Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 8 to November 14, 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.
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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 Council Renames Swath of North Philly Streets After Historic Local Family
Longtime North Philly residents will see familiar street signs replaced with new monikers paying tribute to the LeCount family, who made their mark on the city through philanthropy and entrepreneurship.
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Changes Made to Newspaper Notice Posting Requirements for City Documents
Philadelphia residents will now see quicker posting of important public documents on city websites, a change that's raising concerns among newspaper owners who see their advertising revenue dwindle.
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Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia City Council Moves Forward with Landmark Plan to Revitalize Chinatown Neighborhood
This bill amends Philadelphia's zoning laws to create a new overlay district for the Philadelphia Chinatown area, allowing for bonuses on floor area, height, and dwelling unit density.
241062-A
Philadelphia Council Mandates EV Charging Infrastructure in City Parking Spots Starting Immediately
Philadelphia buildings with parking spaces must install EV charging infrastructure and meet specific electrical supply requirements as of immediately, affecting owners and operators. The change aims to accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles in the city.
241064
Philadelphia Launches Smart Loading Zone Program With Cameras Watching for Abandoned Vehicles
This bill updates Philadelphia's parking regulations to create smart loading zones and use cameras for enforcement.
241063
City Contractors Must Pay Stadium Concession Workers Prevailing Wages Under New Council Mandate
City contractors working at stadium concessions must pay employees prevailing wages under new city mandate. Hundreds of concession workers will be entitled to fair pay thanks to the council's amended labor code.
241060
Zoning Changes Take Effect on Streets Bounded by 4th St, Pine St, Market St, and Pine St
This bill makes changes to zoning laws in a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by several streets.
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Changes made to zoning in neighborhood bounded by Oxford Street and Germantown Avenue.
Small business owners along Oxford Street could see drastic rent hikes as council proposes rezoning nearly 20 acres to accommodate luxury high-rise developments, sparking fears of gentrification.
241058
City Workers Can Now Seek Elected Office Without Stepping Down First
Philadelphia city workers can now run for public office without first resigning from their positions. The change is the result of a City Council bill passed 15-1, eliminating a requirement in the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
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City Council Moves to Shield Packer Avenue Businesses with Zoning Map Overhaul Proposal Unveiled
Philadelphia City Council is set to vote on a proposal that would rezone nearly 200 blocks in South Philadelphia, potentially saving long-time businesses from displacement by big-box stores and chain restaurants. Small business owners like Tony Bianchi of Tony's Italian Deli would be among those most impacted.
241055
Philly Council Tackles Overhaul of 9th District Zoning Regulations Amid Growing Developer Pressure
This bill amends zoning requirements in a specific Philadelphia neighborhood to require special exceptions for certain uses.
241054
Philadelphia Requires Gun Dealers to Display Signs Warning Against Straw Purchases
Gun Owners Sue City over New Requirement that Firearms be Locked Away when Not in Use; Councilwoman says measure will save lives, others claim it's an overreach of city authority.
241057
City Council Approves Plan Map Changes in Northeast Philadelphia
This bill revises City Plan maps to change some property lines and streets in Northeast Philadelphia.
241061
City Subleases Property at 30 S. 15th Street from Municipal Authority
The city will sublease a portion of the property at 30 S.
241053
City Leases Office Space on Bustling JFK Boulevard as Municipal Services Get Boost
JFK Boulevard's Changing Face: Philly's new municipal hub, slated to serve thousands of residents, will soon call a prime downtown space home.
241052
City Sets Sights on Blighted West Butler Property with Potential Purchase Plan Unveiled
Vacant Lots Scattered Throughout Philly Neighborhoods Could Soon Get a Makeover as Council Bill Aims to Turn Abandoned Land into Affordable Community Spaces for Local Residents and Businesses.
241051
City Launches Lease Plan Allowing Commissioner to Rent Out Properties On Multiple Philly Street Blocks
Mayor's Affordable Housing Plan Hits a Roadblock as City Council Debates Limiting Investor Tax Credits Amid Rising Homelessness Rates in Philly Neighborhoods
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