This week in Council

Philadelphia Council OKs Plan to Borrow Up to 578 Million Dollars for Major Infrastructure Projects

Philadelphia City Council has authorized borrowing up to $578 million through bond sales to fund capital projects like infrastructure improvements. The funds will support various municipal investments across the city.

260508

City Requires Food Delivery Services to Register Bicycle Riders Amid Safety Concerns

Food delivery services will now be required to register bicycle riders who perform deliveries in Philadelphia, amid growing safety concerns. The new measure will also involve identification, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements for these workers.

260526

City's Zoning Code Revised to Clarify Transit Improvement Bonus Structure and Parameters

Philadelphia's zoning code has been revised to clarify and overhaul the Transit Improvement Bonus structure, affecting developers who seek density bonuses for projects near transit hubs. The new rules take effect immediately.

260518

City Approves Applications for Millions in Federal Funding to Revitalize Neighborhoods Across Philadelphia

Philadelphia City Council authorizes applications for federal funding to revitalize neighborhoods through various grant programs, including Community Development Block Grants and blight prevention initiatives.

260513

Philadelphia City Council Approves PGW Budget Amid Ongoing Infrastructure Upgrade Plans Continues

Philadelphia Gas Works gets $208 million budget approval from City Council, as part of ongoing infrastructure upgrade plans. The budget and revised forecast for future years were submitted by the corporation managing PGW's operations.

260511

Council Proposes Strict New Parking Rules Along Bustling West Chestnut Street

Council President Johnson and Councilmember Bass introduce a new overlay zoning district along West Chestnut Street with specific regulations for parking, loading, and development. The WCS Overlay District aims to revamp rules in the bustling area.

260536

North Philadelphia Zoning Map Changes Signed into Law After Years of Debate

North Philadelphia neighborhoods are in line for significant zoning changes as City Council debates the proposals today, with some areas set to see new zoning designations.

260534

Council Proposes Tougher Rules for Sidewalk Cafes in Philly Amid Enforcement Concerns

Philadelphia's sidewalk cafes could face stricter fines and penalties under new rules proposed by Councilmember Squilla, with repeat offenders facing increased consequences for non-compliance.

260533

Developers Rewarded with Bonus Space for Streetscapes Upgrades Across Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Developers can earn bonus space and height in certain neighborhoods if their projects include public street upgrades. The changes aim to clarify how developers can receive incentives for enhancing city streets.

260530

City Council Approves Financing Pact for New Police Headquarters at North Broad and Callowhill Streets

City Council Approves Pact to Finance New Police HQ at North Broad and Callowhill Streets with a Service Agreement between the City and Philadelphia Municipal Authority. The pact clears the way for the acquisition of two properties for use as police headquarters.

260527

Food Delivery Workers Required to Get Special License for E-Bikes Under New City Rule

Philadelphia food delivery workers who use e-bikes will soon need a special city license to operate in the city. The license would be issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections under new regulations aimed at commercial delivery services.

260525

Neighborhood Land Use Changes Unveiled as Council Moves to Revamp Zoning in Northeast Philly's Hunting Park Neighborhood

Zoning changes are coming to Hunting Park, where some land use classifications will be revised in an area bounded by Roberts Avenue and Wissahickon Avenue. The exact zoning designations for certain areas will shift under the proposed amendments.

260523

Fairmount Park Drives Designated One-Way Streets with Parallel Parking Permitted on Both Sides

Fairmount Park's East and West Memorial Hall Drives are now one-way streets, with parallel parking allowed on both sides of the roads, following city council approval of new traffic regulations.

260522

City Council Moves to Provide Death Benefits for Employees Who Take Own Lives After Traumatic Events on Job

Philadelphia city employees who die by suicide after experiencing traumatic events on the job may now be eligible for service-connected death benefits, under certain conditions and timelines specified in the bill. The new guidelines include a 45-day window following a traumatic event to qualify for the benefit.

260521

City Council Moves to Allow Transit Stations in Busy Commercial Neighborhoods Across the City

City Council introduces bill to allow transit stations in commercial areas, subject to certain terms and conditions. Commercial businesses across the city could soon be accompanied by new transit stations under proposed zoning changes.

260520

Council Bill Seeks Looser Zoning Rules for Philly Buildings Near Public Transit Hubs

Council President Johnson and Councilmember Gauthier's bill seeks to loosen zoning rules for buildings near public transit hubs by exempting certain districts from ground floor use requirements. The change would apply to areas with specific base zoning districts.

260519

City Council Revamps Zoning Code Around Public Hubs to Foster More Transit Oriented Communities Across Philadelphia

Zoning laws in Philadelphia are being rewritten around public transportation hubs to foster more transit-oriented communities. The Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District is being renamed and expanded to cover a wider area, with new use, dimensional, and parking standards.

260517

Bill Aims to Relax Parking Requirements in Philadelphia's Commercial Mixed-Use District

Philadelphia's commercial mixed-use zoning rules have been overhauled to allow for more multi-family housing in certain areas under new zoning regulations approved by City Council. Changes will affect what types of buildings can be constructed and how they are zoned.

260516

City Council Proposes Zoning Overhaul for Neighborhood Boundaries Near West Philly Commercial Corridor

Neighborhood zoning boundaries near West Philly's commercial corridor are up for a major overhaul with proposed changes to zoning designations bounded by Wyalusing Avenue, Lancaster Avenue, May Street, Westminster Avenue, and 47th Street. Councilmember Gauthier is behind the proposal.

260515

West Philadelphia Affordable Housing Project to Regain Zoning Approvals

Expired building permits are no longer a roadblock for the mixed-use affordable housing development at 601 North 37th Street in West Philly, thanks to a new city council bill. The bill extends zoning approvals for the Village Square on Haverford project despite its expired permits.

260514

Philadelphia Approves Plan to Refinance Youth Center Bonds and Revise Municipal Leases

City Council Approves Plan to Refinance Bonds Issued for Youth Center Facility, Makes Lease Changes with Philadelphia Municipal Authority.

260509

Philadelphia Approves Outdoor Café Plans for 2101 South 3rd Street Property

Lawrence Polanski and Ping Zeng, owners of 2101 South 3rd Street, have been granted permission to install an outdoor café with five tables and thirty seats on two sidewalks. The encroachment will be located on the south and east sides of the property.

260535

Philadelphia Signs Sublease Deal with Municipal Authority for Office Space at 701 Market Street Building

Philadelphia will rent office space in the 701 Market Street building under a sublease agreement with the Municipal Authority. The deal is outlined in a newly authorized lease agreement between the City and the Authority.

260531

City Council Approves $44.8 Million Funding Boost for Philadelphia Gas Works Amid Budget Forecast Revisions

Philadelphia Gas Works receives $44.8 million funding boost from city council, with amendments to FY2026 Capital Budget and revised forecast for FY2027-2031 capital budgets under new constraints and conditions.

260512

City Council Moves to Waive Parking Tax for Bus Loading Facilities Starting Next Spring

Bus loading facilities to escape parking tax starting next spring in Philadelphia. The change, effective May 1, 2026, would exempt these facilities from the city's Parking Tax under certain terms and conditions.

260507

South Street Bakery Wins Approval for Sidewalk Café After City Negotiations

A South Street bakery has won city approval for a sidewalk café with one table and two seats, pending permits and removal if required by the city. The café will encroach about 4 feet onto the street from Varallo Brothers Bakery at 1639 S 10th St.

260532

City of Philadelphia Enters Lease Agreement for 12,749-Square-Foot Office Space at 1341 N. Delaware Ave

Philadelphia is set to occupy up to 12,749 square feet at 1341 N. Delaware Avenue under a new lease agreement that allows for annual rent increases of about 2%.

260529

City Approves Sale of Tacony Property for Less Than Fair Market Value Amid Tax Abatement Proposal

Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development sells Tacony property for less than fair market value, despite concerns about tax abatements. The sale is part of a larger development agreement for the Frankford Arsenal site.

260528

City Council Votes to Axe Streets as Part of Revised City Plan No 120 Takes Shape

Cleveland Street between Girard Avenue and Stiles Street, along with part of 19th Street, are set to be erased from Philadelphia's city plan under a bill passed by City Council. The changes will be finalized if certain requirements are met within two years.

260524

Southbound Traffic Takes Over Pine Ridge Road Between Cheltenham And Fariston Drives

Southbound traffic is set to dominate Pine Ridge Road between Cheltenham Avenue and Fariston Drive, with a new ordinance making the stretch one-way southbound. The "No Parking Anytime" restriction in the area has also been repealed.

260506

City Treasurer Clears Path for New Payroll Banking Deal with Citizens Bank National Association

City Treasurer cleared to sign deal with Citizens Bank for payroll banking services, pending contract terms that safeguard city interests. Council President Johnson and Gilmore Richardson sponsored the authorization.

260510