Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 7 to March 13, 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
250196
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.
250197
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.
250198
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.
250195
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.
250213-A
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.
250212
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.
250211
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.
250210
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.
250209
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.
250207
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.
250203
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.
250202
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.
250201
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.
250200
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.
250199
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.
250208
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.
250206
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.
250204
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.
250205