Weekly recap
This week in Council
January 16 to January 22, 2026
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
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
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 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
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
New Commission Would Guide City's Struggling Families Towards Support and Resources
A proposed overhaul of city services for low-income families stalled at the final hurdle as Councilmember Helen Gym pulled her landmark legislation on community support networks just hours before its scheduled vote.
260027
Bike Lane Established on Columbia Avenue with Parking Removed
City Council proposes creating bike lane on Columbia Avenue, which would remove parking spaces along the street. The plan aligns with state transportation regulations.
260026
Council Introduces Bill Requiring Certification for Glass and Metal Technicians
City Council creates licensing program for Certified Glass and Metal Technicians, requiring them to meet certain qualifications and follow specific rules under new law that takes effect immediately. The ordinance sets out terms and conditions for licensure.
260024
Council Moves to Give Itself Power to Oust Troubled School Board Members
Council seeks power to oust troubled Philadelphia school board members through a vote, submitting a proposed charter amendment for public consideration.
260023
Philly Tightens Zoning Near Rivers with Changes to Waterfront Land Use Regulations
Philadelphia's waterfront neighborhoods are set for zoning changes, with designated areas bounded by Main Street, Ridge Avenue, and nearby waterways seeing revised land use classifications.
260022
Tax Exemptions for Inherited Properties with Liens Revised in Philadelphia Realty Transfer Tax Law
Homeowners who've inherited properties in Philly face new reality: under a proposed law change, those who inherit homes with outstanding mortgages or liens will no longer be exempt from paying taxes on the transfer. It could cost them thousands.
260021
Company Gets Green Light to Gussy Up South Broad Street with Decorative Features
City Council approves plan for Avenue of the Arts to add decorative features like lights, sculptures, and planters along a stretch of South Broad Street between Pine and Spruce Streets. The installation will be owned and maintained by AOA under specific terms and conditions.
260025