Service overview
You need a license to operate a building, structure, or outdoor area where you store more than three vehicles for a fee. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.
Who
Anyone can apply for this license. If you are not a resident of Philadelphia, you must name a representative within the City.
Requirements
Other licenses, registrations, and permits
- Business Income and Receipts Tax ID (BIRT)
- Commercial Activity License
- Use Registration Permit
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Zoning Permit
Insurance
- Certificate of Insurance issued by a company licensed to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that includes all of the following:
- Covers $5,000 for each public parking lot or garage, or $100,000 for all public parking lots and garages operated by one licensee.
- States: “owners, landlords, and tenants policy or garage liability policy.”
- Covers bodily injury liability.
- Includes a garage keeper’s legal liability policy. This policy must cover property damage due to fire, theft, explosion, collision, riot, civil commotion, malicious mischief, and vandalism.
- Shows the location and the official capacity of Public Parking Lot or Garage.
- Names the City of Philadelphia as Certificate Holder.
- The “Insured” and the “Applicant” must be the same name on the certificate.
Additional parking garage requirements
If the site is currently licensed and you haven’t made any alterations to the structure, submit:
- Statement of business hours.
- Rate schedule.
If the site is new or if you have altered the structure, submit:
- Approval from the Department of Street’s Right-of-Way unit and an approved plot plan.
- Certificate of Occupancy.
- Statement of business hours.
- Rate schedule.
Additional parking lot requirements
Parking lots have the same requirements as parking garages. In addition, parking lots also require:
- Approved barriers and surfacing following Department of Streets regulations.
- Drainage for paved areas larger than 5000 sq. feet.
- Lights that allow safe access to the licensed area after dark. (You can turn lighting off after the parking lot closes for the night.)
Required pre-approvals
Where and when
Online
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
In person
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Cost
A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied to the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due upon application approval.
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
Late license payment
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
This usually takes about 30 days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Sign must show:
- Rates.
- Accepted payment methods,
- Hours of operation.
- Capacity.
- License number.
- Name.
- Address.
- Phone number of the licensee.
- Hours an attendant is on duty.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
This usually takes about 30 days.
Once your application is approved, pay the license fee.
Sign must show:
- Rates.
- Accepted payment methods,
- Hours of operation.
- Capacity.
- License number.
- Name.
- Address.
- Phone number of the licensee.
- Hours an attendant is on duty.
Renewal requirements
Annual renewal:
- Renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center
Required for renewal:
- Must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes
- Valid email address
- A current Certificate of Insurance