Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 23 to May 29, 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
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
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
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
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
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
Property Owner Allowed to Build Extended Staircase Onto Sidewalk on Bustling Haverford Avenue
Property Owner Allowed to Build Extended Staircase Onto Sidewalk on Haverford Avenue. A new staircase extending onto the sidewalk at 5313 Haverford Ave is now permitted under certain terms and conditions.
250327
City Expands Permit Process for Street Vendors in Popular Tourist Areas Downtown
Philadelphia's Small Businesses Would Pay Lower Parking Fees Under New Rate Structure Proposal Business owners say reduced parking costs will help struggling small businesses stay afloat in the city, but some critics argue it could lead to increased congestion and competition for limited spaces.
250325
Bicycle Lane Added to 47th Street with Lane Removal Option
A proposed bike lane along a busy stretch of 47th Street has Council Members calling for safer streets as they vote to strip one travel lane from the corridor.
250267
Council Tackles 47th Street Congestion with New Traffic Signal Plan for Bustling Commercial Corridor
Councilmember Gauthier's traffic plan for 47th Street between Chestnut and Kingsessing Streets directs all northbound traffic on that stretch to flow in one direction only. The proposed change aims to improve traffic flow through the bustling commercial corridor.
250266
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Launches Initiative to Finance Affordable Housing Projects and Revitalize Neighborhoods Across Philadelphia
The city has partnered with the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to finance a comprehensive housing plan aimed at increasing affordable housing, reducing blight, and improving neighborhood infrastructure. The H.O.M.E. Plan includes programs for home affordability, owner and renter assistance, and contractor training.
250568
Council Introduces Transparency Law Requiring Reporting on Non-Compete Contract Exemptions
Philadelphia's Small Business Owners Up in Arms Over Proposed Tax Hike: Council's 5-cent-per-bag tax increase could cost low-income families up to $100 more per year, sparking debate over equity and burden-sharing. Residents of North Philly's Sharswood Neighborhood Gear Up to Fight Proposed Zoning Changes: A proposed rezoning would open the door for high-rise development in a historic neighborhoo
250571
City Council Moves to Issue Bonds to Finance Major Upgrades to Aging Water Infrastructure
This bill allows the city to issue tax-exempt and taxable bonds for water and wastewater projects, with agreements that may provide credit enhancement or payment sources.
250567
Philadelphia City Hall Unveils Plan to Pour Millions into Community Revitalization Efforts
Millions in new funding could soon flood into Philadelphia's most troubled neighborhoods as city leaders unveil a plan to revitalize crumbling communities with cash for housing, jobs, and infrastructure upgrades that are long overdue.
250566
Philadelphia Council Passes Bill to Aid Victims of Faked Property Deeds
Homeowners caught in scams may see some relief from City Hall as Council passes bill requiring developers to verify buyers' identities and refund taxes paid on fake property deeds.
250574
Repeal of law overseeing The Arena Services District in Philadelphia signed into law
City Council voted unanimously to repeal a law creating an authority to oversee The Arena Services District in Philadelphia after just over two months of consideration.
250577
York Street Landmark Café Plan Gets Green Light Amid Community Concerns About Noise and Crowding
This bill allows a sidewalk café to be built near 2101 E York St in Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions.
250570
South Philly Residents Alarmed as City Considers Permitting Structures to Span South 10th Street Sidewalk
This bill allows certain structures to encroach on public space at a specific location near 2654 S 10th St in South Philadelphia.
250569
Council Approves Sidewalk Café for Popular Bistro on Bustling West Girard Avenue
This bill allows a specific business near 426-28 W.
250576
Philadelphia City Council Unveils Plan to Restrict Traffic Flow on Gorgas Lane Section
This bill regulates traffic flow on a specific section of Gorgas Lane in Philadelphia.
250575
City Renews Lease for Walnut Street Office Space Under New Terms
The City of Philadelphia can renegotiate its lease for a portion of the property at 2401 Walnut Street under certain terms and conditions.
250573
City Council Votes to Strip L&I of Authority Over Fair Trade in Weights and Measures
Philadelphia City Council Passes Bill Limiting Food Stamp Recipients from Buying Cigarettes The measure restricts use of Electronic Benefit Transfer cards at retail stores that sell tobacco products, affecting thousands of low-income residents who rely on government assistance for groceries.
250572