Building Permits In Philadelphia, PA
In our previous post Home Improvement Checklist we mentioned that you need to verify if your project requires building permits. This post will give you more details about building permits in the city of Philadelphia, PA.
Research for information
First of all, official information about building and repair permits can be found at the website of the city of Philadelphia. There about 20 types of permits, like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, demolition, building, etc. If you are new to this, your contractor should educate and lead you through this process.
Do you really need a permit?
Moreover, you need to understand if you really need the permit? If yes, what type of permit? It’s easier to list the works that you don’t need the permit. For example: painting, wall patching, laying new floors, replace electric outlets, replace light fixture, tile the walls or floors, etc. However, if your project includes removing the walls, adding new bathroom, convert basement in living basement, build a deck, you definitely need a permit for it.
Major steps to get a permit for home improvement
The first crucial requirement, you need a licensed contractor (with current registration in Pennsylvania or current license in the city of Philadelphia). Otherwise, License and Inspection Department will not issue a permit for the project. You can check the requirements for contractors here.
Second, if your project is new house construction, addition, interior or exterior alteration, you need a plan. Accordingly, the plan shall comply with certain requirements of L&I Department. Most importantly, if the cost of works exceeds $25,000 or if any structural work is proposed (regardless of cost), the plan shall be verified by PA-licensed design professional (registered architect or professional engineer).
EZ Permits
Sometimes, your project may qualify for EZ Permit. Generally, you don’t need to submit plans but still must comply with EZ Standards. In common words, EZ permit may cover interior non-structural alterations in single-family house, or demolition of interior non-bearing wall, minor exterior projects, like building a deck less than 216 sq.ft.
Timeframes of obtaining building permits in Philadelphia, PA
Even if your contractor has an active license and is current with Philadelphia city taxes, there is always some document that should be renewed with L&I Department. It may take 1-2 working days before the application will be processed.
Generally, L&I Department issue building permits in 2 weeks, if application package is ok. There are some fast-track procedures for some permits under certain conditions.
Remember, no works can be started without permits issued and displayed at the property. It’s better allocate sufficient time and professional resources to obtain permits, that pay fines and jeopardise the project.
