Weekly recap
This week in Council
April 25 to May 1, 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
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.
250244
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.
250243
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.
250242
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
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
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
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
250439
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.
250436-A
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.
250434
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.
250432
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.
250431
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.
250427
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.
250441
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.
250440
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.
250438
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.
250437
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.
250435
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.
250433
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.
250430
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.
250426
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.
250425