Skip to content

Weekly recap

This week in Council

January 23 to January 29, 2026

9 introduced0 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.

250099

→
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.

260765

→
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.

260761

→
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.

260698

→
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.

260801

→
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.

260797

→
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.

260831

→
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.

260830

→
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.

260854

→

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.

260764

→
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.

260697

→
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.

260689

→
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.

260688

→
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'.

260800

→
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.

260855

→
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.

260851

→
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.

260896

→
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.

260895

→

Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 23, 2026

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

→
Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 23, 2026

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

→
City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 23, 2026

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

→
Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 23, 2026

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

→
Civil Rights·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 23, 2026

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 Government·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 23, 2026

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

→
Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 19, 2026

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

→
Civil Rights·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 23, 2026

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

→
Zoning & Development·IntroducedIntroduced Jan 29, 2026

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

→