Service overview
You need a permit for plumbing work. This includes:
- Installation.
- Alteration.
- Renewal.
- Replacement.
- Repair.
A Plumbing Permit is not required for:
- Minor repairs with the same material. This includes replacing faucets, valves, and parts.
- Removing and re-installing toilets, if no pipes or fixtures will be replaced or moved.
- Stopping leaks and clearing stoppages.
Private water or sewer services must be filed through a Site Work / Utility Permit. You must provide specific details and trade contractor information. Separate permits for each trade will be generated upon approval.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues Plumbing Permits.
EZ permits
Some kinds of plumbing work are eligible for EZ permits, which do not require you to submit plans. This includes:
- New construction and additions for a one-or-two-family dwelling, up to four stories.
- Alterations in buildings with four or fewer dwellings, up to four stories high.
- Alterations in commercial buildings involving seven or fewer new fixtures, excluding food equipment.
- Replacement of any number of fixtures with fixtures of the same kind.
- Pipe repair.
- New or replacement water service, with service to a single building.
- New or replacement house drain, with service to a single building.
- New or replacement curb trap or fresh air inlet.
- Sealing a lateral.
- Installing of a backflow device.
Rough-in Permits
You can get a Rough-in Permit to install pipes before the full permit is issued. One-or-two family dwellings and Site Permits are not eligible.
This includes:
- Water supply piping.
- Soil or waste piping.
You must first submit an application for a Plumbing Permit, including plans and the associated fees. You must request and describe rough-in work on the permit application. Once the Plumbing Permit application and associated plans are accepted for review, you must submit a separate application for rough-in approval.
You cannot get rough-in approval once the full permit has been approved. Rough-in approval lasts for 60 days and the work must not be concealed.
Who
Any property owner or their authorized agent who needs a plumbing permit. Authorized agents may include:
- Licensed master plumber.
- PA-licensed design professional.
- Attorney.
- Licensed expeditor.
Requirements
Permit application
The plumbing permit 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 master plumber must oversee plumbing work. The master plumber must:
- Have an active license.
- Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
- Have current insurance on file with L&I.
If anyone other than the master plumber applies for this permit, the application must be accompanied by a signed statement on the master plumber’s letterhead confirming their association with the project.
Backflow devices must be installed by an approved technician.
Plans
If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.
Related permits
- Separate building permit required for all renovations.
- For projects that involve an exterior plumbing component, a separate exterior plumbing permit is required prior to issuance of any interior plumbing permit or the entire scope of work can be included under one plumbing application.
- You need separate permits from the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) for connections to the water main or sewer and for water meters.
- All disturbances to the City sidewalk need Streets Department footway permit. This permit will be automatically issued with your Plumbing Permit.
- All fixtures used for food preparation must follow the requirements of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
- Large hot water heaters may require a permit from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health
- An Annual Permit may be obtained for routine maintenance and replacement of plumbing fixtures in kind (no additional piping or installations of any kind) and the replacement or repair of water heaters.
Required pre-approvals
Where and when
You can apply online using eCLIPSE. If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment. You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person. Permit and License Center Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.Online
In person
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Cost
Fee types that may apply
- Filing fee
- Permit fee
- Surcharge fees
- Record retention fee
- Rough-in Permit fee (optional)
- Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)
Filing fee
This fee is nonrefundable and is applied toward the final permit fee.
- $100
Permit fee
Permit fees are determined by the type of work being done and fall into three categories:
- New construction and additions.
- Alterations to existing buildings.
- Repair and replacement.
The tables below explain conditions within each category and their fees.
New construction and additions
(Includes area drains, roof drains, water distribution, building drains, building sewer, and trap.)
| Condition | Fee |
|---|---|
| All new construction and additions | $261 for seven fixtures, $23 for each additional fixture |
| Additions to one-or-two-family homes | $46 for seven fixtures, $20 for each additional fixture |
| New plumbing systems without structures | $261 |
| New water distribution and drainage system as a separate application | $232 |
Alterations
(Includes area drains and roof drains.)
| Condition | Fee |
|---|---|
| All new construction and additions | $174 for seven fixtures, $20 for each additional fixture |
| Additions to one-or-two-family homes | $46 for seven fixtures, $20 for each additional fixture |
Repairs and replacements
|
Activity |
Fee |
|---|---|
|
Water distribution line replacement from curb stop into building |
$116 |
|
Repair or replace waste or water lines and stacks |
$116 each pipe ($34 for one-or two-family homes) |
|
Repair or replace house drain, trap, and fresh air inlet |
$69 ($29 for one-or two-family homes) |
|
Repair or replace area drain, roof drain, and storm drain |
$69 ($29 for one-or two-family homes) |
|
Water heater |
$34 |
|
Fixture replacement (no piping) |
$69 for seven fixtures, $5.80 for each additional fixture |
|
Fixture replacement in one-or-two-family (no piping) |
$29 |
Surcharge fees
- City surcharge per permit: $3
- State surcharge per permit: $4.50
Record retention fee
- Per plan: $4
Rough-in Permit fee
- $150
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.
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 permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.
In person
- Applications with plans are reviewed within 20 business days. The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
- Applications without plans are reviewed while you wait.
- Rough-in Permits may be issued immediately.
- Before a permit can be issued, the contractor must be identified.
If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information will be noted on your permit.
You need to arrange the inspections noted on your permit with your assigned inspector.
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 with plans are processed within 20 business days. Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
- You can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
- Most applications without plans are processed within 5 business days.
- Some permits may be issued immediately if the application is made by the contractor. This includes permits for the replacement of a house drain, water distribution, curb trap, or water heater.
- If you are applying for a Rough-in Permit, it may be issued immediately.
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.