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Weekly recap

This week in Council

April 4 to April 10, 2025

12 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 12, 2025

Landlords Face Penalties for Unjust Evictions with Creation of Anti-Displacement Fund Established

This bill creates an Anti-Displacement Fund to help protect residents from being displaced by landlords and establishes penalties for landlords who displace tenants without a just cause.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeIntroduced Apr 10, 2025

Philadelphia Introduces Bill to Strengthen Tenants' Rights and Protections

Philadelphia City Council proposes major overhaul of landlord-tenant laws to strengthen tenants' rights and protections against retaliation and harassment. The bill would modify requirements for ending a tenancy and create new enforcement mechanisms.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Sep 11, 2025

Council OK's Zoning Overhaul Allowing Houses of Worship to Sprout Up Citywide

Religious groups are now allowed to build houses of worship in more Philadelphia neighborhoods under a zoning overhaul recently approved by City Council. The change impacts certain Special Purpose districts.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Philadelphia Businesses in Distressed Neighborhoods to Receive Expanded Tax Relief Incentives

This bill extends certain economic development benefits to businesses in Philadelphia's Keystone Opportunity Zones, Economic Development Districts, and Strategic Development Areas.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeIntroduced Apr 10, 2025

City Launches Aggressive New Campaign to Inspect Properties and Shield Tenants from Unscrupulous Landlords

Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections to create proactive inspection program to monitor property compliance, while tenants gain new protections against unscrupulous landlords under updated licensing requirements.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeIntroduced Apr 10, 2025

City OKs Purchase of Land Near 31st and 32nd Streets for Future Development

The city will gain control over land bounded by 31st and 32nd Streets under terms outlined for city planning purposes. The acquisition includes parcels with improvements, per Councilmember Gauthier's legislation.

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Public Health·In CommitteeIntroduced Apr 10, 2025

City Council Unveils Plan to Boost Philly's Small Business Economy through Expanded Tax Credit Incentives

Philadelphia City Council proposes broadening eligibility for tax credits given to businesses that fund local development and healthy food initiatives in Philadelphia. The expanded program would provide more financial incentives for companies contributing to community organizations.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Council Members to Receive Notice of Philadelphia's Historic Designations

Philadelphia City Council members are now required to be immediately notified whenever a new historic landmark is designated in the city. The notification ensures they stay informed about changes to historic buildings and sites.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned May 29, 2025

City Expands Permit Process for Street Vendors in Popular Tourist Areas Downtown

Philadelphia's Small Businesses Would Pay Lower Parking Fees Under New Rate Structure Proposal Business owners say reduced parking costs will help struggling small businesses stay afloat in the city, but some critics argue it could lead to increased congestion and competition for limited spaces.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Council Tackles Renaming Controversy as Bristol Street Section to be Vacated

Philadelphia residents who own property along Bristol Street are facing the possibility of a major loss if council passes a plan to vacate the street section, leaving some homeowners feeling financially devastated. The move would also alter city maps forever.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 8, 2025

Council Approves Market Street Office Lease Amid Concerns Over Parking and Traffic Congestion

The City is leasing a building at 4101 Market Street from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to use as city offices.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 29, 2025

Property Owner Allowed to Build Extended Staircase Onto Sidewalk on Bustling Haverford Avenue

Property Owner Allowed to Build Extended Staircase Onto Sidewalk on Haverford Avenue. A new staircase extending onto the sidewalk at 5313 Haverford Ave is now permitted under certain terms and conditions.

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