Service overview
You need an Excavation Site Permit for any excavation that results in a cut, trench, or depression that is more than five feet below an adjacent grade.
This does not apply to:
- Utility trenches or geotechnical exploration that doesn’t require a permit.
- Demolition work covered under a Complete Demolition Permit.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this permit.
Who
Property owners or their authorized agents can apply for this permit. An authorized agent may include a:
- Contractor.
- PA design professional.
- Attorney.
- Licensed expeditor.
Requirements
Permit application
- The permit application must include the complete scope of work and current owner information.
- If the property is not owned by a natural person or a publicly-traded company, provide the name and mailing address of one of the following:
- Each individual with more than 49% interest in ownership of the property.
- The two individuals with the largest interest.
- 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).
- No permit will be released unless the property is current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
Contractor
A Philadelphia-licensed excavation contractor must perform all excavation work. The excavation 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 Excavation Permit plan requirements.
Forms and other documents
- Protection of property documentation, including a pre-construction survey, monitoring plan, and adjacent owner acknowledgement, for:
- Excavation work more than five feet below an adjacent grade and within 10 feet of an adjacent building or structure.
- Excavation work where a historic structure is within 90 ft. on the same or adjacent parcel.
- 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
- Engineering Design Calculations
- Geotechnical Investigation Report signed and sealed by a professional engineer
Related Permits
- You will need to get a Zoning Permit for Site Clearing for earth disturbance:
- In the Steep Slope Protection Area, exceeding 1,400 sq. ft. with slopes greater than 15%.
- In the Wissahickon Watershed Overlay, exceeding 500 sq. ft., except sites designated as Category 5 on the Impervious Coverage Map.
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 non-refundable and is applied to the permit fee.
Permit fee
- $103
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.
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How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
In person
The time it takes to process an application varies by type:
- Alterations to a one-or-two-family dwelling: 15 business days
- Additions to a one-or-two-family dwelling: 15 business days
- All others: 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.
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.
The time it takes to process an application varies by type. Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
- Alterations to a one-or-two-family dwelling: 15 business days
- Additions to a one-or-two-family dwelling: 15 business days
- All others: 20 business days
The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
If the application is 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 their association with the project.
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.