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Permits, violations & licenses

Get an Antenna Permit

Service overview

You need an Antenna Permit to install new antennas.

You do not need a permit if:

  • It is a private antenna for television or radio reception less than 12 ft. in height or 2 ft. in diameter.
  • The installation is exempt from review by a municipal authority under Pennsylvania Act 191 (Wireless Broadband Collocation Act) as defined in Code Bulletin A-1302 (Wireless Service Facilities and Antennas).

Properties on the Philadelphia Historic Registry always need this permit to install antennas.

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this permit.

Who

Property owners and their authorized agents can apply for this permit. Authorized agents may include:

  • Design professionals.
  • Attorneys.
  • Contractors.
  • Licensed expediters.

Requirements

Permit Application

Permit applications must include the complete scope of work and current owner information.

Contractor

A licensed contractor must perform all work. The contractor must:

  • Have an active license.
  • 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.

  • Plans must be drawn to scale on a sheet that is at least 18 in. by 24 in.
  • If application is submitted in person, include three copies of plans.
  • Plans must be sealed by a PA-licensed engineer.
  • Plans must include :
    • Project address.
    • Antenna overall dimensions.
    • Structural plans (for all new free-standing structures or framework placed on buildings).
    • Structural details, including method of attachment for each antenna.

Forms and other documents

Related permits

You may need to get a Zoning Permit if you plan to build or modify a wireless service facility that wasn’t previously approved.

Required pre-approvals

For antennas on historic properties

More +

Where and when

Online

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.

In person

You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center 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

  • For sites containing one-or-two-family dwellings: $25
  • For all other sites: $100

This fee is nonrefundable and is applied towards the final permit fee.

Permit fee

  • Per antenna: $127
  • Per antenna, flat fee for one-or-two-family dwellings: $63

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 business days.

  • Fee: $2000
    • $350 is due when you apply. You must pay the remainder once approved.

To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review Request form and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.

Payment methods and details

Accepted payment methods

Where Accepted payment
Online through the eCLIPSE application

(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.)

  • Electronic check
  • Credit card (+2.25% surcharge)
In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building
  • Electronic check
  • Credit card (+2.25% surcharge)
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.)

  • Check
  • Money order
  • Credit card (+2.25% surcharge)
  • Cash

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:

  1. You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
  2. You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
  3. The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
  4. If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
  5. You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
  6. The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
  7. You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.

Late license payment

If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

How

You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.

In person

1
Get any required pre-approvals before submitting your application to L&I.
2
Bring your completed application, application materials, and payment to the Permit and License Center.

Applications are processed within 20 business days.

The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.

3
If your application is approved, you will receive notice to pay the balance.

If your application is not approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

Before a permit is issued, the contractor must be identified.

4
Once approved, schedule your inspections

Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information and required inspections will be noted on your permit.

A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.

Online

1
Log in to your eCLIPSE account and apply for a permit. Upload all required documents and pay the filing fee.

If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.

2
The application will go to L&I and other City departments for review and approval.
  • Before a permit can be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.
  • Applications for one-or-two-family uses are reviewed within 15 business days. Applications for all other uses are reviewed within 20 business days.
    • Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
    • The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
3
If approved, the applicant will receive notice to pay the balance. If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
4
Once you are approved, schedule an inspection.

When the contractor is ready to start work, request an inspection through eCLIPSE or by calling (215) 255-4040.

Approval documents will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.


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