Service overview
You need this permit to change the use of a property or part of a property. For example, to:
- Increase or decrease the number of residential units on a property.
- Change a commercial tenant space to a residential unit or new business.
- Start a daycare center.
- Establish a retail sales, business office, or restaurant.
- Convert a warehouse into artist studios.
You can review the Use Classifications Guide to help you identify the correct use category.
You don’t need this permit if the established use of a property remains the same, even if there is a new owner or tenant.
If your proposal meets code requirements, you are granted permits as a matter of right. If your proposal does not meet code requirements, you’ll need a special exception or variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Zoning is only one step of the permitting and licensing process. You may need other construction permits, occupancy certificates, safety certifications or licenses to operate legally or complete your project.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues Use Permits.
If the property is in the floodplain
Properties in the floodplain may require special documents or a review meeting.
Who
Property owners and their authorized agents can apply for this permit. Authorized agents may include:
- Design professionals.
- Attorneys.
- Contractors.
- Licensed expediters.
- Tenants, provided they have the owner’s permission.
Requirements
Permit application
The permit application must include the proposed change 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).
- If you are a tenant making application, provide your executed lease agreement.
Plans not required
If you are only requesting a change of use, you usually do not need to submit any plans or drawings.
Other documents
- Flood protection forms: For use changes in the floodplain.
- Key plan: May be requested by L&I for reference on multi-tenant or multi-building sites.
Related permits
- You often need a Certificate of Occupancy for a new business or activity.
- A separate permit is required for signs.
- If your project includes renovation, you will need to get a Building Permit after you get zoning approval to change the use.
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
Filing fees
This fee varies depending on the proposed use.
- For one-or-two-family dwellings: $25
- For all other uses: $100
This fee is nonrefundable and will be applied toward the final cost of your permit.
Permit fees
- For each permitted use: $174
Record retention fee
- Per page larger than 8.5 in. x 14 in.: $4
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
Permit applications are reviewed while you wait. This permit can usually be issued during your visit.
Approvals not issued immediately will be processed within 5 business days.
Online
If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.
Applications are processed within 5 business days. Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Appeals
If your application receives a Notice of Refusal or Notice of Referral, you may appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Your right to appeal a Notice of Refusal or Referral expires 30 days from the date it was issued. These denials can not be extended. You need to submit new application and filing fees to get a new refusal or referral.
Renewal requirements
Zoning permits to change the use of a property expire after six months if activity related to the approved use does not start.