Policy calendar

The City Hall decisions coming up, in plain language

Philadelphia decides who gets to build here in a handful of rooms. This calendar lists those rooms, when they meet, and what each one means for a small business owner or a resident. Exact agendas change week to week, so every entry links to the official source.

New to the process? Read the Philadelphia Policy FAQ for plain language answers on zoning, permits, budget hearings, and how City Hall decisions get made.

The rooms that decide

1. City Council Stated Meeting

   Most Thursdays during session, 10 a.m., Room 400, City Hall

   The full Council introduces bills, votes on bills that cleared committee, and hears public comment.

   What it means for you

   This is where a bill becomes law. If a bill touches your block, your business, or your rent, the final vote happens here, and you can sign up to speak before it does.

   Watch for: Final passage votes on zoning overlays, business taxes, and corridor programs.

   Council agendas on Legistar

2. City Council Committee Hearings

   Weekdays during session, posted on the Council calendar

   Committees such as Rules, Finance, and Commerce and Economic Development hold the real hearings on a bill.

   What it means for you

   Committee is where a bill gets changed or stopped. Testimony here matters more than at the final vote, because members are still listening and amendments are still possible.

   Watch for: Rules Committee zoning bills and Finance Committee tax and fee changes.

   Committee calendar on Legistar

3. Zoning Board of Adjustment

   Weekly hearings, posted by address on the ZBA calendar

   The board decides appeals and variances when a project does not fit the zoning on the books.

   What it means for you

   If a neighbor wants to open a shop, add units, or change a use, the yes or no often happens here. Registered community organizations and neighbors can testify.

   Watch for: Variances on your corridor and use changes for small commercial spaces.

   ZBA hearing schedule

4. Philadelphia City Planning Commission

   Monthly public meetings, posted on the Commission page

   The Commission reviews zoning bills, large developments, and neighborhood plans before Council acts.

   What it means for you

   Planning recommendations shape what Council does next. When a rezoning or corridor plan is on the agenda, this is the earliest public moment to weigh in.

   Watch for: Remapping bills and civic design reviews for large projects.

   Planning Commission meetings

5. City Budget Hearings

   Each spring, after the Mayor presents the budget

   Council questions every department on its spending plan before approving the budget by the end of June.

   What it means for you

   The budget decides which programs exist next year. Money for housing, corridor cleaning, small business grants, and permit staffing is won or lost here.

   Watch for: Housing dollars that were approved but not spent, and permit department staffing.

   City budget office

6. Licenses and Inspections Review Board

   Regular hearings, posted on the board page

   The board hears appeals of violations, permit denials, and license decisions.

   What it means for you

   If L&I cited or denied your business and you think it was wrong, this is where you appeal. Deadlines are short, so know the date on your notice.

   Watch for: Appeal deadlines printed on any violation notice you receive.

   L&I Review Board