Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA (2026)

City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses & Inspections – Get a Building Permit (projects that may not need permits)

For some projects, you may not even need a Building Permit at all. As long as your property is not on the Philadelphia Historic Registry, you often don't need a permit for: Repairs related to regular maintenance. Fencing up to six feet in height. Retaining walls up to two feet in height. Accessory structures and features: Detached structures, like sheds, for one-or-two-family dwellings, 200 sq....

City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses & Inspections – Get a Fence Permit

You need permits for certain kinds of fencing. You probably need a permit if your fence will be: Taller than 6 feet. Made of heavy material, like masonry or concrete. Located directly along a street front. A Building Permit is always required if the property is on the Philadelphia Historic Registry or in the 100-year floodplain. Non-masonry (wood, metal, vinyl): Front yard up to 4 ft.—None (Exc...

City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses & Inspections – Get a Building Permit

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 of any part of a building. Increases the occupant load in a space. Includes major repairs that aren't part of regular mainten...