Service overview
You need a license to operate a building, structure, or outdoor area where you store more than three vehicles for a fee. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.
Who
Anyone can apply for this license. If you are not a resident of Philadelphia, you must name a representative within the City.
Requirements
Other licenses, registrations, and permits
- Business Income and Receipts Tax ID (BIRT)
- Commercial Activity License
- Use Registration Permit
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Zoning Permit
Insurance
- Certificate of Insurance issued by a company licensed to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that includes all of the following:
- Covers $5,000 for each public parking lot or garage, or $100,000 for all public parking lots and garages operated by one licensee.
- States: “owners, landlords, and tenants policy or garage liability policy.”
- Covers bodily injury liability.
- Includes a garage keeper’s legal liability policy. This policy must cover property damage due to fire, theft, explosion, collision, riot, civil commotion, malicious mischief, and vandalism.
- Shows the location and the official capacity of Public Parking Lot or Garage.
- Names the City of Philadelphia as Certificate Holder.
- The “Insured” and the “Applicant” must be the same name on the certificate.
Additional parking garage requirements
If the site is currently licensed and you haven’t made any alterations to the structure, submit:
- Statement of business hours.
- Rate schedule.
If the site is new or if you have altered the structure, submit:
- Approval from the Department of Street’s Right-of-Way unit and an approved plot plan.
- Certificate of Occupancy.
- Statement of business hours.
- Rate schedule.
Additional parking lot requirements
Parking lots have the same requirements as parking garages. In addition, parking lots also require:
- Approved barriers and surfacing following Department of Streets regulations.
- Drainage for paved areas larger than 5000 sq. feet.
- Lights that allow safe access to the licensed area after dark. (You can turn lighting off after the parking lot closes for the night.)
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
A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied to the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due upon application approval.
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 license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
This usually takes about 30 days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Sign must show:
- Rates.
- Accepted payment methods,
- Hours of operation.
- Capacity.
- License number.
- Name.
- Address.
- Phone number of the licensee.
- Hours an attendant is on duty.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
This usually takes about 30 days.
Once your application is approved, pay the license fee.
Sign must show:
- Rates.
- Accepted payment methods,
- Hours of operation.
- Capacity.
- License number.
- Name.
- Address.
- Phone number of the licensee.
- Hours an attendant is on duty.
Renewal requirements
Annual renewal:
- Renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center
Required for renewal:
- Must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes
- Valid email address
- A current Certificate of Insurance