Weekly recap
This week in Council
April 24 to April 30, 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
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 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Rolls Out Electric Vehicle Charging Hubs at Parking Spots Across Philadelphia Streets
Philadelphia is set to get a network of public electric vehicle charging stations after the City Council authorized partnerships with two companies: It's Electric Inc. and Positive Energy Inc. to install chargers in curbside locations and parking lots citywide.
260428
City Council Clears Path for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Philly Airport Cell Phone Lot
Philadelphia International Airport's cell phone lot will soon be equipped with DC Fast Chargers after City Council cleared the path for their installation through a concession agreement with Positive Energy Inc.
260431
Council Proposes Zoning Shifts Near Frankford Creek Amid Neighborhood Development Push
Councilmember Driscoll proposes zoning changes in areas near Frankford Creek and Aramingo Avenue, altering existing zoning designations to new ones specified on Map "B". The changes will take effect immediately.
260429
City Seeks Easement Changes at Philly Airport for Adjacent Development Project
Philadelphia city officials are seeking to modify an existing easement and acquire more rights to a portion of land near the Philadelphia International Airport for an adjacent development project. The proposed changes would affect the City's control over the parcel of land commonly known as 8350 Executive Avenue.
260426
Temporary Parking Regulations Established in North Philadelphia Neighborhood Boundaries
This bill establishes temporary parking regulations and enforcement in a specific area of Philadelphia, including restrictions on parking times and towing for violations.
260424
City Council Proposes Property Swap Option for Surplus Land Disposition Amid Affordable Housing Push
Philadelphia city councilors Gauthier and Lozada propose adding a new method to dispose of surplus properties through "property exchange," allowing the city to trade one property for another.
260423
City Council Votes to Allow Utilities Along Ridge Avenue in Neighborhood Development Plan
City Council votes to allow utilities along Ridge Avenue in a specific area bounded by Calumet Street, the Schuylkill River, and the Wissahickon Creek, under certain terms and conditions. This change affects zoning in the /FDO Fourth District Overlay District.
260422
City Leases Sections of FDR Park to Fairmount Park Conservancy for 26-Year Partnership
City Council President Johnson and Councilmember Bass sponsor bill allowing Fairmount Park Conservancy to lease parts of FDR Park for 26 years. The partnership would cover use, operation, management, maintenance, and repair under specified terms.
260430
Aviation Director Moves to Acquire Land near Philly Airport with Purchase, Negotiation Options Under Consideration
Philadelphia's Department of Aviation can now acquire a parcel of land near the airport through purchase or negotiation. The Director will have various options to secure fee simple title or a lesser interest in the property at 8800 Tinicum Boulevard.
260427
Zion Baptist Church Gets Green Light for Decorative Enhancements Along Bustling N Broad St
Zion Baptist Church has been granted permission to install decorative puzzle walls, tree planter boxes, and bollards in front of their property on North Broad Street under specific terms.
260425