Building Permits in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Updated 5d ago

How many building permits are filed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

As of May 25, 2026, 10,050 building permits are on file in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The most common type is plumbing (3,158 permits). Records are pulled from the Pennsylvania public feed and refreshed daily.

Permits on record: 10,050
Top permit type: Plumbing
Active permit types: 12
Open jobs, no contractor: 258

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10,050 permits

№ 001

442-62 N 8th StHot leadPro

Philadelphia · PA · 19123OtherZP-2026-005042

Change of Use - Retail Sales - Food, Beverages, and Groceries

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№ 002

4226 Main StHot lead

This page indexes 11,473 building permits issued in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, drawn from records published by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) through May 5, 2026. Activity over the last 30 days totals 3,706 permits. Records span project categories led by plumbing (3,586 permits), electrical (2,054), renovation (1,720), HVAC (1,312), miscellaneous work (1,306). Philadelphia's permit volume reflects an old, dense building stock - alterations, plumbing replacements, and façade repairs lead the filings, with new construction concentrated in Fishtown, Point Breeze, and the river wards. The 10-year tax abatement (now phased) and zoning bonuses for affordable housing have shaped where filings cluster. L&I administers both permits and inspections through a single department. Permits are filed and tracked through the eCLIPSE permit portal. The records below are recent issued permits in Philadelphia; click any row to see the full filing, project description, valuation, and contractor on record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up a building permit in Philadelphia?

The eCLIPSE permit portal, operated by Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), allows public lookup by address, permit number, or contractor license. Records are updated as permits move through review and issuance.

Who issues building permits in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues all building permits within city limits. The same department handles inspections, certificates of occupancy, and code enforcement.

What is a zoning permit and how is it different from a building permit?

A zoning permit confirms the proposed use complies with the zoning code. A building permit authorizes construction. Many Philadelphia projects need both, with zoning issued first; the Zoning Board of Adjustment reviews variances and special exceptions.

Are building permits public record in Philadelphia?

Yes. Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law makes building permits public. L&I publishes permit data through eCLIPSE and through Philadelphia's Open Data portal.

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

Simple trade permits issue within days. New construction and major alterations go through plan review and typically take weeks. Projects requiring zoning relief take longer because of the Zoning Board hearing schedule.

What is the eCLIPSE system?

eCLIPSE is Philadelphia's online permitting platform launched by L&I to consolidate permit applications, plan review, and public records lookup. It replaced multiple legacy systems.