PERMITTING AND LICENSING UPDATES
APRIL 2018
  GENERAL
  • If you’d like to be part of improving how L&I does business, you’re invited to participate in an upcoming focus group session. These sessions are a way for you to give feedback on how we’re doing and what you’d like to see done better. Sessions are open to anyone who has previously applied for a license or permit, including but not limited to: home-, business-, or property-owners, property managers, contractors, architects/engineers, attorneys, or expeditors.

  • If you’ve applied for a permit, you can register for one of the Permit Focus Group sessions. If you’ve applied for a license, register for one of the License Focus Group sessions. If you’ve applied for both, you can register for a permit focus group, a license focus group, or one of each session!

Permit Focus Group Registration
  • Permit Focus Group – Session 1: Tuesday, April 17, 2018, from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.—Register
  • Permit Focus Group – Session 2: Tuesday, April 17, 2018, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.—Register

License Focus Group Registration
  • License Focus Group – Session 1: Wednesday, April 18, 2018, from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.—Register
  • License Focus Group – Session 2: Wednesday, April 18, 2018, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.—Register
 
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email before the session with the topics that will be discussed. Each session will be held on the 16th floor of the Municipal Services Building (1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd). 
   eCLIPSE UPDATE 
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  • Stay up-to-date on the eCLIPSE project with eCLIPSE Central — your “go-to” site for general project information, upcoming milestones, previews of new features and functionality, and more!

  • There will also be opportunities for you to provide feedback through surveys and other tools; details will be posted when available.

WHAT'S NEW IN PERMITTING

  • The Department has clarified and expanded the role and responsibilities of a design professional where a building is cited for imminently dangerous or structurally unsafe conditions. Review Code Bulletin No. PM-1801 for complete detail.

  • Section 9-3300 of the Philadelphia Code was amended to include the regulation of mobile cranes in construction activity. More to follow on the Department’s enforcement of these provisions.

  • Demolition operation requirements set forth in Section 3303 of the Philadelphia Building Code were updated to include the following:
  • Site grading requirements have been modified.
  • Use of mechanical demolition equipment is prohibited when wind speed is at or in excess of 20 mph unless otherwise authorized by the Department.
  • Specific requirements for dust control fencing and material chutes have been incorporated.
  • Restrictions on the overnight storage of debris have been imposed.
 
  • Effective January 1, 2019, all building and demolition plan submissions must identify all waste haulers responsible for disposing of debris. The contractor is required to retain copies of tipping receipts for a period of three years following permit closure. Review Section A-301.9 of the Philadelphia Administrative Code for full detail.

  • A bill to adopt the 2018 International Code Council (ICC) Building Codes for commercial construction was introduced to City Council on March 1, 2018. The proposed changes include modernizing construction standards and materials which may help drive down insurance costs, while assuring a higher level of building safety and energy efficiency.  
WHAT'S NEW IN LICENSING
  • Effective May 1, 2018, all new and renewal applications for a Class A Demolition Contractor license must include proof of experience and an increased permit bond. Please refer to Section 9-1008 of the Philadelphia Code for complete information.

  • Renewal notices are being sent for the Food Preparing and Serving license. As part of the changes to how the City issues licenses for preparing and serving food, some businesses are getting renewal notices for a “Large license” for the first time. These businesses were inspected and found to meet the license requirements: at least 30 seats and at least one toilet room with a sink that is regularly available for customer use.

  • If you haven’t received your renewal notice yet, don’t worry. The changeover process is causing minor delays. If you don’t receive your notice by Monday, April 9, 2018, please call 311 or 215-686-8686 (if outside Philadelphia).

Renew online now with eCLIPSE ! Once you have paid the renewal fee (by credit card or e-check), the renewed license will be immediately available for download from your eCLIPSE homepage. 
WHAT'S NEW IN APPEALS
  • Effective April 9, 2018, a Project Information Form (PIF) must be completed online prior to filing an appeal seeking a variance or special exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The form requires basic development information and completed forms will be made available to the public. Please visit the Appeals webpage for more information.
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