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Weekly recap

This week in Council

January 24 to January 30, 2025

9 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.

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 5, 2025

Zoning Board of Adjustment to Mandate Affordable Housing in New Developments

Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Higher Property Taxes as City Council Considers Levy on Vacant Lots and Underused Buildings.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 5, 2025

Landlords Must Clearly Disclose Fees to Rent Applicants in Philadelphia

Philly tenants will soon know exactly how much they're paying upfront for credit checks, application fees, and other charges before handing over their hard-earned cash to prospective landlords.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Philadelphia Landlords Ordered to Follow New Rules on Handling Tenant Security Deposits Daily

Tightening the screws on Philadelphia's rental market, a new city ordinance would require landlords to provide written receipts and annual accountings of tenant security deposits by January 1st next year.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 5, 2025

Council Moves to Simplify Permit Process for Affordable Housing Developers in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's administrative code has been updated to define and streamline the process for affordable housing projects, making it easier for developers to build these while meeting city requirements. The changes are aimed at simplifying permit procedures for such projects.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeIntroduced Jan 30, 2025

City Council Weighs Changes to Allow More Philly Residents to Build Small Houses on Their Own Property Lots

Councilmembers Gauthier, Landau, Brooks, and O'Rourke propose easing rules for accessory dwelling units on Philly property lots, allowing more residents to build smaller homes.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 6, 2025

City Council Approves Plan to Allow Building Overlap onto 2nd Street Sidewalk Near 16th Street

Philadelphia property owners along 2nd Street can soon build over sidewalks, but residents fear loss of outdoor space as the city's densest areas get even more crowded with development.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 6, 2025

Sidewalk Café Permitted on East Hagert Street in Philadelphia

Small business owners are celebrating as City Council votes to allow a bustling corner of East Hagert Street to welcome its first outdoor dining area, boosting local commerce and community spirit.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 6, 2025

Philadelphia Council OKs Sidewalk Cafe for Bustling South Philly Eatery Near Broad Street Line

Tired of waiting in line, fans of Pat's King of Steaks can soon enjoy their cheesesteaks and soft pretzels while sitting outside the iconic South Philly eatery near the Broad Street Line subway stop.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 6, 2025

City Council Votes to Open Gates to Long-Closed Parkland Along Bustling Bath Street Neighborhood

This bill opens a public right of way on city-owned land near the intersection of Bath and Victoria Streets.

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