Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 20 to October 26, 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
Red Light Cameras Coming to Busy Intersection of 17th Street and Washington Avenue in South Philly
South Philadelphians can expect a safer commute as city council votes to install red light cameras at the notorious 17th Street and Washington Avenue intersection, citing 43 reported accidents in the past three years alone.
230678
Red Light Enforcement Systems Authorized at Kelly Drive and Falls Bridge Intersection
This bill allows for the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Falls Bridge.
230677
Red Light Cameras Installed at Belmont Avenue Intersection
This bill authorizes the installation of red light enforcement cameras at the intersection of Belmont Avenue, Ford Road & Overbrook Avenue.
230676
Philadelphia Sidewalk Cafe Law Expanded to Allow More Cafes Along 6th District Streets
This bill amends city code to allow sidewalk cafes in specific locations within the Sixth District of Council.
230625
Café Vies for Space on Pine Street as City Council Weighs Sidewalk Seating Plan
Tight Squeeze: A small business is vying for space on a packed Pine Street, but its proposal to expand onto the sidewalk has raised concerns about pedestrian traffic and congestion.
230624
Sidewalk Café Allowed at 701 S. 50th Street in Philadelphia Under Certain Terms
Philadelphia City Council Votes Unanimously to Raise Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers, Giving Thousands More Protection from Wage Theft and Higher Earnings. The bill increases the minimum wage for tipped workers to $4.68 per hour, affecting over 20,000 restaurant servers and bartenders across the city.
230623
Sidewalk Cafes Authorized Near Baltimore Avenue Properties with Stringent Construction Rules
Families in North Philadelphia May Soon Benefit from Free Preschool Classes Thanks to New Council Proposal Council aims to provide universal pre-K education to thousands of young residents by requiring local schools to offer free preschool classes starting next year.
230622
Philadelphia Council Mandates No Truck Parking Along Busy Stretch of Nevada Street in West Philly
Residents along a notoriously congested stretch of West Philadelphia's Nevada Street will soon see fewer big rigs idling outside their homes, but some worry it'll just push the problem down the block. The city is trying to ease traffic backups and reduce noise pollution from truck parking on this narrow street.
230621
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
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
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
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
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
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
Cameras Coming to Philly Streets: New System Targets Parking Violators Near Mass Transit Hubs
City Council Advances Plan to Monitor Homeless Encampments: Proposed Ordinance Would Limit Occupancy Timeouts to 24 Hours, Allow Social Services Interventions
230489
Morse and Allen Streets Up for Revision as City Looks to Update Neighborhood Maps
This bill allows for a change in City Plan No.
230488
Angle Parking Rolls Out Citywide: New Rules Set Fines for Illicit Street Turns
Philadelphia residents can expect a shake-up in parking habits as the city introduces angle parking on 400 city blocks, but drivers who ignore signs will face steep fines, up to $500 per infraction.
230487
Philadelphia City Plan Revised: Vacating Addison Street and Reserving Sewer Right of Way Ahead
Addison Street residents face uncertain future as proposed city plan revamps neighborhood's layout, potentially altering traffic flow and property values in the process. Homeowners along the affected stretch will be required to sign off on the changes.
230486
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Zoning Changes Unveiled For Land Along Wharton Street to Newkirk Street Corridor
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations for certain areas of land bounded by Wharton Street, Newkirk Street, Reed Street, and 29th Street.
230745
Philadelphia Council Votes to Shield Displaced Contract Workers from Unfair Labor Practices Continuously
Displaced contractors who worked on city projects will soon have new shields against unfair labor practices, including wage theft and retaliation, under a measure set for final approval later this week.
230746
City Council Tries to Rewrite Rules for Properties Along Dickinson Street to 24th Street Border.
Neighborhood Residents Fear New Bill Could Bring High-Rise Apartments to their Quiet Streets as City Council Votes on Zoning Changes Along Dickinson Street to 24th Street Border Next Week.
230744
Council seeks to alter zoning for area bounded by Queen Lane and nearby avenues
Philadelphia zoning designations are set to change in a broad stretch of the city, bounded by Queen Lane, Wissahickon Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard, and Henry Avenue, under a proposed ordinance sponsored by Councilmember Jones.
230743
Council Proposes Indemnifying Community Groups from Financial Risks in Zoning Debates
Philadelphia residents who band together to protest developments or advocate for neighborhood preservation may soon be shielded from costly lawsuits if a City Council proposal becomes law. Council Seeks to Limit Police Union's Right to Sue the City Over Officer Discipline A new measure aims to restrict the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) union's ability to sue the city in cases wher
230740
Philadelphia Council OKs Utilities Access on West Fairmount Park Section Bound By Wynnefield Avenue Extended and Belmont Avenue
A new law paves the way for electricity, water, and sewer connections along West Fairmount Park's western edge, where residents have long complained about limited access to basic services. Thousands of park-goers will benefit from improved infrastructure in the area.
230742
Basic Utilities and Services Cleared for Use at Specific East Fairmount Park Location
This bill allows Basic Utilities and Services to use a specific location in East Fairmount Park, bounded by CSX Railroad, Girard Avenue, and 33rd Street.
230741