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Weekly recap

This week in Council

May 22 to May 28, 2026

5 introduced6 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

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 28, 2026

Philadelphia Council Passes Bill to Alter Zoning in Bustleton Avenue Neighborhood

Councilmember Lozada proposes changing zoning rules in an area bounded by McKinley Street, Leonard Street, Devereaux Avenue, and Bustleton Avenue. The proposed changes would alter the existing zoning designations for certain properties in this neighborhood.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 28, 2026

City Council Tweaks Zoning Laws to Streamline Special Exceptions in Ninth District Business Zones

Philadelphia's zoning laws are being tweaked to simplify the process for businesses in certain areas of the Ninth District to secure special exceptions, following a bill proposed by Councilmember Phillips.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 28, 2026

Broad Street Encroachment Plan Clears Council Hurdle Amid Concerns About Aesthetic Impact

Pennsylvania Ballet Association will be allowed to install benches, planters, and bollards near their property at 323 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, pending compliance with city regulations, as approved by Councilmember Squilla's bill.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 28, 2026

Northeast Philly Neighborhoods Face Zoning Overhaul Amid Plans for Development Along Cottman Avenue Corridor

Zoning changes proposed for Northeast Philly areas along Cottman Avenue corridor as part of development plans. Councilmember Driscoll's legislation would alter land designations in specific neighborhoods.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 28, 2026

Spruce Street, 34th Street, Civic Center Boulevard, and University Avenue Zoning Changes Signed into Law

West Philly neighborhood near Lincoln Center is in line for a major zoning overhaul, with city council voting to change the designation of certain areas. The changes will be reflected on new maps submitted to council.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 28, 2026

Pennsylvania University Given Green Light to Revamp Two Iconic Campus Landmarks

University of Pennsylvania gets green light to revamp Class of 1920 Commons and Stuart Weitzman Theatre addition under amended Master Plan. The changes are detailed in attached Exhibits "A" and "B".

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Newly introduced

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

Zoning & Development·In CommitteeIntroduced May 28, 2026

Philadelphia Council Proposes Stricter Security Measures for Senior Housing Facilities Across The City

Senior housing facilities in Philadelphia must implement enhanced security measures and emergency preparedness plans under a proposed city council bill authored by Councilmember Jones. The new rules aim to protect residents aged 62 and older living in facilities with ten or more units.

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Education·In CommitteeIntroduced May 28, 2026

Philadelphia Designates May 21 as Ona Judge Day to Honor Local Heroine of Slavery Escape

Philadelphia City Council honors Ona Judge, who escaped slavery in 1796, by designating May 21 as "Ona Judge Day". The new holiday recognizes her bravery and self-determination.

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Zoning & Development·Awaiting MayorIntroduced May 28, 2026

City Council Clears Way for Outdoor Cafe at Bustleton Avenue Corner Spot Amid Controversy Over Parking Spots

Bustleton Avenue property owners Sidney Leo and Ramon Posel are cleared to install an outdoor sidewalk café, complete with 24 planters, 14 tables, and 28 seats, pending certain conditions. The encroachment will take up about 9'6" of west footway space on Bustleton Avenue.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 11, 2026

Restaurant at 2351 South Front Street Gets Green Light for Expanded Sidewalk Café Seating Area

Restaurant at 2351 South Front Street gets green light to install expanded sidewalk café seating area with 7 tables and 28 chairs on both sides of the street.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Awaiting MayorIntroduced May 28, 2026

City Council Moves to Rename Historic Arch Street Park After Beloved Community Leader Janet Kalter

Councilmember Squilla proposes renaming Girard Fountain Park to honor community leader Janet Kalter, a popular spot located on Arch Street.

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