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Weekly recap

This week in Council

March 20 to March 26, 2026

5 introduced12 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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'.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Became law

Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

City Gives Businesses Green Light to Extend Aisles onto Sidewalks Under Strict Guidelines

Businesses may extend into public areas under specific conditions, including the installation of decorative bells in designated locations. The bill authorizes certain groups to own and maintain structures in public right-of-way areas, such as sidewalks or streets.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

Hermit Street to Become One-Way Eastbound Between Manor and Manayunk Avenues

This bill would make Hermit Street one-way eastbound between Manor Street and Manayunk Avenue.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

Decorations allowed on Ogontz Avenue for 2026 Semiquincentennial celebrations

Philadelphia's North Philadelphia neighborhoods are set to get a festive facelift with colorful decorations along Ogontz Avenue, courtesy of a new city-approved beautification plan aimed at showcasing local pride during the city's 250th birthday bash.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

Newsstand Owner Granted Permission to Install Electrical Conduits on Convention Avenue

Mukeshkumar Patel gets green light to install electrical conduits under and across part of Convention Avenue for his newsstand, with certain conditions. The installation is aimed at supplying electricity directly to his business on 34th Street and Convention Avenue.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

City Council Greenlights Installation of First-Ever Elevator for Aramingo Avenue Shopfront

Small Businesses Rejoice as City Council Approves Zoning Overhaul Allowing More Retail Space on Bustling South Street. Under the new rules, small shop owners will be able to expand into larger storefronts, paving the way for new businesses in one of Philly's most vibrant commercial corridors.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

Coffee Shop at 1001 S 10th Street Receives Approval for Sidewalk Café Permits

This bill allows a coffee shop at 1001 S 10th St to install a sidewalk café with two tables and four seats, subject to certain conditions and city regulations.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

Mayor to Set Prison Oversight Director's Salary and Boost Meeting Pay for Board Members

Philadelphia's prison watchdogs could see a significant boost in pay under a new city council proposal that would hand Mayor control over their salaries and give them stipends for attending meetings.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

Philadelphia City Council Votes to Realign One-Way Traffic on Adams Avenue and Leiper Street

Residents of Northeast Philly may face longer commutes as city council votes to flip traffic direction on Leiper Street, potentially alleviating congestion but also disrupting daily routines for thousands.

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Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

Cameras to Catch Red Light Runners at Busy School House and Henry Avenue Intersection

This bill authorizes the installation of red light cameras at the intersection of School House Lane and Henry Avenue to prevent red light violations.

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City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

Out-of-Town Landlords Must Provide Local Contacts and Accountability to Philadelphia Renters

Philly Tenants Left Hanging by Strangers: New Proposal Forces Non-Resident Landlords to Hand Over Contact Info, Ensuring Renters Know Who to Turn To in Emergencies.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 26, 2026

City Council Votes to Redirect Traffic Flow on Busy Section of West Lippincott Street Near 23rd Street Intersection

This bill proposes to regulate traffic direction on a small section of West Lippincott Street between 22nd and 23rd Streets.

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Newly introduced

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

Environment·Signed Into LawSigned May 7, 2026

Philadelphia Commissions Lock in Stable Energy Prices Through Multi-Year Contracts

Philly's energy bills are about to get a lot more predictable: a new plan would lock in stable prices on electricity, natural gas, and diesel fuel for city buildings and vehicles through 2026.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned May 7, 2026

Buses Must Use Designated Areas or Face Fines Under New Traffic Rules Proposal

City Council Takes Aim at Congested Streets with New Rules for Bus Stops: Drivers who fail to comply could face fines up to $500, hitting the bottom line of private bus companies that often operate in high-demand areas.

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Business & Commerce·IntroducedIntroduced Mar 26, 2026

Council Proposes City-Wide Vote on Creating Office to Foster Arts and Culture Across Philadelphia

Philadelphia voters will soon be asked whether to create an "Office of Creative Philadelphia" to promote arts and culture across the city. The proposed office would be created through a charter amendment that Council is sending to the ballot.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 16, 2026

City Council Repeals Ordinance Allowing City Employees to Run for Office

City Council seeks to repeal ordinance allowing city employees to run for public office while still in position, a proposal approved by voters last year. The move aims to reinstate the requirement for officials to resign before seeking elected positions.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 7, 2026

Stairway Permitted at 611 S 7th St, Owner Must Comply with Building Codes

Developers of Kampar Restaurant at 611 S 7th Street get approval to build an enclosed staircase on their property line, encroaching into public space for nearly five feet.

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