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Weekly recap

This week in Council

November 28 to December 4, 2025

7 introduced6 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

City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 4, 2025

Philadelphia to Construct Buildings in Public Sidewalks and Streets

City Council is poised to allow structures in public spaces across the city with the passage of a bill authorizing the construction, ownership, and maintenance of right-of-way encroachments. The legislation will impact various areas of Philadelphia under specified terms and conditions.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 4, 2025

New zoning district created in North Philadelphia with restricted commercial uses approved

This bill creates a new zoning district in North Philadelphia and restricts certain commercial uses.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 4, 2025

Council Targets Repeat Offenders With New Measure to Keep Problematic Businesses from Repeating Past Misdeeds

This bill ensures that nuisance businesses can be shut down even if ownership changes hands, as long as certain conditions are met.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 4, 2025

Phila. Council Unveils Tougher Penalties for Stop Work Orders for Homeowners and Contractors

This bill makes changes to stop work and cease operations orders in Philadelphia.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 4, 2025

Contractors on Philly Public Works Projects Must Train Local Construction Workers

Public works contractors in Philadelphia are now required to train local workers and document compliance, a move aimed at boosting workforce development.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 4, 2025

Philadelphia Mandates Insurance Certificates for All Businesses Amid City Building Code Revamp

Philadelphia businesses will now be required to provide proof of certain insurance certificates as part of the city's building code revisions, mandating a change for all businesses in the city.

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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 Mar 12, 2026

City Council Makes Waves with Digital Revamp of Vital Records Database Launch

Philadelphia residents can now easily access their ancestors' birth certificates and other vital documents online after the city council voted to partner with Ancestry.com on a massive digital overhaul of its records database.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jan 22, 2026

Affordable housing and job training expanded for Philadelphia's homeless population through amended ordinance.

Philadelphia's H.O.M.E program is doubling down on services for its most vulnerable residents, adding $10 million in funding for emergency shelters, job training, and permanent housing solutions.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned May 7, 2026

Center City Loading Zones Get Boost with Updated Parking Regulations Signed into Law

Center City businesses are getting more flexibility to load and unload goods, thanks to City Council's vote to expand loading zone options in the area. The move aims to alleviate congestion and improve delivery times for local merchants.

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Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

Cameras to Catch Red Light Runners at Busy School House and Henry Avenue Intersection

This bill authorizes the installation of red light cameras at the intersection of School House Lane and Henry Avenue to prevent red light violations.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 7, 2026

City Seeks to Buy Up Properties Around Popular West Philly Rec Centers for Potential Revitalization Efforts

City Council is seeking to acquire several properties in West Philly, including the Cibotti Recreation Center, for potential redevelopment. The area is bounded by Island Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, and other local streets and waterways.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

Philadelphia City Council Votes to Realign One-Way Traffic on Adams Avenue and Leiper Street

Residents of Northeast Philly may face longer commutes as city council votes to flip traffic direction on Leiper Street, potentially alleviating congestion but also disrupting daily routines for thousands.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 11, 2025

Restaurant on North Christopher Columbus Boulevard Gets Approval for Outdoor Seating

This bill authorizes a specific property owner to install and maintain encroachments (extensions or protrusions) on their property near 510 N Christopher Columbus Blvd in Philadelphia.

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