Philadelphia Permit Requirement Checker

This public checker helps contractors estimate likely permit requirements in Philadelphia before filing. Enter detailed scope inputs for more accurate guidance.

What types of projects need permits in Philadelphia?

Per the official Philadelphia permitting portal at permits.phila.gov, these categories apply to 1-family and 2-family residential construction and renovations. They do not cover mixed-use buildings or rental license requirements. If you are changing use (including a 1-family to 2-family conversion), additional Philadelphia Code requirements apply.

New construction: New construction of a dwelling from the ground up.
Additions to existing structure: Adding new square footage attached to an existing structure, including attics and basements.
Alterations or renovations: Interior remodeling and exterior modifications of an existing residence.
Site work, accessory buildings and/or structures: Earth disturbance, fences, parking, detached garages, sheds, playhouses, pergolas, swimming pools, and similar work.
Demolition only: Removal of more than 2/3rd of existing joists plus removal of an exterior wall.

Not sure which category fits your project? Use the checker above or visit the official Philadelphia permitting portal at permits.phila.gov for a guided walkthrough.

EZ permits vs. full building permits in Philadelphia

EZ permits (permits without plans)

Intended for specific, narrower project scopes that meet defined EZ standards published by L&I.
Do not require plan submission.
Can often be issued over-the-counter at the Permit and License Center (Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Blvd).
The permit application must include complete scope of work and current owner information.
If a contractor is required, they must have an active license, be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes, and have current insurance on file with L&I.
Applicants are limited to 3 applications per ticket when applying in person.
If an EZ permit is granted and the applicant does not follow the EZ standard, the permit will be revoked.

Full building permits (permits with plans)

Required for projects that exceed EZ scope or involve structural changes.
Require architectural/engineering plan submission.
Review timelines: 15 business days for 1-or-2-family uses, 20 business days for all other uses.
Accelerated review is available for new construction with plans in 5 business days (fee: $1,050 total, with $350 due at application).
Applications can be submitted online via eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

The PermitOps checker above estimates which pathway your project likely falls into based on your address, trade, and scope inputs.

Philadelphia building permit fees

Residential (1 or 2 family)

Alterations (includes EZ permits): $76 for the first 500 sq ft, plus $56 for each additional 100 sq ft over 500.
New accessory structures or additions: $75 for the first 500 sq ft, plus $56 for each additional 100 sq ft over 500.
New construction: $1,328 flat fee.
Amended permit: $25 (owner-occupied 1-or-2-family).
Permit extension: No fee (owner-occupied 1-family).
Certificate of Occupancy: No additional fee (as part of building permit process).

Other/commercial occupancies

Alterations: $253 for the first 500 sq ft, plus $60 for each additional 100 sq ft over 500.
New construction: $253 for the first 500 sq ft, plus $73 for each additional 100 sq ft over 500.
Alternative alteration fee method: Alteration fees may be based on 2% of cost of construction at applicant's request (minimum $253).

Additional fees

General demolition: $25.30 per 100 sq ft (max $50,600; min $253).
Foundation only: $253 (up to 500 sq ft), $442 (501-2,500 sq ft), $759 (over 2,500 sq ft).
Copy of permit or certificate: $15.

Payment methods and limits

Accepted payment methods: Electronic check, credit card (+2.10% surcharge, minimum $1.50), and debit card (+$3.45 fee).
Online payment limit: Online payments via eCLIPSE have a $500,000 limit.

Fees shown are from the official L&I fee schedule effective January 1, 2025. Actual fees may vary based on project specifics. Visit phila.gov for the most current schedule.

How long does it take to get a permit in Philadelphia?

EZ permits (no plans required)

In-person at the Permit and License Center: Applications are reviewed while you wait. Many can be issued during your visit.
If denied or requiring further review: Processed within 5 business days.

Full building permits (plans required)

1-or-2-family residential: Reviewed within 15 business days.
All other uses: Reviewed within 20 business days.
Allow an additional business day for pre-processing on online submissions.

Accelerated review

Available for new construction applications that include plans.
Reviewed within 5 business days.
Fee: $1,050 total ($350 due at time of application).

Zoning permits

Applications without plans: Reviewed while you wait at the Permit and License Center.
1-or-2-family with plans: 15 business days.
Other uses with plans: 20 business days.
New construction with plans (accelerated): 5 business days.

These are standard processing times. Incomplete applications, revision requests, or zoning complications can extend timelines. Use PermitOps to identify potential issues before you file.

How this checker works

The tool evaluates your address, trade, and selected scope signals against permit path rules. It returns likely permit domains, the probable path (EZ, FULL, or manual review), and key zoning context when available.

Use this result as planning guidance. Final permit requirements are confirmed by Philadelphia agencies during official review.

Official Philadelphia permit resources

Frequently asked questions

Is this checker free?

Yes. The PermitOps permit checker is free and publicly accessible. No login or account is required.

Can I trust this as final approval?

No. This tool provides planning-level guidance based on your inputs. Final permit requirements, fees, and approvals are determined by Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) during official review. Always confirm with L&I before beginning work.

What if my project shows manual review?

Manual review means the tool detected scope, zoning, or trade factors that require human evaluation before a permit path can be confirmed. This often happens with mixed-scope projects, properties in overlay zoning districts, or when the trade assignment doesn't clearly match a single permit domain.

Where do I run full project feasibility?

Use PermitOps feasibility tools for deeper project-level checks that include zoning analysis, permit domain mapping, and compliance screening.

What is the difference between an EZ permit and a full building permit?

An EZ permit is a streamlined permit for projects that meet specific L&I standards and don't require plan submission. They can often be issued same-day at the Permit and License Center. A full building permit requires architectural or engineering plans and has a review period of 15-20 business days depending on use type.

Do I need a zoning permit in addition to a building permit?

In many cases, yes. Zoning permits confirm your project complies with Philadelphia's zoning code for your specific parcel. A building permit may also require a zoning permit depending on the scope of work and the property's zoning classification.

What trades need a licensed contractor in Philadelphia?

Electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, and mechanical (HVAC) work all require licensed contractors in Philadelphia. General construction work may be performed by a licensed general contractor or, in some cases, by the homeowner for owner-occupied single-family dwellings.

Where do I apply for a Philadelphia building permit?

You can apply online through the eCLIPSE system at eclipse.phila.gov, or in person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 3:30pm.