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Weekly recap

This week in Council

May 9 to May 15, 2025

15 introduced0 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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Newly introduced

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

Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Sep 11, 2025

City to Sell Bonds to Fund Infrastructure Repairs and Municipal Building Projects

Philadelphia City Council has authorized an increase in the city's borrowing limit to fund various capital projects, including infrastructure repairs and municipal building upgrades. The bill allows the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private sale for these purposes.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Philadelphia Drivers Forced to Clear Fire Hydrants or Face City Fines Daily

This bill makes it illegal to park a vehicle in front of a fire hydrant, and requires owners to move or immobilize their vehicles if they are parked in this way.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Parking Minimums Dropped in CMX-4 and CMX-5 Zoning Districts in Philadelphia

This bill removes minimum parking requirements for certain residential areas in Philadelphia, specifically the CMX-4 and CMX-5 Zoning Districts.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeIntroduced May 15, 2025

Philadelphia Council Pushes Through Paid Leave Bill for Union Workers and Their Families Immediately

Philadelphia Council passes bill allowing union workers to take paid and unpaid leave under certain terms. Eligible employees include those covered by collective bargaining agreements.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Philadelphia Council Proposes New Two-Family Home Zoning District Amid Growing Neighborhood Development

This bill creates a new 'RTA-2' zoning district for two-family attached homes in Philadelphia.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

City Council Votes to Expand Mayfair BID Boundaries in Bid to Boost Local Economy

Small business owners along Roosevelt Boulevard are set for a tax hike as City Council proposes expanding the Mayfair BID, raising concerns among shopkeepers who worry about the financial burden on already-struggling merchants.

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Public Safety·In CommitteeIntroduced May 15, 2025

Philadelphia Council Votes Unanimously to Strengthen Local Gun Law Enforcement Powers

Philadelphia City Council has voted unanimously to clarify what is considered an unlawful "weapon" under local law, including air guns, bows and arrows, and similar devices. The change aims to strengthen enforcement of gun laws in the city.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Philadelphia Purchases Seven Vacant Homes on Cayuga Street for Community Revitalization Efforts Underway

Seven vacant homes on Cayuga Street will be transformed into thriving community spaces as the city purchases the properties, paving the way for revitalized streets and new opportunities for local residents. The purchase is part of a broader effort to revitalize North Philadelphia neighborhoods.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Germantown Avenue Revitalization Efforts Get Boost as City Moves to Acquire Key Properties Overnight

City Council approved authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to buy properties at 4368, 4370, 4372, and 4374 Germantown Avenue for public use, with unanimous support from council members. The acquisition is aimed at supporting revitalization efforts in the area.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

City Council Greenlights Sidewalk Café for South Street Business Owner at 762 S 9th St

A popular South Street eatery just got the green light to bring its outdoor dining experience right onto the sidewalk, pending a few conditions that are being carefully reviewed by city officials. Local Business Owner's Parking Spots May Be Replaced with Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Under New Plan

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Farmers Market Relocated to North 22nd Street, Boundary Changes Made

This bill amends a section of Philadelphia's Code to change the location boundaries for farmers' markets on North 22nd Street.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

City Council OKs Revised Budget for Philadelphia Gas Works Amid Rising Expenses Predictions

Philadelphia residents are facing higher gas bills as City Council votes to boost funding for Philadelphia Gas Works, but critics argue ratepayers shouldn't bear burden alone, pointing out profits at parent company PECO.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

Council Approves Five-Year Plan to Upgrade Philly's Aging Gas Infrastructure System

Homeowners in Philadelphia can expect lower gas bills thanks to a new plan approved by City Council, which would allocate $350 million over five years to upgrade the city's aging gas infrastructure.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

City Council Tackles Zoning Puzzle with Clarity Act Streamlining Complex Rules for Homeowners

Property owners in West Philly are breathing a sigh of relief as Council proposes changes to make it easier to split large lots into smaller ones, potentially boosting neighborhood revitalization efforts.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 12, 2025

City Council Votes to Rename Wissinoming Rec Center in Honor of Local Legend Marge Tartaglione

Wissinoming Recreation Center now officially named in honor of local legend Marge Tartaglione, a pioneering public servant and leader in Philadelphia's politics. The Margaret Tartaglione Recreation Center is the new name for the facility.

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