Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 29 to June 4, 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
Zoning Change for 41st and Girard Streets Neighborhood
This bill proposes to change the zoning designation of specific areas in an approximately square-mile region bounded by Ludlow Street, South 41st Street, West Girard Avenue, and North 48th Street.
260238
City Council Proposes Overhaul to Zoning Rules Along Bustling I-76 Corridor in South Philly Neighborhoods
Zoning rules along a 4-mile stretch of I-76 in South Philly are up for overhaul as City Council proposes significant changes to land use and development in the area.
260207
Phila. Council Introduces Measures to Regulate Liquor Sales in City Neighborhoods
This bill proposes new regulations and penalties related to the sale of certain intoxicating substances in Philadelphia.
260163
Landlords Must Take Action Against Tenants Selling Tobacco Without Permit
Philadelphia landlords will now be required to take action against tenants selling tobacco products without a permit, with penalties for non-compliance as part of stricter rules adopted by City Council today.
260162
Philadelphia Buildings Forced to Upgrade Plumbing Systems as New Safety Standards Take Hold Citywide
Philadelphia buildings must upgrade plumbing systems to meet new national safety standards, aligning local code with the 2021 International Plumbing Code. The change affects all construction and occupancy in the city.
250645
Philadelphia Updates Building Codes to Require More Energy-Efficient Construction
Philadelphia's building code is being updated to include new energy efficiency standards from the International Energy Conservation Code and the International Residential Code. All buildings in the city will be affected by these changes when they go into effect.
250644
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
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
New Building Safety Rules Take Effect in Philly as City Adopts Latest Residential Code Edition
Philadelphia's building safety rules are changing with the adoption of a new residential code edition, requiring builders and property owners to follow updated standards for residential construction in the city.
260395
Philadelphia Building Codes Get Major Update with Adoption of 2021 National Standards and City-Specific Changes Enacted
Philadelphia building codes are being updated to align with national standards and local amendments will also be implemented. Changes will affect the way new buildings and renovations are constructed across the city.
260394
Philadelphia Building Code Gets Technical Updates for State Compliance
This bill amends parts of Philadelphia's administrative code related to building and construction regulations, making technical changes for compliance with state codes.
260393
Philadelphia Buildings Face New Safety Standards with Updated Fuel Gas and Existing Building Codes Adopted
Philadelphia buildings will be subject to updated safety standards, including new regulations for fuel gas systems and existing structures, aligning with national codes from the International Code Council. The changes aim to strengthen building code enforcement citywide.
260392
Philadelphia's Mechanical Code Updated to Align with International 2021 Standards
Philadelphia buildings are now required to meet updated standards for heating and cooling systems starting immediately, as the city adopts a new edition of the International Mechanical Code.
260391
City Seeks Long-Term Deal on Email, Cloud Services as Philly's Tech Needs Soar Daily
City Council President Johnson and Councilmember Landau's bill would allow the City to secure long-term licenses for essential computing products and services, including email and security software. The proposed deal aims to meet Philadelphia's growing tech needs.
260386
Philadelphia Signs Multi-Year Deal for Mainframe Software Support Amid Growing Cybersecurity Concerns
City officials have been given the green light to sign a multi-year contract with a vendor to support mainframe and database software used for public safety and financial reporting, amid growing cybersecurity concerns in Philadelphia.
260385
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
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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.