Weekly recap
This week in Council
January 13 to January 19, 2023
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council Moves to Widen Access to Philly's Recreation Fund with Expanded Grant Process Begins
Philadelphia's Recreation Fund gets a boost as Council expands grant process, allowing At-Large members to bring proposals to funding board. New applicants can now access up to $1 billion annually in recreation dollars.
230008
Market Street Corridor Expansion Plan Advances Amid Calls for Mixed-Income Housing and TOD Zones Growth
Philadelphia's Fading Small Businesses Get a Reprieve with New Bill Requiring Developers to Set Aside Commercial Space A proposed city law would force developers of new buildings over 20,000 square feet to dedicate at least 10% of their properties for small businesses and community use in gentrifying neighborhoods.
230007
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Erase Discriminatory Language from Life Partnerships Benefits for All Couples
Low-Income Families to Get Reprieve: Council Proposes Free Parking Relief for City Residents with Medical Permits The measure would exempt residents holding medical parking permits from paying meters and kiosks in city-owned parking lots, bringing relief to those struggling with mobility issues.
230005
Council Proposes Exempting Citizens Police Oversight Staff from Civil Service Rules in Upcoming Special Election
Philadelphia Residents Face Higher Water Bills Starting Next Month as Council Considers Plan to End Subsidy for Low-Income Families; thousands of low-income households could see their monthly water bills rise by up to $100.
230004
Trucks Banned from Parkside Ave Parking After Council Unanimous Vote to Limit Truck Congestion.
Local residents breathe a sigh of relief as Philadelphia City Council votes 14-0 to ban truck parking along North Parkside Avenue, targeting notorious congestion hotspot near Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
230003
Finance Director Gets Green Light to Transfer $2 Million for Philly Police Department Needs
Finance Director authorized to transfer $2 million from Grants Revenue Fund to the General Fund for the Police Department's materials, supplies and equipment. The funds will be used to meet departmental needs.
230010
Council seeks tougher regulations on public street repairs in Philadelphia
Permittees repairing public street openings must now pay all outstanding charges, fines, and penalties before securing a permit, with daily penalties of up to $150 for non-compliance affecting contractors in Philadelphia.
230006
Philadelphia Council Clarifies Zoning Definitions in Revised City Code
Neighborhood Business Owners Face Uncertainty as City Council Considers Stricter Regulations on Outdoor Signs; Proposed legislation could limit the size and number of signs displayed on commercial properties across the city.
230001
Semi-trailers and truck tractors now face up to $500 fine for on-street parking in Philly.
Truck drivers who ignore "No Truck Zone" signs will face a hefty price tag, as city officials aim to squeeze giant rigs off narrow Philly streets with new, steeper fines. A surge in large trucks clogging neighborhood roads has prompted Councilmembers to propose stricter enforcement and higher penalties for truckers who park on residential streets.
230009-AA
Truck Parking Ban Takes Effect Along North 57th Street Near Lansdowne and Media Avenues
A new law prohibits truck parking on both sides of North 57th Street between Lansdowne Avenue and Media Street.
230002