Are you looking to build or develop property in the City of Brotherly Love? If so, you’ll need to know about Philadelphia building permit requirements to ensure your project proceeds legally.
Applying for and obtaining a building permit can be confusing, so we created this comprehensive guide to help you understand the process: figuring out which projects need permits, obtaining the right ones, and reducing headaches with permitting software.
What do you need permits for in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, all major construction and renovation projects need a permit. Small projects like finish work and accessory structures won’t always need a permit, but you should always double check with the city first.
Permits ensure buildings are safe and that they follow all the city's rules, preventing shoddy workmanship from causing injury or posing an unpleasant surprise to buyers in the future.
Common projects that need a building permit in Philly include:
- Building a new house or commercial building
- Adding rooms or making big changes to an existing building
- Demolishing a building
- Building or fixing decks, porches, or balconies
- Installing or removing fuel tanks
- Putting in a new roof
- Building or changing parking lots
- Installing fire alarm or sprinkler systems
The City of Philadelphia permit website provides basic information about what needs a permit and what doesn’t. Many projects also require more than one permit, such as for electrical work and for inspections needed after the work is done.
All permits are issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).
Do you need a permit to renovate a bathroom in Philadelphia?
Bathroom renovations require a permit if changes are made to any of the structure’s plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems. Swapping out tile on the backsplash may not need a permit, but moving the sink to another wall probably will.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Minor repairs and updates: Small things like painting, replacing a faucet, or changing a light fixture usually don't need a permit.
- Major changes: You'll likely need a permit if you're:some text
- Moving plumbing fixtures to new locations
- Changing the electrical wiring
- Removing or moving walls
- Changing the size of windows or doors
- Installing a new shower or bathtub
- Plumbing work: Adding new pipes or changing where pipes go will usually require a permit.
- Electrical work: Almost all electrical work needs a permit, except for very simple things like changing a light switch.
- Ventilation: If you're putting in a new exhaust fan or changing the ventilation, you might need a permit.
Most contractors will know whether or not your project needs a permit, but it's still best to check with the L&I first. They can tell you exactly what permits your bathroom renovation project needs.
How do I get a building permit in Philadelphia?
Successfully obtaining a Philadelphia building permit hinges on giving the city all the information they need to approve your project. This means properly planning out each phase and having the right paperwork ready.
Start with a plan
You need a detailed plan of your project. Blueprints and schematics from a licensed contractor will demonstrate to the city that you understand the size and scope of your project, and that you’re not just winging it. You may need to hire an architect or engineer to draw up professional plans.
Check zoning rules as well to make sure your project is allowed in your area. Zoning maps are available on the City of Philadelphia's website.
Prepare your application
Once you know which permits your project requires, download the right ones from the City of Philadelphia’s website and fill them out. Take time to do this properly, as any errors on your application will cause delays to your permit approval.
You will also need to provide other required documents, such as
- Building plans
- Site plans
- Contractor information
- Proof of insurance
The more information you can provide, the better. Once you have everything organized and ready to go, submit your Philadelphia building permit application through the City’s eCLIPSE system or in person at the L&I office. Remember to pay all applicable fees as well.
Wait for review
Give L&I some time to look over your application and plans. Small projects are usually reviewed and approved within a couple weeks, while larger projects can take months.
Your permit application may have missing information, so be responsive to any messages from L&I to provide them with anything they need in a timely manner.
Get your permit
If everything is approved, you'll receive your building permit. You can download and print your permit using the online portal, after which you’ll need to display it at your work site so people can see it easily.
Note: Your permit may require periodic inspections. Schedule them early to avoid delays.
How do I contact Philadelphia's building permit department?
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) handles building permits in Philadelphia.
Here's how you can contact them:
- Phone: Call 311 if you're in Philadelphia, or 215-686-8686 if you're outside the city
- Website: Visit www.phila.gov/li for information, forms, and online services
- Email: Send questions to licensesinspections@phila.gov
- In person: Visit the L&I office at Municipal Services Building, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Concourse Level Philadelphia, PA 19102
- eCLIPSE system: For online permit applications and other services, use the eCLIPSE system at eclipse.phila.gov
How long does it take to get a building permit approved in Philly?
Different projects have different approval timelines for their required permits. Small, simple projects can get permits in a few days, while larger, more complex projects may take months to approve.
The main factors that affect timelines are:
- Type and size of project: Simple projects are usually approved quickly, while complex ones take longer
- Completeness of application: Applications with complete and accurate information get processed faster
- Zoning issues: Projects that need zoning approval take longer to approve
Your project planning should include plenty of time for the permit process. Again, make sure you’re attentive to any requests for more information.
How much is a building permit in Philadelphia?
For simple projects in one- or two-family homes, the fee starts at $25 for the first $1,000 of work, plus $20 for each additional $1,000.
Commercial and larger residential project fees start at $155 for the first $1,000 of work, plus $30 for each additional $1,000.
There are also individual permits for certain types of work, such as:
- Electrical: These range from $25 for minor work to $100 or more for larger jobs
- Plumbing: Fees start at $40 for basic work and go up based on the number of fixtures
- Mechanical (HVAC): Typically range from $50 to $200 or more
- Demolition: Can cost several hundred dollars depending on the size of the building
- Zoning: If needed, these typically cost around $100-$200
There are also additional fees for things like plan review, zoning review, further inspections, and variances from the zoning board. The exact cost of your permit will be calculated by the L&I following your application, but you can find more information by visiting the City’s permit fee page.
Simplify the permit process with PermitFlow
There’s a lot to juggle when getting your building permit, and that’s on top of the stress of the actual work. But PermitFlow can simplify the process.
PermitFlow’s permit software ensures accuracy at every step of the application process to reduce your chances of needing revisions and get your permit in your hands faster. With our software, you’ll be better equipped and supported to navigate the Philadelphia permitting process.
By working with PermitFlow, you can:
- Save time: PermitFlow’s pre-vetted research and submission processes save you hours of work.
- Avoid mistakes: We’ll carefully review your project plans to ensure you’re pulling the right permits and preparing your application accurately.
- Get nationwide coverage: If you have projects outside of Philadelphia, PermitFlow’s got you covered.
- Track your permit status effortlessly: With PermitFlow, you’ll get real-time updates and centralized visibility into the status of your permit applications.
Ready to get your permit in Philadelphia?
You don’t have to handle the headache on your own. Talk with the permitting experts at PermitFlow to get professional guidance suited to the exact needs of your project.
