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L&I Newsletter - May 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).

  • 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





  • Atlas webinar slides - These slides were used during an April 2022 webinar provided to the public on some basic information about building permit requirements and a demonstration on how to navigate the Atlas tool.


Civic design review plan revisions

Starting July 1, 2022, any changes made to plans as a result of the Civic Design Review process will require a completed Civic Design Review Revisions Form. This form is intended to outline changes made to the plans as a result of the Civic Design Review process only and any changes that are not a result of the Civic Design Review process may require the submission of a new application.


Inspections / Enforcement

West district construction inspection unit has relocated

The Construction Inspection Unit of the West District has a new location at 2401 Walnut Street. They are located on the 5th floor in the same office with the West District Code Enforcement Unit and Central West District. The West District CIU phone number is still: 215-685-7680/7683.


Plumbing systems certification form

Starting July 1, 2022, a construction certifications “hold” type will be triggered for all plumbing permits for new construction that include interior piping. The registered master plumber will be required to upload the Plumbing Systems Certification Form to the associated Plumbing Permit prior to requesting any final inspections.


Reminders

Plastic bag enforcement

Philadelphia’s plastic bag ban prohibits retail establishments from providing single-use plastic bags and paper bags that do not meet certain requirements.

Enforcement of the plastic bag began on April 1, 2022. Businesses in violation of the bag ban ordinance may will be issued Site Violation Notices that carry a 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.

More information about the ban is available from the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability.


High-rise emergency responder communications system

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


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.


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.


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