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Weekly recap

This week in Council

November 7 to November 13, 2025

11 introduced4 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.

City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

Out-of-Town Landlords Must Provide Local Contacts and Accountability to Philadelphia Renters

Philly Tenants Left Hanging by Strangers: New Proposal Forces Non-Resident Landlords to Hand Over Contact Info, Ensuring Renters Know Who to Turn To in Emergencies.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jan 22, 2026

City Council Targets Employers Who Disclose Human Trafficking Status to Job Applicants in Philly

Employers in Philadelphia are now prohibited from asking job applicants about their status as human trafficking victims to avoid discrimination. People trafficked into the city will have new protections against employment-related prejudice under a recently passed law.

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Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 19, 2026

Philadelphia City Council Moves Quickly to Halt Puppy Mill Activity in the City

Philadelphia Pet Owners Left Wondering: Can I Still Buy a Pup in the City?" A proposed ban on puppy mills would limit where dogs are bred and sold locally, affecting hundreds of pet shops and breeders.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 12, 2026

Philly Council Passes Law Limiting Business Hours in 5th District Neighborhood

This bill adds business hour restrictions and restricts certain commercial uses in Philadelphia's Fifth Councilmanic District.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

City Council Votes to Restrict Commercial Development on Ridge Avenue Amid Community Concerns Over Overcrowding

A proposal to ban new commercial construction in a five-block stretch of Ridge Avenue has cleared City Council, sparking relief among neighbors who fear the influx of businesses is overwhelming their community. Ridge Avenue Residents Celebrate Victory as Council Votes Down New Business Moratorium This bill aims to regulate the number of bars and restaurants on a single block.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jan 22, 2026

City Council Seeks to Shield Sports Complex from Overcrowding with New Overlay District Regulations

A proposal aims to transform vacant lots near the Sports Complex into vibrant public spaces, but critics warn it could displace low-income residents and small businesses already struggling to survive in the area.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

Bills Signed Into Law: Zoning Changes for Bryn Mawr and Wynnefield Neighborhoods Take Effect

Zoning changes proposed for areas near Bryn Mawr Avenue and Wynnefield Avenue, altering designations within a specific area bounded by those streets. Councilmember Jones introduced the zoning overhaul.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

Phila Council Approves Land Use Shift for Block Between 5th St, Lombard St, Pine St, & 8th St

This bill changes the zoning designation for a specific area of land in Philadelphia, bounded by several streets.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

City Partners with Philadelphia Energy Authority to Finance Energy Efficiency Upgrades at City-Owned Properties

City Council Approves Energy Partnership with Philly Energy Authority for Major Upgrades at City-Owned Buildings. The agreement allows the City to issue bonds to finance energy-saving improvements, reducing costs on properties owned or leased by the City.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

East Falls Officials Move to Revise Business Zone Maps to Align with City Regulations

This bill amends a section of The Philadelphia Code related to neighborhood commercial areas in East Falls, making changes to ensure it aligns with city regulations.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

Traffic direction regulations implemented on LeCount and Bambrey Streets in Philadelphia.

This bill regulates traffic direction on two specific streets in Philadelphia: LeCount and Bambrey Streets.

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