Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 24 to May 30, 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
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 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
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 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 City Council Approves Renewed Contract to Bring Verizon Cable Services to Neighborhoods
This bill renews a cable TV franchise agreement between the City of Philadelphia and Verizon Pennsylvania LLC for four areas of the city.
240383
City Secures Grant Funds to Safeguard Slope Easements Near Hunting Park Avenue's Vulnerable Hillsides Daily
Philadelphia has secured a grant to protect two areas near Hunting Park Avenue from landslides, safeguarding public safety. The acceptance of these slope easements comes with specific terms and conditions.
240303
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 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
Red Lion Road Zoning Changes Take Effect After City Council Passage
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations in certain areas along Red Lion Road and surrounding boundaries.
240220-A
Council Proposal Aims to Give Philly Homeowners Fair Shot at Buying Back Their Own Properties
Low-Income Tenants Could Soon Face Eviction as Council Considers Bill Allowing Rent Increases Above Inflation Rate The proposed bill would raise the cap on annual rent hikes from 3% to 5%, affecting tens of thousands of renters in Philadelphia's aging housing stock.
240187
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.