Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 29 to April 4, 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
Became law
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Offers Free Lawyers to Fix Blighted Homes, Forgives Taxes on Revamped Neighborhoods
City Council proposes law offering free lawyers and tax relief to property owners fixing up blighted homes. Blight remediation incentives would aim to boost affordable housing units, targeting certain neglected properties and neighborhoods.
240246
Developers Get Green Light to Build Higher with Big Investments in City Subway Stations
City developers can now earn higher building heights and floor areas by investing in public transit improvements, a move that could transform city subway stations with significant investments.
240249
Zoning Map Altered in Section of City Bounded by Kensington Avenue and Frankford Avenue
This bill makes changes to the zoning map in a specific area of Philadelphia, bounded by Kensington Avenue, Buckius Street, Frankford Avenue, and Tioga Street.
240247-A
New Zoning Rules Enacted for Medical Facilities in Philadelphia's Fourth District Neighborhoods
This bill makes changes to the rules for medical facilities in Philadelphia's Fourth District by establishing use regulations.
240242
City Council Proposes Easing Stream Restoration Rules on Steep Slopes Across Philadelphia Neighborhoods
City Council eases rules on steep slopes for some stream restoration projects across Philadelphia. The change affects areas where these activities will now be subject to different protection requirements.
240241
Philadelphia's Eviction Diversion Program Gets Technical Overhaul Signed into Law
This bill makes technical changes and updates to Philadelphia's residential eviction diversion program.
240245
City Council Tightens Reins on Sidewalk Vendors Near Parks After Breezy Regulations Cause Confusion
City Council has tightened rules for sidewalk vendors near city parks after new regulations caused confusion. Revisions aim to clarify provisions related to vendors operating in these areas.
240240
Sansom Street Business Owners Get Green Light to Build Out Over Sidewalks
After years of lobbying, local business owners on the 1400 block of Sansom Street can now expand their storefronts onto sidewalks with ease, as city council votes to relax traditional zoning rules for this popular shopping district.
240250
City Council Fails to Approve Measure Expanding Affordable Housing Zoning Overlay in Northeast Philly Neighborhood
This bill aimed to expand an existing neighborhood development overlay district near Buckius Street and Tioga Street, but it did not pass.
240248
Philly Council Moves to Close Loophole on Landscaping Rules for Certain Buildings Downtown
Councilmember Young's bill aims to close a loophole allowing certain downtown buildings to bypass landscaping rules. The change would apply to properties within Philadelphia's VDO district.
240244
Staircase Project Gets Green Light on East Monmouth Street Near 1951 East Monmouth Street
A staircase on East Monmouth Street can now project out from a building under new zoning rules approved by City Council. The change affects the vicinity of 1951 East Monmouth Street.
240243
Philadelphia Council Votes to Permits Sidewalk Café Near 2201 Christian Street
This bill allows a sidewalk café to be built near 2201 Christian Street in Philadelphia, under certain rules.
240239