Weekly recap
This week in Council
April 18 to April 24, 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
Planters Sprouting Up On Rittenhouse Square Corner After Council Approves Sidewalk Permit Exemption
Planters can now be placed in the street near 219 W Rittenhouse St after City Council approved a permit exemption. The move allows the property's owner to install planters under specific conditions.
250274
Planters OK'd for Specific Spot on Race Street in Philadelphia
This bill allows for planters to be placed in a specific location on Race Street in Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions.
250272
Philadelphia Residents Warned: No More Big Rigs in Neighborhoods Overnight
Towing Firms Get Green Light to Use Philly Streets, but with a Catch; City Council passes legislation allowing towing operators to enter private property, but only if owner gives permission first.
250271
Council Extends Deadline for Property Owners to Reactivate Abandoned Section of Krewstown Road
Small Business Owners Left in Limbo as Council Votes to Delay Zoning Changes on Bustling Main Street, putting thousands of dollars in renovations at risk.
250241
Large Vehicles to Face Higher Fines in Philadelphia Under New Parking Regulations
Residential streets are about to get a lot smaller for large vehicle owners: City Council's new parking law imposes stricter time limits and hefty fees on drivers with oversized rigs like trucks and motorhomes.
250240
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
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
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
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
City Rolls Out Speed Cameras in School Zones Amid Ongoing Push for Safer Streets
Automated speed cameras will be deployed in school zones across Philadelphia to improve road safety and reduce speeding, a move aimed at protecting students and teachers.
250148
City Officials Tackle Traffic Congestion with Targeted Changes to Swanson and Vandalia Streets
Residents along Swanson and Vandalia Streets may see relief from traffic congestion as city officials consider eliminating two busy intersections in favor of new infrastructure for sewers and stormwater drains.
250102
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council Proposes Annual Boost for Philadelphia's Struggling Public Transportation System Forever
City Council wants voters to decide whether to require annual funding for public transportation improvements every year. The proposed change would amend the City's Home Rule Charter to mandate a yearly appropriation for the Transit Access Fund.
250375
Council Passes Tougher Rules Requiring Fair Background Checks in City Hiring Process
Low-Income Renters Face Eviction Fears Amid Council Vote on Rent Freeze Extension Proposal Philadelphia landlords would be barred from raising rents until the end of 2023 under a measure aimed at safeguarding vulnerable tenants.
250373-A
Philadelphia Council Seeks to Boost Homestead Tax Exclusion for Thousands of City Homeowners Daily
Philadelphia City Council seeks to increase the homestead tax break to $100,000 for thousands of city homeowners under certain terms and conditions. The change would affect property taxes starting with the 2025 tax year.
250380
Council Members Seek to Revamp Zoning Laws Along Bustling Fox Chase Road and Castor Avenue Corridors
Philadelphia's long-plagued parking nightmare may soon get a reprieve, as City Council members aim to overhaul zoning laws on crowded Fox Chase Road and Castor Avenue, boosting business opportunities for local shopkeepers. The move could bring much-needed relief to frustrated drivers.
250378
Council Seeks to Boost Public Transportation Options with New Funding Initiative Unveiled
City Council seeks to boost public transportation options with new funding initiative targeting low-income residents struggling to commute. The proposed Transit Access Fund would provide financial support for city services helping those in need move around the city.
250376
City Council Votes to Boost Diversity in South Philly by Expanding Mixed Income Housing Options
This bill expands a neighborhood overlay district in South Philadelphia to allow for mixed-income housing near 49th Street and Woodland Avenue.
250372
Philadelphia Council Votes Unanimously to Make Winona Street One Way East Bound
This bill makes Winona Street one-way from Laurens to Morris Streets, going eastbound.
250384
North 20th Street Traffic Flow to be Altered Between Erie and West Tioga Streets
Councilmember Bass proposes reversing traffic direction on North 20th Street between Erie Avenue and West Tioga Street, making it a one-way street for southbound traffic. Signs indicating the change would need to be installed before the new rule takes effect.
250383
Parking Regulations Established on Ludlow Street Block in Philadelphia
This bill establishes parking regulations on a specific block of Ludlow Street in Philadelphia.
250382
Pedestrian Lights Installed at Busy Spring Garden Street Intersection
Spring Garden Street residents and workers are set to get some relief from the notorious congestion, but business owners near Fiume Ristorante worry about the impact on their already tight parking situation. Neighborhood merchants fear loss of street parking due to new pedestrian traffic light installation at 416-38 Spring Garden St.
250381
Philly Council Votes to Raise Annual Funding Cap for City Sponsored Events and Initiatives
Philadelphia's annual funding cap for city-sponsored events and initiatives has been raised, allowing entities to receive more money from the Philadelphia Activities Fund each year. The new limit will apply in future fiscal years.
250379
City Council Approves Utility Path Renovations Along Bridge Street as Part of Citywide Infrastructure Upgrade Plan
Renovations are coming to Bridge Street as part of the city's infrastructure upgrade plan, which will impact residents and businesses along this busy thoroughfare. Utility paths will be widened and improved to accommodate growing demand for services.
250377
Girard Avenue Café Set for Sidewalk Debut as Council OKs Conditional Permit
Small Business Owners Relieved as Council Approves Bill Allowing Outdoor Seating on Some Busy Philly Streets, But Residents Concerned About Noise and Parking Issues Remain Unaddressed.
250374
City Council Introduces Zoning Changes Near Drexel to Safeguard Research Areas
Zoning changes in a small area near Drexel University will safeguard research areas with new restrictions and rules for forensic labs. The measures, which target parcels bound by Powelton Avenue, Preston Street, Filbert Street, and 41st Street, were unanimously passed by City Council.
250371
Gladstone Street Homeowners Told to Prepare for New Staircase Installation
Philadelphia's Zoning Code Gets a Boost from Council Members, Who Say it Will Help Small Businesses Thrive A proposed change to Philadelphia's zoning code would allow restaurants to serve beer and wine without obtaining a separate license, giving owners more flexibility in their operations.
250370
Philadelphia City Council Approves Sidewalk Expansion Pilot Program on South 10th Street
After months of controversy, Philadelphia City Council has greenlit a pilot program allowing private businesses along South 10th Street to temporarily extend their sidewalks into the street, sparking debate among local residents and merchants.
250369
Deadline to Comply with Montour Street Plan Revisions Extended
Developers along Montour Street are breathing a sigh of relief after the city council approved an extension to finish construction on stalled projects, pushing back the original January 1st completion date another six months.
250367
City Council Approves Plan for Benches and Planters to Enhance Appearance of Busy Market Street Corner
Residents and business owners on the bustling corner of 15th and Market Streets are a step closer to seeing improved public spaces as City Council gives final approval to new regulations for street furniture.
250368