L&I NEWSLETTER
April 2021
Permitting

The following resources were recently added to the L&I website to help guide you through the permit process.

  • Modified IBC and IRC checklists for new construction and additions are now available on the website. Visit the website for copies of all current L&I plan review checklists
 
 


*New Virtual One-on-One Appointments

L&I is now offering online appointments for permit submissions. If you’re having trouble submitting a permit application, schedule an online one-on-one appointment with an L&I representative. All online meetings will be conducted over Zoom.

Online appointments to provide help with license renewals and new license submissions will continue to be available. Click here to schedule your online license appointment. 
 
Inspections

Site Violation Notices (SVNs)

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.

Because SVNs have not been issued in the past, for the first six months L&I will issue Warning Notices without monetary penalty instead of SVNs. Keep an eye out for more information on SVN roll-out. 
Miscellaneous

Tax Abatement Deadline

Modifications to tax abatements administered by the Office of Property Assessment take effect on January 1, 2022. If you intend to apply for an abatement prior to this date, please ensure that you file your building permit application with all pre-requisite approvals by October 1, 2021 to allow adequate time for processing. 

Refer to Bill #200653 for commercial construction, Bill #200366 for residential construction, and the OPA website for more information.
 

Plastic Bag Ban Update

Philadelphia’s plastic bag ban prohibits retail establishments from providing single-use plastic and paper bags that do not meet certain requirements. The law will take effect on Oct 1, 2021. Visit the city website for more information on the enforcement timeline.


A new round of rental assistance

The federal centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the current order temporarily halting residential evictions until at least June 30, 2021. For additional information about the new round of rental assistance which landlords can apply for directly, refer to: https://phlrentassist.org/.

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