Weekly recap
This week in Council
September 8 to September 14, 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
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 Authorizes $223 Million Loan for Capital Projects Without Voter Approval
In a move that raises concerns about transparency, City officials will soon vote on issuing up to $223 million in loans for infrastructure upgrades, forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for years to come. The loan is set to be repaid through higher property taxes.
230186-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Moves to Shield Exonerated Philadelphians from Job Rejection Based on Overturned Convictions
Philadelphia residents who've had their wrongful convictions overturned may finally get a second chance at employment, as City Council aims to ban employers from rejecting applicants with expunged records, regardless of past mistakes. Hundreds could benefit from this proposed legislation.
230571
Philadelphia Requires Notice and Permits for Long-Term Construction Projects on City Streets and Sidewalks
This bill amends the city's Right of Way Management policy to require notice and permits for construction projects that last more than 7 days, affecting streets and sidewalks in Philadelphia.
230570
Chestnut Hill Business Improvement District Gets New Lease on Life in Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Philadelphia's largest BID would be allowed to raise $250,000 annually from local property owners under a proposed measure, with funds used for everything from street cleaning to holiday decorations.
230586
City Council Proposes Rezoning Land Along Germantown Avenue from Allegheny to Rittenhouse Streets
Small business owners along Germantown Avenue are facing uncertain futures as City Council debates rezoning plans that could bring in big-box stores and displace long-time eateries and shops. Neighborhood residents worry about losing their community character.
230585
Newsstands in Philly Get Green Light to Sell Wider Range of Merchandise Including Phones and Local Attraction Tickets
Small Business Owners Cheer as Council Votes to Lift Restrictions on Food Cart Vendors in City Parks, Allowing Them to Stay Later and Sell More Items. The new rules would allow food cart vendors to stay open until 10 PM and sell a broader selection of goods, including hot prepared foods, beverages, and specialty items.
230584
Council sought to revise Philadelphia parking regulations for angle parking orientations.
This bill revises parking regulations and fines related to angle parking in Philadelphia.
230583
Aramingo Avenue Shopping District Extended Beyond Original End Date Amid Plans for New Improvements
Businesses along Aramingo Avenue will soon benefit from new upgrades after city council voted to extend the shopping district's lifespan, paving the way for a fresh wave of revitalization efforts. Property owners will chip in through special assessment fees.
230579
Temporary Demolition Moratorium Established in Wissahickon Historic District Area
This bill creates a temporary moratorium on demolishing buildings in the Wissahickon Historic District, which is bounded by Ridge Avenue, Rochelle Avenue, Vicaris Street, and Hermit Street.
230578
Clear Nylon Cord to Be Installed Along Public Rights-Of-Way In Wynnefield And Overbrook Neighborhoods
Cord-cutting not included: a local Jewish organization will install a 2-mile network of clear nylon cord to create a sacred boundary for its members in Wynnefield and Overbrook. The move aims to respect traditional Jewish practices in Philadelphia's neighborhoods.
230577
Brewerytown-Sharswood Overlay Zoning Subarea Created in Philadelphia Zoning Code Amendments
Residents of Brewerytown and Sharswood can expect to see taller buildings along 22nd Street as a new zoning overlay takes effect, doubling the maximum height from 60 feet to 120 feet overnight.
230574-A
Philadelphia to Expand Video Monitoring and Enforcement of Nuisance Businesses Selling Drug Paraphernalia
This bill allows Philadelphia to better enforce laws against nuisance businesses that sell drug paraphernalia by expanding video monitoring and requiring additional enforcement mechanisms.
230569
Council proposes mandatory shopping cart containment systems for large retail businesses
Philadelphia businesses with 10 or more shopping carts will be required to implement cart containment systems, preventing customers from taking carts out of designated parking areas. Affected retailers must enforce the new rule under specific terms and conditions.
230568
Sidewalk Café Permitted at East Albert Street Location
Small Business Owners in South Philly's Commercial Corridor to Get Reprieve from Parking Tickets Under New Council Plan A proposed ordinance would exempt owners of small businesses in the 17th and 18th Police Districts from parking tickets issued between midnight and 6am on weekdays, helping to keep late-night employees safe.
230582
Sidewalk Café Permitted at 1524 S. 10th Street in Philadelphia Under Certain Terms
This bill allows a business at 1524 S.
230581
Restaurant Owner Gets Greenlight to Transform 817 Christian Street Sidewalk into Bustling Outdoor Café Space
This bill allows a restaurant at 817 Christian Street to install and maintain an outdoor sidewalk café with tables and seating.
230580
Charles Baker Recreation Center Renamed to Honor Carol Baker Rice's Contributions
Low-Income Families to Save Thousands as Philly Council Passes Measure to Increase Property Tax Rebates for City Homeowners Making Under $50,000 a Year. Philly Seniors Can Breathe Easy with New Bill Mandating Affordable Air Quality Monitoring in City Schools and Parks.
230576
City Set to Rezone Lex Street as Council Approves Vacation of Portion Along Thompson Street
This bill allows for a change to the City Plan by vacating (removing) a portion of Lex Street from the map and releasing the city from any liability related to this change.
230575
Girard Avenue Café Expands onto Sidewalk with City Approval Pending Proper Permits
This bill allows a café to install tables and chairs on the sidewalk in front of their business at 635 W Girard Ave.
230573
Sidewalk Café Coming to 29th Street: City Council Approves Temporary Installation for Otto's Taproom & Grille Establishment
Cheers are in store for residents along 29th Street as the city council greenlights a temporary outdoor seating area for Otto's Taproom & Grille, pending approval from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
230572