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Weekly recap

This week in Council

October 3 to October 9, 2025

20 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.

Environment·IntroducedIntroduced Oct 9, 2025

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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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 20, 2025

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.

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Zoning & Development·IntroducedIntroduced Oct 9, 2025

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 4, 2025

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

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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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 20, 2025

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeIntroduced Oct 9, 2025

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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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

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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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 19, 2026

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

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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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned May 7, 2026

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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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 13, 2025

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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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

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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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 20, 2025

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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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 13, 2025

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

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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