Service overview
This permit is required to use explosives in blasting operations.
You must file a separate permit application for demolition.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this permit. Refer to the Office of Emergency Management for more information.
Who
Contractors working on explosive excavations and structural implosion, such as tearing down buildings.
Requirements
Contractor
- Business Income and Receipts Tax ID
- Commercial Activity License
- Valid Philadelphia Contractor License
- Current certificate of insurance for the minimum insurance amounts listed in Section 5 of the Blasting Operations Guidelines.
Forms and documents
- Completed Blasting Operations Questionnaire (Attachment A of the Blasting Operations Guidelines)
- Copy of Pennsylvania Blaster’s License
- Copy of User of High Explosive License from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
- PA One-Call verification
- Dust Control Permit
Approvals from other departments or agencies
Your application will be circulated to multiple agencies for approval, including:
Where and when
Submission deadline
Building demolition: Submit applications at least 90 days before the planned blasting date.
Excavation: Submit applications at least 60 days before the planned blasting date.
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
Office closes at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Cost
The applicant must reimburse the City for the cost of all support services provided, as outlined in Section 5 of the Blasting Operations Manual.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| 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 will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- 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.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- 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.
In person
Submit all required materials.
Your application will be circulated among departments for review and approval.
If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.