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Department of Licenses and Inspections

Property owners with fire protection systems that required periodic testing and inspections under the Philadelphia Fire Code must submit their certifications to the Department of Licenses and Inspections by May 31, 2024.

For more information in your language, visit the notification of fire protection inspections certification.

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
Phone: 311

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

Announcements

Periodic Certification of Fire Protection Systems Due May 31st

In an ongoing commitment to safety and compliance the City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and Inspections reminds property owners with fire protection systems that some inspection certifications are due. 

Property owners should receive a notice of fire protection inspection certification in the mail with more information.

Check out L&I’s YouTube Channel

You can watch our eCLIPSE instructional videos and other newly created resource videos, including ‘Short-Term Rentals’, ‘Available L&I Resources, and more on L&I’s YouTube Channel.

Please check back as we continue to build-out the page and add new content.

Licenses & Inspections is IAS Accredited

The Department of Licenses and Inspections is reaccredited by the International Accreditation Services (IAS). The Department has been accredited by IAS since 2013, demonstrating the Department’s competency and commitment to public safety based upon nationally recognized standards.

Our triennial reassessment happened in September 2023. A team of expert building code officials from across the country conducted an in-depth review of our permitting process. They shadowed our staff in every stage of permitting and inspections, conducting interviews with key stakeholders, assessing standard policies and procedures, and evaluated overall performance.

This accreditation renewal is a testament to the Department’s continued excellence in code enforcement. Thank you to all our stakeholders who participated in these interviews and congratulations to our L&I staff.

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.

Events

  • Apr
    3
    Part 2: Zoning Use Classification
    12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

    Part 2: Zoning Use Classification

    April 3, 2024
    12:00 pm to 1:30 pm, 2 hours

    L&I will be conducting a webinar series focused on zoning. The series will be broken down into six parts. You can choose to register for one or more sessions.

    In this webinar (Part 2), L&I will provide detailed descriptions of the use classifications found in the zoning code as well as discuss nonconforming uses, accessory uses, the relationship between zoning and ownership/tenancy, and documenting historic uses.

    This session will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this training course.

    **Attendees can receive 1.5 hours of continuing education credits for this course.**
  • Apr
    11
    L&I Q&A Session
    9:00 am to 10:30 am

    L&I Q&A Session

    April 11, 2024
    9:00 am to 10:30 am, 2 hours
    The Department of L&I will be hosting a 90-minute open Q&Asession to address specific permit application questions for users with someexperience using eCLIPSE. This session will be held on Thursday, April 11,2024, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Please register if you are interested inattending this training course.
  • Apr
    24
    Façade, Pier, Fire Escape Inspections and Certifications webinar
    12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

    Façade, Pier, Fire Escape Inspections and Certifications webinar

    April 24, 2024
    12:00 pm to 1:30 pm, 2 hours
    L&I will be conducting a 90-minute webinar on the requirements for maintenance certifications. During this session, we will cover our maintenance certification program, review eCLIPSE certification upload requirements, help troubleshoot some common issues, and more. We recommend all professionals who provide inspection and maintenance certification services attend this webinar. This session will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.

    **Attendees can receive 1.5 hours of continuing education credits for this course. **

Resources


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