Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 1 to May 7, 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
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.
260267
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.
260266
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.
260265
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
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
Smart loading zones installed in Center City Philadelphia with cameras and sensors to enforce rules.
Cameras and sensors will soon be installed in Center City to enforce loading zones, allowing drivers to pay for short-term parking and reducing traffic congestion in the area bounded by Spring Garden Street, Bainbridge Street, the Schuylkill River, and the Delaware River.
260134
Bike Lane Established on Columbia Avenue with Parking Removed
City Council proposes creating bike lane on Columbia Avenue, which would remove parking spaces along the street. The plan aligns with state transportation regulations.
260026
City of Philadelphia Leases Additional Office Space at John F. Kennedy Boulevard Address
Philadelphia's Office of Homeless Services is facing a crunch for storage as it prepares to relocate, prompting a scramble for extra space on John F. Kennedy Boulevard just in time for a high-profile move.
251100
Center City Loading Zones Get Boost with Updated Parking Regulations Signed into Law
Center City businesses are getting more flexibility to load and unload goods, thanks to City Council's vote to expand loading zone options in the area. The move aims to alleviate congestion and improve delivery times for local merchants.
251070
City Seeks to Buy Up Properties Around Popular West Philly Rec Centers for Potential Revitalization Efforts
City Council is seeking to acquire several properties in West Philly, including the Cibotti Recreation Center, for potential redevelopment. The area is bounded by Island Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, and other local streets and waterways.
251067
Philadelphia to Require Designated Stands for Ride-Shares and Taxis
Philadelphia's 10,000 ride-share drivers would be forced to find new spots to wait for passengers if a proposed law creates stricter regulations on where they can idle their cars in the city.
251029
Philadelphia City Council Approves Sidewalk Café at Busy Corner of Girard and 16th Street
Councilmember Young's proposal to build an eight-table, 16-seat sidewalk café near 161 W Girard Ave has been approved by City Council. The café will encroach onto the east footway of North Hancock Street for about five feet.
250918
Councilors Weigh In on Proposal to Bring Outdoor Dining to Bustling Frankford Corner
City Council is considering allowing a sidewalk café at 1444 Frankford Ave, with permission to install up to 16 tables and 32 seats.
250836
Fairmount Avenue Restaurant Wins Approval to Expand Outdoor Seating Permits
Restaurant at 1811 Fairmount Ave wins approval for two-table sidewalk café with eight seats, encroaching five feet onto Shirley Street. Councilmember Young sponsored the permit allowing MQZ LLC's outdoor expansion.
250806
City Officials Set to Lease Space on Krewstown Road for Expanded Office Operations
Philadelphia plans to move its licensing office to a new location on Krewstown Road, sparking debate among residents about increased traffic and parking woes in a congested neighborhood. The city's leasing plan has some neighbors worried about more congestion.
260341
City Officials Revise Lease Deal for City Office Space at 1 S. Broad Street Location
A proposed amendment to the city's office lease could add hundreds of thousands of dollars to taxpayers' tab as City Hall negotiates a larger footprint on Broad Street. The changes would affect over 200 municipal employees currently working in cramped conditions.
260339
PECO Gets Green Light for UnderTransformer Work on Pennypack Path Near State Road 7801
This bill allows PECO Energy Company to access and maintain underground transformers along a portion of the Pennypack Path near State Road 7801.
260338
City Clears Path for Big Dig at Victory Gardens and Emerson Landfill with Union Training Facility Deal
Philadelphia Council Approves Plan to Turn Blighted Sites into Union Training Hub, Bringing New Jobs and Cleanup Efforts to North Philly's Forgotten Lands.
260337
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council Tackles Carriage Horse Industry with Stringent New Rules on Licenses and Working Conditions
Philadelphia City Council introduces bill to regulate carriage horse industry with strict licensing and working condition rules, including penalties for violating new standards. The proposed regulations aim to safeguard animals used in carriage rides around the city.
260465
City Signs Deal to Buy Electricity from New Solar Energy Facility at Northeast Philly Airport
Philadelphia signs deal to buy electricity from new solar energy facility at Northeast Philly Airport through a long-term contract. The city will purchase power from Reactivate, LLC's facility under certain terms and conditions.
260464
Zoning Map Changes Set for Neighborhood Around St Joseph's Preparatory School This Week
Changes to zoning map and code amendments proposed for neighborhoods around St Joseph's Preparatory School, affecting areas bounded by Thompson Street, Girard Avenue, and others. Councilmember Young sponsored the bill.
260462
Philadelphia Expands Sidewalk Café Program Allowing More Neighborhoods to Offer Outdoor Dining Spaces
City Council has proposed expanding Philadelphia's sidewalk café program to allow more outdoor dining spaces in various neighborhoods and business districts. The new locations would be subject to specific terms and conditions.
260461
Council Proposes Preference for Small, Local Firms in City Contract Bidding Process
City Council proposes giving local and small businesses a new preference in bidding for City contracts, adding to existing preferences for community development corporations and minority-owned businesses.
260459
City Contractors Required to Disclose Bond Costs Under New Law
City contractors must now disclose and monitor the cost of performance and payment bonds for certain contracts. Changes take effect immediately under revised procurement rules.
260458
Council Proposes Question to Change City's Contractor Preference Policy in Upcoming Election Ballot
Councilors Johnson and Gilmore Richardson propose putting a question on the November ballot to change how the city buys goods and services, favoring small businesses and raising competitive bidding limits. The changes would go before voters in a special election.
260457
Council Moves to Ban Sales of Luxurious Fatty Duck Liver Delicacy in Philadelphia Restaurants
Philadelphia restaurants would be barred from selling a luxurious delicacy made from fatted duck livers under a city ordinance proposed by five council members. The bill targets the sale of foie gras, a high-end food often served in upscale eateries.
260466
Philadelphia Council Updates Rules on Non-Bid Contracts Exemptions for Small Businesses
Philadelphia Council updates rules for non-bid contracts, exempting small businesses from certain requirements if they meet specific conditions. Small business entities will no longer be subject to certain contract restrictions under the updated rules.
260460
Philadelphia City Plan Revised as Streets Along Girard and 18th Avenues Are Struck from Official Maps
Girard Avenue streets set for removal from city maps as City Council considers revisions to City Plan No. 120. Cleveland Street and Stiles Street would be struck from official maps under the proposed changes.
260463