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Weekly recap

This week in Council

January 31 to February 6, 2025

10 introduced0 became law0 failed or vetoed

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

Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Environment·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Community & Neighborhoods·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Transportation·In CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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.

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Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 AM · Committee on Rules

Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Business & Commerce·In Committee

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.

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Environment·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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'.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Business & Commerce·In Committee

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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Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned May 8, 2025

City Council Pushes Bill to Shield Thousands of Local Workers from Wage Theft and Retaliation Practices

Philadelphia City Council passes bill to shield thousands of local workers from wage theft and retaliation practices, updating laws to require written contracts and add protections for domestic workers.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 27, 2025

City Streets Face Hidden Dangers as Rogue Businesses Ignore Digging Permits

This bill strengthens penalties for businesses that don't follow regulations when digging into city streets.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 6, 2025

City Officials Revise Capital Budget to Reflect Changes in Funding for Major Infrastructure Projects

Philadelphia's $1 billion capital budget is getting a major overhaul as city officials scramble to rebalance funding for crucial projects like new streetlights and sewer upgrades, leaving some communities eagerly awaiting improved infrastructure.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 6, 2025

City Hall Makes Last-Minute Adjustments to FY25 Budget to Plug Growing Deficits

Philadelphia Residents Face Higher Parking Fees as Council Passes Measure to Fill Pothole Repairs Fund Shortfall, with rates increasing by $1 per hour in city-owned lots and garages. City's Homeless Shelters Could Lose Funding Amid Proposed Cuts to Human Services Budget, prompting concerns from advocates who say it will worsen the city's affordable housing crisis.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 6, 2025

Philadelphia City Council Approves Parking Restrictions in Bustling Wildey Street Area

This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to manage traffic and parking.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 6, 2025

City Council Taps Brakes on Budget with Proposed Tweaks to Five Year Financial Roadmap

Philadelphia City Council makes minor adjustments to the city's capital budget for FY2025-2030, updating appropriation amounts and totals in response to amendments to the FY2025 Capital Budget Ordinance.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 6, 2025

Philadelphia Officials Move to Replace Hundreds of Confusing Parking Signs Citywide

This bill establishes new parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned May 8, 2025

City Takes Permanent Right to Use Land for Southampton Road, Roosevelt Boulevard Improvements

Southampton Road commuters will soon face reduced congestion thanks to permanent easement granted by property owner allowing city engineers to expand lanes and upgrade infrastructure.

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Public Health·In CommitteeIntroduced Feb 6, 2025

Philadelphia Council Proposes Clearer Timeline for Lead Paint Disclosure Requirements

City Officials Move to Clarify Deadline for Filing Lead Paint Disclosure Actions, Impacting Home Sellers and Buyers in Philadelphia. The bill amends Chapter 6-800 of The Philadelphia Code to specify remedies for lessees when landlords fail to comply with lead paint regulations.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned May 8, 2025

City Unveils Plan for New Byberry Road Bridge Replacing Aging Structure Over Railroad Tracks

City Council authorizes the City to own and maintain a new bridge over railroad tracks built by PennDOT to carry Byberry Road between Evans Street and Worthington Road. The bridge will be placed on the City Plan under terms of an agreement with PennDOT.

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