Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 14 to November 20, 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 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.
250916
City Council Moves to Revamp Zoning Laws on North Philadelphia Streets to Accommodate New Developments
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land in a specific neighborhood.
250891
Catalytic Converter Thieves Banned in Philadelphia, Law Increases Metal Theft Penalties
Stealing catalytic converters from cars is now a crime in Philadelphia, punishable by increased penalties. The new law aims to combat metal thieves who profit from selling stolen car parts containing precious metals.
250890
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Shield Workers From Menstrual Health Bias at Workplaces Everywhere
Workers in Philadelphia who experience menstrual health issues or menopause symptoms may soon find better protection from bias at work as city lawmakers propose stronger laws against period-related discrimination.
250849
Council Approves New Zoning Maps for Neighborhoods Along Chew Avenue, Church Lane, and East Wister Street
Philadelphia's South Philadelphia neighborhood is about to get a major facelift as new zoning regulations will allow taller buildings in the area, sparking both excitement and concern among local residents and business owners.
250848
Council Votes to Streamline Permit Process for Essential Businesses in Targeted Neighborhoods
Philadelphia Small Business Owners Breathe Sigh of Relief as Council Approves Measure to Fast-Track Permits for Low-Income Neighborhoods, Simplifying Path to Operation for Essential Providers Like Laundromats and Food Pantries.
250831
City Council Bill Exempts Thousands of Philly Apartment Renters from Paying Annual Development Fee
Philadelphia City Council Seeks to Boost Affordable Housing with Proposal Allowing Developers to Waive Fees for Non-Profit Projects, Advocates Say It's a Step Towards More Affordable Units but Critics Worry About Lost Revenue.
250707
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philly Council Proposes Tighter Rules for Convenience Stores Across Eighth Neighborhood District
Philadelphia's zoning regulations for convenience stores in the city's Eighth Neighborhood are set to tighten under a proposed bill from Councilmember Bass. New rules would dictate what can and cannot be sold at these businesses, including sundries and pharmaceuticals.
251032
Council Takes Aim at Streamlining Preservation Process for Philly's Timeless Treasures
Philadelphia's historic preservation law is set for an overhaul, with changes aimed at streamlining the process for designating historic properties and districts, affecting how owners and developers navigate applications during the designation process.
251030
Philadelphia to Require Designated Stands for Ride-Shares and Taxis
Philadelphia's 10,000 ride-share drivers would be forced to find new spots to wait for passengers if a proposed law creates stricter regulations on where they can idle their cars in the city.
251029
City Council Proposes Cutting Taxes for Thousands of Small Businesses Across Philadelphia
Councilmember Driscoll and six colleagues propose exempting thousands of small businesses from paying a portion of the Business Income and Receipts Tax, under certain terms and conditions. Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs could benefit from the proposed tax break.
251026
City Council Streamlines Parking Permits for Center City Commuters with New Regulations
Center City drivers will face new regulations on loading zones under an update to the city's parking code aimed at streamlining permits and reflecting recent Department of Streets decisions. The changes cover additional areas within Center City.
251024
City Council Tackles Sidewalk Café Regulations with Simplified Permit Process for Businesses Across Philly
Small business owners rejoice as City Hall proposes a new permit process, slashing wait times from months to mere weeks, freeing up space for cafes and restaurants to serve Philly's hungry crowds.
251022-A
City Council Moves to Lower Barriers for Low-Income Families to Secure Cheaper Water Bills
Low-income families may soon qualify for cheaper water bills after City Council votes to revise income eligibility standards, making it easier for residents to access rate discounts and payment agreements.
251021
City of Philadelphia Moves to Slash Water Bills Amid Widespread Meter Malfunctions
Philadelphia is set to reduce water bills for customers charged due to defective or inaccurate meters, under terms and conditions yet to be finalized. This move aims to address widespread issues with city-supplied water meters.
251020
City Council Approves Additional Funding for Philly Gas Works Amid Shifts in Long-Term Budget Projections
Philly residents can expect to see their gas bills rise as City Council approves $50 million in additional funding for the financially-strapped Philadelphia Gas Works, a move critics say will disproportionately hurt low-income households.
251018
City Hall Shuffles Funds as Officials Make Last-Minute Changes to Next Year's Budget
Philadelphia officials are making last-minute changes to next year's budget, allowing for the transfer of funds between different city accounts and departments. The city will shift money from several funds to others, affecting various city offices, departments, boards, and commissions.
251027
City Simplifies Energy Deals for Municipal Buildings Across Philadelphia
City simplifies energy deals for 17 municipal buildings across Philadelphia with new clarifications and technical changes to a previous agreement. The updated contract aims to reduce energy, water, and wastewater consumption at these properties.
251019
Packer Avenue Zoning Repealed, New Rules for Stadium Area Go into Effect
This bill repeals a previous law that changed zoning in an area around Packer Avenue and added new zoning rules for the area.
251031
City Council Tries to Reverse Ryan Avenue One-Way Plan Amid Resident Outcry and Confusion
Philadelphia residents who thought they'd learned how to navigate the streets may soon be turning around again, as City Council attempts to rescind its own plan to flip traffic flow on a busy North Philly corridor.
251025
City Awards Contract To Renovate Long-Vacant Frankford Avenue Health Clinic Location
Long-abandoned, but soon-to-be bustling, a century-old health clinic on Frankford Avenue is getting a major facelift after city officials greenlit a $1 million renovation deal with the property owner yesterday.
251023
City Purchases Key Piece of Property on Island Avenue Amid Plans for Redevelopment
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Taxes Under Proposed New Tax Abatement Program. Council members are debating whether to offer tax breaks to developers in exchange for affordable housing units, affecting thousands of property owners across the city.
251017