Service overview
You need an Antenna Permit to install new antennas.
You do not need a permit if:
- It is a private antenna for television or radio reception less than 12 ft. in height or 2 ft. in diameter.
- The installation is exempt from review by a municipal authority under Pennsylvania Act 191 (Wireless Broadband Collocation Act) as defined in Code Bulletin A-1302 (Wireless Service Facilities and Antennas).
Properties on the Philadelphia Historic Registry always need this permit to install antennas.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this permit.
Who
Property owners and their authorized agents can apply for this permit. Authorized agents may include:
- Design professionals.
- Attorneys.
- Contractors.
- Licensed expediters.
Requirements
Permit Application
Permit applications must include the complete scope of work and current owner information.
- If the property was recently sold, submit a copy of the settlement sheet or deed with the application.
- You must apply for all permits under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).
Contractor
A licensed contractor must perform all work. The contractor must:
- Have an active license.
- Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
- Have current insurance on file with L&I.
Plans
If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.
- Plans must be drawn to scale on a sheet that is at least 18 in. by 24 in.
- If application is submitted in person, include three copies of plans.
- Plans must be sealed by a PA-licensed engineer.
- Plans must include :
- Project address.
- Antenna overall dimensions.
- Structural plans (for all new free-standing structures or framework placed on buildings).
- Structural details, including method of attachment for each antenna.
Forms and other documents
- Accelerated Plan Review Request form (optional)
- Structural Design Criteria form
- Special Inspections documentation (if applicable)
- Duties & Responsibilities Agreement signed by all parties
- Statement of Special Inspections Schedule with categories and frequency selected
- Name of licensed Special Inspection Agency qualified for all inspection categories
- Flood Protection Forms: For properties located in Flood Hazard Areas
- Asbestos Inspection Report: For buildings constructed before January 1, 1981, with work costs exceeding $50,000, but excluding one-to-three-family dwelling.
Related permits
You may need to get a Zoning Permit if you plan to build or modify a wireless service facility that wasn’t previously approved.
Required pre-approvals
Where and when
You can apply online using eCLIPSE. If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment. You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person. Permit and License Center Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.Online
In person
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Cost
Fee types that may apply
Filing fee
- For sites containing one-or-two-family dwellings: $25
- For all other sites: $100
This fee is nonrefundable and is applied towards the final permit fee.
Permit fee
- Per antenna: $127
- Per antenna, flat fee for one-or-two-family dwellings: $63
Surcharge fees
- City surcharge: $3 per permit
- State surcharge: $4.50 per permit
Record retention fee
- Per page larger than 8.5 in. by 14 in.: $4
Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)
Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
- Fee: $2000
- $350 is due when you apply. You must pay the remainder once approved.
To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review Request form and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) (Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions. L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are: If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds: If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
Where
Accepted payment
Online through the eCLIPSE application
In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building
In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
Credit and debit card payments
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
Reasons your check may be rejected
Returned payment policy
Late license payment
How
You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.
In person
Applications are processed within 20 business days.
The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
If your application is not approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Before a permit is issued, the contractor must be identified.
Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information and required inspections will be noted on your permit.
A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.
Online
If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.
- Before a permit can be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.
- Applications for one-or-two-family uses are reviewed within 15 business days. Applications for all other uses are reviewed within 20 business days.
- Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
- The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
When the contractor is ready to start work, request an inspection through eCLIPSE or by calling (215) 255-4040.
Approval documents will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.