Weekly recap
This week in Council
January 19 to January 25, 2024
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philly Law Now Bars Most Lottery-Style Games in City Businesses
Small business owners breathe a sigh of relief as City Council votes to ban high-stakes skill games from Philly bars and restaurants, but some argue the move may not go far enough to stop exploitation.
240010-A
Retail Customer Parking Lots to Install Video Surveillance Cameras
Retail parking lots across Philadelphia are now required to install video surveillance cameras that cover at least 80% of their areas with minimum resolution and infrared capabilities. Footage must be stored for 30 days and available to law enforcement upon request.
240006
Parking Regulations Established in Certain Philadelphia Neighborhood Streets
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia.
240022
Philadelphia Officials Mandate Licenses for Eviction Specialists Handling City Residential Evictions
People involved in tenant evictions at residential properties in Philadelphia must now be licensed under a new law, requiring professionals to meet certain terms and conditions. Eviction specialists handling city residential evictions are now subject to licensing requirements.
240018
Council Moves Forward with Expanded Traffic Calming Measures for City's Recreation Hubs
This bill expands traffic calming measures in Philadelphia by allowing the Department of Streets to install them near recreation centers, playgrounds, parks, and libraries.
240016
City Officials Must Report Use of Life-Saving Opioid Antidotes to Council by End of Month
Philadelphia officials must report use of opioid antidotes to City Council by month's end, following passage of new bill requiring transparency in life-saving treatments. City Council voted 16-0 to mandate reports from the Office of the Managing Director.
240015
Philadelphia City Council Proposes Evening Curfews for Kensington Businesses to Curb Noise Complaints
This bill regulates the hours of operation for certain businesses in a specific area bounded by East Lehigh Avenue, Kensington Avenue, D Street, E Tioga Street, and Frankford Avenue.
240013-A
City Council Proposes Rezoning Portions of North Philly Along Queen Lane to Spur Development
City Council has proposed rezoning portions of North Philadelphia along Queen Lane to spur development, changing zoning maps in an area bounded by Queen Lane, Wissahickon Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard (Extended), and Henry Avenue.
240012-A
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Revamp Parking Regulations on Major Neighborhood Streets Overnight
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific Philadelphia neighborhoods to improve traffic flow and enforcement.
240009
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Safeguard Youth Athletes from Exploitative Publicity Deals Daily
A proposed city law aims to shield young athletes in Philly from predatory business deals, requiring agents and sponsors to provide clear contracts and informed consent before profiting off kids' likenesses.
240007
Philly Proposal Aims to Establish Ombudsman for Homeless Residents Seeking City Aid Assistance
Philadelphia residents will soon vote on whether to establish an Office of Homeless Services Ombudsperson to help those seeking city aid. The move, championed by five council members, aims to create a new role to address homeless residents' needs.
240005
City Imposes Stricter Parking Restrictions Along Gravers Lane and Millman Street Following Resident Complaints
Philadelphia Residents Will Soon Face Fines for Illegally Parking Near Schools, City Council Votes to Toughen Enforcement on No-Parking Zones Around Education Centers.
240021
City Officials Ordered to Report on Growing Homeless Camping Problem in Philadelphia Streets
City officials must now report to Council about homeless camps violating city rules and the city's efforts to address them. The Office of the Managing Director is required to submit regular reports on impermissible camping activities.
240017
Clear Parking Signs Installed in Select Philadelphia Neighborhoods to Enhance Traffic Flow and Safety
Clear signs are coming to North Philadelphia's most congested streets. City Council has voted to install clear parking signs on seven trouble-prone intersections, aiming to improve traffic flow and resident safety.
240011
Philadelphia Teams Up with Bennett Compost to Turn Food Scraps into Valuable Garden Gold
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to partner with Bennett Compost, Inc.
240003
City Officials Revise Permit Parking Boundaries Amid Resident Complaints in Neighborhoods Across Philadelphia
Philadelphia's permit parking boundaries are being revised in response to resident complaints, specifically changing the area covered by District 21 to include a new boundary along Mt. Pleasant Road.
240023
Philadelphia Zoning Code Changed to Allow for Additional Outdoor Seating in Historic Districts
A proposed zoning overhaul could radically alter the fabric of 16 city neighborhoods by allowing taller buildings in residential areas, sparking concerns from community leaders who say it will displace longtime residents and small businesses.
240020-A
City Council Votes to Give PIDC Lifeline of 50 More Years of Economic Support
Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PIDC) gets extended lifespan with City Council vote, securing economic support for 50 more years. PIDC's term now tied to state approval, set to expire in 50 years.
240019
Street Vending Prohibited on 54th Ward Streets Following Passage into Law
This bill prohibits street vending in the 54th Ward of Philadelphia.
240014
Philadelphia Council Votes to Enact New Parking Restrictions on Ainslie and Vaux Streets
Residents along Ainslie and Vaux Streets are set for a shake-up as city council votes to limit parking hours on these narrow streets, leaving some worried about added congestion.
240008
Changes Made to Newspaper Notice Posting Requirements for City Documents
Philadelphia residents will now see quicker posting of important public documents on city websites, a change that's raising concerns among newspaper owners who see their advertising revenue dwindle.
240004