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Weekly recap

This week in Council

April 24 to April 30, 2026

10 introduced2 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

Newly introduced

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

Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 11, 2026

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.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 11, 2026

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 8, 2026

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.

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City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 11, 2026

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.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 4, 2026

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 11, 2026

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 11, 2026

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.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 4, 2026

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.

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City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 11, 2026

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 11, 2026

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.

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