Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 17 to May 23, 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
Parking Permits Extended and Fees Introduced in Philadelphia Neighborhoods
City Drivers Face Higher Parking Fines as Council Proposes New Fee Structure for Non-Resident Parking Permits, Boosting Revenue by Thousands Monthly.
240335
City Council Passes Bill Updating Parking Permit Zones in Historic Neighborhoods
This bill amends Chapter 12-2700 of The Philadelphia Code to change certain parking district boundaries and establish new permit parking districts.
240334
Philly to Adjust Outdoor Dining Rules to Match Revised City Standards
Philadelphia's street dining regulations are getting an overhaul to align with revised city standards, affecting outdoor dining requirements in the City. New rules for streeteries will soon be in effect throughout Philadelphia streets.
240331
No Parking Zone Established on West Side of North 34th Street Between Indiana Avenue and Clearfield Street
Residents along North 34th Street are breathing a sigh of relief as a new "no parking" zone goes into effect tonight, aiming to alleviate congestion and safety concerns for students and commuters.
240329
Parking Ban Goes into Effect on South Side of Wises Mill Road From Henry to Forbidden Drives
This bill establishes a no parking regulation on the south side of Wises Mill Road between Henry Avenue and Forbidden Drive.
240302
City Council Approves Sidewalk Café Permit for New Business on Bustling Castor Avenue
This bill allows for a sidewalk café to be set up in front of a business at 6516 Castor Avenue, with certain rules and restrictions.
240301
Germantown Jews Get Visible Boundaries Around Public Space to Deter Vandalism and Theft Downtown
Philadelphia's Jewish Community Faces Rising Crime Rates: Amidst a surge in vandalism and theft, a proposed measure seeks to protect historic sites with temporary demarcations on streets like Germantown Avenue and Rittenhouse Square.
240282
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
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
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
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
City Officials Prepare to Break Ground on Hendren Street Sewer Project Amid Community Concerns Over Flooding
This bill allows the Procurement Commissioner to enter into a contract for constructing sewers on Hendren Street (600-700 blocks) to provide public sewer service.
240221
Council Aims to Fix Congested Streets with New Parking Rules for Several Philly Neighborhoods
This bill establishes parking regulations in various streets across Philadelphia to better manage traffic and parking.
240191
New Parking Rules Go Into Effect for Busy South Philly Commercial Corridors
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to guide where and how people can park their cars.
240184
City Council Moves Quickly to Install New Parking Restrictions on Certain South Philly Side Streets
This bill establishes parking regulations on specific streets in South Philadelphia to improve traffic flow and public safety.
240183
New Streetlights Installed at Busy Philly Intersections Along John F. Kennedy Boulevard and North Broad Streets
Homeowners near Philly's busy Elbow may see a dramatic increase in streetlights if Council passes measure to install hundreds of new LED lights, sparking hope for reduced crime and improved property values tonight.
240119
Philly Consumers Gain New Protections Against Unfair Business Practices
Philadelphia consumers now have new protections against unfair business practices, including unfair competition and deceptive acts or practices. The law provides remedies for those affected by such actions.
240118
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Officials Launch Bid to Snag Federal Dollars for Philly's Neighborhood Makeover Efforts
Philly's South Street could soon see a major facelift as city officials push for millions in federal funding to revamp neglected neighborhood blocks and bring much-needed housing and services to struggling areas.
240494
Philly Businesses and Homeowners Must Follow Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Renters and drivers in Philly face new fees as city council introduces measure to regulate EV charging station rates and installation permits, sparking concern among property owners about added costs and bureaucratic hurdles.
240500
Council Signs Bill Amending Zoning Maps in Locust Street to 8th Street, South Street, and Broad Street Area
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations in a specific area bounded by Locust Street, 8th Street, South Street, and Broad Street.
240499
City Council Votes to Raise Homestead Exclusion Deduction for Thousands of Local Homeowners
Thousands of Philly homeowners are set to see their property tax bills shrink, thanks to a City Council vote that boosts the homestead exemption by $20,000, providing much-needed relief to seniors and low-income families.
240492
Philadelphia Council Moves to Restrict Business Hours on Bustling Street Corners Throughout City
This bill adds specific locations to a list of establishments that have limited hours of operation and outlines penalties for those businesses.
240498
Philadelphia Approves Sidewalk Café for Busy Baltimore Avenue Spot Despite Noise Concerns
Residents and business owners along bustling Baltimore Avenue are abuzz over the city council's decision to permit a new outdoor café at a popular eatery, sparking debate about noise and crowds.
240497
City Council Approves Sidewalk Café Plan for Busy Catharine Street Corner Spot
Catharine Street shop owners are cheering after City Council approved plans to turn a historic corner spot into a bustling outdoor café, but some neighbors worry about added noise and congestion.
240496
Beaumont Street Officially Vacated from 51st Street to Its End Point
Beaumont Street closed permanently between 51st and its terminus after city council votes to vacate it. The street's closure is effective immediately following the council's approval.
240495
City Approves Outdoor Dining Permit for Busy Snyder Avenue Spot Amid New Regulations
Philadelphia's Minimum Wage Hike Hits Small Business Owners Hard as Council Votes to Raise City-Wide Minimum to $15 by 2025. A proposal to raise the city's minimum wage to $12 this summer and $15 in two years has sparked debate among business owners who fear the added expense.
240493