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Weekly recap

This week in Council

September 5 to September 11, 2025

21 introduced2 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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Became law

Newly introduced

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

City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

City Council Tries to Limit Mobile Clinics from Setting Up Shop Near Philly Schools and Parks

Philadelphia's mobile medical clinics will face new restrictions on setting up shop near schools and parks under a recently passed city council measure. The updated law aims to limit the locations of these services.

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Public Health·In CommitteeIntroduced Sep 11, 2025

Philadelphia Streets to Get a Lifesaving Boost as Council Mandates Emergency Equipment for City Vehicles

City vehicles are now required to carry basic first aid kits and overdose prevention medication under a new law. Philadelphia streets will have a lifesaving boost as emergency equipment becomes standard issue for city vehicles.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

Zoning Changes for Areas Bounded by Wilt Street, Gratz Street, Montgomery Avenue, and 19th Street

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations for certain areas of land in a specific area bounded by Wilt Street, Gratz Street, Montgomery Avenue, and 19th Street.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 23, 2025

City Council Streamlines Confusing Parking Laws in Bustling Center City Neighborhoods

This bill amends parking regulations in Center City Philadelphia, allowing for time-restricted loading zones and revising existing rules.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 4, 2025

Council Targets Repeat Offenders With New Measure to Keep Problematic Businesses from Repeating Past Misdeeds

This bill ensures that nuisance businesses can be shut down even if ownership changes hands, as long as certain conditions are met.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

Philadelphia Council Votes to Redraw City Zoning Maps on Four Busy Commercial Avenues

This bill updates the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations for specific areas along Grange Avenue, Park Avenue, Chew Avenue, and Broad Street.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 4, 2025

Phila. Council Unveils Tougher Penalties for Stop Work Orders for Homeowners and Contractors

This bill makes changes to stop work and cease operations orders in Philadelphia.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 20, 2025

City Council Bill Exempts Thousands of Philly Apartment Renters from Paying Annual Development Fee

Philadelphia City Council Seeks to Boost Affordable Housing with Proposal Allowing Developers to Waive Fees for Non-Profit Projects, Advocates Say It's a Step Towards More Affordable Units but Critics Worry About Lost Revenue.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

South 3rd Street Café Gets Green Light for Expanded Sidewalk Seating Zone Approval

Philadelphia's commercial corridor is about to get a boost: A proposed ordinance would enable the South 3rd Street Café to expand its sidewalk seating area, but nearby residents are raising concerns about noise and congestion.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

Philadelphia City Council Proposes Plan to Boost Local Economy by Enlarging Business Footprints Overnight

This bill allows certain properties in a specific area to encroach on public space under specified conditions.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

Southampton Road Removed from Philadelphia City Plan Under New Law

Southampton Road residents face uncertain futures as Council passes legislation that could erase their street's official status next week, pending final approval from the Planning Commission and Mayor.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

New Law Mandates Meter Installation Approval for Philly Rentals with Second Meter

Renters Rejoice: New Bill Targets Predatory Meter Fees, Tackling Exploitation of City's Most Vulnerable Tenants with Unregulated Utility Installations. Or alternative: Philadelphia Residents May Soon Save Big on Utilities: City Council Passes Measure to End Unlicensed Meter Practices in Rental Properties.

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Zoning & Development·FailedIntroduced Sep 11, 2025

Northeast Philly Zoning Changes Simplification Bill Fails to Pass City Council

Northeast Philly residents could see new denser housing options in the works if city council passes a proposed zoning overhaul, raising concerns about gentrification and community character.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

City Council Approves Naming Wissinoming Park After Local Leader Margaret Tartaglione

Margaret Tartaglione's decades-long advocacy for the Northeast Philadelphia community is now being honored with a permanent fixture: her name will soon be etched on the sign outside Wissinoming Park, a move sparking praise from residents.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

City Officials Revise Ridge Avenue Property Maps to Reflect New Irregular Shaped Boundaries

Ridge Avenue business owners are facing confusion over newly redrawn property lines, which could impact everything from zoning permits to tax assessments, after city officials released revised maps for the area yesterday.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

Philadelphia Installs New Parking Restrictions Along Busy Neighborhood Routes Like Hobart Street and Lancaster Avenue

This bill establishes parking regulations on specific streets in Philadelphia, including Hobart Street and Lancaster Avenue.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

Council Votes to Install New Parking Signs on Several Quiet Neighborhood Streets Suddenly

New restrictions are coming to Philly's smallest streets: under a proposed law, drivers could be ticketed for parking in the tight spaces of streets like Elston Avenue and others near Temple University.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

Fair parking signs installed on S 62nd Street and Powelton Avenue in Philadelphia

This bill establishes parking regulations on specific streets in Philadelphia, including S.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

Streets Department Moves to Regulate Parking on Busy 47th Street Stretch

This bill allows the Streets Department to establish parking and stopping regulations on both sides of 47th Street between Chestnut Street and Kingsessing Street.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

Council Votes to Reverse One Way Traffic on Preston Street Between Spring Garden and Haverford Streets

This bill changes traffic direction on Preston Street between Spring Garden and Haverford Streets.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 16, 2025

Philadelphia Extends Deadline for Property Owners Along Repurposed Sloan Street to Meet New Sewer Conditions

Residents along the newly revamped 25th Street may soon see increased restrictions on outdoor activities as Council votes on stricter noise ordinances to mitigate disturbance from new bars and restaurants.

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