Service overview
A Foundation-only Building Permit allows you to lay foundations before you get a Building Permit for the entire structure. It is optional.
If you apply for this permit, the owner must assume the risk that further permits may not be approved.
You must get a separate Excavation Site Permit prior to the issuance of a foundation permit, for any excavation that results in a cut, trench, or depression that is more than five feet below an adjacent grade.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this permit.
Who
Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply. Authorized agents may include:
- Contractor
- PA design professional
- Attorney
- Licensed expediter
Requirements
Permit application
Apply for this permit using a Site Work / Utility Permit application. The application must include the complete scope of work and current owner information.
- If the property was recently sold, submit a copy of the settlement sheet or deed with the application.
- You must apply for all permits under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).
Contractor
A licensed contractor must perform all work. The contractor must:
- Have an active license.
- Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
- Have current insurance on file with L&I.
Plans
Your application requires plans, and they must follow the Building Permit plan requirements.
Forms and other documents
- Geotechnical Investigation or Soils Report from a licensed engineer.
- Must include all requirements for the protection of the adjacent structures and public ways.
- Owner’s letter of responsibility:
- Agrees to all necessary changes that may result from all pending or future building permit reviews
- Structural Design Criteria form
- Special Inspections documentation
- Duties & Responsibilities Agreement signed by all parties
- Statement of Special Inspections Schedule
- Name of licensed Special Inspection Agency qualified for all inspection categories
- Flood Protection Forms: For properties located in Flood Hazard Areas.
- Application for accelerated review (optional)
Related Permits
You need to get a Zoning Permit to get this type of Building Permit.
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
Fee types that may apply
Filing fee
- One-or-two-family dwellings: $25
- All other buildings: $100
Permit fee
The cost of your foundation permit depends on the foundation size:
- For foundations 500 sq. ft. or less: $253
- For foundations 501 sq. ft. to 2,500 sq. ft.: $442
- For foundations more than 2,500 sq. ft.: $759
Surcharge fees
- City surcharge: $3 per permit
- State surcharge: $4.50 per permit
Record retention fee
- Per page larger than 8.5 in. by 14 in.: $4
Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)
Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
- Fee: $2000
- $350 is due when you apply. You must pay the remainder once approved.
To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review request form and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.
How
You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.
In person
The time it takes to process an application varies by type.
- Applications for one-or-two-family uses are reviewed within 15 business days.
- Applications for all other uses are reviewed within 20 business days.
The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
If not approved, L&I will tell you what is missing or required.
Before a permit can be issued, the contractor must be identified.
Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information and required inspections will be noted on your permit.
A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.
Online
If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.
- Before a permit can be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.
- The time it takes to process an application varies by type. Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
- Applications for one-or-two-family uses are reviewed within 15 business days.
- Applications for all other uses are reviewed within 20 business days.
- The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
When the contractor is ready to start work, request an inspection through eCLIPSE or by calling (215) 255-4040.
Approval documents will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.