Overview
Philadelphia enforces the PA UCC through L&I (Department of Licenses & Inspections). As of Jan 1, 2026, the 2021 ICC codes apply citywide. All trade permits — including plumbing — go through the city's eCLIPSE portal. Additional state registrations (PA HIC for residential work over $500) may apply.
Permit Portal
eCLIPSE
All L&I permits submitted online. Zoning, building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire suppression permits are separate applications.
2026 Code Update
2021 ICC Family
Confirm the currently adopted code edition and any transition conditions with L&I for each trade before preparing plans.
Trades
Select a trade to view codes, licenses, fees, and common pitfalls.
Electrical
L&I (Philadelphia)Applicable Code
Current electrical code adopted by L&I
License Requirement
Active L&I electrical contractor license; current taxes and insurance
License Fee
Check the current L&I license schedule
CEUs
Check current license renewal requirements
Permit Fee
Use the current L&I electrical permit fee breakdown
Plan Review Time
With plans: 20 business days; most online no-plan applications: 5 business days
Common Pitfalls
- Missing EV charger training requirement (Bill 240666)
- Energizing before final inspection sign-off
- Permit not pulled for service panel upgrade
Permit-to-CO Workflow
Standard L&I path via eCLIPSE; trade permits follow the same stages on their own schedules.
Submit application
via eCLIPSE portal with full scope, owner, and property details
Plan review
use the specific permit service standard and respond to correction comments
Permit issued
trade permits issued separately; building permit may require zoning approval first
Rough-in inspections
stage-by-stage sign-offs before concealment (footing, framing, rough trade work)
Final inspection
all trades must pass; corrections cleared before occupation
Certificate of Occupancy
issued after all inspections pass and violations resolved
2026 Fee Quick Reference
Confirm the fee and review options for the specific L&I permit service. Most online applications without plans follow a five-business-day process, with selected immediate-issuance exceptions. In-person review differs. See the official EZ permit process.
Enforcement
L&I enforces compliance through inspections, stop-work orders, and license suspension. Violations may result in fines, permit revocation, and referral to the License Dept. Appeals of technical code issues go to the Board of Building Standards; administrative appeals go to the Board of License and Inspection Review (BLIR).
Homeowner / Owner-Occupant Rules
Being the applicant does not authorize an owner to perform every trade. For electrical permits, owners or authorized agents may apply, but a licensed electrical contractor must perform the work and confirm association with the project. Verify other trade and exemption requirements separately. See the current L&I electrical requirements.