Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 10 to May 16, 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
Montgomery Avenue to 13th Street Zoning Boundaries Revised in City's Latest Zoning Update
This bill updates the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations in areas bounded by Montgomery Avenue, 10th Street, Girard Avenue, and 13th Street.
240281
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
Philadelphia's New Tax Prep Rules Aim to Protect City Residents
Residents who rely on tax prep companies like H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt may soon have more protection from predatory fees and shoddy service under a new city law aimed at curbing consumer complaints.
240087-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philly Law Bans Certain Firearms Speed Boosters
Philadelphia residents could soon face stiffer penalties for possessing "bump stocks" after a City Council proposal aims to ban the device's use in the city, reigniting debate over gun control and public safety.
240472
Philadelphia Council Moves to Strengthen Laws Targeting Vacant Houses and Public Nuisances throughout City Neighborhoods
Council members Jones, Landau, and Harrity introduce legislation to revise the Necessary Urgent Repair Program in the city's property maintenance code, targeting public nuisances in multi-family and vacant homes.
240471
Philadelphia Council Passes Law Regulating Business Hours in Two North Philadelphia Areas
This bill regulates the hours of operation for certain businesses in two specific areas of North Philadelphia.
240476
Philadelphia Residents Face New Rules Limiting Large Vehicle Parking in Neighborhood Streets
Boats, motor homes, and RVs will no longer be allowed to park in certain areas of Philadelphia under new rules imposed by City Council. The restrictions aim to limit large vehicle parking in neighborhood streets.
240475
Business Hours Restricted in Area Bound by East Allegheny and Kensington Avenues
This bill regulates business hours and sets penalties for certain establishments in a specific area bounded by East Allegheny Avenue, Kensington Avenue, Torresdale Avenue, and Frankford Avenue.
240474
City Council Moves to Boost Economic Growth in Designated Neighborhoods Through Extended Incentives and Perks
A new proposal would forgive up to 75% of property taxes for Philadelphia's small business owners in low-income neighborhoods, a move aimed at spurring job growth and revitalization in underserved communities.
240470
Philadelphia Council Votes to Enforce Strict Business Hour Restrictions on Ogontz Avenue Businesses
This bill regulates hours of operation for certain businesses in a specific area bounded by Ogontz Avenue between Haines Street and 66th Avenue.
240468
City Council Orders Philly's Big Hospitals to Chip In for Municipal Expenses
Philly's largest hospitals will soon be writing bigger checks to City Hall, as a new mandate requires them to kick in millions more each year for municipal expenses like street cleaning and police services.
240467
Zoning Board Quorum Rule Undergoes Dramatic Shift Amid Growing Community Concerns About Transparency
Philadelphia residents who pack zoning board meetings will now have a majority of their voices represented, as the number of required board members shifts from four to just two.
240466
Midvale Avenue Sidewalk Café Wins Approval for Expanded Permits to Operate Downtown
This bill allows a specific sidewalk café to operate in a designated area on Midvale Avenue, subject to certain terms and conditions.
240473
City Council Votes to Allow Eruv Markers in University City as Part of Proposed Orthodox Community Development
Tensions rise between residents and developers in University City as City Council approves plan for 20 miles of overhead markers to be installed, sparking concerns about aesthetics and impact on local businesses.
240469