• A separate energy compliance plan depicting the full building thermal envelope and providing necessary detail to confirm compliance with applicable Energy Code provisions, including insulation, continuous air barrier, and window / door schedule with fenestration rating and areas, is required. 

• Projects utilizing the prescriptive method to comply with the Philadelphia Energy Conservation Code must include a COMcheck or REScheck Compliance Certificate signed by the design professional. If a mechanical and/or lighting system is selected as an additional energy efficiency package, Mechanical and/or Lighting Compliance Certificates must also be provided.

• This requirement for compliance certificate does not apply to projects utilizing the PA Alternative Residential Energy Provisions. 

• The Building permit plan requirements information sheet and the ePlan submission standards information sheet are updated to incorporate new energy compliance requirements.

• All site soil investigation reports prepared on or after April 1, 2021 must include the depth of footing for any existing structure within 3’ of the proposed structure.

• Permit applications for additions less than 2,000 sq. ft. of built-upon area and requiring excavation within 3’ of an existing structure must include a soils investigation report. 

• Test pits meeting the limitations outlined in Code Bulletin No. BB-9906-R5 shall be permitted. A licensed special inspector must be on-site at all times during the excavation and certification of final compliance must be submitted with the soil investigation report. 

• Unity of Use Information Sheet - A unity of use is a legal principal that allows multiple properties to be reviewed as one zoning lot without formally consolidating the lots with a lot adjustment permit. This document provides information on frequently asked question related to Unity of Uses.

• Modified Statement of Special Inspection Form - Use this form to list the Special Inspections required for construction and demolition projects. The updated form now incorporates the required license types for each inspection type.

• Modified Construction Permit and Permit Application Extension Information Sheet - This information sheet previously titled "Building Permit Extension Info Sheet" is updated to provide information for the eligibility, process and cost to extend construction permits and permit applications.

• A time-saving ‘shopping cart’ feature has been added to eCLIPSE. You can now pay for multiple licenses in a single transaction. Please review the how-to guide for step by step instructions on using the shopping cart.

• Under City law you cannot get a license from L&I unless you are up-to-date on your tax payments to the Philadelphia Department of Revenue. Sometimes this requirement causes difficulties in the license application or renewal process. Check the new eCLIPSE and Tax Account Issues FAQ to learn how to resolve these issues.  

• If you’re still having trouble renewing or submitting a new rental license online via eCLIPSE you can:

• Refer to the online help materials on the website at www.phila.gov/li.

• Call 3-1-1 (215-686-8686, if outside Philadelphia).

• Submit an online help request.

• NEW! Schedule an online one-on-one appointment with an L&I representative. All online meetings will be conducted over Zoom.

• Schedule an in-person appointment at our Permit and License Center. For more information on what to bring and where or when to arrive, please visit the L&I website.