Philadelphia, PA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Phila. Code § A-402 (Permit Inspections)
- Notice of start window
- 24 hours to 14 days before work
- Demolition initial inspection
- At least 48 hours before start
- Concealment rule
- No covering work until stage is approved
- Missed final inspection
- Permit becomes invalid, violations issued
- Entry authority
- Home Rule Charter § 5-1004
Summary
Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections runs permit work through staged inspections under Code Sec. A-402: preliminary, required stage inspections tied to each trade, and a final inspection before a certificate of occupancy issues. Work cannot be concealed until the code official signs off on that stage.
A-402.5 Final inspection: Upon completion of the work authorized by the permit and before issuance of the certificate of occupancy or final approval, a final inspection shall be made. All violations of the permit and approved construction documents shall be noted and the holder of the permit shall be notified of the violations. ... Where the permit holder does not provide for a final inspection, the permit shall become invalid and appropriate code violations shall be issued. A-402.9 Approval required: Work shall not be done nor concealed beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the code official. The code official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with the code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the code official.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Section A-402 of the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code sets the inspection sequence for every permit. 2). 1); if work does not start within 14 days of that notice, the holder must report the delay and give an updated start date. 7). 1, the code official may enter, at any reasonable time, any structure or premises for which a permit was issued to check compliance with the permit and the code, citing Home Rule Charter Sec. 5-1004 as the entry authority.
Violations & Fines
Concealing or covering work before the required stage inspection is approved is itself a code violation under A-402.9, separate from any defect found once the work is opened up. If the permit holder never calls for the final inspection required by A-402.5, the permit lapses automatically and L&I issues the appropriate code violations for work performed without a valid permit. On demolition sites, A-402.10.6.1 lets the Department issue a Stop Work order if pedestrian protection is not in place before demolition starts, and that order stays in effect until the protection is installed, inspected and approved by a code official.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I have to call for a final inspection in Philadelphia?
How much notice does Philadelphia require before starting permitted work?
Can I cover up framing or plumbing before it's inspected?
What inspections does a demolition permit require in Philadelphia?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
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