PERMITTING AND LICENSING UPDATES
JANUARY 2017
WHAT'S NEW IN PERMITTING
  • A new mandatory site safety form for demolition permit applications went into effect on January 2, 2017. The form includes a section capturing information relevant to the safety of the surrounding community, which will be available to the public. 

    Please see the demolition permitting requirements for  full  detail.


  • The Department of Public Health has promulgated new regulations surrounding dust control. Please refer to Section IX of Air Management Regulation  for details. 

    Questions on the new requirements may be directed to      the Department of Public Health,  Air Management Services at (215) 685-7572.


  • The PA Department of Community and Economic Development amended the Industrialized Housing Act to include non-residential building and clarify jurisdiction. The new requirements become effective on November 7, 2017 and may be viewed in the November 5, 2016 Issue of the PA Bulletin.

    L+I will release a bulletin clarifying the Department's permitting process for modular construction in coming months.

  • A modified Solar PV System Standard for one and two family dwellings has been instituted. The Department is committed to processing all eligible applications that utilize this standard within 5 business days.


  • All revised application submissions must now be screened by a plans examiner stationed in our Public Services area prior to acceptance. This is a pilot program designed to reduce overall application processing time. All feedback on this initiative is welcome and may be submitted to Elizabeth Baldwin, Development Division Director,  at [email protected].


  • Effective March 1, 2017, requesting an electronic copy of a zoning file will require submitting a quick, easy form and a $50 fee.  Look for the form on our website (coming soon).

    As a reminder,  zoning records are available at no charge through the Zoning Archives on our website.

WHAT'S NEW IN LICENSING
  • All trade licenses which are set to expire on March 31, 2017 will be extended until April 30, 2017 to allow for  transition to our web based licensing system, eCLIPSE. Please see 'eCLIPSE Update' below for more information.

  • Effective January 1, 2018, the Department will no longer accept license applications or renewals via postal mail. All applications must be submitted through the online portal or in person at the Public Services Concourse of the Municipal Services Building.

    All current license holders are strongly encouraged to register  in eCLIPSE for direct access to their accounts and faster, convenient service.


  • Due to recent legislation, as of January 2, 2017 L+I will not  issue or renew any housing rental license with violations of the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code that have been open for more  than 90 days.


  • Through the passage of Bill No. 160609, the Family Child Day Care license has been amended to require compliance with the lead paint requirements of Chapter 6-800 of the Philadelphia Code. Effective March 1, 2017, applicants for new licenses must demonstrate that they have had the Day Care tested and certified as lead-free or lead-safe. All existing license holders must be in full compliance by February 28, 2018.


  • The passage of Bill No. 160719  prohibits the placement of new dumpsters in the public right-of way in Greater Center City, between Spring Garden and Bainbridge Streets. 

    As a reminder, all new buildings and those undergoing a change of occupancy must provide for the indoor storage of refuse in accordance with Section B-424 of the Philadelphia Building Code.
    eCLIPSE UPDATE
silver-keyboard2.jpg
  • Contractor license applications and renewals will become available through our on-line portal on March 6, 2017 to allow for faster and more convenient service.

    The Department encourages you to register for your eClipse account now if you have a Commercial Activity License (formerly known as a BPL).  Early registration will give you the opportunity to address any issues or problems that may come to light during the registration process. This will allow contractor license issuance and renewal to go more quickly and easily when it becomes available


    The Department will host in-person group sessions throughout March to assist with on-line registrations. Additional sessions will be made available throughout the year as each license type comes due for renewal. More information on registration sessions will be transmitted with renewal invoices. 

    Please visit our website today to register your account.


Tell us how we are doing by completing an online survey