Property Maintenance in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
5 verified property maintenance rules for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Trash Bin Storage
Philadelphia's refuse regulations under Chapter 10-700 require proper containment of trash. The city provides curbside collection for properties with 6 or fewer units. Dumpsters require a license under §10-722, with lids kept tightly secured and surrounding areas kept clean. The annual sanitation fee is $500 per property.
Philadelphia Trash Bin Storage & Placement
Some RestrictionsProperty Blight
Philadelphia's Property Maintenance Code (Title 4.2) addresses blight through multiple provisions. §PM-301.3 requires vacant structures and land to be maintained in a clean, safe, secure condition so as not to cause a blighting problem. §PM-306 requires vacant building owners to secure all openings. L&I can condemn and order remediation of blighted properties.
Philadelphia Property Blight & Nuisance Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsVacant Lot Maintenance
Phila. Code §PM-301.3 and §PM-302 require vacant lots to be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition. Weeds over 10 inches violate §PM-302.4. The city can enter and clear lots after notice, billing the owner. Standing water, rodent harborage, and inoperative vehicles on vacant lots are also violations.
Philadelphia Vacant Lot Maintenance Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk Clearing
Philadelphia property owners must clear a 30-inch-wide path along sidewalks within 6 hours of snowfall ending or by sunrise if snow falls at night. Ice must be treated with salt or ash. Owners are liable for noncompliance fines and civil slip-and-fall claims.
Philadelphia Sidewalk Snow Removal (Code §10-720)
Heavy RestrictionsGarage Sale Rules
Philadelphia does not have specific garage sale or yard sale regulations in its code. The Department of Licenses and Inspections has indicated that occasional yard sales do not require a permit. Frequent or regular sales may require a commercial activity license under Chapter 9-200. Sidewalk sales require an L&I license under §9-205.
Philadelphia Garage Sale Property Maintenance
Few RestrictionsLooking for Philadelphia County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Philadelphia city rules.
Property Maintenance in Philadelphia County →