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Department of Licenses and Inspections

Building a safer city by enforcing building-related codes through inspections, licensing, permitting, and demolitions.

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Department of Licenses and Inspections

Philadelphia is preparing to adopt the 2021 I-Codes, with state and local modifications, effective July 2025. Starting January 2026, all new permit applications must comply with the updated codes. To learn more, view the forms and documents.

Services

Get a business or trade license
Search for property history and business license information
Get a building or repair permit
Find a licensed contractor and contractor information
Get a Zoning Permit
Rent your property (long-term)
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What we do

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) helps people comply with building safety standards and other code requirements. Contractors, business and property owners, landlords, tenants, and other members of the public are all served by L&I.

As part of our mission, we:

  • Inspect construction projects so they meet construction and fire codes.
  • Inspect higher-risk properties for compliance with fire codes.
  • Respond to complaints regarding many code violations.
  • Inspect, monitor, seal, and demolish vacant and/or dangerous buildings.
  • Review plans and issue permits according to building, zoning, plumbing, and electrical codes.
  • Issue trade and business licenses.
  • Help landlords and tenants understand their responsibilities.

Connect

Address
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email If you’ve filed a construction complaint with 311, you can submit more information to:
addinfoli@phila.gov
Phone: 311
(215) 686-8686
See all contact information

eCLIPSE

Avoid delays. Apply online.

Use our online system to apply for licenses and permits and look up business and trade license information.

Go to eCLIPSE

Posts

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L&I monthly newsletter

Our newsletter keeps you up-to-date on permits, licenses, and more. Sign up to get new issues every month, or read archived issues online.

Learn more

Events

  • Sep
    9
    Event
    L&I Focus Group
    10:00 am to 11:00 am
    Event

    L&I Focus Group

    September 9, 2025
    10:00 am to 11:00 am, 1 hour

    It’s that season again, and the Department of Licenses and Inspections wants to hear from you! If you'reinterested in helping us improve how L&I operates, you’re welcome to joinan upcoming focus group session. These sessions provide a platform for you toshare feedback on our performance and suggest areas for improvement. Anyone whohas previously applied for a license or permit can participate, includinghomeowners, business owners, property owners, property managers, contractors,architects, engineers, attorneys, and expediters. All sessions will beconducted via Zoom.  

    Register Here!

  • Sep
    11
    Event
    L&I Focus Group
    10:00 am to 11:00 am
    Event

    L&I Focus Group

    September 11, 2025
    10:00 am to 11:00 am, 1 hour

    It’s that season again, and the Department of Licenses and Inspections wants to hear from you! If you'reinterested in helping us improve how L&I operates, you’re welcome to joinan upcoming focus group session. These sessions provide a platform for you toshare feedback on our performance and suggest areas for improvement. Anyone whohas previously applied for a license or permit can participate, includinghomeowners, business owners, property owners, property managers, contractors,architects, engineers, attorneys, and expediters. All sessions will beconducted via Zoom.  

    Register Here!

  • Oct
    29
    Event
    Industrialized / Modular Housing Webinar
    1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
    Event

    Industrialized / Modular Housing Webinar

    October 29, 2025
    1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, 1 hour

    This course will be presented by MichaelMoglia, Chief of Housing and Building Standards Divisions, PA Dept of Community& Economic Development. This session will provide updated informationrelated to the installation of new and relocated manufactured homes, theindustrialized housing program, and the newly implemented industrializedcommercial buildings program.   

     After attending this course, you will:

    • Understandhow the PA UCC exemption is applied to each structure. 
    • Know whatdocumentation is required for the Building Permit application and the Certificateof Occupancy.
    • Understandhow to perform inspections on site.
    • Understandthe differences on the types of “off-site” constructed structures.

     This session will be held from 1:00p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, via Zoom. Please registerif you are interested in attending this training course.

     **Attendees can receive 1.0 hour ofcontinuing education credits for this course. Attendees must sign onindividually to be eligible for CEU's.**

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Press Releases

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Resources

eCLIPSE
Use our online system to apply for licenses and permits and look up business and trade license information.
Make an appointment
You must make an appointment to get services at the L&I Permit and License Center.
Atlas
Atlas is the City's robust map-based information tool. Find violations, property information, and more.
311
Use 311 to ask questions or report issues around Philadelphia.

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