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Department of Licenses and Inspections

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

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Department of Licenses and Inspections

Philadelphia is preparing to adopt the 2021 I-Codes, with state and local modifications, effective July 2025. Starting January 2026, all new permit applications must comply with the updated codes. To learn more, view the forms and documents.

Services

Get a business or trade license
Search for property history and business license information
Get a building or repair permit
Find a licensed contractor and contractor information
Get a Zoning Permit
Rent your property (long-term)
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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, tenants, and other members of the public 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
Email If you’ve filed a construction complaint with 311, you can submit more information to:
addinfoli@phila.gov
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

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L&I monthly newsletter

Our newsletter keeps you up-to-date on permits, licenses, and more. Sign up to get new issues every month, or read archived issues online.

Learn more

Events

  • May
    15
    Event
    2021 I-Code Updates Webinar Series - Part 1: Building, Existing Building and Accessibility Codes
    12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
    Event

    2021 I-Code Updates Webinar Series - Part 1: Building, Existing Building and Accessibility Codes

    May 15, 2025
    12:00 pm to 1:30 pm, 2 hours
    L&I will be conducting a webinar series focused on updates to the 2021 I-Code provisions. The series will be broken down into five parts. You can choose to register for one or more sessions. 

    Part 1: Building Code, Existing Building Code and Accessibility Provisions - In this webinar, L&I will provide an overview of the significant changes to the Building Code, Existing Building Code and the Accessibility provisions. This session will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, via Zoom. 

     Please register if you are interested in attending this training course. 


    **Attendees can receive 1.5 hours of continuing education credits for this course.**
  • Jun
    11
    Event
    2021 I-Code Updates Webinar Series - Part 2: Residential Code
    12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
    Event

    2021 I-Code Updates Webinar Series - Part 2: Residential Code

    June 11, 2025
    12:00 pm to 1:30 pm, 2 hours
    L&I is conducting a webinar series focused on updates to the 2021 I-Code provisions. The series is broken down into five parts. You can choose to register for one or more sessions. 


    Part 2 – Residential Code – In this webinar, L&I will provide an overview of the significant changes to the Residential Code. This session will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, via Zoom.

    Please register if you are interested in attending this training course.

    **Attendees can receive 1.5 hours of continuing education credits for this course. **

  • Jun
    25
    Event
    2021 I-Code Updates Webinar Series - Part 3: Energy and Mechanical Codes
    12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
    Event

    2021 I-Code Updates Webinar Series - Part 3: Energy and Mechanical Codes

    June 25, 2025
    12:00 pm to 1:30 pm, 2 hours
    L&I is conducting a webinar series focused on updates to the 2021 I-Code provisions. The series is broken down into five parts. You can choose to register for one or more sessions. 


    Part 3 - Energy and Mechanical Codes – Inthis webinar, L&I will provide an overview of the significant changes tothe Energy and Mechanical Codes. This session will be held from 12:00 p.m.to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, via Zoom.

    Pleaseregisterif you are interested in attending this training course.

    **Attendees can receive1.5 hours of continuing education credits for this course. **

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Press Releases

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

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