Before you begin
You can only file an appeal in response to the formal denial of a permit application (except for approval for alternative materials and methods). See more information on making a permit application.
Service overview
The Board of Building Standards (BBS) hears most appeals related to construction permits. If you received a permit denial and it says your appeal should go to this board, you can make an appeal. Refer to the BBS Rules and Regulations for more information.
You can submit an appeal to:
- Request a variance from the Philadelphia Code.
- Challenge a code interpretation of a code official.
- Get approval for alternative materials and methods. (You don’t need to apply for a permit before filing this kind of appeal.)
The board will make a recommendation to the commissioner of The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) for a final decision.
Plumbing permit appeals are heard by the Plumbing Advisory Board, which advises the BBS.
Appeals related to accessibility must be submitted to the PA Labor and Industry Accessibility Advisory Board.
Who
Any property owner or their authorized agent can appeal. Authorized agents may include:
- Design professionals.
- Attorneys.
- Contractors.
- Licensed expediters.
Where and when
Online appeal submission
You can submit an appeal online using eCLIPSE.
In-person appeal submission
You need an appointment to file an appeal in person.
Boards Administration Unit
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Municipal Services Building, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
The office closes at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Mailed appeal submission
You can submit your appeal by mail to:
Boards Administration Unit
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Municipal Services Building, Room 1130
Philadelphia, PA 19102
BBS Hearing Location
One Parkway Building
1515 Arch Street
18th Floor, Room 18-002
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hearings are held twice a month on Thursday afternoons. See the scheduled dates for hearings.
Cost
The cost of your appeal fee depends on the type of building. These fees are paid separately from any other application or permit fees.
- Existing one-or-two-family dwellings (including those with family child care centers): $50
- Buildings less than five stories tall and less than 30,000 sq. ft. total floor area: $200
- Buildings five or more stories tall or more than 30,000 sq. ft. total floor area: $600
- Expedited hearings: $1,700
- Method or material approval: $500
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
To appeal to the BBS:
In person
If you want to seek a variance on a permit application, you must request a formal denial from the plans examiner.
You don’t need to apply for a permit and request a formal denial to seek a variance for alternative materials and methods.
Appeals must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form and include the reason for appeal.
The board will notify you of the scheduled hearing date and time when they will process your appeal. The hearing is typically scheduled within four weeks.
An expedited hearing option is available.
Online
If you want to seek a variance on a permit application, you must request a formal denial from the plans examiner.
You don’t need to apply for a permit and request a formal denial to seek a variance for alternative materials and methods.
Appeals must be filed online using eCLIPSE.
The board will notify you of the scheduled hearing date and time when they will process your appeal. The hearing is typically scheduled within four weeks.
An expedited hearing option is available.
The decision will be made available in eCLIPSE.