Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 25 to December 1, 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 Officials Get Greenlight to Shift Funds Between Budget Accounts Amid Fiscal Year Adjustments
Philadelphia's budget is getting a mid-year makeover, with $10 million set to be reallocated from underperforming departments to areas where the money is desperately needed, like affordable housing initiatives.
220869
City Transfers Millions Between Funds, Allocating More Money to Some Departments Than Others This Year
Philadelphia Homeowners Could See Increased Property Tax Bills Amid Proposed Tax Levy Hike A proposed tax hike on residential properties would increase the city's annual property tax revenue by millions, affecting nearly 300,000 homeowners who pay property taxes every year.
220868
Council Taps Brakes on Budget Spending with Midnight Changes to Philly's $2 Billion Capital Plan
Last-minute amendments slash millions from Mayor Kenney's proposed budget for streetlights, new schools, and park renovations, sparking questions about why some projects got axed at the eleventh hour.
220867
Philadelphia's Capital Budget Revised to Reflect New Funding Priorities in Latest Council Action
Philadelphia's affordable housing fund is set to receive a significant boost under new revisions to the city's capital budget, while funding for some public schools and transportation projects takes a hit in latest council shake-up.
220866
City Council Establishes Parking Rules Along Several Philadelphia Streets
North Philly Residents to Face Tougher Parking Rules as City Aims to Combat Congestion Around Busy Commercial Corridors, Starting with Streets Surrounding Columbia Avenue and Other Key Hubs.
220829-A
Northeast Philadelphia Zoning Map Changes Signed Into Law
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for areas of land in Northeast Philadelphia, bounded by major roads and county lines.
220776
New Parking Rules Roll Out for Busy Philly Corners Amid Complaints of Congestion and Overcrowding
Philadelphia drivers are in for a change: new parking restrictions are set to take hold at four busy intersections where congestion has become a major headache for residents and commuters alike.
220740-A
Philadelphia Council Creates Parking Restrictions in Multiple Neighborhoods Amid Traffic Concerns Mounting
This bill establishes new parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods, including restrictions on time and location for parking.
220739-A
Parking Restrictions Installed in Philadelphia Neighborhoods Along Several Streets
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific neighborhoods of Philadelphia, limiting parking to 2 hours during certain times of day.
220738-A
City Imposes Two-Hour Parking Fines on Busy Philly Streets Including Ellsworth Federal Intersection Zones
Philadelphia's 60,000 renters are set to lose access to free street parking under a proposed ordinance that would charge them up to $30 per day to park on some city streets.
220737-A
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Bill Aims to Redraw Zoning Lines in Fast Changing Southwest Philly Neighborhoods
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designation of certain areas within a specific neighborhood (bounded by Parkside Avenue, 49th Street, Jefferson Street, and 48th Street).
220942
Philadelphia City Plan Undergoes Major Revision with New Streets and Roads Added to Neighborhood Landscape
A proposed zoning overhaul in Northeast Philly would require developers to include more affordable housing units in new construction projects, a move that could benefit thousands of low-income families struggling to find stable homes.
220949
Passyunk Avenue Intersection Improvements Authorized on City Maps
South Philadelphians are in for a navigational surprise as city planners unveil revamped street lines and grades on a 1.5-mile stretch of Passyunk Avenue, forcing residents to get familiar with new maps by the end of the day.
220948
City Council Approves Plan to Pave Over 10 Miles of Streets on South Philly Mainline.
Low-Income Families Face Rent Increases Under Proposed Tax Abatement Changes for Luxury Development Projects. Philadelphia's tax abatement program would be altered to exclude certain low-income housing projects from exemptions under a new proposal.
220947
South Philly Streets Get Major Makeover as City Plan Revised with New Roadways Added
Residents of North Philly Neighborhoods Could See a Reduction in Congestion with Proposed Bill to Limit Left Turns on Broad Street and Roosevelt Boulevard.
220945
City Adjusts Street Boundaries on Vare Avenue and Maiden Lane for Road Widening and Intersection Fixes
This bill allows the city to adjust the boundaries and elevations of certain streets in Philadelphia, specifically Vare Avenue and Maiden Lane, to accommodate street widening and intersection improvements.
220944
City Crews Gear Up for Major Road Resurfacing Project Along 34th Street and Nearby Side Streets
This bill authorizes the paving of three streets in Philadelphia: 34th Street from Maiden Lane to Jackson Street, Forten Way from Maiden Lane to Jackson Street, and Jackson Street from 34th Street to Vare Avenue.
220943
City Avenue Businesses Face New Fees Under Proposed Plan for Upgrades and Services
A proposed parking garage and increased security presence on Chestnut Street are at the center of a new city initiative to revitalize the area, sparking debate among local residents and merchants about its impact on community character.
220941
Roxborough Improvement District Extended Indefinitely Along Ridge Avenue Corridor Through Main Street
This bill extends the Roxborough Neighborhood Improvement District until further notice, allowing the Roxborough Development Corporation to continue managing improvements and assessing property owners in a defined area along Ridge Avenue.
220940
Trucks Banned Along 63rd Street Between Malvern Avenue and Wynnewood Road
Residents in a bustling neighborhood are breathing a sigh of relief as City Hall considers limiting large trucks to overnight parking, keeping the busy street safer for school zones and morning commuters during rush hour.
220939
City Strips Former Streets from Official Map in SW Philly as part of Water Main Relocation Project
This bill allows the city to remove certain streets and rights-of-way from its official map, primarily in the Southwest Philadelphia area.
220950
City Moves Forward with Plans to Abandon Sewer Right-Of-Way Along Former Jackson Street in South Philly
South Philadelphia homeowners facing possible assessments for street repairs are breathing a sigh of relief as a long-stalled plan to abandon a sewer right-of-way on Jackson Street inches forward. A city council vote has cleared the way for the project's next phase.
220946
City Officials Get Greenlight to Amend Parking Garage Deals on Busy Market Street East
This bill allows the Director of Commerce and the Director of Finance to make amendments to agreements related to a parking garage project on Market Street East.
220938