Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 24 to March 2, 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
Became law
City Agrees to Lock In Fixed Energy Prices Through 2026 Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Faced with soaring energy costs, a new measure would lock in stable rates for Philly's municipal fuel purchases until 2026, sparing residents and businesses from shouldering increased expenses for city services and operations.
220810
Commissioners Banned from Holding Public Office and Donating to Politicians
Philadelphia residents who serve on the Citizens Police Oversight Commission may soon be forced to choose between advocating for police reform and holding elected office.
220736
City Officials Unify Flag-Raising Standards as Council Approves New Ceremony Guidelines
Philadelphia Businesses Reap Benefits from Council's Vote to Expand Outdoor Dining Permits, doubling the number of available permits and allowing more restaurants to serve customers on sidewalks and parking lots.
220244
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Council Approves FY24 Operating Budget Setting Financial Course for City Agencies
$15 Minimum Wage Hike Proposed for Philly Service Industry Workers, Would Boost Pay for Thousands of Restaurant, Bar Employees. Small Business Owners Worry Proposed Philadelphia Ordinance Mandating Paid Sick Leave Will Cripple Already Struggling Ventures. Philadelphia Council Unveils Plan to Expand Affordable Housing Options with $100 Million Bond Issuance to Support Local Developers.
230146
Council Approves Record Breaking $4.353 Billion Capital Budget for Philadelphia's Fiscal 2024
Philadelphia's schools will receive over $1.2 billion in funding under the newly approved capital budget, while parks and recreation programs are expected to see a 25% increase in allocations.
230145
Philadelphia City Council Unveils Ambitious $13.3 Billion Capital Program for Six Years of Infrastructure Growth
Philly homeowners face increased property taxes to fund the city's massive infrastructure overhaul, which includes upgrades to crumbling roads, water mains, and schools in all 10 council districts.
230144
New Parking Regulations Established in Philadelphia Neighborhoods Along Daly and Mifflin Streets
This bill establishes new parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods.
230155
City Rolls Out New Parking Rules for Busy South Philly Neighborhoods Along Passyunk and Washington Avenues
This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including limits on how long drivers can park and when they are allowed to do so.
230154
Philadelphia Lawmakers Establish Parking Rules in Seven City Areas
This bill establishes parking regulations in seven specific locations around Philadelphia, restricting parking time and dates to prevent congestion and allow for smoother traffic flow.
230153
Philadelphia Council Votes to Allow Cashless Gym Memberships with Conditions in Place
Gym-goers will soon be able to sign up for cashless memberships, but local business owners are still required to provide a way for customers without credit or debit cards to pay fees and purchase merchandise.
230152
Philadelphia Businesses Face Higher Tax Bills as City Council Votes to Raise Millage Rate and Net Income Percentage
Philadelphia homeowners could see significant property tax relief under new city council proposal to freeze assessments for low- and moderate-income residents. A contentious city council bill aims to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana in Philadelphia, potentially keeping thousands out of the justice system.
230149
City Council Set to Extend Tax on Wages and Profits for PICA Financing Obligations
Philadelphia small business owners face higher taxes as Council votes on extending PICA's wage and profit levy, forcing many to weigh increased costs against economic uncertainty for the city's already-struggling businesses.
230148
Philadelphia's Wage and Net Profits Tax Law Revised to Adjust Tax Rates for Residents and Businesses
Philly Small Business Owners to See Major Rate Hikes as City Council Proposes 50% Increase in Wage Tax, Impacting Thousands of Entrepreneurs.
230147
Council seeks to limit parking to 3 hours or 2 hours in Lawrence Street-Rockland and Lindley Avenue areas.
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia: Lawrence Street and Rockland, and Lindley Avenue near N.
230157
City Transfers Millions in Funds Between Budget Accounts Amid Fiscal Year 2023 Reallocations
Millions of dollars are being reallocated across the city's budget, with a proposed transfer of $10 million from the city's capital program into its cash-strapped public safety fund. The move would support hiring more police officers and firefighters.
230150
Council sought to limit parking on Erie Avenue and Sydenham Street to two hours daily.
Two-hour parking limits are now in effect along Erie Avenue and Sydenham Street, enforced Monday through Friday from 8am to 8pm. Residents with permit zone RPP#16 will be exempt from the new regulations.
230156
Truck Parking Banned on Port Royal Avenue Between Henry Avenue and Old Line Road
This bill establishes a 'no truck parking' regulation on both sides of Port Royal Avenue between Henry Avenue and Old Line Road in Philadelphia.
230151