Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 28 to March 6, 2025
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.
260895
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
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.
250073
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.
250072
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.
250071
Philadelphia Officials Move to Replace Hundreds of Confusing Parking Signs Citywide
This bill establishes new parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods.
250070
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.
250069
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.
250049
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.
250048
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.
250047
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.
250046
New Cafe Opens for Business as Philly Approves Sidewalk Permit for Christian Street Spot
Philadelphia's Zoning Board approved a plan to allow restaurants to serve food on the sidewalk, but some critics argue it will lead to overcrowding and noise pollution in residential areas.
250009
City Removes Clarion Street to Make Way for Critical Sewer and Water Infrastructure Improvements
This bill vacates a short street in Philadelphia (Clarion Street) and allows the city to use that space for sewer, drainage, and water main purposes.
250008
Bike Lane to Be Installed on 23rd Street Between Market and Race Streets
This bill creates a bicycle lane on N.
250007
Council Proposes Dedicated Bike Lane Along N. 13th Street Through North Philadelphia Neighborhood
This bill adds a designated bicycle lane on N.
250006
Bike Lane Added to North 22nd Street Between Spring Garden and Green Streets
Neighborhood Residents Voice Support for Proposed "Safe Routes" Initiative, Which Would Require Schools to Develop Walking and Biking Plans by Next Fall. Philadelphia Homeowners Could See Lower Water Bills Under a New Proposal to Implement Tiered Rates Based on Water Usage.
250005
Philadelphia Council Votes to Permit Sacred Boundary Markers for Area Synagogues
Wynnefield Synagogue Leaders Win Crucial Vote Allowing Eruv Markers on Public Streets; Residents Now Weigh In on Potential Impact of Nylon Cord Infrastructure Along 52nd Street Corridor.
250004
Property Owners Get Green Light to Build Deeper in Specific Philly Neighborhood
Construction can move forward at a specific Philadelphia address after city council gave developers permission to encroach on nearby streets under certain conditions. The affected area surrounds 546 South 45th Street.
250002
Parking Regulations Set for Specific Streets in Philadelphia's Business District
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific Philadelphia streets to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
241107
South Philly Businesses Get Green Light for Expanded Sidewalk Seating on S. 11th Street
Small restaurant owners on the 1100 block of S. 11th Street are one step closer to turning their sidewalks into vibrant outdoor cafes, as council votes to relax zoning restrictions on the popular street.
241083
City Council Approves Sidewalk Cafe Permit for Popular Restaurant on University Avenue
A bustling spot on University Avenue is one step closer to getting more outdoor seating: the Philadelphia City Council has voted to grant a popular restaurant a permit for a sidewalk cafe along busy 45th Street.
241081
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Votes to Give Struggling Families More Time to Pay Back Years of Unpaid Property Taxes
New Legislation Would Require Large Philadelphia Developers to Set Aside Affordable Housing Units in New Projects, Aiming to Boost City's Shrinking Stock of Low-Income Apartments.
250174
Philadelphia Council Votes to Greenlight Sidewalk Café on Busy Wolf Street Corner
Neighborhood Business Owners Clash Over Proposed Parking Meter Rate Hikes That Could Hit Low-Income Areas Hardest; Council votes on rate increases for meters along Main Street's high-traffic stretch.
250177
City Officials Move to Correct Longstanding Error on Warnock Street Alignment in Northeast Philly Neighborhood
City officials are moving to correct a decades-old error in the alignment of Warnock Street in Northeast Philly, relocating its western boundary with the unaffected parts of the street between Berks and Norris Streets.
250176
Digital Sign Controls Enhanced in Philadelphia's West Overlay District
This bill amends the rules for digital signs in the West Overlay District of Philadelphia, adding new controls.
250175