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
New filing procedure for some L&I permit applications begins January 19
Starting January 19, the Streets Department will begin performing plan reviews through a new Streets ePlans portal in eCLIPSE. This will change the way you file your application for some L&I permits.
The change will apply to permits for
- Zoning
- Residential Building
- Commercial Building
that require Streets preapproval. For these permit types, you will submit your application and plans to the Streets portal and obtain a Streets Review Job Number before you file your permit application with L&I. You can see L&I’s Streets Department pre-approval process information sheet to learn more.
For all other L&I permits that may require the approval of the Streets Department (including Signs, Shelter Platforms, Retaining Walls, and Trade Permits) you do not need to file a separate Streets Department application.
Please refer to these Streets Department videos for more information about navigating Streets plan review in eCLIPSE.
Update on façade inspection requirements
Under a regulation originally intended to go into effect this month, when an engineer’s inspection finds that a façade is generally safe but in need of repairs, the repairs must be completed within six months. However, after receiving extensive feedback and in light of the pandemic, L&I is deferring enforcement of the six month limit with respect to façade inspections until June 1, 2021.
This means, until June 1, 2021, the required façade inspections must still be performed, but the results should be submitted to L&I on this earlier version of the Summary Report Form and in accordance with the instructions on the form.
Refer to the letter that was recently sent out to Philadelphia homeowners for more details. For step by step instructions on submitting façade inspection reports through our online portal, refer to the how-to guide.
If you have questions, please contact facadereports@phila.gov.
Get a designated plans examiner assigned to your project.
Do you have a complex, multi-phase construction project coming up? You may be able to have one designated plans examiner assigned to your project to conduct all necessary plan reviews. The project must
- Involve multiple permit applications of the same eligible type;
- Encompass at least 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area.
Projects that may be eligible include residential developments and large commercial buildings that will be fit out for tenants over time.
Request and attend a project scoping meeting to find out whether you can get a designated plans examiner and work through potential design issues before you submit your permit applications.
Resources to help you navigate L&I processes during the pandemic
Use this table to find help with issues you may have during the pandemic.
| 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 Construction COVID Safety FAQs and City of Philadelphia Reopening with Care 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. |
