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
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
For buildings, there is a $94 fee for each story after three.
Per plan
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.