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Weekly recap

This week in Council

September 22 to September 28, 2023

10 introduced1 became law0 failed or vetoed

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

Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Environment·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Community & Neighborhoods·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 AM · Committee on Rules

Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Business & Commerce·In Committee

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.

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Environment·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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'.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Business & Commerce·In Committee

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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Became law

Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 16, 2023

Philadelphia Receives $163 Million in Federal Disaster Relief Funds for Ida Recovery Efforts

Council Votes Down Proposal to Expand Rent Control for Small Businesses Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty; Owners Say Measure Would Have Crushed them, but Tenant Advocates Call It a Lifeline.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2023

Philadelphia Updates Plumbing Code to Match National Standards and Boost Public Safety Measures

This bill updates Philadelphia's plumbing code to align with national standards and improve safety.

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Public Health·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2023

Philadelphia Hospitals Banned from Deporting Non-Citizen Patients Without Their Consent

Philadelphia's Newborn Screening Program Gets A Major Overhaul As City Council Passes Bill Requiring All Hospitals To Test For Rare Genetic Disorders At Birth.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Sep 28, 2023

Council sought to ban street vending on specific stretches of Girard Avenue in Philadelphia.

Street vendors will be prohibited from operating on certain parts of Girard Avenue in Philadelphia under a new city ordinance. The restrictions are aimed at regulating street vending activities along this key thoroughfare.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2023

West Philly Zoning Map Changes Signed into Law

Council Votes to Increase Minimum Wage for City Workers, Boosting Pay for 16,000 Employees to $15 Per Hour Starting Next Year; Mayor Hopes Measure Will Stimulate Local Economy.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 2, 2023

City Council Axes Zoning Rules for Neighborhood Bounded by Arch, 50th, and Market Streets

Residents along the historic Avenue of the Arts may soon see a surge in new developments as City Council votes to relax zoning restrictions, paving the way for higher-density buildings and taller skyscrapers. The changes target areas near iconic landmarks like City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Sep 28, 2023

Council sought to extend real estate tax exemption deadline for longtime owner-occupants.

Longtime homeowners in Philadelphia now have until January 31st to apply for real estate tax exemptions, giving them an extra four months to submit their applications. The deadline was previously set for September 30th this year.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 30, 2023

City Council Passes New Regulations on Shared Retaining Walls

This bill amends city codes to regulate shared retaining walls, including fines and licensing requirements for owners.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Sep 28, 2023

Council proposes stricter rules on tree encroachment on Philadelphia properties

Property owners who neglect to trim encroaching trees could face consequences under new rules aimed at protecting neighbors from overgrown branches that invade neighboring properties. The city will now be able to take action if issues are not addressed.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 2, 2023

Council Extends Deadline for Convention Avenue Work Until 2025 Amid Ongoing Infrastructure Projects

This bill extends the deadline for completing work on Convention Avenue and accepting grant funds from May 22, 2023 to May 22, 2025.

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