L&I Newsletter
June 2021
Information Sessions

Annual Certifications (General)

L&I will conduct a 1-hour information session to provide an overview of the steps to uploading annual certifications through eCLIPSE and answer any questions that you may have on procedures.
The session will be held from 9:00 am - 10:00 am on Thursday, July 8 via Zoom.
To register for this webinar, click here.
 
For additional updates on the impact of fire suppression system contractor licenses, please participate in the July 13 information session below.


Annual Certifications (Fire Suppression)
Space is still available. Sign up for the upcoming Fire suppression system certification process and requirements webinar

L&I will conduct a 1.5 hour information session on the changes to the fire suppression system certification process. Learn more about the annual online certification submissions procedure, the new system testing and acceptance forms and the new fire suppression systems worker license categories. An opportunity for a Q&A session will also be available at the end of the webinar.
 
The session will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 13 via Zoom. To register for this webinar, click here. 

Permitting

2018 I-Codes Adoption

The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Review and Advisory Council (RAC) submitted recommendations to PA Department of Labor and Industry on code updates and the adoption of the 2018 International Codes

For the full report, click here. 
 
Inspections

New Fire Suppression Certification Forms for New
Water-Based Systems become effective on July 1, 2021.

Contractors certifying the installation of new, water-based fire suppression systems on or after July 1, 2021, are required to submit the new certification forms below:


Starting July 1, 2021, contractors must upload the completed certification forms under their Fire Suppression Permits. Refer to the how-to guide for step-by-step instruction on how to submit a permit inspection certification in eCLIPSE. 
 
Appeals

Board of L&I Review (BLIR) updates

You can file a BLIR appeal online, in-person or by mail using the updated appeal form. Review the new BLIR appeal instructional sheet for more information.
 
The L&I appeals calendar is currently under construction. In the meantime, the schedule of BLIR appeals will be posted on the website for two-week intervals until further notice.
 
For questions about appeals, email Boards.Admin@phila.gov.

Customer Support

Chat Functionality

As part of our initiative to enhance support of eCLIPSE, we will be piloting a new chat tool this summer with a full launch coming this fall. Once live, you will be able to chat with an L&I agent during business hours to support your eCLIPSE navigational needs.
Reminders

New Permit Amendment Forms

Beginning July 1, 2021, we are requiring the new Online Permit Amended Form to be uploaded in eCLIPSE for all eligible amendment requests.

For more information on eligibility, please review the amended zoning and building permit process information sheets on the website


New Fire Suppression Systems License Requirements

Bill No. 200365 was enacted September 17, 2020 to modify the Fire Suppression Systems Worker (FSSW) license to add two additional licensure categories: 

  • Specialty Fire Suppression Systems Worker (FSSW) License – Beginning March 15, 2022, you will need this license to perform regular inspections on existing water-based fire protection systems. To qualify, an individual must possess an ASSE 15010 certificate and a standard Fire Suppression System Worker license. Licensed Fire Suppression Systems Workers may continue to certify new water-based fire protection systems under their existing license.

  • Commercial Kitchen Fire Extinguishing Systems License – This is a limited license to allow alternate NICET (Level III) certification for individuals who only perform work on kitchen fire extinguishing systems beginning March 15, 2022. Licensed Fire Suppression Systems Workers may continue to perform this work under their existing license. 

  • 24 continuing education hours are required for the renewal of a Fire Suppression Systems Worker License. Coursework must be related to NFPA standards and the provider must be on the approved Department of Labor and Industry list. A NICET Level II certificate (or above) or an ASSE 15010 certificate shall satisfy this requirement.   

  • Please visit the ASSE website for training opportunities. 

Fire suppression contractors can apply for these licenses at eCLIPSE.phila.gov beginning as soon as September 15, 2021. 

Additional information about the new licenses and renewal requirements will soon be available on the website.


Site-Violation Notices (SVNs) will soon be implemented

As a reminder, in the coming months L&I inspectors will begin issuing Site Violation Notices (SVNs). SVNs are intended to penalize and deter infractions that can be quickly complied on site when an inspector comes along but tend to reoccur once the inspector leaves. SVNs carry monetary penalties that go into effect immediately and can be issued each time the inspector observes the violation. Refer to the website for more information about L&I Violations.


New Tire Dealer License

Any business that purchases or sells tires, whether they are new or used will need to have a Tire Dealer License by December 31, 2021. The license application will become available through eCLIPSE on August 1, 2021.

For more information, visit the website.


Tax Abatement Deadline is soon approaching

This is a reminder that modifications to tax abatements administered by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA) will take effect on January 1, 2022.

Customers who want to obtain the current tax abatement for their projects must submit their issued building permit and abatement application to OPA on or before December 31, 2021.
 
To receive your building permit in time to do this, you must file your building permit applications with all pre-requisite approvals by October 1, 2021, to allow adequate time for processing. 

Please review the Tax Abatement Process Guide for more information on required reviews and associated timelines that may impact the issuance of your building permit.

For more information about the tax abatement and modifications, refer to the OPA website.
Back issues of the L&I Newsletters are available on the L&I website under Resources.