Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 17 to October 23, 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
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.
250718-A
City Council Expands Business Voice on Economic Planning Committee
Local residents may see more jobs and investment in their neighborhoods as council tries to boost business input on city economic plans, potentially shifting the balance of power in development projects.
250654
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Vacant Lots in Fifth District Get Building Codes
Vacant eyesores plaguing North Philadelphia's 5th District would be subject to tougher building codes under a new proposal, forcing owners to renovate or demolish blighted properties that have long troubled residents and city officials alike.
250917-A
City Council Proposes Tax Relief for Local Child Care Providers to Boost Affordability
Philadelphia child care businesses may qualify for tax relief under a proposed city council ordinance aimed at making childcare more affordable for local families. The bill defines eligible providers as early childhood education centers.
250915
Philadelphia Council Approves Permits for Bustling Sidewalk Café on Busy 13th Street Stretch
This bill allows a sidewalk café to be installed in front of two properties on South 13th Street in Philadelphia's Center City neighborhood.
250920
Philadelphia City Council Approves Sidewalk Café at Busy Corner of Girard and 16th Street
Councilmember Young's proposal to build an eight-table, 16-seat sidewalk café near 161 W Girard Ave has been approved by City Council. The café will encroach onto the east footway of North Hancock Street for about five feet.
250918
City Council Opens Up Streetlights for Community Groups Across Philadelphia Without Permission Required
Philadelphia's public buildings can now display decorative lights with owner approval after City Council granted a special permit to the Haverford Business Association. The move aims to boost community engagement and beautify local areas.
250916
New Outdoor Seating Area Coming to South Philly's Bustling Baltimore Avenue Strip
Philadelphia Small Businesses Set for Boost: City Council Approves Bill Allowing More Outdoor Dining, Starting with Three South Philly Locations on Bustling Baltimore Avenue.
250914
City Council Seeks to Modernize Aging Zoning Regulations with Proposed Code Update
City Council moves forward with bill making technical updates to outdated zoning regulations in Philadelphia's planning code. Center City Overlay District height limits will remain unchanged at 125 feet.
250919
City Council Renames Paschalville Library in Honor of Longtime Local Leader Senator Hardy Williams
Rename Not Enough: Community Activists Oppose Naming a City-Owned Landmark After Former Senator, Citing His Role in Urban Renewal that Displaced Thousands.
250913