Starting a project in Philadelphia, whether it’s new construction, a new business, or home improvements, can feel overwhelming. The extensive research, financial planning, permit applications, and reviews required are often complicated and time-consuming. That is especially the case for those unfamiliar with the City’s processes. Through community outreach and feedback, SmartCityPHL and its partners identified an opportunity to make the permitting process easier to understand and navigate.

In 2023, SmartCityPHL introduced a pilot version of the Permit Navigator. This tool was created to simplify the early planning stages of a project. The pilot version brought together permit and licensing information for 102 requirements. Today, the expanded Permit Navigator covers all 190 property-related requirements in Philadelphia. This provides residents and business owners with clear guidance and information to plan and start projects. This includes major developments and business changes, as well as minor renovations, building repairs, and utility work.

What Is Permit Navigator?

The Permit Navigator is a digital scoping tool. In under five minutes, it helps users better understand which permits and licenses are needed for their project. By bringing permitting and zoning information into one place, the tool reduces the stress of estimating costs, understanding requirements, and the recommended order for applying for permits and reviews. The Permit Navigator is the result of a citywide collaboration led by SmartCityPHL. But, they worked in close partnership with:

• The Department of Commerce
• The Department of Licenses and Inspections
• The Philadelphia Water Department
• The Department of Streets
• The Department of Planning and Development
• The Art Commission
• The Landlord Gateway Program
• The Department of Public Health.

“The Permit Navigator brings many City departments together,” said Elizabeth Baldwin, P.E., Chief Code Official, Department of Licenses & Inspections. “It provides clear, coordinated guidance that helps homeowners, business owners, and developers efficiently achieve their project goals.”

“Access to economic opportunity for all is a key pillar of the Parker Administration. We’re pleased by the intergovernmental efforts to include public feedback the City has received during the pilot phase of the Permit Navigator,” said Karen Fegely, Acting Director, Department of Commerce. “These improvements are helping us increase the ease of doing business in Philadelphia, and our Mayor’s Business Action Team is here to assist with any questions.”

How Does Permit Navigator Work?

The Permit Navigator includes three portals:

• Business/Commercial Portal
• Residential Portal
• Zoning Portal.

The Business and Residential portals generate a customized downloadable guide after users complete a short questionnaire about their project or use case. This guide identifies the required permits and licenses, provides links to get started with each, including estimated costs, timelines, and required review processes. Information contained in the guides is solely informational and will not be used for any enforcement actions. Users can also explore different project types or use cases in either portal and generate as many customized guides as they’d like.

The Zoning Portal allows users to view all the zoning regulations that apply to a specific project at a given address in the city, helping them better understand what is permitted before moving forward.

Measuring progress

Since the launch in 2023, approximately 4,700 project questionnaires have been initiated in the Permit Navigator. User engagement has increased significantly following the 2024 expansion, particularly within the Business Portal.

This data shows a strong interest in Permit Navigator, with users scoping out thousands of projects within the tool. However, a smaller share of users reach the customized guide page that outlines the permits and licenses required for their project. Understanding where users may pause or exit the tool will help ensure Permit Navigator continues to provide clear, intuitive guidance from start to finish.

User engagement during the pilot

Data from July-December 2023

User engagement after launch of expanded version

Data from July-December 2025

Help us improve the Permit Navigator

SmartCityPHL is seeking community feedback to help improve the expanded Permit Navigator. Residents and business owners are invited to participate in individual usability testing sessions and share their experiences using the tool, along with suggestions for improvement. These sessions will be conducted virtually, and selected participants will be compensated for their time. If you’re interested, please complete the recruitment survey.

For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact miriam.cherayil@phila.gov.