L&I Newsletter - April 2022

Education

L&I information sessions

The Department of Licenses and Inspections is offering 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 under the “Events” section of the L&I homepage (www.phila.gov/li).

  • Atlas: Permit Information and More at Your Fingertips – Thursday, April 28 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am - For more information and to register, click here.

  • L&I eCLIPSE Q&A Session – Tuesday, May 17 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am For more information and to register, click here.
 
  • L&I eCLIPSE Permitting and Licensing Basics – Wednesday, May 25 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am For more information and to register, click here.
 
  • Excavation Permit & Excavation Contractor Licensing Requirements – Wednesday, June 1 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am - For more information and to register, click here.

Note: Capacity is limited and, in order to accommodate all stakeholders, we ask that you only register if you plan on attending the session and, if your circumstances change, please cancel your registration.


Permitting

The following permit resources were recently added to the L&I website, www.phila.gov/li






Inspections / Enforcement

Water heater replacement certification

Starting May 1, 2022, a construction certifications “hold” type will be triggered for the replacement of water heaters. The registered master plumber will be required to upload the water heater replacement certification form to the associated plumbing permit prior to requesting any final inspections. 


High-rise emergency responder communications system

Starting May 1, 2022, a letter of approval for the emergency responder communications system from the Philadelphia Fire Department, Fire Code Unit will be required for all new high-rise buildings. This letter must be uploaded to the associated building permit prior to requesting any final inspections.


Reminders

Limited lodging (short-term rental) requirements are now in effect

To offer your home as a limited lodging rental in Philadelphia, you must possess the following licenses:

  • Limited Lodging Operator License  – This license is required to rent your primary residence or a room within your primary residence for periods of less than 30 consecutive days or less. This license applies to property owners and eligible tenants.

  • Limited Lodging and Hotels Booking Agent  – This license is required to make reservations or collect payment for hotel accommodations, including limited lodging, on behalf of or for an operator. This license applies to companies that make reservations or collect payment for guest accommodations in residential properties and/or hotels.

Note: For more information on these license, refer to Bill No. 210081. For more information on the permit and license requirements, refer to the short-term rental FAQ .


Fire suppression worker (specialty) license

As a reminder, effective July 1, 2022, the individual completing testing and inspections on water-based fire protection systems must be identified when uploading the annual certifications to eCLIPSE and proper licensure will be validated.

Please visit the L&I website for more information on the Fire Suppression Worker (Specialty) License.


Plastic bag enforcement

As of April 1, 2022, the City has strictly enforced the Philadelphia’s plastic bag ban prohibiting retail establishments from providing single-use plastic and paper bags that do not meet certain requirements.

Starting July 1, 2022, businesses that remain in violation of the Philadelphia’s plastic bag ban ordinance will be issued Site Violation Notices that carry a minimum penalty of $150. Each violation of the ordinance is subject to a separate fine and if businesses repeatedly or egregiously violate the ordinance, the City may take them to court and ask the judge to impose additional penalties. 


Excavation contractor license requirements

Effective January 1, 2023, persons or businesses that perform or offer to perform excavation services will require an excavation contractor license and a separate excavation permit in accordance with Bill No. 210389. The excavation contractor license will require proof of OSHA 30 and OSHA 3015 training, $2,000,000 comprehensive general liability insurance and a bond in the amount of $100,000. Contractors can apply for this license in eCLIPSE beginning September 2022.

Note: For more information on the license and permitting requirements, please register for the webinar in the “Education” section of this newsletter.

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