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.
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.
