Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 2 to May 8, 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 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.
250323
Philadelphia to Make Unauthorized Tobacco Sales a Misdemeanor Under City Law
Philadelphia businesses that sell tobacco to underage buyers now face stricter penalties as city code includes such sales in the list of nuisance behaviors. The change targets violations of Pennsylvania state law regarding underage tobacco sales.
250151
City Lands Key Plot on Delaware Waterfront to Fuel Economic Growth and Job Creation Efforts
Philadelphia is buying up 12 acres of prime waterfront real estate, clearing the way for a new hub of businesses and jobs that could bring in millions of dollars in investment and revitalize the city's industrial landscape.
250149
City Suspends Licenses of Businesses That Fail to Adhere to Original Regulations
This bill allows the city to suspend licenses for businesses that don't follow state regulations or have a different layout than originally approved.
250123
City Unveils Plan for New Byberry Road Bridge Replacing Aging Structure Over Railroad Tracks
City Council authorizes the City to own and maintain a new bridge over railroad tracks built by PennDOT to carry Byberry Road between Evans Street and Worthington Road. The bridge will be placed on the City Plan under terms of an agreement with PennDOT.
250068
City Takes Permanent Right to Use Land for Southampton Road, Roosevelt Boulevard Improvements
Southampton Road commuters will soon face reduced congestion thanks to permanent easement granted by property owner allowing city engineers to expand lanes and upgrade infrastructure.
250067
City Council Pushes Bill to Shield Thousands of Local Workers from Wage Theft and Retaliation Practices
Philadelphia City Council passes bill to shield thousands of local workers from wage theft and retaliation practices, updating laws to require written contracts and add protections for domestic workers.
250065
Waterview Recreation Center Renamed in Honor of Donna Reed Miller
Community activist Donna Reed Miller's name is now etched on the Waterview Recreation Center, a move that local leaders hope will inspire youth and pay tribute to her dedication to Southwest Philly.
240750
Philly to Regulate Ride-Hailing Services with Penalties for Non-Compliance
Small business owners who lease out their vehicles to ride-hailing companies face new regulations, while companies like Uber and Lyft will be required to obtain licenses to operate in the city. Philadelphia's proposed "Clean Energy Bill" aims to reduce carbon emissions by requiring large commercial buildings to install solar panels or purchase renewable energy credits.
240665-AA
City Council Unveils Plan to Rename Overbrook Park Branch Library After Beloved Local Leader Congressman Brady
A Philadelphia institution is getting a new name: the Overbrook Park Branch Library, which serves thousands of residents in West Philly, could soon be renamed after beloved former Rep. Bob Brady.
240581
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Council Moves to Toughen Plumbing License Requirements Amid Rising Safety Concerns
Philadelphia Council seeks to strengthen plumbing license requirements by creating and administering exams for master plumbers and journeyman plumbers, aiming to boost safety standards in the industry.
250496
Roosevelt Boulevard Neighbors Fret as City Council Set to Rewrite Area's Zoning Laws
Roosevelt Boulevard neighborhoods are set to undergo changes as City Council rewrites area's zoning laws. The specific areas affected are bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, 9th Street, Erie Avenue, and Broad Street.
250493-AA
Northern Philadelphia Residents Weigh In as City Prepares to Convert Port Royal Avenue into Bike Lane
A proposal to turn Port Royal Avenue into a two-way bike lane has residents divided, with some welcoming the change and others worried about losing street parking. It would eliminate one parking spot near the iconic Reading Terminal Market.
250490
Cobbs Creek Properties Put Up for Sale as City Seeks New Uses for Undeveloped Land
A proposed law would enable the city to swiftly purchase vacant properties in Cobbs Creek, clearing the way for new development that could bring jobs and housing to long-neglected neighborhoods.
250483
Council Approves Contract for Christmas Market Vendor at Love Park
Philadelphia's first-ever Christmas market is coming to a historic park, but critics argue it will displace long-time vendors who rely on the space for their own holiday sales. The City Council voted to bring in an outside operator for the winter festival.
250492
Bike Lane to be Installed on South 59th Street from Market to Baltimore Avenue
This bill adds a bike lane on South 59th Street from Market to Baltimore Avenue, taking one travel lane in the process.
250489
City Teams Up With Private Developer to Build Condo Complex and Health Clinic on Frankford Avenue
This bill allows the city to partner with a private developer to build a mixed-use condominium and health center on Frankford Avenue.
250486
City Purchases Land for Highly Anticipated Northeast Philly Health Center Along Bustling Roosevelt Boulevard
City Council authorizes purchase of land along East Roosevelt Boulevard for a new health center. The property, known as Friends Campus, will be used for development and operation of the facility under certain terms and conditions.
250485
Philly Council Votes on Plan to Bring Mobile Shops to Every Neighborhood Corner
Mobile service units could soon pop up on every neighborhood corner after City Council votes on a plan for new zoning overlay districts. Driscoll's bill would create specific rules for these mobile shops, which have proliferated in Philly.
250495
Philadelphia Widens Dover and Newkirk Streets to Boost Safety on Busy South Philly Routes
Safety advocates are breathing a sigh of relief as Council passes legislation to widen Dover and Newkirk Streets, diverting traffic onto quieter routes and potentially saving lives on one of South Philly's most congested corridors.
250494
Showers Display of House Numbers on Sidewalks, City Council Proposes New Mandate
Property owners must display their street addresses on the curb starting next month under new rules requiring visibility for all residential properties with six or fewer units.
250491
Sidewalk Café Coming Soon to Bustling Corner of Spruce and Lombard Streets
This bill allows for a sidewalk café to be installed near 4248 Spruce St in Philadelphia, subject to certain terms and conditions.
250488
Philadelphia Signs Landmark Renewable Energy Deal With Local Solar Firm Abes Run
City Hall goes green as Philly signs historic deal to purchase solar power from local company Abes Run Solar, fueling city buildings and marking a major step towards clean energy.
250487
City Acquires Vacant Lots on West Cayuga Street for Future Development
The city is acquiring property at 1822-1830 West Cayuga Street for a yet-to-be-determined purpose.
250484-A