Electrical Permits: Philadelphia's Process And Requirements

what is the philadelphia electrical permit page

The Philadelphia Electrical Permit page provides information on the process of obtaining an electrical permit in the City of Philadelphia. The website outlines the requirements for electrical work, including the need for a separate building permit and the associated fees. The page also details the EZ Permit, a type of permit that does not require architectural plans and offers a simplified application process for certain projects, such as single-family homes and interior alterations. The electrical permit process in Philadelphia involves submitting plans, inspections, and adhering to zoning rules, with the aim of ensuring safe and compliant electrical installations in the city.

Characteristics Values
Website www.phila.gov
Address Permit and License Center 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. MSB, Public Service Concourse Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Fee $25 for each $1000 or fraction thereof of estimated electrical construction cost
EZ Permit Available for new construction single-family homes, residential duplexes, and alterations to under 2,000 sqft
EZ Permit fee $100 online, free in person
EZ Permit limitations No additions, demolitions, or major exterior changes
EZ Permit advantages No need to submit architectural plans, same-day pickup, no application fee in person
Application requirements Current on all City of Philadelphia taxes, current insurance on file with L&I, signed statement on Electrical Contractor's letterhead if the applicant is not the Electrical Contractor, inspection by a licensed electrical inspection agency
Application review time 5 business days for accelerated applications, 20 business days for applications with plans

shunzap

EZ permits

To apply for an EZ permit, you must do so under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA). If a tenant is making the application, include a copy of the executed lease agreement. A licensed Philadelphia contractor must perform the work, except when the project involves an existing one- or two-family home, in which case the owner can perform the work if they reside in the building. A registered PA Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with a Philadelphia Commercial Activity License can also perform the work, as can an owner-occupant of an existing one- or two-family home.

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues EZ permits, and applications can be made in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE. The Permit and License Center is located at 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. MSB, Public Service Concourse Philadelphia, PA 19102, and its office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, closing at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

shunzap

Electrical permit fees

The Philadelphia Electrical Permit page provides information on the permits and licenses required for electrical work in the City of Philadelphia. The page outlines the application process, requirements, and fees associated with obtaining electrical permits.

When it comes to electrical permit fees in Philadelphia, the charges are based on the estimated electrical construction costs. The permit fee is set at $25 for every $1000 or fraction thereof of the estimated electrical construction cost. There is a minimum fee of $50 and a maximum fee of $15,000. This fee structure is outlined in Section A-903.2 of the Philadelphia Electrical Code.

For projects that include the installation of solar electric or photovoltaic systems, the electrical construction costs used to calculate the permit fee do not include the cost of arrays or inverters used in the installation. This is specified in Section A-903.2.1.2 of the Electrical Code.

Additionally, there are fees associated with electrical inspection agencies, electrical inspectors, and electrical contractors. The license fee for an electrical inspection agency is $2,000 annually, with a non-refundable initial application fee of $200. The exact fees for obtaining and renewing a license as an electrical inspector or contractor are also outlined on the Philadelphia Electrical Permit page but may vary depending on the specific circumstances.

It's important to note that applicants can choose to accelerate their application process for an additional fee. These accelerated applications are typically reviewed within 5 business days. The standard processing time for applications without plans is also 5 business days, while applications with plans can take up to 20 business days for review.

shunzap

Electrical permit requirements

The City of Philadelphia requires electrical permits for almost all electrical work, except for very simple tasks such as changing a light switch. The electrical permit requirements are as follows:

EZ Permits

EZ permits are a type of electrical permit that can be obtained without submitting architectural plans. They are suitable for new construction single-family homes, residential duplexes, and alterations of less than 2,000 square feet. EZ permits can be obtained in person on the same day or online within 3-5 business days. There is no application fee for in-person applications, while the $100 online application fee is deducted from the final permit fee.

Non-EZ Permits

For projects that do not qualify for EZ permits, detailed plans, blueprints, and schematics from a licensed contractor are required. These plans must include the size and scope of the project and comply with zoning rules. Applications with plans will be reviewed within 20 business days, while accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days for an additional fee.

Rough-in Permits

For new construction projects, a "rough-in" permit is required. After the framing and basic electrical work are completed, the city will request a framing inspection. If the project passes this inspection, another electrical permit can be applied for to finish all remaining electrical work.

Fees

Electrical permit fees range from $25 for minor work to $100 or more for larger jobs. The permit fee is $25 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the estimated electrical construction cost. Surcharges and fees are applied to all credit and debit card transactions. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the "City of Philadelphia."

shunzap

Electrical permit application

The City of Philadelphia requires electrical permits for almost all electrical work, except for very simple tasks like changing a light switch. The permit application process can be done online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center at 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. MSB, Public Service Concourse Philadelphia, PA 19102. The office operates from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and closes at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

The electrical permit application must be accompanied by the following:

  • A completed application form
  • Relevant application materials, such as plans or blueprints
  • Payment for the permit fee
  • Current insurance on file with the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I)
  • If the applicant is not the Electrical Contractor, a signed statement on the Electrical Contractor's letterhead affirming association with the project
  • A copy of the contract between the owner or owner's agent and the licensed electrical contractor

The permit fee is $25 for every $1000 or fraction thereof of the estimated electrical construction cost. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the "City of Philadelphia." Credit and debit card transactions incur surcharges and fees.

For new construction projects, a "rough-in" permit is required. During this phase, the City reviews your plans and allows you to proceed with framing and basic electrical work. Once this is completed, the City will request a framing inspection. If your project passes the inspection, you can apply for another electrical permit to finish the remaining electrical work.

The EZ Permit is a type of permit offered by the City of Philadelphia for building, electrical, and plumbing projects. It does not require architectural plans, and there is no application fee for in-person applications. EZ Permits are typically used for single-family homes and interior alterations, where there are no additions or demolitions to the building.

shunzap

Electrical permit approval

The City of Philadelphia requires electrical permits for almost all electrical work, except for very simple tasks like changing a light switch. The electrical permit approval process can vary depending on the specifics of the project, but there are some general steps and requirements that apply to most cases.

Firstly, it's important to determine whether your project requires a building permit in addition to the electrical permit. Most electrical work will also need a building permit, and the electrical permit cannot be issued until the building permit is in place. However, if the project does not trigger building permit requirements, this must be noted and explained on the electrical permit application.

The City of Philadelphia offers two main types of permits: EZ permits and regular permits. EZ permits are generally for smaller-scale projects and do not require architectural plans or drawings. They are typically used for single-family homes, residential duplexes, and alterations under 2,000 square feet. EZ permits can be obtained on the same day for in-person applications or within 3-5 business days for online applications. On the other hand, regular permits require detailed plans and blueprints, which must be submitted along with the permit application. These plans should include schematics from a licensed contractor and demonstrate a clear understanding of the project's size and scope.

The electrical permit application must include specific information and meet certain criteria to be approved. The applicant must be the owner, the owner's agent, or a licensed electrical contractor. If the applicant is not the electrical contractor, a signed statement on the electrical contractor's letterhead affirming their association with the project must accompany the application. Additionally, the owner or their agent must hire a licensed electrical inspection agency to perform all necessary inspections.

The electrical permit fee structure in Philadelphia is based on the estimated cost of electrical construction. The fee is $25 for each $1000 or fraction thereof of the estimated cost. This fee is non-refundable and will be counted towards the final permit fee. It's important to note that surcharges and fees are applied to all credit and debit card transactions, and checks or money orders should be made payable to the "City of Philadelphia."

Once the application and required documentation are submitted, the review process begins. Applications with plans are typically reviewed within 20 business days. However, applicants can request an accelerated plan review for an additional fee, which ensures a review within 5 business days. After the application is approved, the permit is issued, and the electrical work can commence. It's important to note that the City of Philadelphia may revoke permits if outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days, and additional permits cannot be obtained until the debt is resolved.

Frequently asked questions

The Philadelphia Electrical Permit is a document that allows electrical work to be carried out on a property.

The requirements include being current on all City of Philadelphia taxes, having current insurance on file with the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), and submitting a completed application, application materials, and payment.

The fee is $25 for each $1000 or fraction thereof of the estimated electrical construction cost.

You can apply for an Electrical Permit in Philadelphia online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. MSB, Public Service Concourse Philadelphia, PA 19102.

The office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment