PERMITTING, LICENSING, & CODE UPDATES
August 2018
 CODES
New Construction and Occupancy Codes  

New construction and occupancy codes go into effect on October 1, 2018. The 2018 International Codes will apply to all non-residential construction, and the 2015 International Residential Code (with state modifications) will apply to all residential construction.   

There is a 6-month grace period during which applications may continue to be filed under the 2009 International Codes. Beginning April 1, 2019, all applications must be submitted under the new codes. Please refer to the  Code Bulletin  for full details on the implementation of the new codes.  
eCLIPSE 
Information Sessions Follow Up  

Thanks to everyone who participated in one of the nine eCLIPSE information sessions held in July. Based on the positive feedback we received, we know that you’ll be well prepared when permitting moves online next year.
 
If you were unable to attend a session, don't worry! View the same demonstration of submitting a permit application that was presented at the sessions.
 
In preparation for the launch, we’ll invite everyone back in spring 2019 for more hands-on sessions!
GENERAL
L&I Central District Office for Construction Inspections Has Moved

Effective July 15, 2018, the Central District Office is now (temporarily) located on the 11 th floor of the MSB (Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Blvd.). The Office was previously located at 990 Spring Garden St.

The Office's contact information remains the same. Building inspection, clerical, and supervisory staff can be reached at 215-686-3786, -3787, -3788, or -3789.
Focus Group Feedback

As part of the feedback received from previous focus group sessions, we are developing permit application checklists. For maximum transparency, the checklists are based upon those used by L&I examination staff, and are intended to assist you in preparing your permit application(s).
 
But first ... we need your input! Please review the Commercial Building Checklist , then provide feedback on usability and usefulness by Friday, September 7, 2018. 
Building Plans Request How-to

A Building Plans Request Form is now available. Requests must be made with the current property owner’s authorization. As a reminder, zoning plans are available on Atlas . 
WHAT'S NEW IN PERMITTING
Floodplain Training Session

If you’d like to attend a training session to learn more about the City of Philadelphia’s floodplain regulations, register now. (The session date is TBD; once enough participants have signed up, you will be contacted with more specific event details.)

The session will allow you to gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges dealing with floodplain development. An overview on NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) and current Philadelphia floodplain regulations, in addition to the City's review requirements and process, will be provided.

To learn more about the session and floodplain management, visit the Floodplain webpage .
Improved Permit Help Portal

The Permit Services Help Portal has recently been updated. New forms have been developed that will allow us to identify your specific issue, then route your request for faster resolution.
 
Please keep the following timeframes in mind before submitting a request:
  • All two (2) business days for a response
  • Please refer to Permit Tracker before submitting a status request. As a reminder, it may take up to three (3) business days after submission for an application to be fully updated on the Permit Tracker.
  • Please wait until after the due date before submitting a request to investigate a “late review.” 
EZ Sign Standards

We are pleased to introduce an EZ Sign Standard (for zoning)  that will allow for immediate issuance of sign permits in limited applications. 

Updates have also been made to the EZ Sign Standard (for building) .
Excavation Protection Requirements

New requirements have been enacted to protect buildings and public ways against adjacent excavations. Effective October 1, 2018, all submitted building permit applications involving excavation must address the protection of adjacent building and public ways in accordance with   Code Bulletin B-0503-R1 .  

Requirements include the following: 
  1. Protection of public ways adjacent to a proposed excavation must be described in permit application; 
  2. Excavations deeper than 12’ and within proximity to public way, as described in the Code Bulletin, require sheeting and shoring plans sealed by a PA professional engineer; 
  3. Protections for excavations 12’ or less in depth must be described in a soils investigation report. The engineer is responsible to verify adequate installation. 
Rough-In Permits

L&I is now authorized to allow rough work to begin prior to full permit issuance. The Rough-In Information Sheet  clarifies the conditions and limitations of current rough-in approvals.   
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