You must get a building permit before starting a project that:
Constructs a new building;
Enlarges or adds to an existing structure;
Changes the interior or exterior of an existing structure;
Partially or fully demolishes a structure;
Changes the occupancy classification any part of a building;
Increases the occupant load in a space;
Includes major repairs that aren’t part of regular maintanence;
Includes 5,000 sq. ft. or more of earth disturbance
For any excavation that results in a cut, trench, or depression that is more than five feet below an adjacent grade, must either:
Add the excavation work on the building permit application as part of a combination permit, or get a separate excavation site permit in advance of submitting the building permit application.
Under what circumstances is a zoning permit required?
Changing the use of a property;
Adjusting property lot lines (combining lots, splitting a lot into multiple lots, and reconfigure property lines between adjoining lots);
Signs except :
(1) window signs installed in up to two windows or doors. The sign can’t take up more than 20 percent of the transparent glazed area of a door or window;
(2) Signs located in a building interior that are more than 18 inches from, or on more than a 45 degree angle to any window or opening. These signs are not intended to be visible from the outside;
(3) digital and video screens on outdoor equipment such as fuel pumps and ATM’s (limited to 1 sq. ft.)
(4) Signs that give directions and are under 10 sq. ft. in area and under 7 ft. in height
(5) Temporary real estate signs (residential districts - 6 sq. ft. per face and other districts - 12 sq. ft. per face)
What is an EZ Permit?
A permit where you do not have to submit a plan along with the permit application.
What type of projects may qualify for an EZ permit?
Interior, non-structural alterations in single-family residences;
Limited commercial alterations;
Demolition of interior walls that aren’t load bearing;
Residential decks up to 216 sq. ft. except roof decks;
Exterior window and door replacement with no change in size (one-or-two family dwellings do not need a permit for this, unless they are historic);
Masonry facade replacement (not applicable to historic properties);
Above-ground and in-ground pools and spas;
Roof covering replacement;
Security gates and grilles;
Wall covering replacement;
Retaining walls.
In most cases, must you get a zoning permit before you can apply for a building permit?
Yes
What is a mechanical permit?
A permit to install devices regulated by the Philadelphia Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes.
What type of projects would need a mechanical permit?
Heating, venting, and air conditioning;
Ductwork;
Commercial kitchen hoods;
Equipment and piping that use natural gas.
What type of projects do not require a mechanical permit?
Small appliance;
Ordinary repairs or maintenance to mechanical systems and portable equipment.
What kinds of mechanical work are eligible for an EZ permit?
New installations in one-or-two family dwellings;
Replacing appliances in one-to-two family dwellings;
Ductwork in a tenant space where the equipment capacity is less than 2,000 cubic ft. per minute;
Relocating registers and diffusers with no change in air-flow rates or building occupancy.
What is an electrical permit?
A permit needed for work on electrical and communication systems and components.
What types of work would require an electrical permit?
Installation;
Alteration;
Renewal;
Replacements;
Repair.
What types of electrical work are eligible for an EZ permit?
(1) New Construction, additions, or alterations on one-or-two family dwellings. The connected load must be less than 200 amps and all equipment rated 600 V or less. This excludes wiring and equipment related to fire alarm systems, fire pump systems, and solar panel systems;
(2) Service conductor installation with a connected load or 200 amps or less;
(3) Alterations to interior wiring of commercial buildings or individual tenant spaces of less than 2,000 sq. ft. in total floor.
(4) Alterations to commercial buildings limited to: replacing general electrical equipment rated 600 volts or less. (No new wiring.). Replacing fire alarm notification and initiating devices. (No new wiring or panels.)
(5) Telecommunications, includes all low-voltage wiring (data, security, etc.) EXCEPT fire alarm wiring.
(6) Temporary wiring with an on-site power source for an approved use.
(7) Electrical vehicle charger stations meeting the EVC permit standard.
An electrical permit may not be needed for the following electrical permit for the following work:
(1) Repairs related to regular maintenance. This includes minor repairs and maintenance work, including the replacement of lamps, circuit breakers and fuses; repairing or replacing switches, lamp sockets, ballasts, drop cords, receptacles, and bulbs; taping bare joints; and replacing lighting fixtures to existing.
(2) Connections of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
(3) Installation, alteration or repair of electrical equipment of a regulated public utility used in the generation, transmission, distribution, or metering of electricity.
(4) Removal of electrical wiring in demolition of a structure.
(5) Some installation work: Temporary system required for testing/servicing of electrical equipment; Electrical componentry used in partition systems; low voltage wiring in one-and-two family and Group U; Railway cars or automotive equipment; Conductors or equipment for public utilities, common carriers or commercial radio/television stations under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of PA or federal regulatory agency.
What is a Rough-in Permit in the electrical work context?
A permit to install electrical cables before the full permit issued.
What type of cable installations qualify for a rough in permit?
Electrical cables, conduits, device boxes, recessed panels (without breakers), and service equipment.
Power supply and signal cables for fire and smoke alarm systems.
Should you submit an electrical permit before a rough-in permit?
Yes
Can you get Rough-in permit approval once the full permit has been approved?
No
What is a plumbing permit?
A permit for plumbing work.
What types of work requires a plumbing permit?
Installation;
Alteration;
Renewal;
Replacement;
Repair
What types of work do not require a plumbing permit?
Minor repairs with the same material. Includes replacing faucets, valves, and parts.
Removing and re-installing toilets, if no pipes or fixtures will be replaced or moved.
Stopping leaks and clearing stoppages.
What types of plumbing work are eligible for an EZ permit?
New contruction and additions for a one-or-two family dwelling, up to four stories
Alterations in buildings with four or fewer dwellings, up to four stories high
Alterations in commercial buildings involving seven or fewer new fixtures, excluding food equipment
Replacement of any number of fixtures with fixtures of the same kind.
Pipe repair
New or replacement water service, with service to a single building
New or replacement house drain, with service to a single building
New or replacement curb trap or fresh air inlet
Sealing a lateral
Installing a backflow device
What is a rough-in permit in the plumbing work context?
A permit to install pipes before the full permit is issued.
What type of structures are not eligible for a plumbing rough-in permit?
One-or-two family dwellings and Site Permit
