Weekly recap
This week in Council
June 16 to June 22, 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
City To Send Homeowners Clearer Details On Tax Relief Options In Property Notices
Low-Income Families To Get More Time To Pay Backwater Garbage Fees Under Proposed Council Bill The legislation aims to waive late fees for low-income households struggling to pay backwater garbage charges, giving them more time to catch up on payments.
230419
City Mandates Local Newspapers Advertise Tax Relief Programs Amid Growing Foreclosure Crisis in Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Philadelphia Homeowners Struggling with Back Taxes Will Get More Notice of Help as City Council Mandates Free Ads in Local Newspapers for Tax Relief Programs and Counseling Services.
230418
Noise Restrictions Enacted in Two Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill prohibits excessive noise from vehicles in two specific areas of Philadelphia: South Street District and Delaware River Entertainment District.
230415-A
City Sells Off North Philly Land Parcel to State Under Terms Approved by Council
Low-Income Homeowners Face Rent Hikes as Council Approves Measure Relaxing Affordable Housing Protections Philadelphia homeowners with incomes below 80% of area median will no longer be entitled to rent subsidies, potentially forcing thousands into housing insecurity, under new council-approved guidelines.
230414
City of Philadelphia to Acquire 23,595-Square-Foot Land Parcel in Market Street Area
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to buy a plot of land in the area bounded by Market Street, 39th Street, Ludlow Street, and 40th Street for a purpose that is not specified in the bill.
230413
Schuylkill River to City Hall: Neighborhood Zoning Map Rewrite Proposed Along Major Roads
Community groups are pushing for a major overhaul of the city's zoning map along the Schuylkill River, which would allow for more high-rise development and denser housing near Drexel University. Residents say it will bring much-needed affordability to the neighborhood.
230412
Philadelphia Council Unveils Plan to Create Office for People with Disabilities Amid Calls for Improved City Accessibility
Disabled residents of Philly face a labyrinthine system of government offices; under new legislation, they'd have one-stop shop for navigating everything from accessible sidewalks to social services.
230411
City Council Expands Tax Breaks for Businesses in Keystone Opportunity Zones Throughout Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Small Business Owners Set to Save Big: A proposed city council measure would grant tax breaks to small firms operating in underserved neighborhoods, but critics warn of unequal distribution of incentives.
230408
City Council Votes to Redraw Neighborhood Maps Changing Zoning Rules on Bristol Street to Park Avenue Corridor
Philadelphia's 'Zoning Overlay' Bill Stirs Debate Among Landowners and Small Business Owners Along Bustling Park Avenue Corridor, Raising Concerns About Potential Rent Hikes.
230407
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
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 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
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 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 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 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
Philadelphia Extends Boundaries of Fourth District Overlay District in Key Neighborhoods Across the City
This bill expands the boundaries of the Fourth District Overlay District in Philadelphia, which affects areas like Allegheny West and Overbrook Park.
230319
Sidewalk Cafes Expansion Underway on Philly Streets as Council OKs Broadened Permit Policy
This bill allows sidewalk cafes to be set up on specific streets in Philadelphia, under certain terms and conditions.
230307
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
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
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
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Erase Discriminatory Language from Life Partnerships Benefits for All Couples
Low-Income Families to Get Reprieve: Council Proposes Free Parking Relief for City Residents with Medical Permits The measure would exempt residents holding medical parking permits from paying meters and kiosks in city-owned parking lots, bringing relief to those struggling with mobility issues.
230005
Chew Playground Basketball Courts Honored as "Rasual Butler Basketball Courts" in Point Breeze.
The City Council bill names the Chew Playground basketball courts at 1800 Washington Avenue as 'Rasual Butler Basketball Courts' in honor of Point Breeze native Rasual Butler's achievements in NBA and his connection to the community.
221016
Airport CEO Gets Power to Ink Deals with Airlines on Use of Key Facilities
Philadelphia Renters May See Increased Utility Fees; Council Bill Proposes Higher Charges for Non-Payment Fees, Affecting 70% of City's Rental Market.
220491
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Zoning Maps Overhauled as City Council Votes to Redraw Boundaries Along Mayfield Street Corridor
This bill changes the zoning classifications of certain areas in Philadelphia from one map to another, which will affect how properties can be used within those areas.
230547
Philadelphia Voters to Decide Fate of Independent Prison Oversight Board in Upcoming City Election Ballot Question
Philadelphia voters will soon weigh in on whether to create an independent Prison Community Oversight Board. A question on the ballot seeks to amend the city's charter to establish the board, giving citizens a say in its creation.
230546
Stop Signs Installed at 34th Street and West Allegheny Avenue Intersection
Speeding up safety: drivers who speed through the busy intersection of 34th Street and West Allegheny Avenue may soon face a major slowdown thanks to new all-way stop signs going in today.
230550
City Transfers 2.5 Million from Special Grants Fund to Fire Department's Personnel Budget Suddenly
Philadelphia's Fire Department is set to receive $2.5 million for personal services after City Council approved the transfer from a special grants fund in the city budget. The funds come from the Grants Revenue Fund and will be directed towards the Fire Department.
230549
Council proposes no parking on both sides of Forbidden Drive between Bells Mill Road and Wises Mill Road.
Philadelphia residents who drive along Forbidden Drive between Bells Mill Road and Wises Mill Road face new restrictions: parking is now prohibited on both sides of the road. Signs will be posted to reflect the change once completed.
230548