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A Message from the Commissioner, Ralph DiPietro:
I am honored to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Licenses and Inspections' Inspections, Safety and Compliance (ISC) division and am grateful to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker for the opportunity to lead the department that has been my professional home for the past 28 years.
As Commissioner, I am committed to leading with integrity, accountability, and a steadfast focus on public service. Our department plays a vital role in supporting Mayor Parker's vision of making Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, and greenest big city in the nation, with economic opportunity for all. L&I will continue to be a strong partner in advancing that vision by promoting safe buildings, vibrant neighborhoods, and fair, consistent enforcement of our codes and regulations.
Our employees are the foundation of everything we accomplish. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication enable us to serve residents, businesses, contractors, and development partners every day. Together, we will continue strengthening our operations, modernizing our services, and upholding the highest ethical standards. Public trust is earned through transparency, consistency, accountability, and a commitment to holding ourselves accountable to the people we serve. Those principles will guide our work every day.
While we are proud of the progress we have made, we recognize there is still important work ahead. We remain committed to improving building safety, enhancing customer service, and fostering productive partnerships with everyone who works, lives, and invests in Philadelphia. By working collaboratively, we can continue building a department that is responsive, efficient, and trusted by the communities we serve.
I look forward to engaging with our stakeholders, listening to your perspectives, and working together to ensure L&I ISC continues to meet the evolving needs of our city. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we move our department forward.
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Stay Connected with L&I
The Department of Licenses and Inspections now offers text messsage alerts. Sign up to 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.
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Inspections Safety and Compliance (ISC) Court Unit Contact Information
The Inspections Safety and Compliance (ISC) Court Unit now has a dedicated email address and direct contact number established specifically for members of the general public, attorneys, property owners, contractors, and any other interested parties seeking information regarding cases currently scheduled or pending in court.
This new contact system was created to improve communication, streamline case-related inquiries, and provide more efficient customer service regarding court matters handled by the unit.
Effective immediately, all court-related public inquiries may be directed to the following:
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eCLIPSE User Interface Has a New Launch Date
- Open Q&A Sessions
The Department of Licenses and Inspections is launching an upgraded eCLIPSE user interface designed to make the system easier and more accessible for the public. The new design offers a modern look, full mobile-friendly functionality on smartphones and tablets, and enhanced accessibility that meets WCAG 2.0 standards.
We have decided to postpone the go-live date until after the World Cup events to ensure we can fully support our customers throughout the transition. The new launch date is July 13, 2026.
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To support customers during the transition, we will host four Q&A sessions during implementation week. All are welcome to join our virtual office hours to ask questions, receive guidance, and discuss any issues that arise during implementation.
Q&A Session 1
Monday, July 13, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. via Zoom
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Q&A Session 2
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. via Zoom
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Q&A Session 3
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. via Zoom
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Q&A Session 4
Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. via Zoom
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Future Sessions
Do you have any recommendations for additional webinar topics, general process clarification or general 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 and 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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2021 Codes Become Mandatory on July 1
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. Applicants should also review the Filing Date regulation for guidance on what constitutes a complete application.
Important Filing Deadlines
- Projects operating under a 2018 master approval or preliminary plan review approval (including associated variances) must file the associated construction permit application by June 30, 2026, for the approval to remain valid.
- 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.
Updated 2021 Forms and Submission Requirements
Several forms have been updated or newly created to reference the 2021 Codes. Applicants should ensure they are using the correct versions when filing. Refer to our website for a listing of forms.
Energy Code submission requirements have undergone significant changes, including the introduction of new Residential and Commercial Energy Compliance Path Forms required for new construction applications. Applicants are encouraged to review the new compliance flowcharts to better understand submission requirements based on the selected compliance path:
Additionally, Mechanical and Plumbing EZ Permit Standards have been separated for new construction and alteration projects to improve organization and clarity of requirements. Updated standards are available on the Department website.
Technical Code Requirements
Visit the Department website for summaries of significant changes between the 2018 and 2021 Construction Codes, including:
Applicants may also review the list of local amendments to the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, including significant updates related to energy compliance and refrigerants.
Note: Additional announcements regarding implementation of related Administrative Code changes will be released at a later date.
New Special Inspection and Inspector Categories
The regulation establishing inspector qualifications for air leakage testing and mass timber inspections has become law. Qualified candidates may begin applying for or amending special inspector and special inspection agency licenses beginning June 8, 2026.
Important Note: Both the special inspector license and the special inspection agency license must be obtained or amended in order to perform inspections. Inspector licenses must be approved before a special inspection agency license can be obtained or amended.
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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Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) Certification Required - Beginning July 1
Effective July 1, 2026, no electrical permit for EV charger installation or repair will be issued unless the contractor’s license includes a valid EVITP certification (or approved equivalent). 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. If a trainer or contractor would like to submit for approval an equivalent program, please visit our website for details.
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The Following Resource Was Recently Added to the Website:
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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 $58,000.00 in license violation fines, reinspection fees, and judgments for Time Period (5/17/2026 – 6/16/2026)
The following violations and citations were issued.
- Contractor Hired Unlicensed Sub-Contractor: $3,000.00
- Deviating from or Disregarding Approved Plans: $1,000.00
- Failure to Add All Subcontractors to Permit: $22,000
- Failure to Comply with Philadelphia Code: $8,000.00
- Failure to Cooperate with Audit/Investigation: $10,000.00
- Failure to Maintain Insurance: $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 Valid License: $3,000.00
- Required Conduct Contractor: $2,000.00
- Building Certification Reinspection Fees: $1,000.00
The Audits and Investigations Unit will continue to follow up and monitor contractors' activities.
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Permit Holds for Outstanding Contractor Fines
Beginning July 1, 2026, contractors with unresolved L&I fines will be unable to obtain permits until balances are cleared. Stay compliant to avoid delays and keep projects moving.
Check the contractor look-up on our website for violations and your eCLIPSE account for outstanding fines.
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2024 International Code Adoption
While we complete the transition to the 2021 I-Codes, the PA Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council (RAC) is initiating its review of the 2024 I-Codes and your input matters.
This process will directly shape the next update to Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code and this is your opportunity to influence requirements that will impact projects across the Commonwealth for years to come.
Public comment period (120 days): June 6 – October 4, 2026
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) applications (30 days): June 6 – July 6, 2026
Stakeholders are strongly encouraged to participate by submitting comments and, for those with relevant expertise, applying to serve on a TAC.
Don’t miss the chance to help shape the future of construction in Pennsylvania.
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Philadelphia ICC Exam Update -
New 2021 Standards
The following Philadelphia ICC examinations have officially transitioned to 2021 International Code references and including the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). If you are preparing for the following exams, ensure your study materials reflect these updated standards:
- Master Electrician
- Fire Suppression Installer/ Worker
- Engineer, All Grades
- Demolition, Class A and B
For the most current exam details, please refer to ICC’s Philadelphia Contractor Exam Information Bulletin.
Stay tuned for information on the transition timeline for the Philadelphia Journeyman and Master Plumber Exams.
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Property Tax Flag
Coming this summer, certain permits will be withheld if a property has unpaid real estate taxes, fees, or liens in accordance with Section 202.7 of the Philadelphia Administrative Code. 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.
Note: The planned July 1 implementation has been delayed.
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