In case you missed the September issue of the City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses & Inspections Newsletter, please find key updates below. You can view the full September L&I Newsletter here.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections is offering regular information sessions to assist stakeholders in navigating L&I processes and keeping abreast of code changes. You sign-up for these and future webinars under the “Events” section of the L&I homepage.
Fee increases for most permits, business licenses, and trade licenses issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) will take effect for new applications filed on or after January 1, 2023.
For more information on permit fee increase, please review the regulation. The upcoming permit and license fees will be posted to the website soon. The current fees will continue to apply to applications filed before January 1, 2023.
The Permit Wizard Pilot Project is coming soon! Several City departments collaborated to test out a new system for homeowners and businesses to easily access the information they need when undertaking a new project. The goal is to make information about permits and licenses required for smaller residential and commercial projects more accessible, educational, and centrally available. This new system will walk users through an adaptive, plain-language questionnaire that creates a custom list of requirements and associated fees for each selected project. If the pilot project is successful, the system may scale up to include additional project types.
Permit Extension Update
Unless an extension is granted by the department, most permits issued by L&I shall become invalid if the authorized work is not commenced within six months after the permit issuance date. Bill No. 220384 allows L&I to issue up to two six-month extensions to commence work. This change will take effect immediately. This 2nd permit extension does not apply to work that has started but is stalled. Refer to the updated
Construction Permit Extension information sheet for instructions on requesting a permit extension.
2018 International Residential Code
All construction permit applications for one-and-two family dwellings that are submitted on or after August 14, 2022, shall be reviewed in accordance with the 2018 International Residential Code, with state and local amendments.
Please refer to Code Bulletin
B-2202 for more information on the adoption schedule and the
FAQ for detail on specific changes.
Inspections
Site Violation Notices
As a reminder, all site violation notices issued on or after July 1, 2022 will include financial penalty, ranging from $150 - $1,000 per occurrence or per day, depending on the class of violation. For more information on site violation notices, including settlement options and mode of payment, please visit the L&I website.
You can view the full July L&I Newsletter here.
June 24, 2022: Updates from the Department of Licenses & Inspections
The following changes will go into effect on July 1, 2022
Site Violation Notices
The courtesy warning period for site violation notices will conclude on June 30, 2022. All site violation notices issued on or after July 1, 2022 will include financial penalty, ranging from $150 - $1,000 per occurrence or per day, depending on the class of violation.
Please visit the Department of Licenses and Inspections website for more information on site violation notices, including settlement options and mode of payment.
2021 Accessibility Provisions
All construction permit applications submitted on or after July 1, 2022 shall be reviewed in accordance with the 2021 Accessibility Provisions. Please refer to Code Bulletin
B-2101 for more information on the adoption schedule and the
FAQ for detail on specific changes.
You can view the full June L&I Newsletter here.
March 3, 2022: Updates from the Department of Licenses & Inspections
Masks no longer required for indoor construction work as City reaches “All Clear” COVID Response Level
The City Health Department has transitioned to using four new “COVID Response Levels” to explain what COVID precaution mandates are in place in Philadelphia. The Response Levels are based on COVID metrics (statistics) including numbers of positive COVID tests and hospitalization rates in Philadelphia. The Health Department will closely monitor and adjust the City’s COVID-19 response levels on a weekly basis.
Philadelphia’s COVID metrics have improved so much that as of Wednesday, March 2, 2022, the City’s COVID-19 response level is now Level 1 All Clear. This means that the City is not currently requiring vaccines and is not currently requiring masks indoors, including for construction work, with some exceptions.
Masks must still be worn when working in schools, in healthcare settings, and in congregate living settings. Should current trends continue, the City will lift the school mask requirement on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.
In addition, masks must be worn in public areas of City buildings until Monday, March 7, 2022 and City employees who are not yet fully vaccinated must continue to double-mask. Federal law still requires masks on public transportation.
Keep in mind that just because we are in “All Clear” now doesn’t mean that the City Health Department will never have to bring back a mask or vaccine mandate. Individual businesses and employers may have their own rules requiring masks and/or proof of vaccination. And wearing a mask is still one of the most effective things you can do to keep yourself and others protected.
More information about the City Response Levels can be found here. If you have additional questions, you can call the Health Department COVID Call Center at 215 685-5488.
February 8, 2022: Update from the City of Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Business Services Hotline
Do you have questions about COVID updates, street closures, or other services and support within Center City? You can email [email protected] or call 215-683-2100.
October 18, 2021: Updates from the Department of Licenses & Inspections
Register for L&I's eCLIPSE Webinar
L&I is offering a 2-hour public training session on the basics of filing license and permit applications through the online eCLIPSE system. There will be a Q&A following the presentation. This training session is intended for new users, however all users with outstanding questions are welcome to attend. The webinar will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 via Zoom.
Please register if you are interested in attending this information session. Customers can also sign-up for this and future webinars online under the “Events” section of the L&I homepage (www.phila.gov/li).
Philadelphia's building energy performance policy begins in 2022
In 2019, the City of Philadelphia adopted the Building Energy Performance Policy into law, requiring all non-residential buildings with indoor floor space of at least 50,000 square feet to either achieve a high-performance building standard or to assess building energy and water performance and implement corrective actions to address any identified performance issues.
The first compliance period for this regulation begins in 2022 and applies to all commercial buildings with indoor floor space of 100,000 square feet or greater.
The Office of Sustainability and Green Building United are hosting a series of online learning sessions that will run through the end of 2021 to support building owners / managers in understanding and meeting the compliance requirements. To register for education sessions to prepare your building for compliance with the law, click here.
L&I Asked and Responds: Focus group summary
You spoke, we listened! The Department held focus groups this past August to gather public feedback on the services we provide. Below is a summary of some of the feedback that we received and our plans to address items gathered.
Feedback:
- Improvements noticed in eCLIPSE and overall integration with technology helpful
- Difficulty contacting the Department for licensing/permitting process issues
- Confusion with maintenance/fire protection vs. permit certifications process
- Inconsistency with permit reviews
- License processing challenges with insurance, document uploads and renewals
- eClipse can be difficult to use for newcomers
- Some eCLIPSE video content is outdated
- Department Newsletter is great about providing information on important topics
Department Action:
- Launch of new L&I chat to support eCLIPSE needs underway
- Improve hold process on permits to allow back and forth communication to resolve
- Expand use of Project functionality for a single examiner when 3 or more parcels are involved
- Implement holds on individual trade permits for clearer permit certification process and clarify website content to distinguish from maintenance/fire protection certification process
- Enhance the license renewal process for bulk renewals
- Increase frequency of eCLIPSE webinars
- Update eCLIPSE instructional videos and create new short videos for specific transactions
We will be working on these initiatives over the several months and look forward to your feedback again next year!
Site violation notice roll-out process begins
L&I inspectors will begin issuing Warning Notices starting in October with the intent to roll-out the Site Violation Notices by April 2022. For more information about these Warning Notices, Site Violation Notices, and other L&I violations please refer to the L&I website.
September 10, 2021: Updates from the Department of Licenses & Inspections
Contact Information for Permit Submissions
Starting September 10, 2021, all building and zoning permit applications filed on behalf of an owner who is not a natural person or publicly traded company must include contact information for any individual with more than 49% equity interest in the property. If no individual has such an interest, contact information of two individuals with the largest equity interest in the property must be included with the application. Please bring / upload the new 'supplemental ownership information form' with your application. For more information, refer to Bill #200417.
Chat Functionality is Coming Soon!
As a reminder, L&I will be launching a new chat tool this fall that will allow you the ability to chat with an L&I agent during business hours to support your eCLIPSE navigational needs. We are currently piloting the tool, so keep an eye out for the chat tool icon at the bottom of the eCLIPSE page for an available agent to chat with.
HVAC Equipment Design Worksheet Requirement
As a reminder, the HVAC equipment design worksheet must be submitted with all applications for new mechanical equipment in residential occupancies. This will be a mandatory upload for residential, new construction permits beginning October 1, 2021.
Affordable Housing Projects
If your project is eligible for a 10-day review based on regulation, you MUST include the following with your permit application:
The work description entered in the permit application must begin with “AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT”. You must bring one of the following:
- A confirmation letter from the owner’s agent for applications seeking to use the Mixed Income Housing Bonus pursuant to 14-702(7).
- A confirmation letter from the Director of Planning and Development for a property receiving finance through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program or for a property awarded funds controlled by the City of Philadelphia.
Be sure that your project qualifies and that you have filed properly to avoid processing delays.
Mask Mandate for Indoor Construction Work
The City Health Department has implemented a new mask mandate designed to slow the spread of the dangerous COVID Delta variant. This mask mandate went into effect on August 12, 2021 and it applies to construction work as follows:
- Construction work at businesses and institutions: Masks are required indoors at all Philadelphia businesses and institutions that do not require everyone who enters to be vaccinated.
- Construction work inside enclosed structures that are in the process of being built: Masks are required unless all companies with workers on site require proof of vaccination.
- Construction work indoors at unoccupied existing structures: Masks are required unless all companies with workers on site require proof of vaccination.
- Construction work indoors at residential properties: Masks are required.
- Construction work outdoors: Masking is not required at outdoor jobsites but the Health Department continues to strongly recommend that unvaccinated individuals mask up.
Site Violation Notices (SVNs) are Coming Soon
As a reminder, L&I inspectors will begin issuing Site Violation Notices (SVNs). SVNs are intended to penalize and deter infractions that can be quickly complied on site when an inspector comes along but tend to reoccur once the inspector leaves. SVNs carry monetary penalties that go into effect immediately and can be issued each time the inspector observes the violation. Refer to the website for more information about L&I violations.
Development Impact Tax Proposal
Council President Clark's development impact tax proposal (Bill No. 200556) was passed by Council in late 2020 and signed by the Mayor on Januar
September 10, 2021: Updates from the Department of Licenses & Inspections
Contact Information for Permit Submissions
Starting September 10, 2021, all building and zoning permit applications filed on behalf of an owner who is not a natural person or publicly traded company must include contact information for any individual with more than 49% equity interest in the property. If no individual has such an interest, contact information of two individuals with the largest equity interest in the property must be included with the application. Please bring / upload the new 'supplemental ownership information form' with your application. For more information, refer to Bill #200417.
Chat Functionality is Coming Soon!
As a reminder, L&I will be launching a new chat tool this fall that will allow you the ability to chat with an L&I agent during business hours to support your eCLIPSE navigational needs. We are currently piloting the tool, so keep an eye out for the chat tool icon at the bottom of the eCLIPSE page for an available agent to chat with.
HVAC Equipment Design Worksheet Requirement
As a reminder, the HVAC equipment design worksheet must be submitted with all applications for new mechanical equipment in residential occupancies. This will be a mandatory upload for residential, new construction permits beginning October 1, 2021.
Affordable Housing Projects
If your project is eligible for a 10-day review based on regulation, you MUST include the following with your permit application:
The work description entered in the permit application must begin with “AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT”. You must bring one of the following:
- A confirmation letter from the owner’s agent for applications seeking to use the Mixed Income Housing Bonus pursuant to 14-702(7).
- A confirmation letter from the Director of Planning and Development for a property receiving finance through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program or for a property awarded funds controlled by the City of Philadelphia.
Be sure that your project qualifies and that you have filed properly to avoid processing delays.
Mask Mandate for Indoor Construction Work
The City Health Department has implemented a new mask mandate designed to slow the spread of the dangerous COVID Delta variant. This mask mandate went into effect on August 12, 2021 and it applies to construction work as follows:
- Construction work at businesses and institutions: Masks are required indoors at all Philadelphia businesses and institutions that do not require everyone who enters to be vaccinated.
- Construction work inside enclosed structures that are in the process of being built: Masks are required unless all companies with workers on site require proof of vaccination.
- Construction work indoors at unoccupied existing structures: Masks are required unless all companies with workers on site require proof of vaccination.
- Construction work indoors at residential properties: Masks are required.
- Construction work outdoors: Masking is not required at outdoor jobsites but the Health Department continues to strongly recommend that unvaccinated individuals mask up.
Site Violation Notices (SVNs) are Coming Soon
As a reminder, L&I inspectors will begin issuing Site Violation Notices (SVNs). SVNs are intended to penalize and deter infractions that can be quickly complied on site when an inspector comes along but tend to reoccur once the inspector leaves. SVNs carry monetary penalties that go into effect immediately and can be issued each time the inspector observes the violation. Refer to the website for more information about L&I violations.
Development Impact Tax Proposal
Council President Clark's development impact tax proposal (Bill No. 200556) was passed by Council in late 2020 and signed by the Mayor on January 27, 2021. This bill will impose a development tax of 1% on residential new construction and improvement projects that are eligible for a tax abatement. Permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2022 will be subject to this tax.
April 30, 2021: Updates from Department of Licenses & Inspections
New Virtual One-on-One Appointments Schedule Online
L&I is now offering online appointments for permit submissions. If you’re having trouble submitting a permit application, schedule an online one-on-one appointment with an L&I representative. All online meetings will be conducted over Zoom.
Online appointments are o provide help with license renewals and new license submissions will continue to be available. Click here to schedule your online license appointment.
Permitting
The following resources were recently added to the L&I website to help guide you through the permit process.
Site Violation Notices (SVNs)
In the coming months L&I inspectors will begin issuing Site Violation Notices (SVNs). SVNs are intended to penalize and deter infractions that can be quickly complied on site when an inspector comes along but tend to reoccur once the inspector leaves. SVNs carry monetary penalties that go into effect immediately and can be issued each time the inspector observes the violation.
Because SVNs have not been issued in the past, for the first six months L&I will issue Warning Notices without monetary penalty instead of SVNs. Keep an eye out for more information on SVN roll-out.
March 24, 2021: Updates from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections
Licensing & Inspections Approves Continuing Education Credits re: OSHA 30
A new regulation became law on March 5, 2021 to allow 30-hours of continued education credits in lieu of retaking an OSHA 30 course. To do this, you must already have submitted an OSHA 30 Construction and Safety Certificate to the department. If the department accepted an OSHA 30 Certification, the contractor may submit proof of completion of continued education credits with their amendment or renewal application.
The course must be completed in the 5 years before applying for license renewal and the provider must be approved by the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
Virtual One-on-One Appointments Schedule Online
L&I is offering one-on-one online appointments to help customers renew their licenses. Virtual appointments are still available and are conducted over Zoom. Schedule an online appointment to renew your license(s).
L & I will soon offer online appointments for permit submissions. Look for further announcements on their website and/or newsletter.
Contact Licensing & Inspections Form
This form will allow you to submit an inquiry to L&I. Please make every attempt to resolve your issue using information provided on the L&I website. If you do not see an option that matches your inquiry, please reach out to 311 for support. You can expect to receive a response within 2 business days.
Visit the Contact Us page of the website for additional contact information and links to submit an inquiry.
January 27, 2021: Updates from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections
Updates
eCLIPSE Procedure Now in Effect for Some Permit Types Requiring Preapproval from Dept. of Streets
As of January 19, 2021, the Department of Streets has started conducting many of its plan reviews in eCLIPSE. This changes the procedure for applying online for Zoning, Residential Building, or Commercial Building permits requiring preapprovals from Streets.
You must submit your application and plans to the Streets portal and obtain a Streets Review Job Number before you file your permit application with L&I. The main advantage of this change is that while you await Streets review and approval, you can continue working in eCLIPSE with L&I and other departments. All pre-approvals are still necessary before final permit issuance.
For more information, see L&I’s Streets Department pre-approval process information sheet and to learn more about Streets plan review in eCLIPSE, watch these Streets Department videos.
All permit applications for new construction and additions filed on or after April 1, 2021, shall be subject to new requirements:
Energy Compliance Documents
All permit applications for new construction and additions must include the following information:
- A separate energy compliance plan depicting the full building thermal envelope and providing necessary detail to confirm compliance with applicable Energy Code provisions, including insulation, continuous air barrier, and window / door schedule with fenestration rating and areas, is required.
- Projects utilizing the prescriptive method to comply with the Philadelphia Energy Conservation Code must include a ComCheck or ResCheck Compliance Certificate signed by the design professional. If a mechanical and/or lighting system is selected as an additional energy efficiency package, Mechanical and/or Lighting Compliance certificates must also be provided.
- This requirement for compliance certificate does not apply to projects utilizing the PA Alternative Residential Energy Provisions.
A reminder and correction to submitting your subcontractors' names to L&I
Philadelphia contractors and trade licensees are required to submit the names of each subcontractor that works under their permits to L&I using eCLIPSE, within three (3) days of the commencement of any work authorized by that permit. This requirement will not apply to the construction of one- or two family residential buildings.
Failure to comply may result in license violations, fines, and Stop Work Orders.
Refer to the How-To Guide for step-by-step instructions to add a subcontractor to your permit via eCLIPSE.
Contracts Required for Electrical Permit Fee Calculations
The requirement for submitting an executed contract with all new electrical permit applications prior to the generation of a billing statement is now in effect. The contract cost must include the cost of all electrical equipment, material, labor, overhead, and profit and shall be used to determine permit fee in accordance with
Section A- 903.2 of the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code.
If the construction cost identified on the contract includes work that is not covered by the permit application, an explanation and detailed estimate of equipment, material, labor, overhead, and profit for the work that is covered by the permit must be provided. The cost associated with solar electric or photovoltaic systems may exclude the cost of arrays or inverters in accordance with
Section A-903.2.1.
The contract is not required at application; however, it must be provided prior to calculation of permit fee and generation of billing statement.
Renew Your Lapsed License Today to Avoid Late Charges
Beginning February 1, 2021, a delinquency fee of 1.5% per month will be charged to all licenses that are more than 60 days past due. Please renew your business or trade license on time to avoid additional charges.
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To renew your license, log on to your eCLIPSE account and submit your license renewal application. You can visit the L&I website to get help with eCLIPSE.
- If you are no longer renting out the property, you must close your license by contacting the 311 Philly Help Center at www.phila.gov/311 or (215) 686-8686.
January 15, 2021: Attention HVAC Contractors!
Check out these PECO contractor resources related to Natural Gas and Customer Rebates!
Rebates for Your Customers
Natural Gas Conversion Tips
Online Natural Gas Availability Map
November 17, 2020: Philadelphia Licenses & Inspections Updates
Coming Soon - Contracts Required for Electrical Permit Fee Calculations
Effective January 1, 2021, an executed contract must be submitted with all new electrical permit applications prior to the generation of a billing statement. The contract cost must include the cost of all electrical equipment, material, labor, overhead, and profit and shall be used to determine permit fee in accordance with Section A- 903.2 of the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code. If the construction cost identified on the contract includes work that is not covered by the permit application, an explanation and detailed estimate of equipment, material, labor, overhead, and profit for the work that is covered by the permit must be provided. The cost associated with solar electric or photovoltaic systems may exclude the cost of arrays or inverters in accordance with Section A-903.2.1.
The contract is not required at application; however, it must be provided prior to calculation of permit fee and generation of billing statement.
Coming Soon - Submit Your Subcontractors' Names to L&I
As a reminder, starting on January 1, 2021, Philadelphia contractors and trade licensees will be required to submit the names of each subcontractor that works under their permits to L&I using eCLIPSE, within three (3) days of that subcontractor starting work. This requirement will not apply to the construction of one- or two family residential buildings.
Failure to comply may result in license violations, fines, and Stop Work Orders.
Refer to the How to Guide for step-by-step instructions to add a subcontractor to your permit via eCLIPSE.
Request for Additional Information on Your Project
Has an examiner requested additional information for one of your projects and do you have questions on the request? If you have contacted the examiner directly via email but still have questions or difficulty resolving the requested information, you can schedule an appointment with the examiner.
To request a phone call or virtual meeting with the examiner, submit the online form.
Renew Your Lapsed License Today to Avoid Late Charges
As a reminder, if your business or trade license renewal is more than 60 days past-due, please renew your license as soon as possible to avoid additional charges. A delinquency fee of 1.5% per month will be charged to all licenses that are more than 60 days past due, beginning January 1, 2021.
Visit our eCLIPSE help page for instruction on renewing your license.
October 30, 2020: PECO Announces the Conclusion of Smart A/C Program
PECO will end the Smart A/C Saver program effective May 31, 2021. Letters will be sent to more than 50,000 enrolled customers starting Monday November 2 informing them bill credits and summer conservation events will end with the 2020 cooling season.
What this means to you PECO A/C Saver program’s cycling equipment (DCU unit) connected to customer HVAC systems does not affect system performance and therefore can remain in place. When replacing customer HVAC equipment, PECO recommends that you “e-recycle” the DCU unit. Do not leave the DCU unit on the customer’s property.
For more information about the program’s end, including answers to questions about cycling equipment connected to customer HVAC systems, visit www.peco.com/ACCycling or call 1-866-291-3972.