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Stay Connected with L&I
The Department of Licenses and Inspections now offers text message alerts as the primary method of communication. Signing up ensures you’ll receive official L&I announcements, important updates, and department news directly to your phone. Messages will come from 272-467-3671 and are strictly for public information purposes only.
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Sign up here to receive information about permits, licenses, and construction inspections from L&I's Inspections, Safety, & Compliance Division.
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Sign up here to receive programmatic updates, announcements, and educational materials from L&I's Quality of Life Division.
Already signed up but not getting messages?
If you signed up for our texts but still aren’t getting them, no worries — it just means your signup isn’t fully confirmed yet. Some confirmation messages get filtered or don’t show up. To finish signing up, just text YES to our number 272-467-3671. That’s it! Once you do, your messages will start coming through. Thanks for sticking with us — we’re excited to keep you in the loop!
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New eCLIPSE Interface Is Live
The upgraded eCLIPSE user interface is now live. If you're still getting familiar with the new application, take advantage of the in-application self-help features and updated online resources to help you navigate the system.
Business and trade license holders should also check out our Top 10 Licensing Changes to learn about the most significant updates, intended to reduce steps, simplify renewals, and expand self-service capabilities.
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New Zoning Board of Adjustment Fee Schedule
The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) is updating its application and service fees this summer. The legislation authorizing these changes became effective on July 1 and the new fees go into effect on August 1, 2026.
The updates align the ZBA’s base service fees with the actual administrative cost of processing applications, while adjusting optional service fees for inflation. The homeowner discount will continue unchanged, and a new discount has been added for affordable housing projects. If you have any questions about the new fees or how they may affect your application, please contact the Board office at (215) 686-2429.
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Kitchen Hood Webinar
This training course is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of plumbing requirements and inspection standards specific to commercial kitchen environments. Attendees will learn how commercial plumbing systems are evaluated, the common issues inspectors look for, and the code expectations that guide compliance. The session will also focus on grease interceptor sizing, installation, and connection requirements, helping participants better understand how these systems function and why they are critical for preventing sewer blockages and protecting public infrastructure.
This session will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.
**Attendees can receive 1.0 hour of continuing education credits for this course. Attendees must sign on individually to be eligible for CEUs.**
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Residential Deck Installation Requirements Webinar
The Department of Licenses and Inspections, Inspections Safety and Compliance Unit, will host a webinar on best practices for residential deck installations. This session will highlight key updates in the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and provide an overview of the EZ permit standard, zoning and building permit requirements, and inspection guidelines.
This session will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.
**Attendees can receive 1.0 hour of continuing education credits for this course. Attendees must sign on individually to be eligible for CEUs.**
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Future Sessions
Do you have any recommendations for additional webinar topics, general process clarification or code interpretation? Complete and submit this online recommendations form to provide your feedback.
Note: This form is for general process clarification and/or general code interpretations. No direct response will be provided by the Department. Any project-specific questions requiring a direct response must be submitted through the online help form.
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Administrative Code Changes- Effective October 1
The following changes, enacted under Bill No. 260393, will be enforced by the Department beginning October 1:
Pre-requisite Dust Control Permit
A Dust Control Permit, issued by the Department of Public Health, Air Management Services (AMS), is required for any project involving 5,000 square feet or more of earth disturbance, including clearing and grubbing.
Beginning October 1, the required Dust Control Permit must be submitted with a demolition, building, or site permit application that involves 5,000 square feet or more of earth disturbance before L&I can issue the associated permit.
In accordance with AMS procedures, you may obtain a Dust Control Permit up to one year before the anticipated start of work.
Review the Dust Control Permit Requirements online and contact AMS directly with any questions regarding permit requirements.
Note: This requirement is in addition to the existing demolition permit prerequisites for buildings or structures that are more than three stories, 40 feet in height, or have a building footprint exceeding 10,000 square feet.
New Site Permit Requirements
Beginning October 1, a Site Permit will be required for the following earthwork activities to better align with the Zoning Code requirements for Site Permits:
- Earth disturbance exceeding 1,400 square feet on slopes greater than 15% within the Steep Slope Protection Area, as defined in § 14-704(2); or
- Earth disturbance exceeding 500 square feet within the Wissahickon Watershed Overlay, as defined in § 14-510, except on sites designated as Category 5 on the associated Impervious Coverage Map.
For projects involving a single building, this work may instead be included as part of a Building Permit application.
Maximum Start-of-Work Notification Period
A maximum advance notice period for the start of permitted work has been established.
The Contractor must schedule the initial inspection at least 24 hours, but no more than 14 calendar days, before work begins. If work does not commence within 14 calendar days of the initial notification, the Contractor must notify the Inspection Office of the delay and provide an updated anticipated start date.
Beginning October 1, failure to comply with these notification requirements may result in enforcement action, including the imposition of fines.
Additional guidance on determining the start of work will be provided in future updates.
Permit Reinstatement Fee Increase
If you fail to request a permit extension before your permit expires, but the permit remains within the maximum allowable extension period, you must pay a permit reinstatement fee in addition to the standard permit extension fee when requesting an extension.
Effective October 1, the permit reinstatement fee will increase from $50 to $300 per permit or permit application to better reflect the City's cost of processing permit reinstatements.
Refer to our Construction Permit Expiration FAQ for additional information on requesting an eligible permit reinstatement.
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New Insurance Submission Requirement for New Construction and Complete Demolition Permits
Due to a technical error, implementation of this previously announced change was delayed but is now in effect.
Under Bill No. 240304-A, contractors or property owners must maintain general liability insurance throughout new construction or complete demolition operations to protect adjoining and adjacent property owners from claims arising from the work.
For all new construction and complete demolition permit applications, proof of insurance must be uploaded with the permit application through the associated Permit Hold.
Certificate of Insurance Requirements
The Certificate of Insurance (COI) must:
- Provide at least $1,000,000 in general liability coverage for new construction.
- Provide at least $2,000,000 in general liability coverage for complete demolition.
- Include the statement "Covers operations of the named insured" in the Description of Operations section.
- Be active at the time the permit application is submitted.
Refer to the website for a sample COI.
Note: This requirement is separate from the insurance certificate submitted for a contractor license.
During Construction or Demolition
The contractor or property owner must:
- Maintain the required insurance for the duration of the permitted work.
- Provide a copy of the COI to all adjoining and adjacent property owners.
- Keep a copy of the COI at the job site.
- Notify adjoining and adjacent property owners in writing within 10 days if the insurance coverage expires for any reason.
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Accessibility Code Update
PA Act 16 of 2026 establishes a new process for reviewing and adopting accessibility provisions under the Uniform Construction Code.
The Act is also intended to realign the implementation schedule so that the 2024 accessibility provisions are adopted at the same time as the 2024 I-Codes.
Accordingly, the current 2018 accessibility provisions, including ICC A117.1-2009, will remain in effect until the Commonwealth adopts the 2024 accessibility provisions. Based on the Commonwealth's current implementation schedule, the transition is anticipated to occur in January 2029.
Additional guidance regarding the 2018 accessibility provisions and their application will be provided in future updates.
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Property Tax Flag - New October 1 Effective Date
The Property Tax Flag on Permits will now go into effect on October 1, 2026.
As a reminder, certain permits will be withheld if a property has unpaid real estate taxes, fees, or liens. All outstanding debts must be resolved with the Department of Revenue before a permit can be issued.
Permits affected include:
- Zoning Permits for development (e.g., new construction, additions, site or lot adjustments).
- Zoning Permits granted by variance or special exception.
- Building Permits for new construction or additions.
You can check the status of any property through the Philadelphia Tax Center Property Search.
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The Following Resources Were Recently Added to the Website:
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Full Size Vent Stack FAQ – This document clarifies the minimum diameter required for a full-size vent stack when designed in accordance with the Philadelphia Single Stack provisions in Section 919 of the Philadelphia Plumbing Code.
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Monthly Enforcement Priorities
Contractors must ensure subcontractors are properly listed, licenses are current, and worker safety certifications are up to date. For full requirements, please review the Contractor Compliance Information Sheet.
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Violation Data Report
Audit and Investigations Unit (AIU) issued $82,700.00 in license violation fines, reinspection fees, and judgments for Time Period (6/17/2026 – 7/16/2026).
The following violations and citations were issued:
- Contractor Hired Unlicensed Sub-Contractor: $6,000.00
- Deviating from or Disregarding Approved Plans: $7,000.00
- Failure to Add All Subcontractors to Permit: $26,000.00
- Failure to Comply with Philadelphia Code: $12,000.00
- Failure to Cooperate with Audit/Investigation: $6,000.00
- Failure to Maintain Insurance: $5,000.00
- Letting Others Use License: $1,000.00
- Letting Other use Permit: $1,000.00
- Providing False Information on a Permit/License Application: $1,000.00
- Work on a Major Building Without OSHA 30 Holder Onsite: $1,000.00
- Worker Without OSHA 10 Certification: $6,000.00
- Working Without the Required Permit: $1,000.00
- Working Without Valid License: $4,000.00
- Required Conduct Contractor: $1,500.00
- Required Conduct Inspection Agency: $4,000.00
- Building Certification Reinspection Fees: $200.00
The Audits and Investigations Unit will continue to follow up and monitor contractors' activities.
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2024 International Code - Public Comment Open
There is still time to submit comments on the sections added or modified in the 2024 I-Codes and help inform the next update to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Comments may be submitted online for consideration by the UCC Review and Advisory Council through October 4, 2026.
Don't miss this opportunity to help shape the future of construction in Pennsylvania.
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Permit Holds for Outstanding Contractor Fines - Now in Effect
Contractors with outstanding L&I fines are no longer eligible to obtain permits until all outstanding fines have been paid.
If your contractor license has been flagged, you may request that the hold be removed after all outstanding fines have been paid through the Online Help Form, using the 'L&I Fines’ category.
Before applying for a permit, check the Contractor Look-Up on the Department's website to verify whether your license has any outstanding violations or unpaid fines
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Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) Certification - Now in Effect
No electrical permit for EV charger installation or repair will be issued unless the electrical contractor’s license includes a valid EVITP certification. The certification must be held by the named Electrical Contractor on the license.
Qualified electrical contractors may update their license to include this certification by:
- Submitting an amendment through their eCLIPSE account, or
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Scheduling an in-person or virtual appointment with License Issuance: www.phila.gov/li/appointment
Refer to the EVITP information sheet for details on EVITP certification requirements.
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2021 Codes - Now in Effect
All permit applications filed on or after July 1, 2026 must comply with the 2021 Construction Codes.
Refer to the Department’s Code Bulletin for complete information regarding applicability, including phased projects and trade permits.
Important Notes:
- Permit applications currently in review or ready for pick-up that have already been extended for more than 90 days must be acted upon. Applications filed under the 2018 Codes will not be extended beyond 90 days unless special permission is granted due to extenuating circumstances.
Questions on new code requirements
If you have any questions on the Department’s interpretation or application of new code requirements, please submit them through the online recommendations form.
Responses will be posted publicly. Project specific or generic code / processing questions may continue to be submitted through the online help form.
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