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Weekly recap

This week in Council

March 7 to March 13, 2025

19 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.

Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Philadelphia City Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 Signed into Law

Philadelphia residents will face a 4% tax increase under a new city budget plan passed by City Council, with homeowners and renters alike feeling the pinch from rising property taxes. The budget also allocates millions for affordable housing initiatives.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Council Approves Allocation of $1 Billion for City Building Renovations and New Initiatives

Philly residents can expect a major face-lift as city council votes to pour $1 billion into renovating crumbling buildings, upgrading parks, and launching new community programs. Local business owners hope the investment will attract more customers downtown.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Council Unveils Massive 5 Year Vision for Philly's Future with Over $1 Billion in Proposed Infrastructure Investments

Low-Income Renters Could See Protections Increased Under New Council Proposal that Would Raise Minimum Rent Subsidy Amounts by up to 25% City Officials are Set to Weigh in on Proposed Changes to Philly's 5-Year Budget, Including a Major Shift in Funding for Public Housing and Homelessness Services.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Council Proposes Significant Hike in Philadelphia's Wage and Business Taxes Across City

This bill revises tax rates under Philadelphia's Wage and Net Profits Tax law.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Philly Bans Sale of Certain E-Cigarettes to Minors, Introduces Stricter Enforcement Measures

This bill updates the rules for selling electronic smoking devices and unapproved nicotine delivery products in Philadelphia, including new definitions, penalties, and enforcement options.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Philly Council Votes to Abolish Development Impact Tax Imposed on New Construction Projects Citywide

Property owners and developers breathed a sigh of relief as Philly Council voted to scrap the Development Impact Tax, estimated to save builders $10 million annually, with residential projects set to see the biggest savings.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Council Proposes Boosting Realty Transfer Tax on Philly Property Deals Daily

Homebuyers and sellers could face higher fees for buying or selling property in Philly as council members push to raise the city's Realty Transfer Tax, potentially costing thousands more per deal.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

City Injects Millions More Into Affordable Housing Efforts as Housing Trust Fund Receives Boost from Deed Fee Hike

Philly homeowners will soon pay more when selling or refinancing property, with millions generated going towards desperately needed affordable housing projects across the city. Affected properties include single-family homes, apartments, and commercial buildings.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 24, 2025

Philadelphia Clarifies Penalties for Smart Loading Zone Parking Enforcement

Drivers will face stricter fines for overstaying in Philly's popular load zones after city council votes to overhaul enforcement rules, making it clearer what times you can park and how much you'll pay if you stay too long.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 1, 2025

Philadelphia Council Signs Law Altering Zoning Rules in Certain City Neighborhoods

This bill changes the zoning classifications for certain areas in Philadelphia to align with existing land uses and promote more efficient development.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 24, 2025

Parking Zones Designated on Certain City Streets to Enhance Safety and Organization

This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to promote safer and more organized parking.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

City Council Seeks More Revenue with Stricter Limits on Tax Breaks for Large Properties

Landlords of Large Apartment Buildings May Face Higher Taxes Under New Proposal; Council members aim to raise millions in revenue by reducing tax breaks on high-value rentals and commercial properties.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

City Council Proposes New Tax Plan to Fund Philly Schools While Cutting Taxes for Homeowners

Low-Income Families in North Philly Could Benefit from City Proposal to Increase Rent Control Protections Under the plan, landlords would be prohibited from raising rents more than 1% annually for low-income tenants renting apartments with annual incomes under $30,000.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

City Council Moves to Double Parking Meter Fees Amid Ongoing Traffic Congestion Concerns

Philadelphia drivers could soon face a steeper price tag for parking downtown as City Council considers doubling meter fees, potentially generating an extra $10 million annually from commuters and visitors alike.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Philadelphia Business Tax Rates Increased and Some Exemptions Eliminated

City Council has passed a bill to raise business tax rates and eliminate exemptions for large corporations, affecting companies with significant revenue in Philadelphia.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 24, 2025

City Council Weighs Overhaul of Disability Parking Permits for Veterans and Residents Alike

This bill updates the definition of disability parking spaces in Philadelphia and makes technical amendments to the city code.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned May 1, 2025

City Council Votes Unanimously to Revise Budget Transfers Amid Fiscal 2025 Deadline Looming

Philadelphia's Finances on Thin Ice: City Council Approves Emergency Measure to Streamline Budget Transfers, Giving Cash-Strapped Agencies a Lifeline Amid Tight Fiscal Deadline.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned May 1, 2025

Budget Revisions Reflect Changes in City's Five-Year Financial Plan

Philadelphia Council Updates City Budget Numbers for Next Five Years, amending appropriation amounts to reflect changes in the budget as part of the FY2025 Capital Budget Ordinance.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned May 1, 2025

Philadelphia City Council Moves to Revise Capital Budget Allocation Amid Fiscally Tightening Times

A new proposal would reallocate $10 million from a stalled transportation project to upgrade outdated city infrastructure, benefiting residents in West Philly neighborhoods.

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