Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 13 to March 19, 2026
Became law
Philadelphia Council Passes Bill Simplifying Zoning in City's Sixth District Area
This bill updates Philadelphia's zoning laws by creating a new overlay district (Sixth District) and revising two existing ones (Northeast Overlay District and Industrial and Manufacturing Area Overlay District).
260074
City Council Tackles Cluttered Sidewalk Cafes as Bill Streamlines Outdoor Entertainment Regulations
This bill removes outdated rules related to outdoor entertainment at sidewalk cafes in Philadelphia.
260073
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
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
City Council Moves to Lock Down Loose Dumpsters on Philadelphia Streets Overnight
Philadelphia's Refuse and Littering Code will be amended to require locking of dumpsters in certain situations, with Council President Johnson and Councilmember Squilla sponsoring the bill.
250843-AA
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Landlords Ordered to Warn Neighbors When Renting Out Apartments on Short-Term Basis Daily
Landlords in multi-family buildings must warn neighbors if an apartment is rented out short-term, under a new proposal from Councilmember Young requiring notice about licensed dwelling units.
260241
City Council Moves to Rewrite Zoning Laws for Select Neighborhoods Bordering Historic Cobbs Creek Region
Councilmember Gauthier proposes rewriting zoning rules for areas bordering Cobbs Creek, changing "Special Purpose - Civic, Educational, Medical" zones to a different designation in the affected neighborhoods. Boundaries include Baltimore Avenue and Cobbs Creek Parkway.
260239
Zoning Change for 41st and Girard Streets Neighborhood
This bill proposes to change the zoning designation of specific areas in an approximately square-mile region bounded by Ludlow Street, South 41st Street, West Girard Avenue, and North 48th Street.
260238
City Sells Small Parcel on Germantown Ave to PAID Agency Amid Plans for New Development
Councilmember Bass introduces bill allowing city to sell small Germantown Avenue parcel, situated on 5928-30 Germantown Avenue, to PAID at fair market value. The sale would facilitate new development in the area.
260242
City Reorganizes Cinnaminson Street Traffic Flow with New Lane Regulations
South Cinnaminson Street drivers will no longer be able to park or stop on one side of the street between Mitchell and Pechin Streets, under new regulations approved by Councilmember Jones. The changes are set to take effect once signage is installed.
260240