Weekly recap
This week in Council
April 28 to May 4, 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
Environmental Justice Advisory Commission Members' Compensation Revised to Meet New Standards
Philadelphia would pay its environmental justice panel members more than double what they currently receive, with some meetings now reimbursed at $125 and an annual cap of $1,500, under proposed new rules.
230127
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
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Secures Lease for Office Space and Storage in Northeast Philly's Southampton Road Building Complex
In a deal that could boost city efficiency, Philadelphia is poised to secure a long-term lease for much-needed office space in Northeast Philly's Southampton Road Building Complex, impacting dozens of municipal employees who currently work out of cramped quarters.
230362
City Seeks Control of Northeast Philadelphia Land Parcel for Over 8 Million Dollar Acquisition Effort
This bill authorizes the City of Philadelphia to acquire a parcel of land in Northeast Philly for an amount not to exceed $7.1 million.
230360
City Leases Space in Southwest Philly for Office and Environmental Services Use
Philadelphia city council is expected to vote on a measure that would allow the city to lease more space in Southwest Philly, doubling down on plans to centralize office operations and streamline waste management efforts. Local residents are waiting to see how the move will impact traffic and noise levels.
230355
City Approves Long Term Lease for Department of Revenue Office Space in North Philadelphia
Philadelphia's property owners will pay an estimated $1 million more annually as the city locks in a decade-long rent hike to keep the Department of Revenue on the outskirts of North Philadelphia. The deal benefits a long-time local developer.
230363
Streets Department Gains Power to Impose Parking Rules Along Busy Stretch of Walnut Street in West Philly
This bill allows the Streets Department to establish parking restrictions on Walnut Street between 40th and 63rd streets through regulations, including loading zones up to 80 feet per block.
230359
City Leases Property on East Allegheny for Police Use in Upcoming Anti-Crime Initiative
A $1.5 million deal to lease a Southeast Philly warehouse is sparking questions about its role in Mayor Kenney's anti-crime push and whether it's a sound investment of taxpayer dollars.
230357
City Council OKs Sublease Deal for CLIP Office Space on Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia residents living in some of the city's most troubled neighborhoods could soon have a new resource thanks to a City Council deal that secures a decade-long lease on Frankford Avenue for CLIP's community programs.
230361
New Parking Restrictions Hit North Philly Neighborhoods Amid Concerns Over Safety and Traffic Congestion
This bill changes parking regulations in a specific area of Philadelphia by making certain streets 'no stopping any time' and tow away zones.
230358
City Grants Easement to PennDOT for Schuylkill River Highway Expansion Project
The city has granted an easement to PennDOT for a highway expansion project along the Schuylkill River, spanning areas bounded by Market Street, 24th Street, Spruce Street, and the river.
230356
City Seals Deal to Lease John F Kennedy Blvd Space for City Offices at $22.50 Per Square Foot
The City of Philadelphia can lease up to 19,099 square feet of office space at 1617 John F.
230354