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Weekly recap

This week in Council

October 17 to October 23, 2025

8 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.

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 12, 2026

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeIntroduced Oct 23, 2025

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned May 7, 2026

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 20, 2025

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

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.

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City Government·In CommitteeIntroduced Oct 23, 2025

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.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

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.

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