Weekly recap
This week in Council
April 7 to April 13, 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.
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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 Council Moves to Rewrite Zoning Maps for Neighborhoods Along 63rd Street and Vine Street Boundaries
Proposed Changes to Philly's Zoning Code Would Allow More Row Homes in Certain Neighborhoods, but Some Fears It Will Push Out Small Businesses and Artists.
230107
Council Proposes Zoning Overhaul for West Philly Neighborhood Along Haverford to Belmont Avenues
Residents along a four-mile stretch of West Philadelphia are facing major changes as councilors push to rezone nearly two dozen neighborhoods, potentially paving the way for new development and gentrification in the area. Some long-time homeowners fear they'll be priced out by rising property values.
230034-A
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Tightens Penalties for Repeatedly Noncompliant Businesses Under New Law
This bill toughens penalties for businesses that repeatedly break city rules and redefines what a 'nuisance business' is.
230271
City Extends Deadline for Compliance on Revamped Penrose Ferry Road Right-Of-Way Conditions
Property owners along Penrose Ferry Road are getting extra time to meet new requirements for utility easements, but some critics argue the extension will only delay progress on long-overdue upgrades.
230273
Commercial Vehicles Restricted on Erdrick Street Between Princeton and Tyson Avenues
Residents along Erdrick Street are breathing a sigh of relief as City Council tackles congestion headaches with new restrictions targeting oversized trucks parked on the street, but small business owners protest disruption to deliveries.
230277
Holy Family University's Master Plan gets major overhaul with new Welcome Center, sports facilities coming to NE Philly
Holy Family University's plans for its 26-acre campus are about to get a major upgrade, with a new state-of-the-art Welcome Center and sports facilities set to sprout up on an existing playing field.
230276
Truck Parking Ban Takes Hold Along N. 51st Street and Brown Street Amid Traffic Flow Concerns
This bill prohibits truck parking on Brown Street and surrounding areas near N.
230275
Parking Restrictions Imposed on Camac Street and Johnston Street with Two-Hour Limit
This bill establishes a new parking regulation in the vicinity of Camac Street and Johnston Street, requiring two-hour parking from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Monday through Sunday.
230274
Carlisle Street Residents Face New Parking Rules as Council Approves Stricter Regulations
South Philly Business Owners Worry About Proposed Bill to Hike Minimum Wage for City Contractors Philadelphia's minimum wage would rise 25% for contractors working on city projects under new legislation that aims to boost local workers' earnings.
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