DEFINITION
A building permit is a document required by the City that grants someone permission to begin construction to enlarge, repair, change or demolish a structure or any equipment or systems that are installed in a structure.
A Building Permit is required for:
- New construction.
- Repairs, alterations, demolition or additions to a structure.
- Installation of foundations for tanks and equipment.
- Construction or demolition of ducts, sprinkler systems or standpipe system.
- Changes in the occupancy classification see Administrative Code Section A-701.1 6.
- For exceptions to permit requirements see Administrative Code Section A-301.2.1(R).
BUILDING PERMITS PROCESS
There are two processes for applying for a building permit:
1) Those more complicated projects that require building plans to be submitted. Click here to get information about submitting plans with your building permit.
2) Those more routine projects that do not require building plans to be submitted. Click here to get information about EZ Permits and Web Permits.
Uniform Construction Code Requirements
The City of Philadelphia adopted the State of Pennsylvania’s Act 45, the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) on July 8, 2004. The UCC includes very specifc regulations regarding the administration and enforcement of construction codes. L & I enforces these regulations, which are summarized below:
- Click here to download the new Building Permit Application.
- Specific construction document requirements will be strictly enforced.
- Information concerning required construction documents can be obtained through L&I's publication Construction Document Requirements.
- Specific documents and pre-requisites are required prior to acceptance of the permit application. The UCC requires L&I to deny or approve a permit application in a timely manner.
- Certificates of Occupancy will include the name of the property owner. The building permit application should include correct information concerning the owner of record as this will be printed on the final document should the project require a Certificate of Occupancy.
- Accessibility appeals must be filed with the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry. Only the Secretary of the Dept. of Labor and Industry may grant variances related to accessibility requirements.
- Technical appeals must meet specific criteria. An application for appeal to the City's Board of Building Standards must be based on if:
- The true intent of the UCC has been incorrectly interpreted.
- The provisions of the UCC do not fully comply.
- An equivalent form of construction is to be used.
More information can be obtained on the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry website by clicking on "Building Code".
BUILDING PERMIT FEES
Click here to get information about Building Permit fees.
BUILDING INSPECTIONS
All building construction must be inspected by a professional from L & I. Click here to get information about the Inspections Process.
BUILDING PERMIT FORMS AND APPLICATIONS
Click here to download building permit forms and applications.
OTHER INFORMATION
Click here for a summary of local criteria for structural design.
Click here to obtain your legally recognized Board of Revisions of Taxes (BRT) address. You will need this to fill out your permit application.
You may also wish to check and see if your property is listed on the City’s Historical Register before commencing with any construction projects. Historically designated structures may require pre-authorization and approval by other City Departments to make any modifications. |