Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 24 to October 30, 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.
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Became law
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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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.
250810
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.
250808
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.
250803
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.
250802
Philadelphia Bans Sale of Drug Paraphernalia in Industrial Areas
This bill prohibits selling drug paraphernalia in certain industrial areas of Philadelphia.
250800
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 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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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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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 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.
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.
250951
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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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 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.
250948
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.
250947
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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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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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.
250946
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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