Service overview
You need a Vacant Commercial Property License if:
- Your commercial property has been vacant for more than three months.
- No construction work is happening or is scheduled to start.
- You have a vacant pier that has structural elements partly or totally below water along the shorelines of the Delaware River, Schuylkill River, or estuaries.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.
Who
Property owners and their agents can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses and registrations
Rodent Control Plan
A vacant lot must be inspected by a PA licensed pest control company annually for evidence of rodent infestation and, where activity is detected, an abatement plan shall be implemented. Refer to the rodent control inspection requirements for more information.
Vacant Commercial Structures
In order to get this license, the property owner must post a bond to cover the City’s potential cost of correcting code violations or resolving unsafe or dangerous conditions.
The required bond amount is determined by the total square footage of the vacant building (excluding the basement).
- Less than 50,000 square feet: $50,000 bond required
- 50,000–200,000 square feet: $100,000 bond required
- More than 200,000 square feet: $500,000 bond required
A Letter of Credit (LOC) is an acceptable alternative where a bond is required. An acceptable LOC should include the following:
- The Bank must be acceptable to the City of Philadelphia.
- Letter of Credit should clearly state that it’s irrevocable.
- The effective period should be continuous until appropriately cancelled or it should be “evergreen” until the beneficiary, “City of Philadelphia,” provides written final acceptance under the applicable contract provisions.
- There should be no indication of a delay in the release of funds should the beneficiary be in the position to draw on the LOC.
- Reference should be made to the contract for which the LOC is being issued and/or the contract number in the LOC to eliminate possible ambiguity.
Vacant Piers
In order to get this license, the owner must provide the following information with the application:
- A certification that the structure has a barrier at all points of access from the onshore side of the structure.
- Proof that the structure is posted on all sides, in a visible and conspicuous manner with “Danger – No Trespassing” signs.
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 once your application is approved.
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 online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
Renewal requirements
This license must be renewed every year the property is vacant. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
To renew your license, you must have:
- An active bond for vacant commercial structures.
- A certification of a barrier at all points of access to a vacant pier and proof of “Danger – No Trespassing” signage.
- A valid email address.