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Council approves tougher penalties for illegal street openings and excavations
Summary
An ordinance increasing penalties for violations of underground permitting rules for street openings and excavations passed the council on final reading after a roll-call vote.
Philadelphia City Council voted by roll call on Thursday to pass an ordinance amending Chapter 11-200 of the Philadelphia Code to increase penalties for violators of underground permitting requirements related to openings and excavations in streets.
The ordinance, designated bill number 250066‑A, was before council on final passage. The clerk called the roll and recorded ayes from those present; the transcript records the ayes as unanimous among voting members and reports a final tally of 16 ayes and zero nays.
Why it matters: Councilmembers sponsoring the measure said tougher penalties will help deter unpermitted excavation work that leaves street and utility infrastructure vulnerable and imposes repair burdens on the city and residents. The sponsor said the change targets bad actors who repeatedly dig without required permits and leave inadequate restorations.
Vote details: The chief clerk called the roll for final passage. The transcript records affirmative votes from Councilmember Phillips; Councilmember Gilmore Richardson; Councilmember Gauthier; Councilmember Jones; Councilmember Landau; Councilmember Losada; Councilmember Young; Councilmember Brooks; Councilmember Harrity; Councilmember O'Rourke; Councilmember Driscoll; Councilmember O'Neill; Councilmember Scuilla; Councilmember Bass; Councilmember Ahmad; and Council President Johnson. The clerk announced a tally of 16 ayes, 0 nays. The bill now proceeds to whatever post‑passage steps the City Charter requires for ordinances.
Ending: The ordinance aims to strengthen enforcement on street‑cutting and excavation to limit damage to pavement and subsurface infrastructure. Councilmembers said the measure will allow the city to act against recurring violators and support safer, inspected restorations.
