Philadelphia's property maintenance code requires all premises to be free from rodent and insect infestation. The city operates a comprehensive rat abatement program and requires construction sites to submit Integrated Pest Management plans.
Under the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code (PM-309, PM-310), all premises must be kept free from insect and rodent infestation. The City of Philadelphia operates a dedicated rodent abatement program through the Streets Department's Sanitation Division. Construction projects must submit an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan prepared by a PA-licensed pest control company, including: initial site survey results, treatment plans, MSDS information for rodenticides, and a monitoring schedule. The Health Department's Vector Control program manages mosquito surveillance and abatement. PM-310 specifically addresses bed bug infestations, requiring landlords to remediate infestations in rental properties. Philadelphia's high-density row-home construction makes rodent control particularly challenging, as rats can move through connected basements. The city provides rat bait stations in certain neighborhoods and conducts targeted abatement campaigns. Residents can report rodent issues to 311. Trash management under the city's curbside collection system is closely linked to rodent control.
Property maintenance code violations: fines starting at $300 after notice to abate. Failure to submit a construction IPM plan: stop-work order. Landlords who fail to address infestations: rental license suspension.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia regulates on-street parking through the Philadelphia Parking Authority under Phila. Code Title 12. Residential Permit Parking (RPP) districts re...
Philadelphia, PA
Although Pennsylvania Act 43 of 2017 (and Act 74 of 2022) legalized consumer fireworks statewide, Philadelphia's Fire Code imposes some of the strictest loca...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Title 4 PM Code requires property maintenance but does not address orn...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by condo/HOA covenants. ...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants ...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through L+I...
See how Philadelphia's pest control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.