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Permit Navigator Usability Testing Opportunity
Philadelphia is making it easier to start your next project. Whether you’re opening a business, renovating a home, or planning new construction, a new tool from SmartCityPHL—the Permit Navigator—helps residents and business owners identify required permits and licenses in under five minutes.
Now covering all 190 property-related requirements, the tool provides customized guides with estimated costs, timelines and clear next steps—all in one place. Since launching in 2023, thousands of Philadelphians have used it to plan their projects.
Want to help improve it? SmartCityPHL is also inviting community members to join virtual usability sessions and share feedback to help improve the tool.
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New eCLIPSE User Interface
The Department of Licenses and Inspections - Inspections, Safety and Compliance is updating the eCLIPSE system to improve usability for the public. The redesigned website will feature a modern interface, full mobile responsiveness for smartphones and tablets, and enhanced accessibility in accordance with WCAG 2.0 standards. These updates are expected to launch later this spring or early summer.
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Register for the upcoming webinar series for a walkthrough of permits and/or licensing applications.
Plumbing Permit Application
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
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Business License Application
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Electrical Permit Application
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
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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.
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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. ** | | |
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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Property Protection Webinar Slides
L&I ISC conducted a 90-minute information session to review permit application and inspection requirements for construction and demolition projects affecting adjacent properties. The session covered relevant code provisions, common conditions, application procedures, and inspection protocols, and included step-by-step guidance on completing the new Preconstruction Survey Summary Form and Monitoring Plan Form.
These forms will become effective on April 1, 2026. The slides used during this information session are posted on the website.
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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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EFFECTIVE April 1
New Preconstruction Survey and Monitoring Forms
Beginning April 1, all construction and demolition applications that impact adjacent properties must include new Pre-Construction Survey Summary and Monitoring forms at the time of submission.
These requirements are intended to improve documentation of existing conditions and ensure appropriate monitoring of neighboring structures throughout construction.
Applicants can access the new forms on our website:
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Monitoring Plan - This form replaces the previous free-form monitoring plan and must include:
o Schedule of required special inspections
o Identification of deficiencies or concerns noted in the survey that require monitoring
o Proposed observation methods and frequency
o Defined tolerances
A failure to include these updated forms will result in permit delays.
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EFFECTIVE April 1
New Insurance Submission Requirement
for New Construction and Complete Demolition Permits
In accordance with Bill No. 240304-A, the contractor or property owner 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 filed on or after April 1, 2026, will require proof of insurance uploaded with the new construction or complete demolition permit application through the associated Permit Hold.
Required insurance coverage
The certificate of insurance must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum general liability coverage of $1,000,000 for new construction operations.
- Minimum general liability coverage of $2,000,000 for complete demolition operations.
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The Description of Operations section must state: "Covers operations of the named insured."
- The Certificate of Insurance must be active at the time of submission.
Click here for a sample COI.
This insurance submission requirement is separate from, and in addition to, the certificate of insurance submitted with a contractor’s license.
Additional responsibilities during construction or demolition:
During the period of work authorized under the permit, the contractor or property owner must:
- Maintain this insurance coverage for the full duration of the permitted operations.
- Provide a copy of the certificate of insurance to all adjoining or adjacent property owners.
- Maintain a copy of the certificate of insurance on-site.
- Notify adjoining or adjacent property owners in writing within ten (10) days if insurance coverage expires for any reason.
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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 $36,350.00 in license violation fines, reinspection fees, and judgments for Time Period (2/17/2026 – 3/16/2026)
The following violations and citations were issued.
- Contractor Hired Unlicensed Sub-Contractor: $0
- Deviating from or Disregarding Approved Plans: $2,000.00
- Failure to Add All Subcontractors to Permit: $14,000.00
- Failure to Comply with Philadelphia Code: $4,000.00
- Failure to Cooperate with Audit/Investigation: $4,000.00
- Failure to Maintain Insurance: $0
- 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: $2,000.00
- Working Without Required Inspections: $0
- Working Without the Required Permit: $4,000.00
- Working Without Valid License: $0
- Required Conduct Contractor: $3,000.00
- Required Conduct Inspection Agency: $0
- Building Certification Judgements: $2,000.00
- Building Certification Reinspection Fees: $1,350.00
The Audits and Investigations Unit will continue to follow up and monitor contractors' activities.
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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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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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Property Tax Flag
Starting on June 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 L&I 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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Zoning Legislation Table
For the latest updates on zoning code changes, please refer to the Zoning Legislation table. This resource outlines legislative amendments affecting the Philadelphia Zoning Code.
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Free OSHA Safety Consultation
Employers can receive no-cost safety, health and industrial hygiene evaluations by signing up for a program run by Indiana University of Pennsylvania's (IUP) Safety Sciences Department.
Through the PA OSHA Consultation Program, IUP consultants conduct occupational safety and health evaluations and work with business owners to address issues. The on-site visits are confidential since the program operates independently from OSHA's regulation enforcement.
| | Back issues of the L&I Newsletters are available on the L&I website under Resources. | | | | |
