Applications and payment: You can make applications online using eCLIPSE or schedule an appointment to visit the Permit & License Center. If you need help using eCLIPSE, refer to L&I’s eCLIPSE videos and instructions.
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
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Announcements
Revised permit and license fees in effect as of July 1st.
Revised fees for most permits, business licenses, and trade licenses issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) are in effect for new applications filed on or after July 1, 2020.
A regulation published in May 2020 increased L&I permit and license fees by up to 3.5 percent. Fees were last changed in 2017.
The 2017 fees will continue to apply to applications filed before July 1st.
Review the new permit and license fees.
Accelerated program suspended as standard review time dips to 10 days.
L&I has cut the standard review time for new online permit applications to 10 business days. Formerly, the 10-business-days timeframe was only for reviews that applicants had paid an extra fee to “accelerate.”
With standard review times now falling within the same 10-business-days timeframe as accelerated reviews, L&I has temporarily suspended the accelerated program. L&I continues to accept new permit applications only online via eCLIPSE.
Resources to help you navigate L&I processes during the shutdown
Use this table to find help with issues you may have during the shutdown.
| Issue | Information |
|---|---|
| Trouble with logging into eCLIPSE, or licensing and technical questions | Call 311 or use the 311 online form |
| Check the status of a permit or ask a code question | Check the permit tracker or use the permit or code questions form |
| Request an inspection | Call (215) 255-4040 or use the eCLIPSE portal |
| COVID-19 construction and business updates | Refer to the Restarting Construction FAQs and City of Philadelphia Safer at Home reopening guidance |
| Pick up approved paper plans | Make an appointment at the L&I License and Permit Center at the Municipal Services Building |
| If application made on paper: pay for a permit, submit revised plans, amend or appeal a permit, and/or add a co-applicant to access a permit | To proceed online, use the request access to a legacy permit form. To proceed in person, make an appointment at the L&I License and Permit Center at the Municipal Services Building. |
| Obtain a Make Safe Permit | Review requirements for getting a Make Safe Permit and make an appointment at the L&I License and Permit Center at the Municipal Services Building. |
| Can’t see Contractor License under Professional/Tradesperson pull down in eCLIPSE | Use L&I’s help request form or the 311 online form |
| Upload emergency inspection | Use Notice of Completion of Repairs Form |
| Notify L&I of resolution of “permit hold” issue | Use the permit or code questions form |
| ZBA appeal information | Zoning Board of Appeals |
| Appeal to the Board of L&I Review | Review how to appeal to the Board of L&I Review and file your appeal using eCLIPSE. |
Register for L&I eCLIPSE, ePlans & Zoning training webinars.
L&I is offering additional eCLIPSE public training webinars and have also added e-Plans and Zoning training webinars. If you register, you will receive email instructions closer to the webinar date about how to participate.
Please register below.
Register
Zoning Training sessions
- Tuesday, July 14th
- 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – register
e-Plans Training sessions
- Wednesday, July 15th
- 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m – register
eCLIPSE Training sessions
- Thursday, July 16th
- 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – register
About
After these training courses, you will be able to:
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- Create a user account.
- Navigate the home page.
- Make a permit application.
- Access the review results.
- Manage inspections.
- Manage ePlans submissions.
- Make a Zoning permit application.
- Understand process changes.
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