City Hall Roll Call: January 30th, 2025
Go Birds (and Housing legislation) Edition.
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Welcome to City Hall Roll Call, a summary of City Council’s weekly Stated Meeting. Reminder, the information provided below is not an official or complete record. City Council’s official legislative database can be accessed through Legistar.
For a full play-by-play of the Council session, including speeches and public comment, be sure to Blue Sky.
Session Recap:
Today’s Council Session was efficient, with no reports from committee and a short calendar, but what it lacked in length, it made up for in substance. Today Council introduced a number of bills that could have the potential to significantly impact the city’s rental and affordable housing markets. Councilmember Rue Landau (D-AL) introduced two bills she believes will make rental housing more accessible for Philadelphians by capping application fees and allowing for residents to pay their security deposits in installments. Landau, a former tenant lawyer, stated, “The high costs associated with securing a rental unit are simply too much for many Philadelphians, especially those with limited income or complex rental histories.”
The first bill would cap application fees charged to prospective tenants, prohibiting landlords from charging for things “other than a fee for conducting a background check and/or a credit check.” The bill caps the fee at $20, or the cost of performing the checks, whichever is lower. Moreover, the bill prohibits landlords from performing credit checks that could impact the credit score of the proposed tenant, otherwise known as a “hard pull” credit check. Tenants would also be entitled to furnish their own background check to the landlord, if it’s from an accredited agency within the last 30 days.
The second bill would require landlords to offer prospective tenants the option to pay a security deposit “in installments of at least four (4) equal payments due no more regularly than once a month” at the same cost “regardless of whether the security deposit is paid as a lump sum or in installments.”
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd) introduced what she is calling Phase 2 of her “Defying Displacement” plan which would fast track the zoning process for affordable housing projects and allow for by-right bonus units in existing single-family homes in certain council districts.
As described in a press release issued today by Gauthier’s office, her bill to speed up the approval process for affordable housing developments would:
Compel the Department of Licenses and Inspection to review zoning permit applications for affordable housing projects on an expedited timeline of five business days.
Compel the Department of Licenses and Inspection to review building permit applications for affordable housing projects on an expedited timeline of ten business days. L+I currently offers expedited review for some affordable housing projects within ten business days, but only when requested by a developer and “to the extent capacity permits.” This bill ensures affordable housing receives priority review every time.
Enable affordable housing projects that require Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) approval to receive an accelerated hearing date for no additional fee.
Authorize the ZBA to make affordable housing commitments by developers a mandatory condition of their approval.
Expand the definition of “Affordable Housing Project” to capture all projects that receive government financing or land or are protected via deed restricted or regulatory agreement. The City will certify that projects meet this definition.
The bill to allow by-right bonus units in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 7th districts would:
Allow an applicant to bypass ZBA review if their proposed bonus unit does not materially change the footprint of the existing structure.
Keep the existing requirement that bonus units require a deed restriction confirming that the homeowner must live in the property.
Remove restrictions related to minimum and maximum unit size.
Permit bonus units in attached, detached, and semi-detached housing.
All of the aforementioned bills will be referred to Council committees where they will receive a public hearing.
Council stands adjourned until Thursday, February 6th at 10 AM.
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (By Subject Matter)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
🏗️ Construction / Zoning
Bill amending Section 14-303 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, “Common Procedures and Requirements” by authorizing the Zoning Board of Adjustment to condition zoning approval upon provision of affordable housing. (Gauthier)
Bill amending Section 14-604, of the Philadelphia Code, “Accessory Uses and Structures” to modify certain restrictions with respect to accessory dwelling units and making conforming technical changes. (Gauthier)
Bill amending Sub-code A of the Philadelphia Administrative Code of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, “the Building Construction and Occupancy Code,” by defining affordable housing projects and establishing specific application and permitting procedures for such projects. (Gauthier)
🏠 Housing
Bill amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Landlord and Tenant,” to establish requirements related to fees charged by landlords to individuals applying for residential tenancy. (Landau)
Bill amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Landlord and Tenant,” to establish requirements related to security deposits for residential rentals and establishing remedies for violations. (Landau)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to…properties located in the 3rd Councilmatic District of the city of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code. (Gauthier)
🚦Streets
Bill authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1525 South 9th Street Philadelphia, PA 19147. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 2049 East Hagert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 1625, South Second Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148. (Squilla)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Licenses and Inspections and the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings on enforcement against drug paraphernalia stores. (Gilmore-Richardson)
Resolution declaring 2025 as the Year of Cooperatives in Philadelphia, and calling on the city of Philadelphia to explore all options to support the development and resilience of local cooperative businesses. (O’Rourke)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings regarding the operation of Philadelphia 311, non-emergency hotline and its engagement with city departments. (Driscoll)
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (By Member)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
Councilmember Mark Squilla (D-1st)
B: Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1525 South 9th Street Philadelphia, PA 19147.
B: Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 2049 East Hagert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125.
B: Authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 1625, South Second Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
B: Amending Section 14-303 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, “Common Procedures and Requirements” by authorizing the Zoning Board of Adjustment to condition zoning approval upon provision of affordable housing.
B: Amending Section 14-604, of the Philadelphia Code, “Accessory Uses and Structures” to modify certain restrictions with respect to accessory dwelling units and making conforming technical changes.
B: Amending Sub-code A of the Philadelphia Administrative Code of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, “the Building Construction and Occupancy Code,” by defining affordable housing projects and establishing specific application and permitting procedures for such projects.
R: Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to…properties located in the 3rd Councilmatic District of the city of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code.
Councilmember Mike Driscoll (D-6th)
B: Authorizing the opening of a right of way to public land near the intersection of the southeasterly side of Bath Street and the southwesterly side of Victoria Streets, being land owned by the city.
R: Authorizing the Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings regarding the operation of Philadelphia 311, non-emergency hotline and its engagement with city departments.
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore-Richardson (D-AL)
R: Authorizing the Committee on Licenses and Inspections and the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings on enforcement against drug paraphernalia stores.
Councilmember Rue Landau (D-AL)
B: Amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Landlord and Tenant,” to establish requirements related to fees charged by landlords to individuals applying for residential tenancy.
B: Amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Landlord and Tenant,” to establish requirements related to security deposits for residential rentals and establishing remedies for violations.
Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (I-AL)
R: Declaring 2025 as the Year of Cooperatives in Philadelphia, and calling on the city of Philadelphia to explore all options to support the development and resilience of local cooperative businesses.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🗺️ 250014 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3862 and 3864 Pennsgrove St and 1118 N 39th Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
📜 250018 (Thomas): Amending Resolution No. 240834-A, which the Council adopted on December 19, 2024, entitled “Proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of the Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and the Office of Prison Oversight and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia,” to make a technical correction.
🗺️ 250019 (Jones): Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 623R N. 55th Street, 5110 Harlan Street, 5122-24 Harlan Street, 2715 N. Dover Street, 2715 N. Dover Street, 2731 N. 29th Street, 2738 W. Silver Street, 2703 W. Sterner Street, 2714 W. Sterner Street, 2717 W. Sterner Street, 2627 W. Lehigh Avenue, 2629-31 W. Lehigh Avenue, 2623 W. Silver Street, 2726 W. Sterner Street, 2705 W. Sterner Street, 2710 W. Sterner Street, 2723 W. Sterner Street, 2731 W. Sterner Street, 2655 W. Silver Street, 2626 W. Silver Street, 2720 N. 28th Street, 2715 W. Sterner Street, 2749 W. Sterner Street, 2733 W. Sterner Street, 2647 W. Lehigh Avenue, 2711 W. Sterner Street, 2628 W. Silver Street, 2655 W. Seltzer Street, 2820 N. Newkirk Street, 2758 N. 28th Street, 2719 N. 29th Street, 2602 W. Sterner Street, and 2651 W. Silver Street in the Fourth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗣️ 250021 (Landau): Condemning President Donald J. Trump for his selection of underqualified cabinet, subcabinet, and leadership nominees to further advance his Project 2025 agenda and undermine the integrity of American democracy, equity, human rights, and freedom.
⚖️ 250027 (Brooks): Authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold a hearing on detainer policy in the City of Philadelphia, and calling on the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania to provide an overview of its policies and practices regarding detainer issuance on individuals with post trial probation and parole sentences.
🗣️ 250029 (O'Rourke): Recognizing the devastation caused by the wildfires to the Los Angeles community, the accelerating rate of climate change, and calling on the City of Philadelphia to provide the funding and resources necessary to fully update and implement human-centered climate mitigation and resilience plans.
🏆 250### (Phillips): Honoring the Juvenile Law Center on its 50th Anniversary.
🏆 250### (Phillips): Honoring the Office of Clean and Green for their exceptional contributions to a cleaner and greener Philadelphia.
🏆 250### (Gilmore-Richardson): Authorizing the Committee on Licenses and Inspections and the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings on enforcement against drug paraphernalia stores.
🏆 250### (Bass): Honoring the life and legacy of Sid Booker, a Philadelphia businessman and community icon who left an indelible mark on North Philadelphia and beyond.
🏆 250### (Young): Recognizing Patricia Reilly, SEPTA's first female conductor.
🏆 250### (Harrity): Recognizing the rise of cardiovascular disease as the world's leading cause of death and disability and supporting the recognition of February 2025 as American Heart Month.
🏆 250### (Harrity): Honoring January as National Poverty in America Awareness Month and recognizing the severe conditions of poverty that many Americans experience day to day.
⚖️ 250### (Driscoll): Authorizing the Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings regarding the operation of Philadelphia 311, non-emergency hotline and its engagement with city departments.
🏆 250### (Ahmad): Recognizing January 29, 2025 as the Lunar New Year and celebrating the cultural and historical significance of Philadelphia's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Bills:
📜 240817 (Thomas): Providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of the Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election; all under certain terms and conditions.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
There are no upcoming committee hearings scheduled as of Thursday, January 30th. Check the calendar for updates here.