City Hall Roll Call: November 13th, 2025
Puppy prohibition?
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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 be sure to follow me on Blue Sky.
Session Recap:
Philadelphia City Council held its weekly stated meeting where members introduced a number of noteworthy bills. The first, introduced by Councilmember Jeffery Young (D-5th) would restrict the hours that commercial establishments could operate in certain parts of the Fifth Councilmanic district. Bill No. 250988 provides that “no Commercial Establishment shall be open to the public between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.” on both sides of West Girard Avenue from West College Avenue to 29th Street and both sides of West Fairmount Avenue from Broad Street to 24th. Young’s bill is a part of a growing trend of Council enacted limits to overnight business operations in certain Council districts covering neighborhoods such as Germantown, Fairhill, Hunting Park, Frankford, Mount Airy and Kensington. Gas stations, businesses with liquor licenses and those with drive thrus are exempt from the curfew.
Landlord Registration
Out of town landlords will face new registration requirements should a bill introduced by Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-9th) become law. The bill applies to “Non-Resident Landlords,” defined as “[a]ny individual, corporation, partnership, or entity that does not reside at or maintain a primary place of business at the property for which a license is required under this Chapter, and that owns or controls property subject to licensing or inspection by the City of Philadelphia.”
Non-Resident Landlords would be required to register with the city and provide “the full name, residence address, and telephone number of the property owner,” as well as the contact information of the landlord’s designated local agent or property manager. The legislation is a response to non-resident property ownership which the bill contends “has contributed to neighborhood deterioration, unsafe living conditions, and barriers to enforcement of property maintenance and housing laws.” The bill provides, “[i]t is the intent of Council to strengthen transparency and communication between landlords, tenants, and the City by requiring verifiable contact and registration information for each property licensed in Philadelphia.”
Puppy Prohibition?
Lastly, Councilmember Cindy Bass (D-8th) introduced a bill that would establish a temporary moratorium on the sale and transfer of puppies in the City of Philadelphia. In the bill’s legislative findings, Bass notes that the City of Philadelphia has experienced a documented increase in stray and abandoned dogs which has created stress on the city’s shelter system, and threats to public health and safety. The legislation states that “[i]ntake data from ACCT Philly demonstrates that indiscriminate or unregulated breeding is a primary driver of shelter crowding and dog relinquishment, compounding the strain on the City’s ability to provide humane care.” The moratorium is designed to be a temporary measure “intended to address this emergency condition while Council considers and adopts permanent regulatory solutions, including licensing, subsidized sterilization, and enhanced enforcement.”
The bill does not apply to individuals holding a valid Pennsylvania kennel license and is designed to target “unlicensed unregulated puppy sales that have produced documented impacts on shelter capacity and public health within the City.” Under the proposed three-year moratorium, breeding or “allowing a dog to give birth within the City of Philadelphia” and selling a dog under seven months would be prohibited. Exemptions are provided for nonprofit animal rescues, service dog breeding operations and people or entities holding a valid Pennsylvania Dog Law kennel license.
Philadelphia City Council stands adjourned until Thursday, November 20th at 10 AM.
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 No. 250983, amending Section 14-503 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “/NCA, Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District,” by amending the East Falls Neighborhood Commercial Review Area, and making related changes. (Jones)
Bill No. 250984, amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Eva Street, Dearnley Street, Flamingo Street, Hillside Avenue, Shaw Street, Wigard Avenue Extension, Umbria Street, Minerva Street, and Shawmont Avenue. (Jones)
Bill No. 250985: Amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within the area bounded by Bryn Mawr Avenue, Wynnefield Avenue, Nevada Street and the SEPTA Railroad Right of Way. (Jones)
Bill No. 250986, amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Overlay Zoning Districts” by creating Section 14-545, entitled, “/WFS, West Fairmount Sports Area Overlay District.” (Jones)
Bill No. 250987, amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Sunset Avenue, Harner Street, Port Royal Avenue, Hagys Mill Road, and Cathedral Road. (Jones)
Bill No. 250988, amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code (entitled “Service and Other Businesses”) to add business hour restrictions in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and amending Section 14-529 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “/VDO, Fifth District Overlay District,” to restrict certain commercial uses and make other related changes. (Young)
🏠 Housing / Landlord-Tenant
Bill No. 250980, amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Property Licenses and Owner Accountability,” by requiring non-resident landlords to provide verifiable contact information and a designated local contact and establishing penalties for non-compliance. (Phillips)
💸 Finance / Budget
Bill No. 250981, authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between The City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and The Philadelphia Energy Authority relating to the financing of the construction, equipping, installation and implementation of energy conservation improvements and other measures designed to reduce energy, water, wastewater, or other consumption or operating costs at specified properties owned or leased, and operated, by the City; approving the issuance by such Authority of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series to finance or refinance the costs of such project and authorizing and approving the obligation of the City to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under the Service Agreement; authorizing certain City officers to take certain actions required to issue such bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness. (Johnson)
💼 Business Regulation
Bill No. 250989, amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity,” by adding a new Section to impose a temporary moratorium on the breeding and transfer of puppies. (Bass)
Bill No. 250990, amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination,” to add protections against employment discrimination on the basis of human trafficking victim status. (Ahmad)
🚦Streets
Bill No. 250982, regulating the direction of movement of traffic on certain portions of LeCount and Bambrey Streets. (Johnson)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Res. No. 250992, calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to approve House Bill 504, the Community Energy Act, and the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pass this legislation to allow for the creation of community energy programs in Pennsylvania. (Gauthier)
Res. No. 251000, urging the City of Philadelphia to make moral investments and weigh the threat that nuclear weapons pose to all of humanity and our environment in light of the Trump administration’s decision to restart testing of nuclear weapons and proposal to build a nuclear submarine right here in Philadelphia. (O’Rourke)
Res. No. 251004, calling on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to take swift and decisive action to pass House Bill 1286 as an effective measure to combat human trafficking in Pennsylvania. (Ahmad)
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (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)
Bill No. 250981: Authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between The City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and The Philadelphia Energy Authority relating to the financing of the construction, equipping, installation and implementation of energy conservation improvements and other measures designed to reduce energy, water, wastewater, or other consumption or operating costs at specified properties owned or leased, and operated, by the City; approving the issuance by such Authority of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series to finance or refinance the costs of such project and authorizing and approving the obligation of the City to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under the Service Agreement; authorizing certain City officers to take certain actions required to issue such bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness.
Bill No. 250982: Regulating the direction of movement of traffic on certain portions of LeCount and Bambrey Streets.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
Res. No. 250992: Calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to approve House Bill 504, the Community Energy Act, and the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pass this legislation to allow for the creation of community energy programs in Pennsylvania.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
Bill No. 250983: Amending Section 14-503 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “/NCA, Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District,” by amending the East Falls Neighborhood Commercial Review Area, and making related changes.
Bill No. 250984: Amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Eva Street, Dearnley Street, Flamingo Street, Hillside Avenue, Shaw Street, Wigard Avenue Extension, Umbria Street, Minerva Street, and Shawmont Avenue.
Bill No. 250985: Amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within the area bounded by Bryn Mawr Avenue, Wynnefield Avenue, Nevada Street and the SEPTA Railroad Right of Way.
Bill No. 250986: Amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Overlay Zoning Districts” by creating Section 14-545, entitled, “/WFS, West Fairmount Sports Area Overlay District.”
Bill No. 250987: Amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Sunset Avenue, Harner Street, Port Royal Avenue, Hagys Mill Road, and Cathedral Road.
Councilmember Jeffery Young (D-5th)
Bill No. 250988: Amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code (entitled “Service and Other Businesses”) to add business hour restrictions in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and amending Section 14-529 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “/VDO, Fifth District Overlay District,” to restrict certain commercial uses and make other related changes.
Councilmember Cindy Bass (D-8th)
Bill No. 250989: Amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity,” by adding a new Section to impose a temporary moratorium on the breeding and transfer of puppies.
Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-9th)
Bill No. 250980: Amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Property Licenses and Owner Accountability,” by requiring non-resident landlords to provide verifiable contact information and a designated local contact and establishing penalties for non-compliance.
Councilmember Nina Ahmad (D-AL)
Bill No. 250990: Amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination,” to add protections against employment discrimination on the basis of human trafficking victim status.
Res.No. 251004: Calling on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to take swift and decisive action to pass House Bill 1286 as an effective measure to combat human trafficking in Pennsylvania.
Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (I-AL)
Res. No. 251000: Urging the City of Philadelphia to make moral investments and weigh the threat that nuclear weapons pose to all of humanity and our environment in light of the Trump administration’s decision to restart testing of nuclear weapons and proposal to build a nuclear submarine right here in Philadelphia.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🗣️ 250963 (Lozada): Calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to add medetomidine to the list of controlled substances in Pennsylvania.
🗺️ 250967 (Young): Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 1807 N. 8th Street, 1809 N. 8th Street, 1811 N. 8th Street, 1813 N. 8th Street, 1817 N. 8th Street, 1819 N. 8th Street, 1821 N. 8th Street, 1823 N. 8th Street, and 1825 N. 8th Street, located in the 5th Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
🏆 250991 (Gilmore-Richardson): Recognizing November 2025 as National Adoption Month in the City of Philadelphia.
🏆 250993 (Thomas): Celebrating this year’s homegrown talent, including Jahri Evans, Eddie George, and Erik Williams who have been nominated and are in consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
🏆 250994 (Landau): Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Asian Americans United (AAU) in the City of Philadelphia.
🏆 250995 (Landau): Honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of Pierre Robert, a beloved and legendary Philadelphia WMMR Radio host and champion of Philadelphia’s rock music scene.
🏆 250996 (Landau): Recognizing November 16th, 2025 as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in the City of Philadelphia.
🏆 250997 (Lozada): Honoring and Recognizing Danny Garcia on His Retirement and Celebrating His Outstanding Contributions to the City of Philadelphia and the 7th Councilmanic District.
🏆 250998 (Brooks): Recognizing Human Rights Day and celebrating abortion access as a human right.
🏆 250999 (Harrity): Recognizing November as National Restorative Justice Month and honoring the power of art, healing, and community through the collaborative efforts of The Barnes Foundation, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and Creative Philadelphia.
🏆 251001 (Driscoll): Honoring and recognizing Inspector Frank Bachmayer on the occasion of his retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department after 44 years of dedicated service.
🏆 251002 (Bass): Honoring and Recognizing Nicole Fisher for Her Outstanding Commitment to Empowering Philadelphia’s Youth, Promoting Anti-Violence Initiatives, and Exemplifying Leadership Through Faith, Family, and Service.
🏆 251003 (Bass): Honoring the Courage and Legacy of Ruby Bridges by Recognizing November 14th as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in the City of Philadelphia.
Bills:
🚦240873 (Phillips): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: N. 2nd street between Roosevelt Blvd and Ashdale street; Champlost street between N. 3rd street and N. 4th street; N. 6th street between Grange avenue and Chew avenue; Fairhill street between Grange avenue and Chew avenue.
🏗️ 250493-AA(Young): Amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, 9th Street, Erie Avenue, and Broad Street.
🚦250830 (Gauthier): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 5015 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143.
🚦250835 (Lozada): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 1526-32 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, under certain terms and conditions.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Monday, November 17th
Committee on the Environment, 1:00 PM - the Committee will hold a public hearing on a bill to prohibit contractors providing solid waste, recycling or composting services to the City from incinerating discarded matter.
Tuesday, November 18th
Committee of the Whole, 10:00 AM - the Committee will convene a public hearing to review the administration, management, operations, and finances of the School District and adopt plans to coordinate the activities of the Board of Education, the Mayor, and the City Council for the improvement and benefit of public education in Philadelphia. The committee will also consider various appointments to business improvement districts.
Wednesday, November 19th
Committee on Labor and Civil Service, 10:00 AM - the Committee will consider a bill that would establish minimum workforce training requirements and documentation standards for contractors and subcontractors on public works projects.
Committee on Law and Government, 1:00 PM - the Committee will hold hearings on a number of proposed charter changes, including the elimination of the resign to run requirement and the establishment of the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Program.
Monday, November 24th
Committee on Streets and Services, 10:00 AM - the Committee will hear testimony on nine bills related to encroachments and refuse.
Committee on Licenses and Inspections, 2:00 PM - the Committee will consider a bill to add new prohibitions on where mobile medical service providers may operate and a bill to add a new exemption from certain business hour restrictions for pharmacies.