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Weekly recap

This week in Council

October 24 to October 30, 2025

9 introduced11 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

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

City Council Proposes Zoning Overhaul for Northwest Philly Neighborhood Boundaries

This bill changes the zoning designations of certain areas in Philadelphia, bounded by Ardleigh Street, East Sedgwick Street, and the SEPTA Chestnut Hill East Line.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

City Council Pushes Developers to Prioritize Affordable Units in New Philly Condo Projects

Developers of new Philly condo projects will soon be forced to set aside a larger percentage of units as affordable housing, under new regulations aimed at increasing accessibility for low-income residents. Council Members Unveil Plan to Ban Facial Recognition Tech on City Property, Raising Concerns about Public Safety and Surveillance.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

City Council Moves to Simplify Complex Zoning Rules for Homeowners and Developers Alike

Homeowners in rowhouses and two-family homes may soon be exempt from restrictive zoning regulations, while developers could face fewer hurdles to build new townhomes under a proposed rewrite of the city's building codes.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

Philadelphia Council Tightens Zoning Strings on 4th District Neighborhood Properties

This bill clarifies allowed uses for properties in Philadelphia's Fourth District Overlay District, making changes to how these properties can be used under certain terms and conditions.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

Philadelphia's Zoning and Planning Laws Simplified with Technical Amendments Signed into Law

This bill makes technical amendments to Philadelphia's zoning and planning laws, clarifying existing provisions and removing expired language.

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Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

Philadelphia Bans Sale of Drug Paraphernalia in Industrial Areas

This bill prohibits selling drug paraphernalia in certain industrial areas of Philadelphia.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

Philadelphia Retailers Start Charging for Single-Use Plastic Bags Under New City Law Requirement

As of today, Philly shoppers will be hit with an extra cost when asking for plastic bags at checkout - a move aimed at reducing waste and encouraging reusable bags among residents.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

City Council Moves to Reverse Zoning Change for Island Avenue Commercial Strip Again

Small business owners on Island Avenue are breathing a sigh of relief as City Council votes to revisit contentious zoning changes that threatened the livelihoods of long-time merchants and residents.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

New Law Mandates Meter Installation Approval for Philly Rentals with Second Meter

Renters Rejoice: New Bill Targets Predatory Meter Fees, Tackling Exploitation of City's Most Vulnerable Tenants with Unregulated Utility Installations. Or alternative: Philadelphia Residents May Soon Save Big on Utilities: City Council Passes Measure to End Unlicensed Meter Practices in Rental Properties.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

Repeal of law overseeing The Arena Services District in Philadelphia signed into law

City Council voted unanimously to repeal a law creating an authority to oversee The Arena Services District in Philadelphia after just over two months of consideration.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 30, 2025

City Council Votes to Strip L&I of Authority Over Fair Trade in Weights and Measures

Philadelphia City Council Passes Bill Limiting Food Stamp Recipients from Buying Cigarettes The measure restricts use of Electronic Benefit Transfer cards at retail stores that sell tobacco products, affecting thousands of low-income residents who rely on government assistance for groceries.

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Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

Philadelphia Council Moves to Charge Intercity Buses for City Bus Stop Privileges

Intercity buses will be charged a fee for using bus loading zones and facilities in Philadelphia, with camera-based monitoring systems to enforce the new fee. A deal has been made with the city's Parking Authority for enforcement and collection of these fees.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

Council Seeks Public Input on Proposed Overhaul of City Employee Pensions System

Philadelphia voters will decide whether to create a new board to oversee the city's retirement savings. A proposed charter amendment would establish the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board, pending voter approval in an upcoming special election.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeIntroduced Oct 30, 2025

New Zoning Rules Emerge for Southwest Philly Neighborhoods Amid Development Push

New Zoning Rules Emerge for Southwest Philly Neighborhoods Amid Development Push, Proposed Changes to Restrict Residential Uses in Seventh District Overlay District.

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City Government·In CommitteeIntroduced Oct 30, 2025

City Council Demands Regular Reports on Disbursement of Taxpayer-Funded Homeowner Aid in Philly Neighborhoods

Philadelphia's Housing Trust Fund will be required to publish a detailed, annual report on the distribution and allocation of funds across the city, starting from this year.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

Philadelphia Zoning Map Gets Overhaul as Council Seeks to Revitalize Blighted North Philly Neighborhoods

This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Philadelphia, bounded by N Frazier St., Master St., N Ithan St., and Media St.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

Philly Council OKs Bill Clarifying Zoning Rules for Two-Family Homes in RTA-2 Zone

A proposed zoning overhaul could soon bring new life to struggling commercial corridors, but opponents worry it will displace long-time residents and small business owners on Philly's main streets.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

City Partners with Philadelphia Energy Authority to Reduce Energy and Water Consumption at City Properties

A plan to slash energy bills at Philly's public pools, libraries, and recreation centers is headed to City Hall, where council members will weigh a proposal to retrofit buildings with green technology.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

Café Gets Green Light to Occupy Part of Baltimore Avenue Sidewalk

Philadelphia's vibrant West Philly neighborhood is one step closer to more outdoor dining and community life, as a long-awaited proposal clears the way for a bustling new café on Baltimore Avenue.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

City Rolls Out Citizens Bank as Official Partner for Employee Payroll Deposits

Philadelphia residents could see their city paychecks deposited directly into their Citizens Bank accounts under new city legislation that would make the bank the exclusive provider of payroll banking services. This move is expected to streamline city finances and save taxpayers an estimated $1 million annually.

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