Weekly recap
This week in Council
September 9 to September 15, 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
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
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
Mt Airy Business Improvement District Extended Beyond Initial Expiration Date
Proposed Zoning Changes Could Allow Larger Development Near Eastern State University as City Seeks to Boost Economy and Housing Options for Growing Student Population
220120
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
220656-A
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.
220666-A
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%.
220665-A
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.
220664
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.
220663
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.
220662-A
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.
220661
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.
220660
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.
220658-A
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.
220657
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.
220655
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.
220654-A
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
220659-A