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Weekly recap

This week in Council

April 25 to May 1, 2025

15 introduced7 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

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 1, 2025

Council Votes to Halt New 76ers Arena Developments Amid City Planning Overhaul

Philadelphia 76ers arena development plans are on hold after City Council voted to repeal ordinances from December 2024 that authorized various city planning changes. The move is part of a broader overhaul of the city's planning process.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned May 1, 2025

Council Scraps Special Arena Zoning Rules as Major Redevelopment Plan Takes Shape in Center City

Philadelphia's business community is breathing a sigh of relief as Council votes to scrap onerous zoning requirements, paving the way for a massive redevelopment project that will bring new life to Center City's sports landscape.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned May 1, 2025

City Council Votes to Scrap Redundant Rules Governing Signs on Market Street East

Philadelphia Small Businesses Get Reprieve from Unfair Parking Ticket Fines; City Council Passes Measure Ending Fines for First-Time Offenders. The change affects all small businesses in Philadelphia with on-street parking permits.

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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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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

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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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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Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

City Council Passes New Ordinance Requiring Waste Collection in Public Areas

This bill makes it illegal to dump waste on public streets and creates a camera system to enforce this law, with penalties for violators.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

City Hall Mandates Parking Regs for Public Garages Near Center City Development Sites

Philadelphia Residents May Soon Pay More for Parking Meters as City Council Bill Aims to Boost Revenue A proposed bill would increase parking meter rates in certain areas of the city by up to 20 cents per hour, generating millions for city coffers and potentially sparking commuter outcry.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 5, 2025

City Leases Underground Space Near City Hall for Social Services and Housing Aid Launch

City Council has authorized a lease for the use of underground space near City Hall to an operator providing community services and aid.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

VDO Neighborhood Zoning Rules Loosened to Allow Smaller Houses Amid Growing Demand for Affordable Housing

Low-Income Families to Gain Access to More Affordable Housing Options as Council Approves Plan to Relax Zoning Rules in VDO Neighborhood, Doubling Maximum Number of Units Allowed on Residential Lots.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

City Officials Propose Revamping Zoning Laws in Northwest Philly Neighborhoods to Accommodate Growing Population

This bill changes the zoning designations in certain areas of Philadelphia bounded by Roy Street, 11th Street, Allegheny Avenue, and Germantown Avenue.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Anchor Street Neighborhoods Get New Parking Rules to Enhance Traffic Flow and Safety

This bill establishes parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods to improve traffic flow and safety.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 5, 2025

City Council Approves Lease for Local Non-Profit in Historic Headhouse Square Area

Philadelphia City Council has approved a lease allowing a non-profit to use part of Headhouse Square for public benefit. The agreement goes to the mayor for signature following council's 16-0 vote.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 5, 2025

City Officials Renew Office Lease on Bustling Market Street Amid Plans for Redevelopment

Market Street shop owners worry about losing parking and pedestrian space as city officials weigh plans to redevelop the block, just as their leases are being extended through 2026.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 5, 2025

South Street Neighbors React as Zoning Board Votes to Downsize Local Landmarks District

Under threat of increased commercial development, historic homes on South Street's oldest block may lose protected status as a landmark district if Philadelphia's zoning board vote stands. Some long-time residents are already planning their next move.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Curb Lines on Ludlow Street Revised Near Downtown Philadelphia

Residents and business owners along Ludlow Street will be forced to adapt as proposed changes to the street's layout could lead to lost parking spaces and altered traffic flow for thousands of daily commuters starting next month.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 5, 2025

City Leases Holmesburg Park Land to Fishing Group Amid Fears Over Future Access Restrictions

A fishing enthusiast group has secured a 20-year lease on city-owned land near Holmesburg Park, but critics warn that the agreement may eventually limit public access to the prized fishing spot along Pennypack Creek.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 5, 2025

City Council OKs Lease for Vacant Building Near City Hall as Potential New Office Space

A long-abandoned property on John F. Kennedy Boulevard, just steps from City Hall, is about to be revitalized as potential office space for city officials under a new Council-approved agreement. The move aims to reduce rent expenses and house various municipal departments.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Reserved Water Main Right-of-Way Removed from City Plan in North Side Neighborhood

This bill removes a reserved water main right-of-way from City Plan No.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 5, 2025

City to Sell Portion of Cobbs Creek Park and Golf Course Along City Avenue

A proposed land swap would pave the way for 1,000 new apartments on vacant lots near Temple University, but critics warn it will displace long-time residents and small businesses in the area. The development plan is facing stiff opposition from some city council members.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Council Approves Revision to Cresson Street Map After Years of Resident Complaints

This bill revises a city map by removing a portion of Cresson Street from City Plan No.

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