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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.
| | New eCLIPSE User Interface | | |
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 are pleased to announce that the tentative launch date is June 15, 2026, subject to final testing and operational readiness.
Register for our upcoming webinars to see a guided walkthrough of the new permitting and licensing applications and get familiar with the updated experience before it goes live.
Business License Application
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. via Zoom
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Commercial Permit and Trade License Applications
Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. via Zoom
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To further support customers during the transition, we will also 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, June 15, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. via Zoom
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Q&A Session 2
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. via Zoom
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Q&A Session 3
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. via Zoom
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Q&A Session 4
Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. via Zoom
| | 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
Participants may register for any of the remaining sessions based on their interests and needs. **Attendees can receive continuing education credits for these courses. **
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Building, Existing Building, Accessibility Code Updates
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. via Zoom
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Residential Code Updates
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. via Zoom
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Special Inspections Program Webinar
The Department will host an information session focused on the new air leakage and mass timber inspection categories to assist inspectors and agencies that are new to the Special Inspection Program. The session will provide an overview of the licensing process and program requirements.
This session will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.
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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:
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.
Join the Department webinar on June 16 for additional guidance. Staff will be available in a virtual meeting room after the webinar to assist with applications.
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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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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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
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 Resources Were 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 $75,950.00 in license violation fines, reinspection fees, and judgments for Time Period (4/17/26 – 5/16/26)
The following violations and citations were issued.
- Contractor Hired Unlicensed Sub-Contractor: $7,000.00
- Deviating from or Disregarding Approved Plans: $5,000.00
- Failure to Add All Subcontractors to Permit: $24,000.00
- Failure to Comply with Philadelphia Code: $6,000.00
- Failure to Cooperate with Audit/Investigation: $15,000.00
- Failure to Maintain Insurance: $1,000.00
- Letting Others Use License: $2,000.00
- Worker Without OSHA 10 Certification: $10,000.00
- Working Without Valid License: $3,000.00
- Required Conduct Contractor: $2,400.00
- Building Certification Reinspection Fees: $550.00
The Audits and Investigations Unit will continue to follow up and monitor contractors' activities.
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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.
| | Back issues of the L&I Newsletters are available on the L&I website under Resources. | | | | |
