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
|
Announcements
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. – FULL (Check back soon for additional webinars)
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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