Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 28 to December 4, 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
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.
250887-A
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.
250834
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.
250709
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.
250708
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.
250607
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.
240304-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
251066
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.
251065
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.
251070
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.
251068
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.
251067
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.
251069
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.
251028