Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 7 to November 13, 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
Became law
City Council Greenlights Outdoor Café Expansion on Bustling North American Street Corridor
Philadelphia's Small Business Community Hopes for Economic Boost as City Council Passes Bill Expanding Late-Night Liquor Licenses for Food Trucks
250835
Philadelphia Business Seeks Approval for Outdoor Sidewalk Café at 5015 South Street's Busy Corner Spot
This bill allows a business at 5015 Baltimore Ave to set up an outdoor seating area (sidewalk café) under specific rules.
250830
Roosevelt Boulevard Neighbors Fret as City Council Set to Rewrite Area's Zoning Laws
Roosevelt Boulevard neighborhoods are set to undergo changes as City Council rewrites area's zoning laws. The specific areas affected are bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, 9th Street, Erie Avenue, and Broad Street.
250493-AA
City Hall Introduces New Parking Rules to Ease Congestion on Popular Philly Street Routes
Councilmember Phillips' bill establishes parking regulations in specific Philadelphia neighborhoods, including N. 2nd Street between Roosevelt Blvd and Ashdale Street, to help manage traffic congestion.
240873
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
250980-A
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.
250990
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.
250989-A
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.
250988
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.
250987
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.
250986
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.
250985
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.
250984
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.
250981
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.
250983
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.
250982