Service overview
You need a Complete Demolition Permit to demolish an entire building or structure. If you remove more than two-thirds of existing framing and alter any outside wall, it is considered complete demolition.
If you are only demolishing part of a building, the work may qualify as an alteration and can be reviewed under a Building Permit application.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues demolition and building permits.
EZ Permits
If you plan to demolish only interior, non-bearing partitions, you can get an EZ permit without submitting plans.
Who
Property owners and their authorized agents can apply for this permit. An authorized agent may include:
- Design professional
- Attorney
- Demolition contractor
- Licensed expediter
Requirements
Permit Application
- The permit application must be signed by the owner or include an authorization from the owner.
- The site safety manager and demolition supervisor must be named.
- All permits must be applied for under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).
- If the property was recently sold, a copy of the settlement sheet or deed must be submitted with application.
Contractor
A Philadelphia-licensed demolition contractor is required to perform all complete demolition work. The contractor must:
- Hold the correct license type (Class A or Class B).
- Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
- Have current insurance on file with L&I.
Plans
If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.
Forms and documents
- All demolitions
- Public Information Form
- Contractor work plan
- You can use the supplied form or submit equivalent information.
- Demolition schedule
- Include project milestones and a signed site safety plan
- PA One Call serial number
- Waste Hauler Form
- For buildings other than one-to-three-family dwellings constructed prior to December 31, 1980
- Asbestos Inspection Report
- If mechanical demolition is proposed or building is over three stories or 40 feet in height
- Special Inspections
- Licensed Special Inspection Agency (for demolition category)
- Statement of Special Inspections Schedule
- Duties & Responsibilities Agreement
- Special Inspections
- For buildings over three stories, over 40 ft in height or exceeding 10,000 sq. ft. footprint
Related permits
- A Zoning Permit is required prior to application.
- A Plumbing Permit is required prior to application to seal the existing sewer lateral.
- A permit is required if erecting a shelter platform for sidewalk protection.
- A permit is required from the Philadelphia Water Department to discontinue water service.
- A permit may be required from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health for dust control.
- A permit is required from the Philadelphia Streets Department to close off any portion of the sidewalk or street.
Required pre-approvals
Where and when
In person
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at Noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Cost
Fee types that may apply
Filing fee
- One-and-two-family dwellings: $25
- All other buildings: $100
This fee is nonrefundable and is applied towards the final permit fee.
Permit fee
The cost of your building permit depends on the project size.
- Per 100 sq. ft.: $20
- Minimum Fee: $200
- Maximum Fee: $40,000
- Zoning Permit fee for demolition: $50
Surcharge fees
- City surcharge: $3 per permit
- State surcharge: $4.50 per permit
Record retention fee
- Per page larger than 8.5 in. by 14 in.: $4
Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)
Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5–10 business days.
- Fee: $540
- If your plans require more than four hours to review, you will be charged an additional fee of $135 per hour.
To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review application and submit with your permit application. Amount must be paid when you submit your application and will not be credited toward your final permit fee.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect a fee of $20.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
How
You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center.
In person
Applications are processed within 20 business days.
- The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5-10 business days.
If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Before a permit may be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.
Demolition notice
L&I will give you a Notice of Demolition when you apply. The contractor must post this notice immediately.
The contractor must submit a photo demonstrating proof of posting to L&I. Work cannot commence until 21 days after posting.
Inspections
Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information will be noted on your permit.
A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.