Service overview
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) offers two preliminary review options if you want early answers to design questions on your project.
A preliminary project meeting
A high-level project review and a formal response to specific code questions relating to the project.
- Minimal documentation is needed and L&I provides a written record of decisions at the close of the project meeting.
- The meeting can’t explore more than five code topics.
- The meeting is limited to one hour.
A preliminary plan review
- A thorough review of preliminary plans by a plans examiner.
- You can seek a variance from the Board of Building Standards under the preliminary plan review application.
You can submit generic questions about code and process directly to L&I.
Who
Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply. Authorized agents may include:
- Contractor.
- PA design professional.
- Attorney.
- Licensed expeditor.
Requirements
Preliminary project meeting
- A PA design professional must complete the preliminary review application and participate in the project meeting.
- Include project-specific documents or other materials helpful to illustrate your questions or concerns.
Preliminary plan review
- Submit a completed preliminary review application with the required plans.
- Plans must be drawn to scale on a sheet that is at least 18 in. by 24 in.
- Plans must be signed and sealed if seeking a variance.
- Include two copies of plans for in-person submissions.
- The applicant can decide what level of detail to include. L&I will only review the details presented.
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
For buildings, there is a $87 fee for each story after three.
Per plan
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 in person at the Permit and License Center.
In person
For preliminary project meetings, L&I will schedule the meeting when you apply.
Preliminary plan reviews are completed within 20 business days.
You will have the opportunity to meet with the examiner to discuss the results of the review.
The results of your review will apply to the final permit application as long as it is filed under the same code edition.
Online
For preliminary project meetings, L&I will schedule the meeting when you apply.
If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.
Preliminary plan reviews are completed within 20 business days. Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
You will have the opportunity to meet with the examiner to discuss the results of the review.
The results of your review will apply to the final permit application as long as it is filed under the same code edition.