Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 3 to May 9, 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
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
Philadelphia Council Adopts Changes to Zoning Map in Specific Downtown Streets
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of specific areas bounded by Somerset Street, Orkney Street, Cumberland Street, and 5th Street.
240216
North Philly Neighborhoods Get New Zoning Designations Following City Council Vote
This bill updates zoning classifications in a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by several streets.
240215
Tioga Urban Renewal Area Redevelopment Proposal Amended to Align with Neighborhood Plan
Philadelphia city officials have revised the Tioga Urban Renewal Plan to align with a community-approved blueprint, affecting the area generally bounded by Hunting Park Avenue and Broad Street. The changes aim to make it consistent with the Tioga Redevelopment Area Plan.
240192
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Unveils Plan to Purchase Scenic Riverfront Properties for Expanded Public Parklands
Residents living near the proposed park expansion sites are concerned about increased noise, traffic, and property values as the city pushes forward with its ambitious plan to connect three disconnected parks. Philly's Minimum Wage Ordinance Set to Hike Pay for Thousands of City Workers; Small Businesses Fear Higher Labor Costs
240423
Philadelphia Set to Sink Billions into Road Repairs and Building Renovations through Emergency Loan Program
City Council approves measure allowing Philadelphia to sell billions in bonds for road repairs and building renovations. The emergency loan program will fund various city projects, staying within the state's constitutional debt limit.
240416-A
Speed cameras installed on Broad Street to enhance public safety and related technical adjustments made.
Automated speed cameras are now being deployed on Broad Street as part of an effort to improve public safety. The move is based on a city code amendment allowing the use of automated speed enforcement systems on Broad Street under certain terms and conditions.
240434
Zoning Changes Proposed for Philadelphia Area Bounded by Kensington Avenue and Allegheny Avenue
City Council moves forward with proposal to change zoning designations in a Kensington neighborhood bounded by Kensington Avenue, Tioga Street, Jasper Street, and Allegheny Avenue. New zoning maps "B1" and "B2" would replace existing ones "A1" and "A2".
240432
City Plans Massive Expansion of Riverfront Green Spaces with Acquisition of 50 Acres in Northeast Philly
This bill allows the City to buy land along the Delaware River in Tacony-Holmesburg for new public parks.
240431
Roosevelt Boulevard Neighborhood Zoning Maps Revised to Classify North and West Sides
This bill updates zoning maps for certain areas in Philadelphia, changing their classification and possibly affecting development projects.
240426
Ridge Avenue Zoning Changes Signed into Law After Bounding Area with New Overlay
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps and adds a new overlay to Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code for a specific area bounded by Valley Avenue, Domino Lane, Ridge Avenue, Paoli Avenue, Pechin Street, Hermit Street, and Henry Avenue.
240421
Parking Ban Implemented Overnight on Certain City Streets Including Cobbs Creek Parkway
No Parking Allowed: Overnight restrictions kick in tonight for drivers on 12 city streets, affecting thousands of residents who rely on these roads to get home after dark every night.
240420
City Council Signs New Parking Regulations Along Walnut Street, Spruce Street, Locust Street, and Chestnut Street
This bill creates parking regulations on specific streets in Philadelphia.
240419
Philadelphia City Council Introduces Parking Regulations for Eight Busy City Streets
This bill establishes parking regulations on several streets in Philadelphia, likely to improve traffic flow and public safety.
240418
City Council Takes Aim at Revamping Island Avenue Zoning to Spur New Development
Philadelphia City Council proposes re-zoning 15 blocks in Southwest Philly to allow for more dense development near Temple University, potentially bringing thousands of new students and residents into the area. Neighbors are divided over the plan's merits.
240415
Ogontz Avenue Businesses Must Close by 1 AM to Meet New Late Night Regulations
Longtime residents along Ogontz Avenue are rejoicing at the prospect of quieter nights, but business owners are crying foul as City Council votes to impose an 11 PM curfew on bars and restaurants. The new rules aim to alleviate noise complaints from nearby homes.
240414
Council Approves Measure Giving Agencies Power to Adjust Certain Fees on the Fly
City Council gives agencies power to adjust certain fees without council approval. Agencies can now revise various fees through regulations under specific terms and conditions.
240430
Council Targets 3 Districts Toughening Rules on Outdated Business Uses Without Zoning Permits
Council tightens rules in three districts, deeming non-conforming uses abandoned if they're replaced without a zoning permit. Discontinued and re-purposed businesses in the 5th, 8th, and 10th councilmanic districts will face new regulations.
240427-AA
City Snatches Up 100 Vacant Lots in South Philly Revitalization Effort Underway
South Philly residents see their streets transformed as city officials take control of 100 long-vacant lots, setting stage for new parks, affordable housing, and community spaces in a long-awaited revitalization push.
240425
City Purchases Key Piece of Property on Bustling East Chelten Avenue for Redevelopment Project
Philadelphia residents who own homes along East Chelten Avenue may soon see major changes as the city purchases a key plot of land, potentially paving the way for new businesses and jobs. The acquisition marks a crucial step towards revitalizing the commercial corridor.
240435
City Signs Lease Agreement Allowing New Operator to Set Up Shop at NE Philly Airport
A new company will soon set up shop at Northeast Philadelphia Airport under a lease agreement approved by city officials. The deal paves the way for a new fixed-based operator at the airport.
240433
City Officials Gain Power to Negotiate Lucrative Billboard Deals at Philly International Airport
Airport Expansion Plans Stall as City Council Delays Vote on Land Acquisition Bill
240429
Philadelphia Leaders Move to Block State Lease on West Philly Property Amid Fierce Community Opposition
This bill prevents the City of Philadelphia from renewing or extending a lease with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for property at 2100 W.
240428-A
City Council Votes to Bring Fresh Produce to Parkside Village on Busy Parkside Avenue
Residents of South Philly's Parkside neighborhood are about to have fresher food options: a long-awaited farmers' market is finally coming to Parkside Avenue, bringing local produce and vendors to the community.
240424
Lloyd Hall Recreation Center to Get Long-Term Food Service Management Partner
This bill allows the Parks and Recreation Commissioner to enter into a long-term agreement with Cosmic Catering for managing the café at Lloyd Hall Recreation Center.
240422
Philadelphia Council Votes to Boost Gas Works Budget with Major Infrastructure Overhaul
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Pay More for Water Bills Under Proposed Rate Hike, Council to Vote on Measure Affecting Thousands of City Residents.
240417