Getting permits can require a lot of work and patience, especially getting a building permit. If you're in Philadelphia, here's how you can get your building permit.
Are you ready to build a new home or business? Or maybe you've got plans in hand to do some major renovations?
The Uniform Construction Code (UCC) ensures the protection of life, health, property and the environment during construction work in Pennsylvania. UCC enforcement responsibilities fall upon Pennsylvania municipalities that have opted in, which includes Philadelphia.
You're going to need a Philadelphia building permit to build a new structure or tackle major renovations. Getting a building permit can seem like a complicated process that requires tons of work, but with this simple guide, you'll be on your way to painting your new walls in no time.
You're going to need a building permit for any new construction, changes to an existing structure, changes in occupancy limit, and any new installations of mechanical systems or fire suppression.
The most common needs for building permits are the building of new structures and altering existing ones.
Here are the steps to get a permit for new construction work in Philadelphia.
The first step to getting a building permit: check for any exemptions you might qualify for before going forward with the application process!
Second, get your submittal fees together. A one to two-family dwelling costs $25, and anything else costs $100.
Here are the application requirements for Philadelphia building permits:
You'll need prerequisite approvals from the Streets Department, Water Department, Historical Commission, Art Commission, and Planning Commission.
Fifth, make sure you don't need prerequisite approvals from any other agencies, such as the Fairmount Park Commission, Fire Department, Health Department, and Air Management Services.
Finally, after all is said and done and your paperwork is in, relax! Go over your plans one more time, and get ready for what's to come!
The process for obtaining a permit for alterations is very similar to that of a new building permit. Here are the steps you'll need to take to submit a permit application before you tackle any renovations or alterations.
Similar to the new structure permit, the first step is to check and make sure you don't qualify for any permit exemptions.
Next, get your fees together. Like the new structure permit, it's $25 for a one to two-family dwelling and $100 for all other types of structures.
Third, get your application materials together. A few materials in this category aren't in the new structure permit package:
You'll need prerequisite approvals from the Streets Department, Water Department, Historical Commission, Art Commission, and Planning Commission.
Next, double-check for necessary approvals from any additional agencies such as the Health Department or Air Management Services.
That's it! If you follow the steps above, within 15 to 20 days you'll have your permits approved! Be sure to check out some of the top permit deficiencies and make sure none of them apply to you.
Still have a few questions about the permit application? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions and their answers.
The application fee to get a building permit for a one- or two-family dwelling is $25. An application for any other property type will cost $100.
The actual permit fee varies depending on the work you plan to do. Check out the full list of fees from theDepartment of Licenses and Inspections, or give the department a call if you're unsure.
According to Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspections, a permit is required in the following situations:
Minor renovations like ordinary household repairs, painting and carpet installation do not require a permit. Permits are necessary only for renovations that affect the property's structure.
It takes approximately 15 days to process a permit for a one- or two-family dwelling. Any other property types will take about 20 days.
Building permits in Philadelphia are issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
You can get a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) from — you guessed it — the Department of Licenses and Inspections. A CO is automatically issued upon completion of some building permits, so keep an eye out.
If the occupancy changes without the need for a building permit, such as in the case of alterations that impact fire ratings or exits, you'll need to apply for a CO separately and pay a fee. Learn more from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
It's true that many steps are involved in the process of getting a permit for renovations or construction. But with an organized team and an efficient plan of attack, we can easily tackle the permit process together. Get in touch today to talk about your next project!