Weekly recap
This week in Council
December 9 to December 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
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
Philadelphia Law Mandates Documentation for Vehicle Salvage and Repair Businesses
Auto thieves beware: Philadelphia City Council is taking aim at their lucrative trade with a new law mandating proof of business licenses and stiffening penalties for stolen catalytic converter thieves targeting Philly's cars.
220923-A
Semitrailers Banned from Sixth Council District Streets to Reduce Traffic Hazards
Residents of South Philly's Fiumara Park Neighborhood Scramble to Save Their Community Garden from Proposed Zoning Change The proposed zoning amendment would eliminate the community garden's non-conforming use designation, forcing its closure unless a new home can be found within 500 feet.
220922
Philadelphia Council Moves to Shield Affordable Housing from Displacement Amid Rising Neighborhood Amenities
This bill amends zoning laws to protect affordable housing in areas with easy access to amenities like healthcare and education.
220921
Zoning Map Overhaul: Certain Neighborhood Areas Set for Development Changes Along Henry Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard
Henry Avenue Businesses Face Uncertainty as Proposed Zoning Shifts Could Bring New High-Rise Developments, Displacing Longtime Owners; Residents Concerned About Overcrowding and Increased Traffic.
220919
Zoning Maps Overhauled in West Philly as Council OKs New Land Designations and Park Utility Permits
Philadelphia's West Philly neighborhoods are set for a makeover as city council passes measures that redraw zoning maps and pave the way for park renovations along City Avenue. Homeowners and developers can expect changes to property boundaries and new development opportunities.
220917
Larger Fences Coming to Philly Water Plants and Sports Fields Amid Zoning Overhaul
This bill makes changes to Philadelphia's zoning laws and regulations related to utilities and services, specifically allowing for larger fences around water treatment facilities and athletics fields.
220915
Strawberry Mansion Residents Told What New Facades Must Look Like on Revamped Row Homes
Philadelphia's Historic Preservation Commission unveils strict guidelines for facelifts on century-old row homes, sparking debate among residents over preservation vs. progress in Strawberry Mansion's oldest streets.
220913
Council Renames Mill Creek Rec Center After Team Member Tiffany Fletcher Who Fell Victim to Violence
Low-Income Seniors Face Higher Parking Fees Under Proposed New Meter Rates on Roosevelt Boulevard; Advocates Decry "Another Burden" on Already Struggling Population
220907
Comcast and Liberty Property Trust to Install Bollards Along 1700-1720 Arch Street
This bill allows Comcast and Liberty Property Trust to install, own, and maintain bollards at specific locations on Arch Street in Center City Philadelphia, while maintaining a minimum of 6 feet of clear sidewalk space.
220904
Noble Street Gets New Fences and Planters as Broad Street Property Owner Seeks Approval for Ambitious Streetscape Upgrade
This bill allows a property owner at 435 North Broad Street to install planters and fences along Noble Street, with certain conditions.
220871
Trucks Banned on Malvern Avenue Between 63rd Street and Wynnewood Road
A new law prohibits truck parking on both sides of Malvern Avenue between 63rd Street and Wynnewood Road to help improve traffic flow and safety in the area.
220870
Center City Business Plan Gets Council Approval With Estimated Cost Through 2045
Philadelphia Homeless Bill Would Limit Panhandling to Designated Areas Near Major Hubs, Sparking Concerns Over Civil Liberties.
220846
Trucks Prohibited on Haverford Avenue Between 67th and 68th Streets
This bill prohibits trucks from parking on both sides of Haverford Avenue between N.
220844
Laws Restrict Parking of Large Semitrailers in Philadelphia's Tenth Council District Streets
This bill restricts parking of large commercial vehicles (semitrailers and truck tractors) on public streets in Philadelphia's Tenth District.
220814
Shelmire Avenue Segment Struck from City Plan Under Certain Terms and Conditions
This bill allows the city to revise a portion of City Plan No.
220775
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
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
City Plan Change Clears Swanson Street, Vandalia Street Alterations
In a move to alleviate chronic flooding, Council proposes ripping up 2 blocks in Southwest Philly, removing Swanson and Vandalia Streets to make way for new sewers and storm drains. Homeowners must agree to waive claims for lost value by next year.
220639
City Council Proposes Tougher Rules on Selling Off Surplus Properties to Community Groups
Low-Income Neighborhoods Would Benefit from Proposed Changes to City's Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program The plan would increase the percentage of tax credits allocated to projects in low-income areas, aiming to boost affordable housing development in some of Philadelphia's most underserved neighborhoods.
220322-AAA
Awnings and Columns Allowed on East Passyunk Avenue, Near Moore Street, Under Specific Terms
This bill allows a property owner to install an awning and supportive columns on East Passyunk Avenue, near Moore Street.
220118
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Unveils Online Directory Listing Affordable Housing Subsidies and Expiration Dates in New Effort
Philadelphia homeowners could soon be protected from sudden rent hikes as a new law mandates that landlords provide 12 months' notice before raising rates, giving renters time to plan or find new housing.
221018
City Hall Approves Plan to Grant Developers Tax Breaks for Building Affordable Housing Units
Philadelphia City Council has approved a plan offering developers tax breaks for building affordable housing units in designated areas. The incentives aim to boost Affordable Housing development in Philadelphia.
221015
Philadelphia Council Votes to Loosen Affordable Housing Sale Rules Amid Affordable Housing Shortage
Low-income Philadelphians may soon have fewer safeguards protecting their affordable housing as city council approves changes allowing developers to sell units at market rate, sparking concerns about gentrification.
221017
Chew Playground Basketball Courts Honored as "Rasual Butler Basketball Courts" in Point Breeze.
The City Council bill names the Chew Playground basketball courts at 1800 Washington Avenue as 'Rasual Butler Basketball Courts' in honor of Point Breeze native Rasual Butler's achievements in NBA and his connection to the community.
221016