Permits Overview
The Department of Licenses and Inspections issues permits for Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Zoning projects within the City of Philadelphia.
Separate permits must be obtained for building, plumbing, electrical, and zoning work whether or not the work is done in conjunction with other projects performed under a different permit.
- Plumbing Permits ensure the proper installation of systems for furnishing water, for sewage disposal, storm drainage and furnishing gas and oil for heating. Click here for information.
Please Note: For Air Pollution, Noise, Vibration and Asbestos related issues pertaining to complaints, permits, certified contractors, complex sources such as parking garages, etc., please visit the Air Management Services web site of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
Other information
If you received a violation for doing work without a permit, you must have:
- the violation number.
- Current contractor license number
- CONTRACTOR´S NOTE: If you are using this site for the first time and have not been in contact with L&I to establish your account information, you should acknowledge having read the terms of use of this site by clicking the button below and proceed to setting up your account. You will establish your own user name and password and receive an email informing you to call L&I at 215-686-2559. When calling, please have your license number and license type available.
General Requirements
- A separate permit is issued for each construction activity listed.
- A permit will not process if the building is designated as Historical.
- Unprocessed permits and unpaid fees will result in the application being rejected and removed from the system in 24 hours.
- The permit will expire after 6 months if the work has not started.
- The permit must be posted. Failure to do so will result in a $75 ticket for each offense.
- The inspector must be notified 48 hours prior to starting work. Failure to do so will result in a $75 ticket for each offense.
- The property owner of record will be notified of permit activity.
- Contractor will be verified upon account creation.
- Failure to provide accurate information will result in the revocation of the permit.