L&I information sessions

The Department of Licenses and Inspections is offering regular information sessions to assist stakeholders in navigating L&I processes and keeping abreast of code changes. A list of current offerings is provided below. Customers can also sign-up for this and future webinars under the “Events” section of the L&I homepage (www.phila.gov/li).

• Excavation Permit and Excavation Contractor License webinar - L&I will provide a 1- hour webinar on new laws relating to excavation work and protection of adjacent property that take effect on Jan 1, 2023. All affected developers, contractors and design professionals are strongly encouraged to attend. For more information on the new laws, please refer to Bill No. 210389 and Bill No. 220008. This session will be held from 9:00 am - 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 30th via Zoom. Please register if you're interested in attending this webinar.

• L&I eCLIPSE Q&A session – L&I will be hosting a 90-minute open Q&A session to address specific permit application questions for users with some experience using eCLIPSE. This session will be held from 9:30 am – 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 16th via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.

• L&I eCLIPSE Permitting Basics webinar – L&I will be conducting a 2-hour public training session on the basics of filing permit applications through the online eCLIPSE system. This webinar is an introductory session intended for new users. This session will be held from 9:00 am – 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 24th via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.

• Changes to the 2018 Residential Code Provisions webinar - L&I will be conducting a 1-hour webinar to provide an overview of the significant changes to the 2018 Residential Code provision. This session will provide an opportunity to ask any questions on new code provisions that will become mandatory on August 14, 2022. This session will be held from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm on Tuesday, September 20th via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this webinar.

Note: Capacity is limited and, in order to accommodate all stakeholders, we ask that you only register if you plan on attending the session and, if your circumstances change, please cancel your registration.

Permit extension update

Unless an extension is granted by the department, most permits issued by L&I shall become invalid if the authorized work is not commenced within six months after the permit issuance date. Bill No. 220384 allows L&I to issue up to two six-month extensions to commence work. This change will take effect immediately. This 2nd permit extension does not apply to work that has started but is stalled. Refer to the updated Construction Permit Extension information sheet for instructions on requesting a permit extension. 

2018 international residential code

All construction permit applications for one-and-two family dwellings that are submitted on or after August 14, 2022, shall be reviewed in accordance with the 2018 International Residential Code, with state and local amendments.

Please refer to Code Bulletin B-2202 for more information on the adoption schedule and the FAQ for detail on specific changes.

For additional support, L&I is also conducting a 1-hour information session on the significant changes to the 2018 Residential Code Provisions - Refer to the "webinar" section of this newsletter or register online under the "Events" section of the L&I website at www.phila.gov/li. 

Permit resources

Certain forms have been updated to reflect transition to the 2018 International Residential Code. Updated forms include:

• Energy Code Compliance forms and documents - These forms must be submitted to obtain or finalize a permit to ensure energy code compliance for projects in Philadelphia.

• EZ Exterior Wall Covering Standard - Significant changes have been made to this standard, including:
• New standard language for Adhered Stone & Masonry Veneer Exterior Coverings
• New provisions for Water-Resistive Barrier installations for Exterior Plaster (Stucco) and Adhered Stone & Masonry Veneer Exterior Coverings
• New Drainage Layer installation requirements for Exterior Plaster (Stucco) and Adhered Stone & Masonry Veneer Exterior Coverings
• New Stucco material specification requirements
• Revised provisions for Foam Plastic Sheathing installations for vinyl siding applications

• EZ Deck Standard - Revisions include limitations on allowable lumber species and modifications to footing and joist requirements.

• EZ Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Standard - Revisions include limitations for installations on roofs less than 2:12 (17% slope) and line side connections for single family dwellings to maintain a minimum 100 Amp Service Rated Disconnect.

Be sure to refer to our website to ensure that you are using the correct form for all applications filed on or after August 14.

Philadelphia department of planning and development:

Zoning learning series 

The Philadelphia Department of Planning and Development has published a series of informational videos through YouTube as part of their learning program. Videos include an introduction to Registered Community Organizations (RCO) and related processes, an introduction to Civic Design Review (CDR) and Zoning basics. To view videos from this learning series, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGorYA3tNN_vy3q2QPsug4uB7mdGOXL4p

Zoning legislation updates

Did you know that our website includes an unofficial summary of new and pending changes to the Zoning Code? A list of the legislative changes affecting the Philadelphia Zoning Code is available on the website and used as an additional resource in understanding changes that may impact your projects.

Licensing

Excavation contractor license - Required OSHA 3015 training

Effective January 1, 2023, all contractors performing excavations (excluding utility trenching and exploratory investigation) more than 5’ below adjacent grade must have an excavation contractor license. In addition to increased insurance and bonding requirements, the contractor must employ at least one site safety manager who possesses both OSHA 30 Construction and Safety and OSHA 3015 Excavation (or approved alternate) training.

The OSHA 3015 course may only be offered through an OSHA Training Institute Education Center. Regional training opportunities are offered through Mid Atlantic OTI Education Center. You can view current course availability through their website and check back for additional courses that will be offered in the Philadelphia area. If you have 5 or more people in your company or organization and wish to schedule a private training session, you may call 1-800-875-4770.

In lieu of OSHA 3015, a site safety manager may take an equivalent course that has been pre-approved by L&I. We are now accepting applications for equivalent training programs. Training providers can view submission criteria on our website, under the "Announcements" section.

All approved training courses will be posted to our website.

Important Note: Site safety managers must verify that a course is provided by an OSHA Training Institute Education Center OR the specific training course has been pre-approved by L&I. Unauthorized training courses will not be accepted.

Fire suppression systems apprentice license - update

The requirement to provide Form 671 as the only proof of enrollment in a Registered Fire Suppression Systems Apprenticeship Program has been rescinded. Proof of apprenticeship required with a license application must be submitted in one of the following forms: 

• Affirmation under the penalty of perjury that you are currently enrolled in a Registered Fire Suppression Systems Apprenticeship Program that includes at least 8,000 hours of practical experience in the installation or maintenance of fire suppression systems and at least 800 hours of classroom, shop or related instruction in the fire suppression system trade. The statement must also include your name, date, and signature AND the name and contact information for the apprenticeship program.

• Form 671 or equivalent documentation demonstrating your current enrollment in an apprenticeship program that includes at least 8,000 hours of practical experience in the installation or maintenance of fire suppression systems and at least 800 hours of classroom, shop or related instruction in the fire suppression system trade.

Inspections

Philadelphia contracting requirements webinar slides

Over 150 people joined in the L&I Contracting Requirements Webinar provided on July 6. The webinar served as a refresher course about Philadelphia’s contracting requirements and included information about subcontractor usage, worker certification requirements and an overview of L&I’s license violation program. You can review the presentation slides on the L&I website.

Site violation notices

As a reminder, all site violation notices issued on or after July 1, 2022 will include financial penalty, ranging from $150 - $1,000 per occurrence or per day, depending on the class of violation. For more information on site violation notices, including settlement options and mode of payment, please visit the L&I website.