City Hall Roll Call: April 3rd, 2025
Non-Conformity Bill Recalled
Welcome to Thursday’s City Hall Roll Call, powered by The Committee of Seventy.
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Welcome to City Hall Roll Call, a summary of City Council’s weekly Stated Meeting. Reminder, the information provided below is not an official or complete record. City Council’s official legislative database can be accessed through Legistar.
For a full play-by-play of the Council session, including speeches and public comment, be sure to Blue Sky.
Session Recap:
Thursday’s City Council stated meeting was a relatively uneventful affair, with an incredibly short final passage calendar and only a handful of substantive introductions.
Trump Administration Target of Council Ire
Council introduced a number of resolutions condemning actions or policies under taken by President Donald Trump’s Administration. These types of resolutions have no legal effect and are typically introduced to signal City Council’s support or opposition to a particular action or policy. Today alone, Council introduced five such resolutions expressing their displeasure with a number of actions taken by the Trump Administration. These resolutions cover such topics as:
Urging preservation of funding and administrative support for Head Start;
Condemning the Trump Administration’s pursuit of “anti-labor and anti-worker” policies;”
Calling on HUD to preserve local control over housing development and the Choice Neighborhood Initiatives Program; and,
Demanding the Trump Administration restore funding cuts to programs supporting Pennsylvania food banks.
These resolutions demonstrate the growing concerns about the impact of federal cuts on the city’s budget as Council continues the FY2026 budget process.
Extension Proposed to 1 Year Rule
Councilmembers Brian O’Neill (R-10th) and Mike Driscoll (D-6th) introduced a proposed amendment to the city’s Zoning Code. Under the current law, property owners who wish to seek relief from the requirements set forth in the Zoning Code must seek what is called a “variance” from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). Property owners who have their variance “finally denied or dismissed” by either the ZBA or a court are prohibited from submitting a “substantially similar application” within a year.
For example, if you want to add a fourth story to your home and need a variance from the Zoning Board to do so, and that variance is denied, you would have to wait at least a year from trying again. Under the proposed bill, this “one year” rule would be extended to “three years.” Individuals who have their “substantially similar” application denied due to the One Year Rule have the right of appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, where they may argue that either (i) the rule was applied improperly, or (ii) because of materially changed circumstances the application should be considered notwithstanding the rule.
Given the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s heavy case load, this legislation could help limit repeat applications rejected by the Board and preserve the bandwidth of Registered Community Organizations tasked with organizing the public meeting required under the code.
Non-Conformity Bill Recalled
City Council also recalled a bill it passed two weeks ago that would further regulate nonconformities. Procedurally, a recall can occur between passage of the bill by City Council and before it becomes law - either through the Mayor’s signature or ten days without a Mayoral veto. After a recall, the bill is placed back onto Council’s Second Reading and Final Passage calendar.
This week, Councilmember Jeffrey Young (D-5th) utilized this procedure to recall his non-conformity legislation, explained in detail here. The bill has been placed back on to the final passage calendar where Councilmember Young can either offer another amendment to the bill, withdraw it from consideration by placing it on the Council “suspension calendar," or simply allow the bill to languish by holding it from another vote. Councilmember Young has not publicly signaled his intention regarding the matter, but given the Mayor’s opposition to the bill, there is a fair chance that the sponsor will choose to hold the bill indefinitely.
Council stands adjourned until Thursday, April 10th.
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (By Subject Matter)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
🏗️ Construction / Zoning
Bill amending Section 14-533 of The Philadelphia Code (“/MIN, Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District”) to exempt from certain requirements of that Section residential development under programs designed to create affordable homeownership, which programs mandate deed restrictions and agreements establishing ongoing affordability requirements. (Gauthier)
Bill amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising the One Year Rule which limits the filing of permit applications that are substantially similar to a prior application with respect to which an appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment has been denied or dismissed; and making related changes. (O’Neill)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1911 Mountain Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. (Johnson)
Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 813 Union Street, 6130 Ellsworth Street, 4910 Kingsessing Avenue, 5417 Florence Avenue, 5425 Florence Avenue in the Third Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code. (Gauthier)
Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2323-31 N. 5th Street, 2322 N. Orkney Street, 2324 N. Orkney Street, 2326 N. Orkney Street, 2328 N. Orkney Street, 2330 N. Orkney Street in the Seventh Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code. (Lozada)
💼 Business Regulation
Bill amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code (entitled “Service and Other Businesses”) to add business hour restrictions in the First, Seventh, and Eighth Councilmanic Districts. (Lozada)
🪄 Special Business
Resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 240427-AA, entitled “Amending Section 14-305 of the Philadelphia Code entitled ‘Nonconformities,’ by providing further provisions on changes from non-conforming uses; all under certain terms and conditions” for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council. (Young)
📛 Board / Commission Appointments
R: Appointing Erika Stewart to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution calling on the Trump Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to preserve funding and administrative support for Head Start, prevent program disruptions, and protect access to early childhood education for low-income families. (Johnson)
Resolution calling on the Trump Administration to reverse the termination of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant awarded to the City of Philadelphia to support efforts to address flooding in Eastwick, a community that has been disproportionately impacted by environmental injustice and hardships. (Johnson)
Resolution responding to U.S Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner’s ill-informed understanding of public housing development and call for deregulation by reinforcing the importance of the continued preservation of local control over housing development decisions to ensure development aligns with the needs and desires of our communities, and calling on Turner to preserve the Choice Neighborhood Initiatives program which enables PHA to preserve and expand its affordable housing stock. (Johnson)
Resolution demanding the Trump Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restore the funding that was cut for programs supporting Pennsylvania food banks and schools accessing local produce which will endanger food security for vulnerable children and families in Philadelphia and further deepening the crisis of hunger in the city. (Johnson)
Resolution recognizing the central role of labor organizing and labor unions in the history of Philadelphia, their ongoing importance to the wellbeing of working-class families, and condemning the Trump Administration’s continued pursuit of anti-labor and anti-worker policies. (O’Rourke)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings investigating the current state of higher education as this pillar of the Philadelphia economy and cultural landscape undergoes generational change. (Thomas)
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Thursday (By Member)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
R: Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1911 Mountain Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
R: Calling on the Trump Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to preserve funding and administrative support for Head Start, prevent program disruptions, and protect access to early childhood education for low-income families.
R: Calling on the Trump Administration to reverse the termination of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant awarded to the City of Philadelphia to support efforts to address flooding in Eastwick, a community that has been disproportionately impacted by environmental injustice and hardships.
R: Responding to U.S Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner’s ill-informed understanding of public housing development and call for deregulation by reinforcing the importance of the continued preservation of local control over housing development decisions to ensure development aligns with the needs and desires of our communities, and calling on Turner to preserve the Choice Neighborhood Initiatives program which enables PHA to preserve and expand its affordable housing stock.
R: Demanding the Trump Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restore the funding that was cut for programs supporting Pennsylvania food banks and schools accessing local produce which will endanger food security for vulnerable children and families in Philadelphia and further deepening the crisis of hunger in the city.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
R: Amending Section 14-533 of The Philadelphia Code (“/MIN, Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District”) to exempt from certain requirements of that Section residential development under programs designed to create affordable homeownership, which programs mandate deed restrictions and agreements establishing ongoing affordability requirements.
R: Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 813 Union Street, 6130 Ellsworth Street, 4910 Kingsessing Avenue, 5417 Florence Avenue, 5425 Florence Avenue in the Third Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
R: Appointing Erika Stewart to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
Councilmember Jeffery Young (D-5th)
R: Requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 240427-AA, entitled “Amending Section 14-305 of the Philadelphia Code entitled ‘Nonconformities,’ by providing further provisions on changes from non-conforming uses; all under certain terms and conditions” for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (D-7th)
B: Amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code (entitled “Service and Other Businesses”) to add business hour restrictions in the First, Seventh, and Eighth Councilmanic Districts.
R: Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2323-31 N. 5th Street, 2322 N. Orkney Street, 2324 N. Orkney Street, 2326 N. Orkney Street, 2328 N. Orkney Street, 2330 N. Orkney Street in the Seventh Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code.
Councilmember Brian O’Neill (R-10th)
B: Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising the One Year Rule which limits the filing of permit applications that are substantially similar to a prior application with respect to which an appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment has been denied or dismissed; and making related changes.
Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (I-AL)
R: Recognizing the central role of labor organizing and labor unions in the history of Philadelphia, their ongoing importance to the wellbeing of working-class families, and condemning the Trump Administration’s continued pursuit of anti-labor and anti-worker policies.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-AL)
Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings investigating the current state of higher education as this pillar of the Philadelphia economy and cultural landscape undergoes generational change.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Thursday’s Session
Resolutions:
250168 (Driscoll): Honoring the Father Judge High School Boys' Basketball Team for winning the 2025 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship and celebrating their remarkable achievement.
250277 (Jones): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2942 and 2944 W Wishart St; 3323 W Allegheny Ave; 3212 N 33rd St; and 3216 N Newkirk Street located in the 4th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
250### (Young): Requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill Number 240427, dash aa entitled amending section 14, 305, of the Philadelphia code entitled non conformities by providing further provisions on changes from non conforming uses, all under certain terms and conditions for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said Bill passed Council.
250### (Johnson): Honoring United States Senator Cory Booker for his courageous and historic twenty-five hour Senate floor speech, standing in defense of America's core democratic principles and constitutional values, while surpassing the previous 24 hourm 18 minute record set by Senator Strom Thurmond in opposition to the Civil Rights Act.
250### (Phillips): Recognizing the Active People Healthy Nation Initiative, a national effort led by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and the American Heart Association and reaffirming the city of Philadelphia's commitment to championing policies, programs and investments that promote physical activity, improve public health, especially for children, and ensure equitable access to recreation for all residents.
250### (Phillips): Honoring, recognizing and celebrating the Omicron Delta Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated for 40 years of service and impact in the city of Philadelphia.
250### (Thomas): Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings investigating the current state of higher education as this pillar of the Philadelphia economy and cultural landscape undergoes generational change.
250### (Johnson): Honoring and recognizing the All-Star Labor Classic and Philadelphia's organized labor for 37 years of charitable service to students and the community.
250### (Johnson): Recognizing April 2025 as Fair Housing Month in the city of Philadelphia and celebrating the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
250### (Landau): Recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Arab Americans in Philadelphia.
250### (Landau): Declaring April 4, 2025 as “Women in Tech Day” in the city of Philadelphia, and recognizing the importance of women in technology, emphasizing their contributions, promoting STEM education and careers for women and girls and expanding gender equity in the technology field.
250### (Landau): Declaring April 2025, as National Poetry Month in the city of Philadelphia, and recognizing the profound impact of poetry on Philadelphia's cultural, educational and social landscape.
250### (Lozada): Recognizing April as “National Donate Life Month” in the city of Philadelphia, and honoring the life saving impact of organ, eye and tissue donation, as well as celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Gift of Life Donor Program.
250### (Brooks): Recognizing April 2025 as “Autism Acceptance Month” in the city of Philadelphia, and commending the work of advocates who are people living with Autism and who are breaking down barriers to fully inclusive society.
250### (O’Rourke): Celebrating the launch of “Philadelphia Fair Lease” on the city of Philadelphia's Landlord gateway.
250### (Driscoll): Congratulating the Father Judge High School Boys Basketball team for winning the 2025 PIAA 6A Championship.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Tuesday, April 8th (Committee of the Whole - Budget)
Public Safety Group (10:00-12:30)
Police
Office of Public Safety
Public Safety Group (1:30-4:00)
Police
Office of Public Safety
Wednesday, April 9th (Committee of the Whole - Budget)
Public Safety Group Continued (10:00-12:30)
Prisons
Fire
Licenses & Inspections Quality of Life
Licenses & Inspections – Inspections, Safety, and
Compliance
Public Safety Group Continued (1:30-4:00)
Prisons
Fire
Licenses & Inspections Quality of Life
Licenses & Inspections – Inspections, Safety, and
Compliance
Thursday, April 10th
Committee on Appropriations, 1:00 PM - the committee will hear various bills transferring funds within the city budget.
Monday, April 14th
Committee on Rules, 10:00 AM - the Committee will consider a number of bills repealing the zoning legislation authorizing the construction of the 76ers Arena on Market Street and a bill to change the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Federal Street, 13th Street, Wharton Street, and Broad Street.
Committee on Legislative Oversight - 1:00 PM - The Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 - the committee will hold hearings to assess the current state of Philadelphia’s preparations for the multitude of events being held across the City throughout 2026 as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday and Philadelphia’s central role in America’s founding.
Tuesday, April 15th (Committee of the Whole - Budget)
Planning & Development, Commerce (10:00-12:30)
Managing Directors Office General Services Group (1:30-4:00)
Fleet
Public Property
Wednesday, April 16th (Committee of the Whole - Budget)
Free Library, Parks and Recreation (10:00-12:30)
SEPTA (1:30-4:00)