2021 I-Code Updates Webinar Series
In anticipation of the 2021 I-Code implementation, L&I is conducting a webinar series focused on the updates to the 2021 I-Code provisions. The series will be broken down into five parts. You can choose to register for as many sessions as you would like. A repeat of this series will take place tentatively in December 2025/January 2026, upon the mandatory implementation date of the 2021 I-Code provisions in January 2026.
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Part 2: Residential Code – In this webinar, L&I will provide an overview of the significant changes to the Residential Code. This session will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this training course.
**Attendees can receive 1.5 hours of continuing education credits for this course. **
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Part 3: Energy and Mechanical Codes – In this webinar, L&I will provide an overview of the significant changes to the Energy and Mechanical Codes. This session will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this training course.
**Attendees can receive 1.5 hours of continuing education credits for this course. **
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Virtual Inspections Webinar
Learn more about the Department's Virtual Inspections on certain Construction Permits. This information session will provide details around the implementation of specific permit and/or inspection types, an explanation of procedure and a demonstration from the contractor's perspective. The session will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 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.**
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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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Part 1 - Building, Existing Building and Accessibility Codes Webinar Slides
As part of the five-part webinar series focused on the updates to the 2021 I-Code provisions, the Department of Licenses and Inspections presented a webinar on Thursday, May 15, 2025, on the significant changes to the Building Code, Existing Building Code, and the Accessibility Provisions. The slides used in this webinar are available on the website.
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The Following Permit Resource Was Recently Added to the Website:
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2021 Code Corner
The 2021 I-Codes, with state and local modifications, will become effective in July 2025 with a 6-month transition period.
As we continue to prepare for the transition into the 2021 I-Codes, please visit the 2021 Code Corner for additional forms and documents, including proposed changes and responses to questions. We encourage you to submit additional questions through the online recommendations form for early identification of questions and concerns.
The following FAQ’s have been recently added:
Keep an eye out for more information sessions relating to the 2021 I-Code throughout the year.
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Update to the Façade Summary Inspection Form
The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code requires inspections every five years for exterior walls over five stories high and appurtenances in excess of 60 feet in height. The Façade Summary Inspection Form was recently updated to require confirmation that a hands-on exterior wall inspection was performed. The Audits and Investigation Unit will enforce this requirement starting July 1, 2025.
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Enforcement Priorities
The Audit and Investigations Unit (AIU) wants 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). That citation is accompanied by a $2,000 fine.
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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
AIU issued $183,000 in license violation fines between 4/17/25 and 5/15/25.
The following violations and citations were issued:
- Failure to add all subcontractors to permit: $48,000
- Working without a valid license: $9,000
- Failure to cooperate with audit investigation: $11,000
- Failure to maintain insurance: $7,000
- Failure to comply with the Phila code: $6,000
- Required conduct contractor: $2,100
- Working without the required permit: $3,000
- Contractor hired an unlicensed subcontractor: $8,000
- Worker without OSHA 10 certification: $70,000
- Façade and fire escapes judgment: $3,000
- Façade, fire escapes and piers reinspection fees: $15,900
AIU will continue to follow up and monitor contractors' activities.
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Virtual Inspections for
Limited Lodging Operator License Applications
As a reminder, beginning on June 1, 2025, a virtual inspection will be conducted on all new and renewed Limited Lodging Operator License applications. A new or renewal license application submitted on or after this date will not be approved until a passing inspection has been completed. Applicants must allow two weeks for the initial inspection and renewing license holders are strongly encouraged to submit the renewal application as soon as it is available (45 days before expiration) to allow ample time for inspection.
Review proposed regulations for more information and the Virtual Inspections Information Sheet for step-by-step instructions.
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Affordable Housing
As part of Mayor Parker’s historic Project H.O.M.E. initiative, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and the Department of Licenses and Inspections are making some immediate changes to streamline permitting for affordable housing projects. Permit applicants will be able to identify a qualifying affordable housing project through the zoning or building permit application, which will generate DPD pre-approval, automatically assign shorter review times and prompt the applicant for associated documents. Look out for this change to permit applications this summer.
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Notice of Intent to Withhold Contractor Licenses Due to Outstanding Fines
Beginning July 2025, the Department will withhold Contractor Licenses for outstanding fines issued to that license, as authorized by Section 9-102(9) of the Philadelphia Code.
Check the contractor look-up on our website for violations and your eCLIPSE account for outstanding fines. Be sure to pay outstanding fines promptly to avoid disruption to your business.
Visit our website for more information on how to pay a fine or call (215) 686-6600 to make an appointment to pay in person.
If you would like more information on an outstanding contractor license fine, email addinfo@phila.gov.
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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.
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