Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 19 to May 25, 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
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
Northern Liberties Businesses Vote to Pay Special Fees for Improved Street Cleaning and Security Services
This bill continues a neighborhood improvement district in Northern Liberties, allowing property owners to pay a special fee for improvements like street cleaning and security.
230080
Roxborough Improvement District Extended Indefinitely Along Ridge Avenue Corridor Through Main Street
This bill extends the Roxborough Neighborhood Improvement District until further notice, allowing the Roxborough Development Corporation to continue managing improvements and assessing property owners in a defined area along Ridge Avenue.
220940
Philadelphia's Commerce Department Ordered to Track Workforce Development Progress Closely
This bill requires the Department of Commerce to report on workforce development activities and employment rates in Philadelphia.
220865
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Seeks Millions in Federal Aid to Fuel Affordable Housing Projects and Blight Fight
Low-Income Families Would Pay More in Taxes Under Proposal to Fund New Community Schools; The plan would raise property taxes by up to 2% to support expanded educational programs and services in underserved neighborhoods.
230449
Philadelphia Updates Rules for Underground Construction and Removes Outdated Communication Provisions
Philadelphia's Parking Regulations Get A Boost As City Council Passes New Fines For Overnight Parking Permits; Residents Can Now Expect Stiffer Fines For Illegally Parked Vehicles Without Permits.
230454
Germantown Avenue Zoning Overhaul Set to Spur New Development Along Bustling Commercial Corridor
This bill changes the zoning designation of some areas around Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia to allow for more commercial development.
230455
City Approves Deal to Expand Affordable Housing Options for Philly Homeowners with New Financing Tools
Philadelphia Residents May See Higher Utility Bills as Council Votes on Increased Water Rate Hikes to Fund Sewer Overhaul Project The proposed rate increases will impact over 200,000 residential customers, forcing many low-income households to dig deeper into their pockets to pay for water and sewage services.
230452
Philadelphia Approves 2024 Capital Budget for Philly Gas Works Amid Ongoing Funding Review
City Council Votes to Allow Electric Scooters on Sidewalks Despite Concerns from Disability Advocates; New Rules Include Speed Limits and Rider Education Requirements for Shared Mobility Services.
230451
Medical Pot Clinics Get Green Light in Northeast Overlays with New Zoning Rules Implemented
Cannabis clinics are set to sprout up in Philly's Far Northeast, as city councilors tweak zoning rules to pave the way for medical marijuana dispensaries in these residential areas.
230448
City Council Moves to Revamp Zoning Designations in Neighborhood Bounded by 50th Street and Springfield Avenue Streets
This bill changes the zoning designations for specific areas of land in a neighborhood bounded by 50th Street, Springfield Avenue, SEPTA Railroad Right-of-Way, and Warrington Avenue.
230447
Council Members Propose Zoning Changes for Southwest Philly Neighborhoods Along 54th Street Corridor
Property owners along the 54th Street corridor in Southwest Philly face potential zoning revamps, which could allow for taller buildings and denser development in a neighborhood long criticized for its commercial dominance over residential spaces.
230446
Warrington Avenue area gets new affordable housing overlay district with zoning relaxations.
This bill creates a new overlay district called Warrington Affordable Housing Overlay District, which allows for certain zoning relaxations in properties over 50,000 sq.
230443
Council Approves Zoning Changes for Southwest Philly Neighborhood Along Foulkrod and Hawthorne Streets
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designation of certain areas within a specific neighborhood.
230442
New Parking Rules Set for South Philadelphia Streets Along Passyunk Avenue
Proposed 22nd Street Revitalization Plan Aims to Boost Small Businesses; Council Bill Seeks to Create More Outdoor Dining Spaces Along Bustling Retail Corridor This plan would allow restaurants and cafes to expand into sidewalk spaces, potentially benefiting dozens of small business owners along a key commercial stretch.
230441
City Council Bill Expands Signage Around Sports Stadium District Amid Concerns Over Visual Impact and Safety
This bill amends Philadelphia's zoning code to allow larger and more complex signage in a specific area around the sports stadium district, bounded by North Access Road, 11th Street, Terminal Avenue, and Broad Street.
230440
City Officials to Widen Ridge Avenue Through Northeasterly and Southwesterly Sections of Philadelphia's City Plan
Ridge Avenue residents are in for a change as plans to widen their street move forward, with construction expected to disrupt traffic and daily routines along this bustling corridor.
230438
East Falls Buildings Along Kelly Drive Must Now Set Back at Least 25 Feet Under New Zoning Rule
Philadelphia City Council Passes Measure Requiring Bike Lane on Major Avenue, Angering Some Residents Who Say It Will Take Away Parking Spots. A new city rule would create a protected bike lane on Major Avenue, reducing the number of parking spaces from 14 to two in an effort to promote cycling and pedestrian safety.
230437
New Parking Rules Take Effect in Four Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including restrictions on time and location for parking on certain streets.
230436
Philadelphia Contractors Face Eased Reporting Burden on Diversity Data Under New Council Proposal
Small businesses in Philadelphia may breathe a sigh of relief as council members propose relaxing regulations around diversity reporting, which could save contractors time and resources spent on compliance. The change would affect thousands of local companies doing business with the city.
230435
Spruce Street Café Expansion Approved for 4333 Location with Rules on Seating and Parking
Philadelphia small business owners near the University of Pennsylvania can breathe easier now that the city council has greenlit an expansion for the popular Spruce Street Café, pending approval of a plan to squeeze in 20 extra seats along the sidewalk.
230444
Brandywine Realty Trust Given Green Light to Build Planters Along JFK Boulevard and Market Street
Philadelphia's streets are about to get some greenery: under a new measure, Brandywine Realty Trust can start building planters on JFK Blvd and Market St to spruce up the area around Drexel University.
230445
No Parking: New City Council Ruling Takes Effect Blocking Cars Along North 34th Street
This law prohibits parking on N.
230439
Philadelphia to Enter Cooperation Agreement with Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Stiff New Fees for Stray Pet Pickup Services Under Proposed City Ordinance Changes. Property owners would be assessed up to $200 extra each year to pay for stray pet pickup services under a new measure.
230453
City Treasurer Authorized to Amend Agreement with Citizens Bank for Payroll Banking Services
In a move that's expected to save taxpayers millions annually, Philadelphia City Council has greenlit a deal with Citizens Bank to manage the city's massive municipal payroll finances starting next month.
230450