The Chief Code Engineer interprets the measures of the Philadelphia Code and establishes how it applies to different scenarios. The Chief Code Engineer provides guidance regarding the Philadelphia Code to internal and external partners.

The License and Permit Services division is responsible for issuing licenses, permits, and certificates. They are located in the License and Permit Center in the Municipal Services Building.

L&I has four boards that manage appeals:

• The Board of Building Standards (BBS)
• The Board of Licenses and Inspections Review (BLIR)
• Plumbing Advisory Board (PAB)
• Board of Safety and Fire Prevention (BOSFP)

The Building Safety division oversees all field inspection operations. This includes L&I’s field inspectors who are responsible for:

• Construction inspections.
• Code enforcement inspections.
• L&I’s demolition program.
• Emergency response.
• Vending laws.

The Administration division handles departmental operations, including:

• Budget.
• Human resources.
• General services.
• Technology.
• Training.
• Staffing administrative boards.

The Enforcement division:

• Manages L&I’s involvement in advancing violation cases when they go to court.
• Researches these cases.
• Cleans and seals open and vacant properties.
• Investigates nuisance properties.

The Audits and Investigations Unit is responsible for enforcing the requirement that construction work in Philadelphia is only performed by Philadelphia licensed contractors and trade licensees, and that these trade licensees operate their business and jobsites in a code compliant manner.

The unit issues license violations, collects fines, investigates dangerous and unlawful contracting practices and recommends license suspensions and other sanctions as appropriate.