Service overview
Companies need this license to conduct third-party special inspections of projects for the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) construction permits. Special inspections are required for underpinning operations and certain demolition operations.
Individual inspectors need a Special Inspector License.
An inspection agency can register for more than one inspection category.
The inspection agency can only apply for a particular inspection category once the associated inspector is registered with a special inspector license.
Who
The owner or agent of an inspection company can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses and registrations
Insurance
All insurance must be submitted on a Certificate of Insurance and include these minimum amounts:
- Professional Liability: $500,000 per occurrence
- Worker’s Compensation:
- $100,000 per accident
- $100,000 per employee
- $500,000 policy limit
List of personnel
You should submit:
- Identification of all licensed special inspectors who will be conducting inspections in Philadelphia. You must identify at least one inspector licensed in each category that you request.
- Identification of at least one supervisor who is a PA-registered design professional or a registered special inspector in the requested category. This supervisor may not work for more than one agency. An engineer-in-training, geologist-in-training, or supplemental inspector cannot act as a supervisor.
Tax compliance
The agency must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
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
A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied toward the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due once your application is approved.
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.
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 license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Renewal requirements
You must renew this license every three years. You can renew online through eCLIPSE.
To renew your license, you must:
- Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
- Have proof of an active insurance policy.
- Have a current quality control plan on file with L&I.
- Have current accreditation, if applicable.