Service overview
You need a Site Work Permit for:
- Projects where the only site work is 5,000 sq. ft. or more of earth disturbance, such as parking lots, for any location outside of a Special Flood Hazard Area.
- Any earth disturbance within a Special Flood Hazard Area.
- Site preparation for future development. This work may also be included on the Building Permit.
- Private water or sewer serving multiple buildings.
- Excavations more than 5 feet below adjacent grade, excluding utility trenches or geotechnical exploration.
Site work may include:
- Site clearing.
- Removal of vegetation.
- Earth movement.
- Grading.
Private water or sewer services must be filed through a Site Work / Utility Permit and include specific project details and contractor information. To generate separate permits for each trade, you must include the cost for domestic/combination services and any fire main installations on the site work permit application.
Clearing, grading, and foundation work may be included on the associated Building Permit for construction. A separate Site Work / Utility Permit is optional.
Excavation may be included on the combination Building Permit application. A separate Site Permit will be generated on approval.
A Zoning Permit may be required for disturbing steep slopes within the Wissahickon watershed or in a floodplain.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this permit.
If the property is in the floodplain
Properties in the floodplain may require special documents or a review meeting.
Who
Property owners or their authorized agents can apply for this permit.
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 permit application must include the complete scope of the 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 plan requirements below:
- Drawn to scale on a sheet that is at least 18 in. by 24 in.
- Include three copies of plans.
- The design professional must sign and seal plans if project cost over $25,000
- The construction plans must include:
- Project Address.
- Existing conditions.
- Current and proposed grading.
- Trees and vegetation (extent of grubbing or removal).
Forms and other documents
- Application for accelerated review (optional)
- Zoning Permit and Approved Zoning Site Plan (if applicable): Stamped by Licenses and Inspections for respective permit numbers
- Special Inspections documentation
- Duties & Responsibilities Agreement signed by all parties
- Statement of Special Inspections Schedule with categories and frequency selected
- Name of licensed Special Inspection Agency qualified for all inspection categories
- Dust control permit from the Philadelphia Department off Public Health’s Air Management Services (AMS):
Required pre-approvals
Where and when
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Cost
Fee types that may apply
Filing fee
- Sites of one-or-two-family dwellings: $25
- All other sites: $100
This fee is nonrefundable and is applied toward the final permit fee.
Permit fee
The fee for your Site Work Permit depends on the size of the area affected.
- For areas up to 15,000 sq. ft.: $126
- For areas in excess of 15,000 sq.ft., plus $6.30 per each additional 1,000 sq. ft.: $126
Maximum fee: $6,325
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: $1050
- $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.
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How
You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.
In person
Applications for one-or-two-family uses are reviewed within 15 business days. Applications for all other uses are reviewed within 20 business days.
You can accelerate an application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
If not approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Before a permit can be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.
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.
- Applications for one-or-two-family uses are reviewed within 15 business days. Applications for all other uses are reviewed within 20 business days.
- Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
- 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.