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Weekly recap

This week in Council

August 30 to September 5, 2024

21 introduced1 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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Became law

Newly introduced

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

Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 24, 2024

Philadelphia City Council Moves to Clamp Down on Vehicle Interference with Bike Lane Traffic

Philadelphia's proposed "Parking by the Bike" ban aims to reduce congestion and improve safety for cyclists, but some business owners worry about lost parking spots along busy streets.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 10, 2024

Council Unveils New Parking and Bike Lane Rules for Maplewood Avenue Between Greene and Wayne Streets

Philadelphia City Council Aims to End Parking Nightmares with Mandatory Residential Permit Program for All Zones West of Broad Street. Homeowners in these areas must now pay for permits to park their cars, freeing up spaces for visitors and commuters.

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Education·In CommitteeIntroduced Sep 5, 2024

City Council Seeks to Create Book Sanctuaries in Philadelphia Public Libraries

Philadelphia libraries vow unfiltered access to books as councilors push back against rising censorship concerns. The proposed "Book Sanctuaries" guarantee unrestricted access to books and information, safeguarding intellectual freedom in city libraries.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Event planners must have contingency plans in place for emergency preparations when seeking permits.

Event planners seeking city permits must now establish backup plans for inclement weather as part of emergency preparations.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 10, 2024

City Council Moves Forward with Plans for New Bike Lane on Bustling South 3rd Street Corridor

This bill adds a bicycle lane on South 3rd Street in Philadelphia under certain terms and conditions.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 17, 2024

Philadelphia's Parking Permit Zones Adjusted to Reflect New Boundaries

A new proposal could dump permit-parking stickers on some West Philly streets and shift enforcement areas for drivers, affecting thousands who already pay to park near their homes. City Council Seeks to Ease Congestion on South Street by Revamping Parking Restrictions A bill aims to allow two-hour parking during peak hours on the popular shopping district, potentially boosting businesses struggli

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 5, 2025

Philadelphia City Council Moves to Clamp Down on Unlicensed Electricians with New Safety Regulations

Philadelphia City Council introduces new regulations aimed at cracking down on unlicensed electricians, adding requirements and limits to ensure public safety in the electrical contracting trade.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2024

Littering Prohibited Near Street Vendors in Philadelphia to Increase Public Safety

This bill adds penalties and prohibitions to prevent littering around mobile providers of goods in Philadelphia.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 17, 2024

City Council Mandates Informal Review Process for Homeowners Challenging Tax Bills

Property owners would be given the option to dispute tax hikes at City Hall's Revenue Department, potentially avoiding lengthy court battles and costly fees; hundreds of homeowners could benefit from this new procedure annually.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 31, 2024

Philly Lawmakers Sign Bill Clarifying Lawsuits Against Unfair Businesses

Philadelphia consumers who have been harmed by businesses in the city can now seek relief through lawsuits, thanks to a new law that clarifies when suits can be filed and makes those changes effective from the past. The bill was sponsored by Councilmember Landau.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 17, 2024

Philadelphia Council Gives Small Business Owners a Reprieve on Expanding Projects Deadline

Philadelphia businesses in Keystone Opportunity Zones will have more time to expand projects after the City Council extended benefits for developments. The new deadline allows owners to thrive for a longer period in these designated areas.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 10, 2024

New Rules for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Mandate Safety Features in Philly Buildings

Electric vehicle charging stations in certain Philly neighborhoods must follow new safety guidelines, with City Council passing a bill to create regulations for their operation and maintenance.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned May 8, 2025

Philly to Regulate Ride-Hailing Services with Penalties for Non-Compliance

Small business owners who lease out their vehicles to ride-hailing companies face new regulations, while companies like Uber and Lyft will be required to obtain licenses to operate in the city. Philadelphia's proposed "Clean Energy Bill" aims to reduce carbon emissions by requiring large commercial buildings to install solar panels or purchase renewable energy credits.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 31, 2024

Morris Park Overlay District Expanded to Cover Three Additional Neighborhood Blocks

Homeowners in three new blocks of Morris Park will now face stricter zoning rules and higher development standards, sparking concerns about gentrification and affordability for long-time residents.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 17, 2024

Homeowners Get Second Chance as City Council Extends Deadline for Homestead Property Application

Renters Face Higher Fees as Council Approves Increase in Vacant Property Registration Fines City residents will soon pay up to $150 more per month if their landlords fail to register vacant properties, a move critics say will further burden an already struggling rental market.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 10, 2024

South Philly Business Owners Weigh In On Proposed Canopy Sign for Alder Street Shopfront

South Philly business owners can now install a marquee canopy at their store on Alder Street under certain terms after City Council passed a bill authorizing the encroachment. The Owners of 2654 South Alder Street are permitted to install and maintain a marquee canopy over their shopfront.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 10, 2024

City Gives Green Light for New Sidewalk Café on Bustling 10th Street Corridor

This bill allows a sidewalk café to be built near 1601 South 10th Street in Philadelphia, with certain conditions.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 10, 2024

Sidewalk café permit granted for corner spot on Chestnut Street near 3200 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia residents and tourists alike may soon be sipping coffee on the corner of 32nd and Chestnut Streets, pending city council approval of a plan to grant a sidewalk café permit for a new café location.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 10, 2024

Sidewalk Café Permitted on Lancaster Avenue Near Drexel University Campus

This bill allows a sidewalk café to be built in front of specific businesses on Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 10, 2024

Cottman Avenue Residents Face New Sidewalk Café Option Amid City Council Approval Push

This bill allows a sidewalk café to be set up at a specific location on Cottman Ave in Philadelphia, subject to certain rules and regulations.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 31, 2024

Zoning Board Makes it Easier for Citizens to Be Heard in Meetings

Neighbors who've ever felt silenced by bureaucratic jargon will now have a clear path to voice their opinions at Zoning Board meetings, thanks to new rules aimed at making community input more straightforward.

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