Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 3 to October 9, 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.
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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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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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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.
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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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council Eyes Long Term Ownership of Philly's Water Supply and Sewage Systems in Upcoming Ballot Question Proposal
Philadelphia residents may soon vote on a proposal that would keep the city in control of its water supply and sewage systems, rather than turning over management to an outside entity. A ballot question is expected to be put before voters after City Council approval.
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Philadelphia City Council Moves to Shield Workers From Menstrual Health Bias at Workplaces Everywhere
Workers in Philadelphia who experience menstrual health issues or menopause symptoms may soon find better protection from bias at work as city lawmakers propose stronger laws against period-related discrimination.
250849
Philadelphia Council Unveils Plan to Streamline Tax Refunds for Struggling Renters Immediately
Low-income renters in Philadelphia could get refunds on overpaid taxes through rent under a new city plan that also requires landlords to provide documentation. Landlords would need to complete and return Rent Certificates or other necessary documents to help tenants apply for refunds.
250838
New zoning district created in North Philadelphia with restricted commercial uses approved
This bill creates a new zoning district in North Philadelphia and restricts certain commercial uses.
250834
City Council Demands Transparency as Land Bank Agrees to Regular Annual Progress Reports
A new law would force the city's troubled Land Bank to come clean about its finances, sparking concerns that years of secret deals and questionable land sales could finally be exposed.
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Council Approves New Zoning Maps for Neighborhoods Along Chew Avenue, Church Lane, and East Wister Street
Philadelphia's South Philadelphia neighborhood is about to get a major facelift as new zoning regulations will allow taller buildings in the area, sparking both excitement and concern among local residents and business owners.
250848
City Purchases Property at 1948 Cayuga Street for Public Use Under Council Approval
Councilmember Bass' bill allowing the city to buy a vacant lot at 1948 Cayuga Street has been given final approval by City Council. The property is now set for public use under certain terms and conditions.
250847
City Council OKs Front Yard Construction Spots Along Bustling Wayne Avenue Corridor
Developers will soon be able to build onto the sidewalk along Wayne Avenue, sparking both excitement and concern among business owners and residents about increased congestion and construction noise.
250846-A
City Council Proposes Simplification of Philadelphia's Large Building Overlap Zone Rules
City Council proposes simplification of Philadelphia's Large Building Overlap Zone rules, aiming to reduce complexity in existing overlay zoning districts. The changes would prohibit personal care home and group living uses in certain districts.
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City Council Votes to Redirect Traffic Flow on Busy Section of West Lippincott Street Near 23rd Street Intersection
This bill proposes to regulate traffic direction on a small section of West Lippincott Street between 22nd and 23rd Streets.
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City Council Moves to Lock Down Loose Dumpsters on Philadelphia Streets Overnight
Philadelphia's Refuse and Littering Code will be amended to require locking of dumpsters in certain situations, with Council President Johnson and Councilmember Squilla sponsoring the bill.
250843-AA
Philadelphia Approves Sidewalk Café for 400 East Girard Avenue Amid Concerns Over Parking Spots
This bill allows a sidewalk café to be built in front of a specific business at 400 E Girard Ave in Philadelphia, with certain rules and conditions.
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Temporary Outdoor Dining Space Established on Richmond Street Near 3467 Address
This bill allows a 'Streetery' (a temporary outdoor dining space) in the right-of-way adjacent to 3467 Richmond St in Philadelphia.
250840
Sidewalk Café to Appear on Richmond Street in 19134 Zip Code
This bill allows a sidewalk café to be built in front of a specific property at 3467 Richmond St in Philadelphia's 19134 zip code.
250839
Councilors Weigh In on Proposal to Bring Outdoor Dining to Bustling Frankford Corner
City Council is considering allowing a sidewalk café at 1444 Frankford Ave, with permission to install up to 16 tables and 32 seats.
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City Council Greenlights Outdoor Café Expansion on Bustling North American Street Corridor
Philadelphia's Small Business Community Hopes for Economic Boost as City Council Passes Bill Expanding Late-Night Liquor Licenses for Food Trucks
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City Council Votes to Rename Wynnefield Branch Library in Honor of Community Leader Louise Williams Bishop
A decades-long legacy of community service will be etched forever on the wall of a Northwest Philadelphia library under new plan to rename it after beloved leader Louise Williams Bishop.
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Council Votes to Streamline Permit Process for Essential Businesses in Targeted Neighborhoods
Philadelphia Small Business Owners Breathe Sigh of Relief as Council Approves Measure to Fast-Track Permits for Low-Income Neighborhoods, Simplifying Path to Operation for Essential Providers Like Laundromats and Food Pantries.
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Philadelphia Business Seeks Approval for Outdoor Sidewalk Café at 5015 South Street's Busy Corner Spot
This bill allows a business at 5015 Baltimore Ave to set up an outdoor seating area (sidewalk café) under specific rules.
250830
City Takes Steps to Resolve Years Long Boundary Dispute with Tinicum Township Officials
Philadelphia has settled a long-standing land dispute with neighboring Tinicum Township by transferring real estate interests under a recently agreed-upon settlement. The move aims to resolve years of litigation between the two entities.
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