Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 24 to March 30, 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
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
Parking Restrictions Imposed in Multiple Philadelphia Neighborhoods Along Specific Streets
This bill establishes new parking regulations in several neighborhoods of Philadelphia, limiting parking time to two hours in specific areas.
230131
Trucks Banned from Parking on 66th Street Between Morris Park Road and Sherwood Road
This bill prohibits trucks from parking on both sides of 66th Street between Morris Park Road and Sherwood Road in Philadelphia.
230130
City Officials Set to Revamp Northeast Philly Road Network with New Boston Place Addition
A proposed new street in Northeast Philly is set to reroute traffic on busy 11th Street by adding a shortcut between Tenth and Eleventh Streets at York Street, promising relief for frustrated commuters. Homeowners along Boston Place will soon be asked to sign off on city ownership of the road.
230128
Private Firm Wins Approval to Expand Wireless Services at Philly Airport Amid Ongoing Terminal Upgrades
Philadelphia's Taxi Medallion System Gets Overhaul as Council Approves Plan for All-Owner Licenses, Opening Doors for New Drivers and Firms. Small business owners hail the long-awaited change as a much-needed boost to the embattled industry.
230108
Department of Streets Gets Green Light to Install Traffic Calming Measures Near City Schools Daily
Philadelphia Students May Soon Have More Protected Bike Lanes Council Passes Resolution Supporting Expansion of Dedicated Cycling Routes Across City A new proposal would designate 15 miles of protected bike lanes in Philadelphia, aimed at encouraging cycling and reducing congestion on major thoroughfares like Market Street and Broad Street.
230103
University of Pennsylvania Wins Approval for Tree Planters, Benches on Busy Chestnut Street Stretch
Philadelphia Schools to Offer Free Breakfast to All Students, Starting Next Month A new city law will require all public schools to serve free breakfast to every student, aiming to boost nutrition and attendance among some of the city's neediest students.
230078
Council Approves Plan Change for Bustleton Avenue Area Removing Section of Southampton Road
Bustleton neighborhood residents can expect changes to their local streetscape as Council votes to revise City Plan 370, paving the way for potential development along Bustleton Avenue by removing a section of Southampton Road.
230035
City Seeks To Shutter Sloan Street Between Ogden And Northern End In Favor Of Underground Utilities
Residents along Sloan Street are facing a major disruption as the city proposes paving over the entire length of the road, trading it in for hidden pipes and utilities beneath the pavement. Homeowners will need to sign off on the plan, potentially sacrificing valuable property rights.
230033
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
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
Vare Avenue And South 28th Streets To Get Two-Way Traffic As City Council Approves New Regulations
South Philly residents are set to see faster commutes as city council passes new legislation converting two major thoroughfares into two-way streets, a move expected to ease congestion on Vare Avenue and South 28th Street.
220971
City Realigns Arch Street in Southwest Philly as Part of Minor City Plan Adjustments
This bill makes minor adjustments to the City Plan for Arch Street between 63rd and Gross Streets, including adjusting the street's width and location, and adding land to the city.
220970
Large Trucks and Semitrailers Banned on Certain Streets in Philadelphia's Ninth District
This bill prohibits large trucks and semitrailers from parking on certain streets in the Ninth District of Philadelphia's City Council.
220968
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
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
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
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
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
Truck Parking Ban Takes Effect on 67th Street Between Callowhill and Girard Avenues
Frustrated residents are breathing a sigh of relief as the city tackles notorious congestion caused by oversized trucks idling for hours along 67th Street, with council members voting to ban parking on this busy corridor.
220906
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City to Issue Bonds for Neighborhood Revamp as Part of Ongoing Transformation Efforts Begin
Low-Income Homeowners Face Higher Property Taxes Under Proposed Bill on Homestead Exemption Changes A proposed law would tie property tax exemptions to rising home values, potentially hitting low-income homeowners with higher tax bills in some Philadelphia neighborhoods.
230251
City Refinances Debt with Ability to Refund Bonds and Use Proceeds for Related Costs
Philly homeowners may see reduced property tax bills after City Council passes measure allowing refunds on $1 billion in outstanding debt, potentially saving residents hundreds of dollars annually.
230250
Parking Regulations Established in Philadelphia Neighborhoods Along Multiple Streets
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Tax Bills Next Year After Council Vote to Hike Property Taxes by 2.5% Amid Rising Assessment Costs. The tax hike affects all property owners in the city, with varying rates depending on their assessment value and location.
230248
Trucks Restricted from Parking Along Specific Streets in Philadelphia
This law prohibits trucks from parking on both sides of 52nd Street between Arlington and West Berks Streets, and on one side of 53rd Street between Lebanon Avenue and Arlington Street.
230249