City of Philadelphia

https://
The https:// in the address bar means your information is encrypted and can not be accessed by anyone else
.gov
Only government entities in the U.S. can end in .gov
Skip to main content
COVID-19: Learn how to stay safe, get vaccinated, and find testing. Visit phila.gov/covid.

Department of Licenses and Inspections

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

  • Home
  • Department of Licenses and Inspections

Department of Licenses and Inspections

Services

Get a business or trade license
Search for property history and business license information
Get a Building Permit
Find a licensed contractor and contractor information
Get a Zoning Permit
Rent your property (long-term)
See all Services

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, and tenants 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
(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

See all posts

Sign up for our newsletter

L&I's newsletter helps you stay up-to-date about permits, licenses, and more.

External link Sign up today!

Events

  • Jul
    6
    Event
    Philadelphia Contracting Requirements Webinar
    2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    Event

    Philadelphia Contracting Requirements Webinar

    July 6, 2022
    2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 1 hour
    This 60-min. webinar will provide a refresher course on the Department of Licenses and Inspections contracting requirements. L&I will cover subcontractor usage, worker certification requirements, and provide an overview of the Department's License Violation program and current enforcement priorities.


    The session will be held from 2:00pm - 3:00pm on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.
  • Aug
    16
    Event
    L&I eCLIPSE Q&A session
    9:30 am to 11:00 am
    Event

    L&I eCLIPSE Q&A session

    August 16, 2022
    9:30 am to 11:00 am, 2 hours
    The Department of L&I will be hosting a 90-minute open Q&A session to address specific permit application questions for users with some experience using eCLIPSE.

    This session will be held from 9:30 am - 11:00am on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.
  • Aug
    24
    Event
    L&I eCLIPSE Permitting and Licensing Basics Webinar
    9:00 am to 11:00 am
    Event

    L&I eCLIPSE Permitting and Licensing Basics Webinar

    August 24, 2022
    9:00 am to 11:00 am, 2 hours
    L&I will be conducting a 2-hour public training session on the basics of filing license and permit applications through the online eCLIPSE system. This webinar is an introductory session intended for new users.
    The session will be held from 9:00am - 11:00am on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.
See all events

Press Releases

See all Press releases

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 mapped-based information tool. Find violations, property information, and more.
311
Use 311 to ask questions or report issues around Philadelphia.

Top