What it is: If a construction project does not meet safety standards, the work is not authorized, or a violation of the code is witnessed, L&I may create a case file and issue a Violation Notice and Order to Correct. The violation will remain open unless complied with or an appeal is upheld.

Who it’s issued to: This order may be served to property owners, contractors, businesses, or individuals.

Process: If you receive a violation notice, you must either correct the violation and pay the fee, or file an appeal.

If you choose to comply, correct the issue and then schedule a reinspection by emailing the inspector or contacting the district office. Fees will accrue until the violation is resolved. L&I will close the case once all violations are resolved and all fees are paid in full. Refer to pay an L&I violation fee or fine for payment options.

You can file an appeal with the Board of License and Inspections Review within 30 days of when the initial violation notice was issued. If the violation is issued for unsafe or imminently dangerous conditions, you must appeal within six days. Final violation notices cannot be appealed.

If you do not pay or appeal the violation, L&I may file a case in the Municipal Court, Court of Common Pleas, or a third-party collection agency.

Code section: Philadelphia Code Title 4-A901.12.2

What it is: A Site Violation Notice (SVN) is a one-time fine issued for:

• A code violation that can be readily corrected on-site.
• Conditions that require immediate correction.
• Violations that are not eligible for a standard Notice of Violation.
• Failure to complete a required activity.

L&I will create a separate case file for each site violation notice. Inspectors can issue an SVN each day that a violation is observed.

Who it’s issued to: Property owners, business license holders, or trade license holders

Process: If you receive a site violation notice, you have 30 days to file an appeal with either the Board of Safety and Fire Prevention for fire code violations or to the Board of License and Inspections Review for all other code violations. You can waive your right to appeal and pay a reduced fine (50% of the original amount). If you do not appeal or pay the reduced fine within 30 days, L&I will issue a statement of outstanding fees and you must pay the full amount.

You can sign the waiver and pay the reduced fine online or in person.

To pay in person, make an appointment to visit the L&I Permit and License Center to sign the waiver form. An L&I representative will give you a new statement of outstanding fees. Then, refer to pay an L&I violation fee or fine for payment options.

If you do not pay or appeal the violation, L&I may file a case in the Municipal Court, Court of Common Pleas, or a third-party collection agency.

Code section: Philadelphia Code Title 4-A506; Title 4-A601; Title 1-109; Title 1-112; and L&I Regulation

What it is: All contractors and tradespeople who do construction work in the city must have valid contractor licenses and must operate their business and job sites in compliance with the code. If they do not, L&I will issue a Licensing Violation Notice.

Who it’s issued to: Contractors

Process: If you receive a licensing violation notice, you have 30 days to file an appeal with the Board of License and Inspections Review. If you don’t appeal in 30 days, L&I will issue a statement of outstanding fees to the responsible party. Refer to pay an L&I violation fee or fine for payment options.

If you do not pay or appeal the violation, L&I may file a case in the Municipal Court, Court of Common Pleas, or a third-party collection agency. This may limit your ability to obtain or renew any permit(s) and/or license(s).

For a current list of contractors who have violated city building safety codes and had their license revoked or suspended, refer to suspended contractors.

Code section: Philadelphia Code Title 9-1000 and Title 9-2500

What it is: If you sell goods on the street without a valid vending license, L&I will issue a Vending Confiscation Notice and immediately confiscate all items. L&I will dispose of any debris and counterfeit, perishable, or hazardous items.

Who it’s issued to: Vendors

Process: If you receive a confiscation notice, you have 30 days to file an appeal with the Board of License and Inspections Review. If you do not appeal or retrieve the stored items within 30 days, L&I will consider the confiscated items abandoned and will dispose of them.

To retrieve stored items, you must get or renew your vending license and pay the full fine amount. Refer to pay an L&I violation fee or fine for payment options.

Once you have paid the fine, schedule an appointment to retrieve the stored items by contacting the Vending Unit by phone at (215) 686-2414 or email maureen.blaney@phila.gov. Bring the following to your scheduled appointment:

• A copy of the confiscation notice issued by L&I.
• A copy of the receipt stamped by the Department of Revenue (if paid in-person).
• Identification matching the information on the confiscation notice.

If you attempt to sell goods on the street again without a valid vending license, L&I may issue a Repeat Violation, which includes an additional fine.

Code section: Philadelphia Code Title 9-200 and 9-105(4)

What is it: L&I issues a Stop Work Order when:

• The condition of a structure is dangerous or unsafe.
• Work is being done without required permits.
• There is a failure to provide a site safety review of demolition activity.

Who it’s issued to: This order may be served to property owners, contractors, businesses, or individuals.

Process: The Stop Work Order will describe the dangerous or unsafe conditions, how they can be corrected, and what has to happen for work to resume.

Unless otherwise specified on the order, you must stop all activity immediately. You must vacate the premises and close it to the public until L&I lifts the order.

If you violate a Stop Work Order, you may be arrested by police and issued a citation and summons.

Code section:  Philadelphia Code Title 4-A504

What is it: L&I issues a Notice of Intent to Cease Operations and Order when a property violates the Philadelphia Code in a way that may pose a threat to occupants or the surrounding community.

The notice is issued as a warning. You must make corrections immediately. Otherwise, the department will issue a Notice of Cease Operations Order.

Who it’s issued to: This order may be served to property owners, contractors, businesses, or individuals.

Process: To resolve this order, you must correct the violations and pass an L&I inspection before the cease operations date.

You can appeal the notice with the Board of License and Inspection Review within thirty days of the date of the notice.

Code section: Philadelphia Code Title 4-A505

What is it: L&I issues a Cease Operations Order in any of the following situations:

• An occupancy, use, or other activity doesn’t have the necessary permits.
• There is an actual or potential danger to building occupants. This may be due to explosive or toxic materials, or defective or dangerous equipment.
• A structure is in a dangerous or unsafe condition.
• There is an immediate danger to life or property.
• There is an unsafe or unsanitary condition that presents an immediate danger to the health of the occupants of an abutting premises. This may be due to the presence of raw sewage, garbage, rubbish, or an infestation.

Who it’s issued to: This order may be served to property owners, contractors, businesses, or individuals.

Process: If L&I issues this notice, you must close the business or property immediately. You must stop all activity, vacate the premises, close it to the public until L&I lifts the order. The notice may only order you to close part of the property or stop a particular use.

If you violate a Cease Operations Order, you may be arrested by police and issued a citation and summons.

Code section: Philadelphia Code Title 4-A505