WHEN ARE PLANS REQUIRED?

1. Three (3) complete sets of plans are required for all new construction, additions to existing structures, and certificates of occupancy. Each set must include architectural (general), structural, and mechanical plans.
2. Three (3) sets of plans are also required for any alterations, which involve one or more of the following:
1. the construction of partitions;
2. an increase in the number of occupants as calculated by the Building Code;
3. a change in the means or size of egress;
4. any work involving structural members;
5. any new wall openings;
6. new construction of, or alterations to ductwork; and/or
7. new construction of, or alterations to sprinkler systems and standpipe systems.

WHAT INFORMATION IS REQUIRED ON THE PLANS?

1. Architectural (General)
1. Location of property - house number and street.
2. Name, address and telephone number of person who prepared plans.
3. Name and address of the owner of the property.
4. Scale used
   (except for extreme cases this should be either 1/4" = 1' or 1/8" = 1').
5. Legend distinguishing existing and new construction and materials.
6. Seal of an architect or engineer registered in Pennsylvania for all new construction and additions (except ground floor additions less than 120 SF. to one or two family dwellings), structural alterations and for all non-structural alterations where the cost of construction exceeds $15,000.
7. Building Code data (i.e. Type of Construction, Use Group, Fire Suppression information, floor areas, etc.) shown on the cover sheet.

2. Structural Plans
1. Plan of each floor indicating the location, size and usage of each room, closets, shafts, windows, doors, exits, thickness and material of partitions and firewalls, location of emergency lighting, dimensions and any other necessary information.
2. Descriptions or sections of new and existing floor, roof, ceiling framing and supports.
3. Location of fire fighting systems such as sprinklers and standpipes.
4. Outside grade details for all new construction and additions.
5. Fire alarm systems: type and location of equipment.
6. Exit signs

3. Mechanical Plans
1. Ductwork size and locations (not required for C.O. only reviews).
2. Amount of ventilation air supplied in each room.
3. Location of all fire dampers.
4. Material of ducts and linings (not required for C.O. only reviews).
5. Location and type of air conditioning and heating units and associated equipment.

OTHER DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION

Additional Forms, Licenses and Report Requirements

• All persons engaged to provide professional services or involved with the proposed construction must have a valid Philadelphia Business Privilege License. Information concerning where to purchase the licenses can be obtained by contacting the License Issuance unit at 215-686-2490 or by email.
• Building permit applications for the partial or complete demolition of a building and projects that propose alterations where the cost of the work exceeds $50,000 will not be approved unless an Asbestos Inspection Report is attached.
• For new construction, Energy Conservation Act forms must be submitted.
• For certain projects, Special Inspections of building elements are required. These elements include sprayed-on fire proofing, compacted fill, piles; EIFS, concrete and pre-cast concrete products, welding, and steel framing. See Philadelphia Building Code Section B-1 705 for additional details. When Special Inspections are required, the registered design professional shall provide a Special Inspections Statement that includes a list of inspections to be made and the names of the individuals, firms and approved agencies intended to be retained for conducting such inspections.
• For new construction of residential dwelling units, submission of plans approved by the Fairmount Park Commission indicating Required Street Tree Locations is required.

Which Disable Accessiblity Code Applies in Philadelphia?

The current City of Philadelphia Building Code is a locally published document. The vast majority of the technical base was licensed from the 1996 B.O.C.A National Building Code. The accessibility provisions however are somewhat unique. They are a combination of B.O.C.A. provisions plus Pennsylvania Universal Accessibility Act requirements plus local regulations. The referenced specification is ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998. The City of Philadelphia has neither the authority nor the responsibility to enforce the Americans With Disabilities Act or the Fair Housing Amendments Act.

Avoiding Delays

Avoid delays and additional trips by having complete information as described within this site and having your prerequisite approvals secured in advance. Public hours to file for building permits are between 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
NOTE: The Permit Services Division closes at noon on the last Wednesday of the month.

What can I do for Additional Information?

For additional information concerning the building permit process in the City of Philadelphia contact the Department of Licenses and Inspections at 215-686-2467 or email: Permit Services@phila.gov

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