighborhoods.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 17, 2022

North Philly Neighborhood Set to Get New Zoning Rules to Guide Development of Historic Village Area

Low-Income Families Face Rent Increases Under Proposed Bill to Raise Minimum Wage Requirement for Philly Landlords to Hire Workers A new city council measure would require landlords to pay their workers at least $18 an hour, a move that could increase costs for low-income renters and exacerbate Philadelphia's housing affordability crisis.

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Budget & Finance·LapsedIntroduced Sep 15, 2022

City Offers Up To 1000 In Tax Credits For Volunteers Who Give Back To Their Neighborhoods

Homeowners and businesses can earn up to $1,000 in tax credits for performing eligible volunteer work in their neighborhoods under a new proposal from City Council members. The credits would be available to those who complete approved community service projects.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 13, 2022

City Council Proposes Major Overhaul of Eviction Diversion Program Requirements for Landlords and Tenants

New Proposal Could Cut Homeless Shelter Stays in Half by Limiting How Long Tenants Can Be Forced to Live in Unclear Eviction Status. Under the plan, families stuck in shelters waiting for their evictions to be resolved would be eligible for a guaranteed spot in temporary housing within five days.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2022

Philadelphia Sets Earlier Curfew Hours for Minors Under New Law

Philadelphia Residents Could Soon See Lower Parking Fees in Some Neighborhoods as Council Considers Bill to Reduce Rates by Up to 50% in Low-Income Areas. The proposed measure would affect parking fees in 15 neighborhoods with high poverty rates, aiming to make city streets more accessible for low-income residents.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 3, 2022

City Council Moves to Fix Typo in Net Profits Tax Rate Reduction, Clarifying Timeline for Businesses

Philadelphia's Minimum Wage Hike Gets Tied to State Law, Bringing Immediate Increase for City Workers but Delayed Boost for Private Sector Employees

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