Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 30 to June 5, 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 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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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 Members Seek to Revamp Zoning Laws Along Bustling Fox Chase Road and Castor Avenue Corridors
Philadelphia's long-plagued parking nightmare may soon get a reprieve, as City Council members aim to overhaul zoning laws on crowded Fox Chase Road and Castor Avenue, boosting business opportunities for local shopkeepers. The move could bring much-needed relief to frustrated drivers.
250378
City Council Votes to Boost Diversity in South Philly by Expanding Mixed Income Housing Options
This bill expands a neighborhood overlay district in South Philadelphia to allow for mixed-income housing near 49th Street and Woodland Avenue.
250372
City Council Introduces Zoning Changes Near Drexel to Safeguard Research Areas
Zoning changes in a small area near Drexel University will safeguard research areas with new restrictions and rules for forensic labs. The measures, which target parcels bound by Powelton Avenue, Preston Street, Filbert Street, and 41st Street, were unanimously passed by City Council.
250371
Council Introduces Nighttime Business Restrictions in Philly's Most Crowded Neighborhoods
This bill adds restrictions on business hours in the First, Seventh, and Eighth Councilmanic Districts of Philadelphia.
250292
Philadelphia Introduces Rule to Limit Noise from Self-Driving Cars on City Streets
Philadelphia residents who value quiet nights may soon get some relief from the incessant beeping and humming of self-driving cars, which have been causing disturbances in neighborhoods across the city at all hours.
250273
Digital Sign Controls Enhanced in Philadelphia's West Overlay District
This bill amends the rules for digital signs in the West Overlay District of Philadelphia, adding new controls.
250175
Landlords Must Clearly Disclose Fees to Rent Applicants in Philadelphia
Philly tenants will soon know exactly how much they're paying upfront for credit checks, application fees, and other charges before handing over their hard-earned cash to prospective landlords.
250045
Council Moves to Simplify Permit Process for Affordable Housing Developers in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's administrative code has been updated to define and streamline the process for affordable housing projects, making it easier for developers to build these while meeting city requirements. The changes are aimed at simplifying permit procedures for such projects.
250043
Zoning Board of Adjustment to Mandate Affordable Housing in New Developments
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Higher Property Taxes as City Council Considers Levy on Vacant Lots and Underused Buildings.
250041
Philadelphia Launches In-House Energy Buying Program to Save Taxpayer Dollars and Reduce Emissions
A new city program aims to slash Philadelphia's energy bills by 20% through bulk purchases of electricity, natural gas, and oil, a move expected to save taxpayers millions annually and cut carbon emissions.
250001
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Clamp Down on Unlicensed Electricians with New Safety Regulations
Philadelphia City Council introduces new regulations aimed at cracking down on unlicensed electricians, adding requirements and limits to ensure public safety in the electrical contracting trade.
240666
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council Introduces Bill to Rezone Areas Bounded by Specific City Streets
Councilmember Bass introduces bill to change zoning designations in specific area bounded by Ruscomb Street, Broad Street, and others, paving the way for potential land-use changes in the area.
250608
Contractors on Philly Public Works Projects Must Train Local Construction Workers
Public works contractors in Philadelphia are now required to train local workers and document compliance, a move aimed at boosting workforce development.
250607
Rising Sun Avenue Residents Object to Proposed Fence Extension onto Sidewalk Right-of-Way
Neighbors are blasting Councilman Johnson's plan to give businessman Howard Foreman more flexibility with his fence, saying it would set a bad precedent and take away valuable public space on their busy Northeast Philly street.
250606