WEBINARS, PERMITTING, INSPECTIONS & OTHER UPDATES
AUGUST 2020 NEWSLETTER
Engagement and Education
Register for an Upcoming L&I Focus Group Session
 
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 expediters.

  • Tuesday, September 22nd
  • L&I Focus Group: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 am. - register
  • L&I Focus Group: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - register
  •  Wednesday, September 23rd
  • L&I Focus Group: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. - register
  • L&I Focus Group: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - register
  • Thursday, September 24th
  • L&I Focus Group: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. - register
  • L&I Focus Group: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - register

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email prior to the session with the topics that will be discussed. Each session will be held virtually.


Register for L&I eCLIPSE Webinars 

L&I is offering monthly public training webinars about eCLIPSE, e-Plans and Zoning. Customers can sign up for the webinars online under the ‘Announcements’.

L&I will strictly enforce ePlan standards beginning on September 14, 2020. All permit applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an ePlan session to learn more about the standards, understanding concurrent reviews, and accessing review results. Refer to the ePlan submission standards information sheet for more details on the electronic plan upload requirements.


2020 Build Safe PHL Learning Sessions 

The Department of Licenses and Inspections is resuming the Build Safe PHL Learning Sessions. If you are interested in attending, please register for any of the following upcoming sessions.


Designing Under the 2018 Philadelphia Plumbing Code
Tuesday – August 25th, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. - register

The upcoming Build Safe PHL session will cover the 2018 plumbing code requirements. The presenter will provide an overview of the code requirements and common deficiencies with plumbing code designs. The session material is designed for contractors and design professionals. 


Floodplain Regulation in Philadelphia
Tuesday - September 22nd, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. - register

Gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges dealing with floodplain development. Presenter of this course will provide an overview on NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) and current Philadelphia floodplain regulations. An overview about the City's review requirements and process will be detailed with practical resources and best practices. 

Learning Objectives: 
  • Learn the background to the NFIP and floodplain regulations. 
  • Explore the floodplain zoning and building code regulations for the City of Philadelphia. 
  • Education on guides and resources related to floodplain development. 
  • Process for Zoning and Building permits. 


Avoiding Pitfalls in Electrical Permitting and Installation
Tuesday – October 27, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – register

This session will explore the electrical permit, inspection and certification process. L&I Code Administrators will review common deficiencies in permit applications and resultant installations and provide tips on how to navigate permitting and minimize hazards. 


Residential Construction on Existing Lots
Tuesday – November 24th, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. - register

The upcoming Build Safe PHL session will cover the plan review and inspection requirements for infill construction and review upcoming legislative initiatives.
Permitting

Permit Fee Increase effective July 1, 2020.

A regulation published in May 2020 increased L&I permit and license fees by up to 3.5 percent. The revised fees for most permits, business licenses, and trade licenses issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) are in effect for new applications filed on or after July 1, 2020.

Review the new permit and license fees. The 2017 fees will continue to apply to applications filed before July 1, 2020.


Accelerated Fee Increase effective July 1, 2020.

A new ordinance (Bill No. 190767) amended Chapter 9 (Accelerated plan review) of The Philadelphia Administrative Code. The accelerated review of plans associated with the issuance of any permits have increased to $2000 for building or combination permits and $1050 for all other permit types. Combination permits consists of the following:

  • Combination of a Building & Zoning permit for a single-family new construction (limited to one structure).
  •  Combination of a Building & Zoning permit for complete demolition.
  •  Combination of a Building & one or more trade permits.


Permit Extensions during the COVID-19 construction shutdown.

Under new regulations, active construction permits that had been set to expire on or after March 16, 2020, have been extended by six (6) months.

These permits are exceptions and have not been extended:
  • Make safe permits.
  • Operations (Fire Code) permits.
  • Rough-in approvals.

Under new regulations, all zoning permits*, including conditional permits, that were approved by-right and set to expire on or after March 16, 2020 are extended by six (6) months.

Under new regulations, all zoning permits* that were approved by variance or special exception approval and set to expire on or after March 16, 2020 are extended by 180 days.

* ‘Zoning Permits’ include use registration permits. 


ePlan Standards requirement

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) offers the ability to obtain permits through the online eCLIPSE portal. Some permit types require the submission of plans and it is important that applicants follow these rules and limitations when creating drawing files that will be uploaded for review.

With the recent building closure, the Department has been lax on plan submissions not meeting the required standards. However, effective September 14, 2020, the department will begin strictly enforcing these ePlan standard requirements. Refer to the ePlan submission standards information sheet for more details on the electronic plan upload requirements.

Inspections

Approved plans for Job site inspections

As a reminder, construction sites must have the approved paper plans on site and arranged such that the portions showing the specific areas being inspected are visible. Digital plans will not be acceptable.


Dampers and Smoke Control

The periodic certification of dampers in select occupancies and smoke control systems is now enforced by L&I. All certifications of qualifying systems are due by January 1, 2021. Please review the fire protection certifications for more information on regulated occupancies, official forms, and steps to submit certifications.


Tools and Resources

Accepting applications for appointments at MSB

The department of Licenses and Inspections is now accepting appointments for customers to visit the L&I Permit and License Center at the Municipal Services Building. L&I district offices remain closed to the public. At this time, in-person appointments are only available to:
  • File applications to get or renew a license.
  • File new permit applications, including for Make Safe Permits.
  • Submit revised plans for applications filed on paper.
  • Pay for or pick up permits with paper plans.

You can schedule your appointment online or by calling 311, or (215) 686-8686 if you are outside of Philadelphia. Refer to the L&I appointment information sheet for more information on the appointment process.


PCPC Zoning Code Summary generator

Planning and Development has introduced a Zoning Summary Generator app that shows the by-right zoning information and overlays for Philadelphia Parcels. 


Achievements

Philadelphia Renews IAS Building Department Accreditation

IAS accreditation demonstrates that building departments have met the national standard and are competent to provide public safety services for their communities. The accreditation is based on IAS Accreditation Criteria for Building Code Regulatory Agencies (AC251). Getting accredited involves an assessment of the department’s goals, policies, and procedures, as well as permitting, inspections and plan reviews. The City of Philadelphia is the largest US City that is building department accredited; which first achieved accreditation in 2013.  

IAS Accreditation for Building Departments

  • Demonstrates that departments implement best practices for public safety.

  • Independent verification to ensure that departments are competent and meet nationally recognized standards.

  • A performance tool that helps departments proactively establish, and assess goals for public safety, customer service, budgeting, professional development, and other related functions.

  • Enhances the public and professional image of building departments.
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