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Webinars

Rental License Renewal Process Webinar


L&I will be offering a 1-hour webinar on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. to provide an overview of the rental license renewal process and new license application information.  

 

Please register if you are interested in attending this webinar. 

Register Here!

Energy Code Compliance Webinar


L&I will be offering a 90-minute webinar on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to provide an overview of energy code compliance. This session will include a review of the energy code application requirements, documents to be submitted with permit applications, commissioning expectations, inspection requirements and energy documentation required to closeout permits upon the completion of construction.  

 

 Please register if you are interested in attending this webinar. 

 

**Attendees can receive 1.5 hours of continuing education credits for this course.**

Register Here!

2021 I-Code Changes Webinar Slides

 

The Department presented an overview of the timeline and what to expect in the coming year, including some examples of significant changes to the 2021 I-Codes. The slides used during this webinar are posted on the website under the Resources tab. 

 

Thank you for your attendance and for submitting your 2021 Code questions. We encourage you to submit additional questions through the online recommendations form for early identification of questions and concerns. 

 

Keep an eye out for more information sessions relating to the 2021 I-Code throughout the year. 

L&I eCLIPSE Permitting Basics Webinar Slides


The Department presented a two-hour public training session on the basics of filing permit applications through the online eCLIPSE system. The slides used during this webinar are now posted to the website.  

Excavation and Protection of Property Requirements Webinar Slides


The Department presented a 90-minute refresher course on the protection of property requirements and excavation requirements. The slides used during this webinar are now posted to the website.  

Future Sessions


Do you have any recommendations for additional webinar topics, general process clarification or general code interpretation? Complete and submit thisonline form to provide your feedback. 

 

Note: This form is for general process clarification and/or general code interpretations and no direct response will be provided by the Department. Any project-specific questions requiring a direct response must be submitted through theonline help form. 

Permitting

New Permit and License Fees in Effect


The regulation increasing permit and license fees by the rate of inflation are now in effect and apply to all applications filed on or after January 1, 2025. The 2023 fees will continue to apply to applications filed before January 1, 2025. Please visit the website for a list of fees for permits and licenses.

Adoption of the 2021 I-Codes Transition


The 2021 I-Codes, with state and local modifications, will become effective in July 2025 with a 6-month transition period. This means applications filed on or after July 13, 2025, may apply under the 2018 or 2021 I-Codes. Applications filed on or after January 23, 2026, MUST apply under the 2021 I-Codes. 


As we continue to prepare for the transition, please visit the 2021 Code Corner for proposed changes and responses to questions. We encourage you to submit additional questions through the online recommendations form for early identification of questions and concerns. 

 

Keep an eye out for more information sessions relating to the 2021 I-Code throughout the year. 

The Following Permit Resources Were Recently Updated/Added to the Website:


  • Split Zoning FAQ This document provides guidance on governing Zoning Code provisions for properties located in more than one base zoning district.  


  • Sports Facilities FAQ – This document has been updated to include information on enclosures and barriers around sports facilities in the Institutional Special Purpose (SP-INS) zoning district. 

Inspections

Resolving a Violation at Your Property


Notice of Violations now include a link to instructions to correct the violation. Instructions for the most common violation types are currently available on the website. Each violation that has instructions will be accompanied by a QR Code that directs the recipient to a section of the website that provides instructions tailored to the specific violation. Content will continue to be added as we strive to make pertinent information more accessible to citizens and stakeholders.  

Audits & Investigations

Notice of Intent to Withhold Contractor Licenses Due to Outstanding Fines



Beginning this spring, the Department will withhold Contractor Licenses for outstanding fines issued to that license, as authorized by Section 9-102(9) of the Philadelphia Code. 

Check the contractor look-up on our website for violations and your eCLIPSE account for outstanding fines. Be sure to pay outstanding fines promptly to avoid disruption to your business. 


Visit our website for more information on how to pay a fine or call (215) 686-6600 to make an appointment to pay in person.    


If you would like more information on an outstanding contractor license fine, email addinfo@phila.gov. 


Enforcement Priorities


The Audit and Investigations Unit (AIU) wants to call your attention to the following enforcement priorities:


  • Contractors and Subcontractors Information - In accordance with the Philadelphia Code Title 9-1004, contractors who hire a subcontractor to perform work authorized by their permit must list the subcontractor on the permit in eCLIPSE within three (3) days of the commencement of any work authorized by that permit, unless that permit is for a residential building of two dwelling units or less. If the Department establishes that a contractor has failed to do this, the contractor will be cited with a violation of 9-1004(8). That citation is accompanied by a $2,000 fine.


  • Subcontracting - Subcontractors must always be licensed and carry a valid contractor or trade license (for trade work) whenever they work. A subcontractor is any person or business hired to perform work authorized by a permit who is not identified on that permit’s application as the prime (or responsible) contractor.



  • Worker Certification - Every worker at a Philadelphia construction site must have OSHA 10 training and carry their card with them when they’re on the job. If a building more than three stories or 40 feet tall is being constructed or demolished, an OSHA 30-trained site safety supervisor must be on site whenever the site is active.

Violation Data Report


AIU issued $89,400.25 in license violation fines between 12/10/24 and 1/15/25.


The following violations and citations were issued:


  • Failure to add all subcontractors to permit: $40,000 
  • Working without a valid license: $3,000 
  • Failure to cooperate with audit investigation: $9,000 
  • Failure to maintain insurance: $7,000 
  • Failure to comply with the Philadelphia code: $1,000 
  • Required conduct contractor: $1,500 
  • Working without the required permit: $8,000 
  • Contractor hired an unlicensed subcontractor: $6,000 
  • Worker without OSHA 10 certification: $11,000 
  • Owner/developer hired unlicensed subcontractor: $1,000 

 

Fire Escapes

  • Judgement Issued: $1,900.25



AIU will continue to follow up and monitor contractors' activities.

Regulations

The Department has promulgated regulations, which have been advertised and posted to the City website and shall become law after 30 days should no public hearing be requested.  

 

  • Limited Lodging Operator License - This amendment to the Limited Lodging Operator regulation establishes requirements for a virtual inspection as a condition of license issuance. 


  • Streetery License – This amendment to the Streetery License established the procedure to extend a streetery to an adjoining property. 

Reminders

Free OSHA Safety Consultation

 

Employers can receive no-cost safety, health and industrial hygiene evaluations by signing up for a program run by Indiana University of Pennsylvania's (IUP) Safety Sciences Department.



Through the PA OSHA Consultation Program, IUP consultants conduct occupational safety and health evaluations and work with business owners to address issues. The on-site visits are confidential since the program operates independently from OSHA's regulation enforcement.

Back issues of the L&I Newsletters are available on the L&I website under Resources.

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