Weekly recap
This week in Council
December 6 to December 12, 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
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.
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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
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.
241059
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 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
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
241050
City Secures Office Space Expansion Next to Municipal Building Headquarters
Philadelphia's City Hall is set for a physical expansion as city officials seek to occupy nearly 10,000 square feet of adjacent office space in a long-term lease deal with the Philly Muni Authority. The new digs will house over 100 municipal employees currently working in cramped quarters within City Hall itself.
241031
City Purchases 20 Acres Along Schuylkill River for New Parks and Bike Path Extension
The City is buying land along the Schuylkill River for parks and transportation projects.
241029
Philadelphia Housing Authority Gets Access to Small West Philly Land Parcel
This bill allows the Philadelphia Housing Authority to acquire a small parcel of land in West Philly for possible future development.
241025
Council Tackles Pandemic Leave Policy Shifts Impacting Thousands of City Workers and Families Daily
City workers and their families could face reduced job security and lost income under new leave policies being considered by Council, which critics warn will disproportionately affect low-income residents.
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City Council Unveils Plan to Revamp Zoning Along Busy Broad Street Corridor Overnight
This bill changes the zoning designations in a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by Broad Street, Medary Avenue, Park Avenue, and Godfrey Avenue.
240871
Fishtown Businesses to Pay Fees Again as City Council Votes on BID Reauthorization
Fishtown businesses to continue paying fees for services like street cleaning and security after city council votes on reauthorization. The Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District will remain in place, affecting local businesses within designated boundaries.
240612
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.
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Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Gasoline-Powered Leaf Blowers Banned in Philly After Next Year Amid Health Fears and Environmental Concerns Rise
Gasoline-powered leaf blowers will be banned in Philadelphia after December 1, 2025, due to concerns over noise pollution and environmental harm. The ban is intended to protect residents' health and quality of life.
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City Council Unveils Plan to Safeguard Chinatown's Future with Land Trust for Community Control and Preservation
City Council introduces legislation to create a land trust in Chinatown, giving community control over development and preservation of cultural heritage. The proposed land trust would be managed by the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation.
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