L&I Newsletter
November 2021
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L&I Information sessions
Communication is a top priority for the Department and we offer regular information sessions to assist stakeholders in navigating L&I processes and keeping abreast of code changes. A list of current offerings is provided below. Customers can also sign-up for this and future webinars online under the “Events” section of the L&I homepage (www.phila.gov/li).
Capacity is limited and, in order to accommodate all stakeholders, we need your help. We ask that you only register if you plan on attending the sessions and, if your circumstances change, please cancel your registration.
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Floodplain development webinar
This floodplain development webinar will provide the latest overview of floodplain development in Philadelphia, including a look at the newly published "Guide to development in a Floodplain", Code Bulletin for development in the SFHA, and Flood protection forms. This webinar will also highlight the newest changes to interpretations and definitions that allow the City to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
This session will be held from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.
In addition to the basic eCLIPSE permitting and licensing webinar, the Department is hosting a 90-minute open Q&A session to address the specific permit application questions for users with some experience using eCLIPSE. This first session will be held from 9:30 am - 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.
The next eCLIPSE public training sessions will be offered in February 2022:
- ECLIPSE permitting and licensing basics webinar
This 2-hour public training session will cover the basics of filing license and permit applications through the online portal. This webinar is an introductory session intended for new users. This session will be held from 9:00 am - 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.
This is a 90-minute open Q&A session intended to address specific permit application questions for users with some experience using eCLIPSE. This session will be held from 9:30 am - 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.
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Adoption of 2021 accessibility provisions of the international codes
In accordance with the PA Uniform Construction Code, accessibility provisions of the latest triennial codes must be enforced. We anticipate that the PA Department of Labor and Industry (PA DLI) will post regulations on adoption that becomes effective as soon as January 1, 2022. The design professional will have the option to utilize the 2018 or 2021 accessibility for the 6-month period following adoption. Look out for regulations posted to the PA DLI website.
PA review of 2021 international codes
In preparation for the review and adoption of the 2021 International Codes, the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Review & Advisory Council (RAC) is seeking input from citizens on potential code changes. Public feedback is collected during various stages of the review process and the RAC is currently accepting comment on sections that have NOT changed between the 2018 and 2021 code cycles.
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Floodplain development
As a reminder, a floodplain development guide has been created to help developers and design professionals navigate the process for obtaining permits and associated approvals for development in the floodplain. Visit the L&I website to review the guide.
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Development impact tax regulation
The development impact tax on residential new construction and improvement projects eligible for real estate tax abatement goes into effect on January 1, 2022. The Department of Revenue published a regulation detailing the calculation and collection of the tax. The regulation proposes that the tax be collected using:
- Fixed values based on construction and use classification for new construction.
- 1% of total improvement costs for alterations and additions.
The tax will apply to all relevant building permit applications received by L&I on or after January 1, 2022. For more information on the law, review Bill No. 200556, passed by Council in late 2020 and signed by the Mayor on January 27, 2021.
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Construction certifications
Certification information for construction permits may now be found in one location. The construction inspections page of the L&I website includes a list of all permit inspection certifications and the conditions that trigger submission by permit type. Some existing certification forms have been updated and new certifications, such as for Re-Roofing and Special Hazard Extinguishing Systems, have been created.
The list also includes an upcoming "hold" type. You will begin to see these specific hold types on all permits approved after January 1, 2022 and the contractor must upload the certification to the associated "hold". In the meantime, contractors should continue to use the existing "holds" available on the permit job to upload certifications.
Contact the Department using the online help form if the "hold" does not appear in the building permit.
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Tire dealer license is available in eCLIPSE
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. This includes businesses that may already require a motor vehicle repair license.
The license application is now available through eCLIPSE. Visit the website for more information about the Tire Dealer license.
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The following resources were recently added to the L&I website (www.phila.gov/li)
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New requirements for short-term rentals are in effect
If you rent your primary residence for period of less than 30 days, you must possess a zoning permit for limited lodging use. Beginning April 1, 2022, you will also be required to have a new limited lodging license.
If you rent a property that is not your primary residence for less than 30 days, you need a zoning permit for visitor accommodations. Beginning April 1, 2022, you will also be required to have a rental license with a ‘hotel’ designation.
For more information on zoning requirements, refer to our short-term rental FAQ. Refer to Bill No. 210081 for more information on upcoming license changes and look out for more information in future editions of the newsletter.
Contact information for permit submissions will be mandatory beginning January 1, 2022.
Applications for Commercial (CP), Residential (RP) Demolition (DP) and Zoning (ZP) permit applications filed on behalf of an owner who is not a natural person or publicly traded company must include contact information for any individual with more than 49% equity interest in the property. If no individual has such an interest, contact information of two individuals with the largest equity interest in the property must be included with the application.
Note: This does not impact Trade permits, Minor permits or General permits.
Fire suppression worker specialty license and kitchen fire extinguishing system licenses are now available in eCLIPSE
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Fire Suppression Worker - Specialty License: This license is required for the annual inspection of water-based fire protections. Fire suppression workers can apply for this license now, but it is not required until March 15, 2022.
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Fire Suppression Worker - Kitchen Fire Extinguishing System License: This license is limited to those who only perform work on commercial kitchen fire extinguishing systems. Individuals can apply for this license now, but this license cannot be used to perform this work until March 15, 2022. Note: You can continue to work on commercial kitchen fire extinguishing systems if you possess a Fire Suppression Systems Worker License.
Site violation notice roll-out process begins
L&I inspectors started issuing Warning Notices with the intent to roll-out the Site Violation Notices by April 2022. For more information about these Warning Notices, Site Violation Notices, and other L&I violations please refer to the L&I website.
Rental license category
Applications for new rental licenses and rental license renewals must identify the type of rental the property will be used for. The applicant may select from the following categories:
- Residential Dwellings
- Rooming House / Boarding House
- Hotel
- Assisted Living
- Dormitories
- Other. If "other" is selected, the applicant must enter text that specifies what is meant by "other".
To avoid delays in processing, please read the definitions carefully before making a selection in eCLIPSE.
Plastic ban is now in effect
Philadelphia’s plastic bag ban is now in effect prohibiting retail establishments from providing single-use plastic and paper bags that do not meet certain requirements. Visit the city website for more information on the enforcement timeline.
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Back issues of the L&I Newsletters are available on the L&I website under Resources.
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