Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 10 to October 16, 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
Landlords Must Give Tenants Voter Registration Info Upon Request Starting This Fall Season
Philadelphia tenants can expect a new tool for civic engagement as city council passes legislation making it mandatory for landlords to share voter registration information with residents upon request.
250774
Kensington Avenue Business Gets Green Light to Expand onto Sidewalk for Outdoor Dining Area
Philadelphia's Restaurant Row gets a facelift as Council passes measure allowing 12 more restaurants on South Street to spill out onto sidewalks for expanded outdoor seating areas. A proposed ordinance would let local barbershops keep their doors open until midnight, giving late-night revelers and early risers alike access to haircuts after dark.
250772
Speed cameras allowed on designated state routes in Philadelphia to improve public safety
Residents who live near I-76 and I-95 can expect a new layer of traffic enforcement as city officials plan to install automated speed cameras on 13 high-crash corridors. Drivers caught speeding will face fines starting at $100.
250770
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.
250725
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.
250724
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.
250723
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.
250719
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.
250716
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.
250715
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.
250714
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.
250713
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.
250712
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.
250711
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.
250710
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.
250706
Outdoor Dining Expansion Approved on S 3rd St
This bill authorizes a 'Streetery' (a type of outdoor dining area) on a specific street in Philadelphia, allowing businesses to expand their seating areas under certain conditions.
250653
South Philly Residents to See dumpsters Permitted in Front Yards Under New Council Rule
A proposed ordinance could bring more trash to neighborhood streets: residents would be allowed to place dumpsters in front yards with permits, sparking concerns about aesthetics and public health.
250652
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
Philadelphia Approves Sidewalk Café Permit for Popular Bustling Neighborhood Business
This bill allows a sidewalk café to be built on Castor Ave in Philadelphia under certain conditions.
240872
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia to Construct Buildings in Public Sidewalks and Streets
City Council is poised to allow structures in public spaces across the city with the passage of a bill authorizing the construction, ownership, and maintenance of right-of-way encroachments. The legislation will impact various areas of Philadelphia under specified terms and conditions.
250887-A
City Council Moves to Revamp Zoning Laws on North Philadelphia Streets to Accommodate New Developments
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land in a specific neighborhood.
250891
Catalytic Converter Thieves Banned in Philadelphia, Law Increases Metal Theft Penalties
Stealing catalytic converters from cars is now a crime in Philadelphia, punishable by increased penalties. The new law aims to combat metal thieves who profit from selling stolen car parts containing precious metals.
250890
City Council Votes to Waive Penalties for Delinquent Water Bills Amid Ongoing Financial Struggles
Philadelphia City Council votes to exempt some residential customers from late fees on water and sewer bills, citing ongoing financial struggles in the city.
250889
Philly Law Bans Unapproved Restaurant Reservation Services
Restaurant owners and staff are fed up with fake phone calls and online bookings that show up empty when customers arrive; a new city law aims to put an end to the scam by holding booking sites accountable for their actions.
250888-A