New eCLIPSE User Interface | | |
The Department of Licenses and Inspections- Inspections, Safety and Compliance is upgrading the eCLIPSE system to improve usability for the public. The redesigned site will feature a modern interface, full mobile-friendly access on smartphones and tablets, and improved accessibility that meets WCAG 2.0 standards.
The new website is scheduled to debut on June 15, 2026.
Want a preview? Register for our remaining webinars for a guided walkthrough of the new permitting and licensing applications and get familiar with the updated experience before it goes live.
Commercial Permit Application
Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Trade License Application
Friday, May 1, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
| | We will offer additional sessions and open office hours for Q&A during the week of implementation. | | 2021 I-Code Updates Webinar Series | |
All applications filed on or after July 1, 2026, must comply with the 2021 I-Codes.
To support applicants, design professionals, and contractors through this transition, L&I will host a second webinar series covering:
- Key changes between the 2018 and 2021 I-Codes
- Local amendments and modifications
- Updated forms and procedures
The series will be presented in five parts, and participants may register for any or all sessions based on their interests and needs. **Attendees can receive continuing education credits for these courses. **
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Energy Code Updates
Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Mechanical and Plumbing Code Updates
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Electrical Code Updates
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Building, Existing Building, Accessibility Code Updates
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Residential Code Updates
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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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 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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Transitioning to the 2021 International Codes
Pennsylvania has officially begun the transition to the 2021 International Codes. While these codes took effect across the Commonwealth on January 1, 2026, a six-month grace period is currently in place. Please be advised that all new permit applications filed on or after July 1, 2026, must fully conform to the 2021 I-Codes. Refer to our Code Bulletin for complete information.
The Department continues to support this transition and there are several components underway:
Multiple bills have been introduced to incorporate changes in effect Statewide and several proposed local changes:
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Bill No. 260391 - Mechanical Code
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Bill No. 260392 - Existing Building, Fuel Gas, and Performance Codes
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Bill No. 260393 - Administrative Code
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Bill No. 260394 - Building Code
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Bill No. 260395 - Residential Code
In addition, the following bills were introduced last year and awaiting hearing:
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Bill No. 250644 - Energy Code
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Bill No. 250645 - Plumbing Code
Important Note: The proposed ordinances include changes to refrigerants that are contingent upon approval of the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
Review our website for a summary of significant changes between the 2018 and 2021 I-Codes:
In preparation for this change, our department has been hard at work updating our forms and resources to reflect the new standards. We recognize that the updated Energy Code provisions are particularly complex; to assist you, we have developed a series of comprehensive documents and visual flowcharts designed to simplify the compliance process.
Stay ahead of the deadline by reviewing our new compliance guides below:
Join our May 6 information session to learn more about these forms. Register here.
The Department has promulgated the following regulation which has been advertised and posted to the City website and shall become law after 30 days should no public hearing be requested.
The Department will host a special information session to assist inspectors and agencies new to the special inspection program with the licensing process. Dates will be announced in the May newsletter.
- Emergency Electrical Service Disconnect for One- and Two-Family Dwellings
One- and two-family dwellings must comply with the new requirement for an emergency service disconnect under the 2021 I-Codes and referenced 2019 NEC. To support implementation, the Department has prepared guidance documents outlining the requirements and how to comply:
We encourage all stakeholders to review these documents to understand how the upcoming code changes may affect project planning and code compliance and submit code questions through the online recommendation form.
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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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Enforcement Priorities
AIU would like to call your attention to the following enforcement priorities:
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Contractors and Subcontractors Information - In accordance with the Philadelphia Code Title 9-1004, contractors who hire a subcontractor to perform work authorized by their permit must list the subcontractor on the permit in eCLIPSE within three (3) days of the commencement of any work authorized by that permit, unless that permit is for a residential building of two dwelling units or less. If the Department establishes that a contractor has failed to do this, the contractor will be cited with a violation of 9-1004(8). A $2,000 fine accompanies that citation.
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Subcontracting - Subcontractors must always be licensed and carry a valid contractor or trade license (for trade work) whenever they work. A subcontractor is any person or business hired to perform work authorized by a permit who is not identified on that permit’s application as the prime (or responsible) contractor.
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Worker Certification - Every worker at a Philadelphia construction site must have OSHA-10 training and carry their card with them when they’re on the job. If a building more than three stories or 40 feet tall is being constructed or demolished, an OSHA-30-trained site safety supervisor must be on site whenever the site is active.
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Violation Data Report
Audit and Investigations Unit (AIU) issued $57,250.00 in license violation fines, reinspection fees, and judgments for Time Period (3-17/26 – 4-16/26)
The following violations and citations were issued.
- Contractor Hired Unlicensed Sub-Contractor: $1,000.00
- Deviating from or Disregarding Approved Plans: $0
- Failure to Add All Subcontractors to Permit: $26,000.00
- Failure to Comply with Philadelphia Code: $3,000.00
- Failure to Cooperate with Audit/Investigation: $11,000.00
- Failure to Maintain Insurance: $5,000.00
- Letting Others Use License: $0
- Letting Other use Permit: $0
- Owner/Developer Hired Unlicensed Sub-Contractor: $0
- Providing False Information on a Permit/License Application: $0
- Work on a Major Building Without OSHA 30 Holder Onsite: $0
- Worker Without OSHA 10 Certification: $3,000.00
- Working Without Required Inspections: $0
- Working Without the Required Permit: $3,000.00
- Working Without Valid License: $3,000.00
- Required Conduct Contractor: $0
- Required Conduct Inspection Agency: $0
- Building Certification Judgements: $0
- Building Certification Reinspection Fees: $2,250.00
The Audits and Investigations Unit will continue to follow up and monitor contractors' activities.
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Keep your Contact Information Current
It’s important for contractors to keep their contact information up to date to ensure they receive timely notifications and maintain compliance. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for licensed contractors on how to update their contact information in eCLIPSE.
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The following changes are now in effect:
Insurance Submission Requirement for New Construction and Complete Demolition Permits
Contractors or property owners must maintain general liability insurance for the duration of the new construction or demolition operations. This coverage is required to protect adjoining and adjacent property owners from claims arising from the named insured’s construction or demolition activities.
Any new construction or complete demolition permit will require proof of insurance uploaded with the new construction or complete demolition permit application through the associated Permit Hold.
Visit the contractor requirements page of the website for more information on required insurance coverage and additional responsibilities during construction or demolition.
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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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Available Now!
New EVITP Certification Option on
Electrical Contractor License
A new law requires that all electrical contractors installing, upgrading, or repairing electric vehicle chargers hold a valid certification through the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP).
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
If a trainer or contractor would like to submit for approval an equivalent program, please visit our website for details.
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Home Improvement Registration
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s system is still experiencing issues stemming from an August 9 incident and is currently unable to issue or renew Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registrations.
As a result, the December 31, 2025, expiration date for HIC registrations issued or renewed on or after August 9 has been extended to June 30, 2026, while the Attorney General’s Office works to resolve the situation.
Please visit the Attorney General’s website for complete information and updates.
Philadelphia Registration Processing During the Outage
Until service is restored, the Department will process Philadelphia registrations required for permit issuance as follows:
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New PA HIC: Mail your application to the State and upload the acknowledgment form with your L&I license application.
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Existing PA HIC / New Philadelphia Registration: Upload a copy of your expired PA registration with your L&I license application.
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Existing PA HIC / Existing Philadelphia Registration: Submit a renewal or amendment and upload your current license with your L&I license application.
Registrations issued or renewed under this temporary process will expire on June 30, 2026. Once the PA system is restored, you must update your Philadelphia registration with a valid PA HIC certificate.
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Reminder of upcoming changes:
Property Tax Flag
Starting on July 1, 2026, 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.
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.
| | Back issues of the L&I Newsletters are available on the L&I website under Resources. | | | | |
