Weekly recap
This week in Council
January 23 to January 29, 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Tries to Shield Philly's Immigrants from Police Checkpoints and Enforcement Actions Daily
A proposed law would prevent police from enforcing federal immigration laws within city limits, sparking debate over public safety and the rights of undocumented immigrants living in Philly's neighborhoods.
260061
Philadelphia Police Ordered to Clearly Display Badges and Official IDs at All Times On Duty
Philadelphia police are now required to visibly display their badges and official IDs at all times while on duty, a move aimed at transparency and accountability.
260060
Philadelphia Bans Deals with Immigration Enforcement Contractors Amid Fierce City Council Debate
City workers would no longer partner with companies like ICE, under a new proposal aimed at severing ties with contractors who aid in immigration enforcement. Thousands of Philadelphians could be shielded from potential deportation risks.
260059
Council Proposes Ban on Unsanctioned Government Takeovers of Neighborhood Parks and Recreation Facilities
Philadelphia council members propose strict limits on government use of neighborhood parks and recreation facilities without explicit authorization. The move aims to prevent unsanctioned takeovers of community spaces by the city or courts.
260062
Philadelphia City Agencies Must Keep Immigration Data Secret from Cops
Philadelphia residents who are undocumented or have family members in the country illegally could be protected under new proposed rules that shield their personal data from local law enforcement.
260057
City Agencies Banned from Asking Citizenship Status Amid Efforts to Boost Trust in Services for All Residents
Philadelphia city agencies are barred from asking about citizenship status, with the goal of boosting trust in services among all residents as part of new regulations. The restrictions also prohibit discrimination based on immigration status when accessing City services.
260056
Council Seeks to Simplify Zoning Rules with New Affordable Housing Overlay in West Philly
Neighborhood residents are split over Council's plan to allow taller buildings and more density in North Philadelphia, which proponents say will bring much-needed housing stock but opponents worry will overwhelm the area's narrow streets.
260055
Philadelphia Businesses Required to Treat Immigrants Fairly Under New Law
Small business owners across Philly are adjusting to a new law requiring them to provide equal services to customers, regardless of their immigration status.
260058
City Council Seeks to Rename Panati Playground in Allegheny West Neighborhood After Area Residents
Philadelphia city officials want to rename a 22nd Street park after its local community. The proposed name, "Allegheny West Recreation Center," reflects the area's identity.
260063