Service overview
You need a permit to provide mobile, non-medical services within the 7th Council District. Non-medical mobile service providers include any person or group who distributes services free of charge to three or more people, from a vehicle parked on a public street.
Non-medical services might include handing out:
- Hats, gloves, and clothing.
- Food and water.
- Health and safety supplies, including naloxone overdose reversal medication (Narcan®), fentanyl test strips, and wound care kits.
Providers are limited to operating for up to 45 minutes at one location. They then must move to another location at least 1,000 feet away.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) – Quality of Life (QOL) issues this permit.
Requirements
Application
You must have a valid email address to apply for a permit and include the following information with your application:
- Description of the services you will provide and proposed schedule
- Contact information for the person responsible for supervising how services are distributed
- Information about the vehicle you’re using to operate, including license plate number and registration
Other permits and licenses
- If you’re providing mobile medical services (i.e. administering medical treatment or medications to the public), you need a permit from the Department of Public Health. If you offer both medical and non-medical services, you need both permits.
- If you’re distributing free food, you need a separate permit to serve food outdoors.
Fees
There is no fee to receive this permit.
How
You can apply for this permit online using the dedicated form. You cannot use eCLIPSE to apply for this permit.
The application is reviewed by both the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) and L&I-QOL. Applications are reviewed within ten business days.
If your application isn’t approved, you will get an email stating what is missing or required.
Renewal requirements
This permit is valid for one year. You need to submit a new application each year to get a new permit.
A permit cannot be issued if a provider or their associated vehicle has received three or more violations of Philadelphia Code Section 10-2804 within the preceding 12 months.