Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 6 to March 12, 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
Philadelphia Gas Works Seeks Extension of Rate Agreement with Transco on Gas Storage Services
Philadelphia residents could see their gas bills remain unchanged as long as city-owned Philadelphia Gas Works can secure a 5-year extension of its deal with Transco, which stores natural gas in the city's underground storage fields.
260113
City Issues Bonds Backed By Gas Utility Revenues To Finance Debt Repayment Efforts
Philadelphia homeowners can expect increased gas bills as Council passes bill allowing city to issue bonds tied to utility revenues, potentially totaling $150 million in debt repayment efforts.
260112
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
Vacant Lots in Fifth District Get Building Codes
Vacant eyesores plaguing North Philadelphia's 5th District would be subject to tougher building codes under a new proposal, forcing owners to renovate or demolish blighted properties that have long troubled residents and city officials alike.
250917-A
Zoning Board Members in Line for Pay Hikes Under New Council Proposal
Philadelphia's zoning officials could see their pay nearly double under a new proposal that would raise salaries to $130,000 annually, sparking concerns about conflict of interest and developer influence.
250769
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia City Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 Signed into Law
Philadelphia City Council unveiled its proposed $4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027, outlining how tax dollars will be spent across city departments. The operating budget would allocate funds to various initiatives, pending council approval.
260199
City Council Unveils Ambitious Six-Year Budget Blueprint for Philly's Future Development and Infrastructure
Philadelphia City Council has approved a six-year capital program for 2027-2032, with estimated costs totaling $22.1 billion to fund various city infrastructure and development projects.
260201
Philadelphia Council Unveils Plan to Pour $1 Billion into City Infrastructure Upgrades Next Year
City Council proposes a $7.59 billion budget for major city projects and repairs next year, outlined in an attached exhibit. The plan is sponsored by Council President Johnson and Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
260200
City Council Proposes Revised Budget for Fiscal 2026 Capital Projects to Save Taxpayers Millions Daily
Philadelphia taxpayers could save millions of dollars thanks to a City Council proposal to slash funding for stalled capital projects, freeing up cash for new initiatives in education and public safety. The revised budget aims to cut waste and inefficiency.
260214
City Officials Set to Shuffle Billions in City Budget as 2026 Fiscal Year Kicks In
City officials plan to redirect funds from several city funds, including the General Fund and Transportation Fund, as part of the new budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The transfers will affect various city offices, departments, boards, and commissions.
260215
City Council Passes Six-Year Budget Plan with Revised Capital Program Totals
Councilmember Johnson's proposed budget changes would slash funding for street maintenance, but allocate millions more for affordable housing initiatives targeting low-income seniors. Funding for Philadelphia's popular Summer Youth Employment Program is at risk under new proposals unveiled by Council's Budget Committee yesterday.
260213
Philadelphia Council Passes Bill to Alter Zoning in Bustleton Avenue Neighborhood
Councilmember Lozada proposes changing zoning rules in an area bounded by McKinley Street, Leonard Street, Devereaux Avenue, and Bustleton Avenue. The proposed changes would alter the existing zoning designations for certain properties in this neighborhood.
260212
Philly Imposes 5% Tax on Delivery Fees for City Customers Today
Philadelphia imposes a new 5% tax on delivery fees for city customers. A 5% tax will now be applied to deliveries made directly to consumers within Philadelphia's city limits.
260209
Philly Slaps Fee on Ride-Hailing Fares Originating in City Limits Starting Today
Ride-hailing passengers in Philly will soon face a tax on their fares after City Council's vote authorizes the School District to levy the charge on prearranged rides originating within city limits.
260208
City Council Proposes Overhaul to Zoning Rules Along Bustling I-76 Corridor in South Philly Neighborhoods
Zoning rules along a 4-mile stretch of I-76 in South Philly are up for overhaul as City Council proposes significant changes to land use and development in the area.
260207
Philadelphia Officials Overhaul Zoning Board Fees and Hearing Process to Streamline Decision Making
Zoning Board of Adjustment fees will change and hearing schedules will be revised as part of an overhaul aimed at streamlining decision-making processes in Philadelphia. Changes include new fees and hearing scheduling rules for the ZBA.
260203
Philly City Council Moves to Levy New Hotel Room Rental Tax Starting Next Quarter
Hoteliers in Philadelphia face additional tax on room rentals starting next quarter under a new law proposed by Council President Johnson and Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. The extra excise tax will be levied on hotel rooms rented in the city.
260202
Erie Avenue Neighborhood Zoning Overhaul Signed into Law
Erie Avenue neighborhoods face zoning changes after City Council votes to alter zoning designations for areas bounded by Erie Avenue, Front Street, Lippincott Street, and 2nd Street.
260211
Juniper Street Development Spills onto Public Space as City Council Votes to Relax Rules
Property owners near 2655 S Juniper St get permission to install and maintain an encroachment, including a canopy and outdoor café with tables and seats.
260217
City Council Bill Would Place Large Garbage Dumpster on Busy Northeast Philly Corner Street
Northeast Philly residents may soon see a large garbage dumpster installed on their busy street corner near 509-19 Vine St, under terms specified in City Council. The owner of the property would be responsible for installation, maintenance, and upkeep.
260216
City Council Proposes Parking Permit Program for North Philadelphia Homeowners Amid Parking Frenzy Concerns
Residents in North Philadelphia's District 38 may soon need permits to park their vehicles under proposed new rules. The plan would restrict certain residents from applying for permits, despite residing within the designated district.
260210
City Seeks To Simplify And Equalize Costly Asbestos Removal Fees For Homeowners And Businesses
City officials are revamping asbestos removal fees in an effort to make them more transparent and equitable for both homeowners and businesses. The changes aim to clarify and standardize requirements.
260206
Philadelphia Clarifies Cell Tower Rental Fee Under Realty Use and Occupancy Tax Law
Cell tower owners in Philadelphia must immediately pay rental fees based on market value, according to a new law clarifying how the Realty Use and Occupancy Tax applies to cell towers on private property.
260205
City Council Proposes Higher Fees for Philly Businesses Seeking Air Pollution Permits Daily
Philadelphia businesses could face higher fees for air pollution permits under a proposed change to the city's Air Management Code, with sponsors Council President Johnson and Councilmember Gilmore Richardson backing the shift.
260204