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
All plans submitted from Jan 1, 2026 onward must reference 2021 NEC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, and IFC editions. Permits filed before July 1, 2026 may use either 2018 or 2021 codes.
Trades
Select a trade to view codes, licenses, fees, and common pitfalls.
Electrical
L&I (Philadelphia)Applicable Code
2021 NEC (eff. Jan 1, 2026)
License Requirement
Electrical Contractor License — ≥4 yrs experience + exam + 8 hrs CEUs/yr
License Fee
Varies by classification
CEUs
8 hrs / year
Permit Fee
$0 (basic SFD) / $100 (most permits)
Plan Review Time
0–3 biz days (small) · up to 20 biz days (standard)
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
≈15–20 business days; respond to any correction comments or revision requests
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
Expedited building plan review available for 5 business days. Small in-person permits (≤3/day) may be auto-issued or reviewed same-day. Fees subject to change per L&I administrative orders.
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
Owner-occupants of single- or two-family homes may act as their own contractor and are exempt from trade licenses for their own work. However, permits are still required for regulated work (new circuits, new plumbing, structural changes). Ordinary maintenance (painting, minor repairs) is exempt. Any residential project exceeding $500 requires PA Home Improvement Contractor registration.