Philadelphia County, PA Ordinances (2026)

Philadelphia County (coterminous with the City of Philadelphia) enforces the Good Cause Eviction ordinance, requiring landlords to cite one of several enumerated grounds before terminating or refusing to renew a residential tenancy under Phila. Code Chapter 9-800.

Pennsylvania has no rent control enabling statute, but also no explicit preemption. Philadelphia does not impose rent control. Good Cause eviction measures have been proposed but not enacted citywide.

Philadelphia County requires all residential rental units to hold a Rental License from the Department of Licenses and Inspections, a Certificate of Rental Suitability, and a current Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) number before collecting rent under Phila. Code 9-3901.

Philadelphia County aggressively enforces blight under the Vacant Property Strategy and Phila. Code Chapter 9-3900, including the Doors and Windows Ordinance requiring functional doors and windows on all vacant structures to prevent squatter access and deterioration.

Philadelphia County requires property owners to clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 6 hours of snowfall ending (or by 10 AM if snow ends overnight) per Phila. Code 10-720, with a 36-inch clear path required.

Philadelphia County permits residential garage and yard sales without a permit for casual personal property sales, but requires a Commercial Activity License if a resident conducts more than a few sales per year under Phila. Code 19-2602.

Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code requires all dwellings to maintain approved rigid trash containers with tight-fitting lids stored out of public view between collections, with rodent-proofing required under Phila. Code 6-806.

Philadelphia County requires vacant lot owners to maintain clean, graded, and secured parcels per Phila. Code 10-720, with grass under 10 inches, no dumping, and fencing required for lots creating a nuisance. CLIP program cleans problem lots at owner expense.

Philadelphia Zoning Code Title 14 sets setbacks by district. RSA-5 (rowhouse) typically 0-foot side, 9-foot rear. RSD (detached) requires 5-foot side, 20-foot front.

Philadelphia Zoning §14-701 sets height limits by district. RSA-5 rowhouse: 38 feet. CMX-3 mixed-use: 55 feet. CMX-5 Center City: unlimited with bonuses.

Philadelphia Zoning Code caps lot coverage by district. RSA-5: 75% max. RSD-3: 30% max. Open area minimum varies 25-70% by district.

Philadelphia Bill 200296 allows residents to apply for EV-only curb space near their home (EV Parking Program). Private charger installation via L&I electrical permit.

Philadelphia has no general overnight parking ban. Residential Permit Parking zones enforce 24/7 in most districts. Check posted signs for district-specific rules.

Philadelphia requires curb cut permits from Streets Department for new driveways. Blocking your own driveway is not enforced, but blocking others violates Phila Code 12-913.

Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) enforces on-street parking under Phila Code Title 12. Residential Permit Parking program covers 35+ neighborhoods. Meters typically 8 AM-8 PM.

Philadelphia Code Title 12 prohibits parking recreational vehicles, trailers, and boats on city streets for more than 24 hours. No overnight on-street RV parking.

Philadelphia Code 12-913(1)(p) prohibits parking commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR on residential streets overnight. Loading zones regulated by PPA.

Philadelphia Code 12-2407 defines abandoned vehicles as those left on streets 7+ days. PPA tows and processes through PA Vehicle Code Title 75 Chapter 73.

Philadelphia County HOA architectural committees derive authority from recorded CCRs and 68 Pa.C.S. §5302. Decisions must be reasonable, applied uniformly, and rendered within timelines set by governing documents.

Philadelphia County HOAs and condominium boards follow PA Uniform Planned Community Act (68 Pa.C.S. §5101 et seq.) and PA Uniform Condominium Act (68 Pa.C.S. §3101). Annual meetings, quorum requirements, and open record access are mandated.

Philadelphia County HOA disputes are handled per association governing documents and PA courts. Many declarations require mediation or arbitration before litigation. Small claims under 12,000 dollars in Phila. Municipal Court.

Philadelphia County HOAs enforce CCRs through fines, suspension of privileges, and court action per 68 Pa.C.S. §5302. Violation notice and opportunity to cure required before fining.

Philadelphia County HOA assessments are governed by 68 Pa.C.S. §5314-5315. Unpaid dues become a lien on the unit. Special assessments over set thresholds typically require owner vote.

Philadelphia County requires permits from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to prune, trim, or remove street trees. Private property trees generally do not require permits but must not overhang public right-of-way unsafely.

Philadelphia County allows and encourages rainwater harvesting. Philadelphia Water Department offers Rain Check program with free or discounted rain barrels to residents. No permit required for residential rain barrels. Larger cistern systems may require plumbing review.

Philadelphia County permits artificial turf on residential and commercial properties, but stormwater regulations may apply. PWD Stormwater Regulations count artificial turf as impervious surface, potentially requiring stormwater controls on larger installations.

Philadelphia County limits grass and weeds to 10 inches on all residential and commercial properties under the Property Maintenance Code. Violations trigger CLIP cleanup with costs billed to owner as a lien.

Philadelphia County encourages native plants for landscaping under the Green City Clean Waters plan. Zoning Code Section 14-705 requires approved plant species for new development landscape plans, favoring natives. No prohibition on residential native plant use.

Philadelphia County prohibits noxious weeds and uncontrolled vegetation over 10 inches under the Property Maintenance Code. PA Noxious Weed Law also applies statewide. Enforcement by L&I and CLIP program with liens for cleanup costs.

Philadelphia County does not impose routine outdoor water use restrictions. Philadelphia Water Department may issue voluntary conservation requests during drought. PA DEP drought declarations may trigger mandatory restrictions during severe events.

Philadelphia County requires permits from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to remove any street tree. Removal of private property trees generally does not require a permit except in certain zoning overlays or for trees protected under the Zoning Code tree replacement rules.

Philadelphia County enforces a juvenile curfew under Phila. Code 10-303, with minors under 18 prohibited from public places from 10 PM to 6 AM on school nights and midnight to 6 AM on weekends. Enhanced summer curfew zones apply.

Philadelphia County parks close from 1 AM to 6 AM daily unless otherwise posted, with entry during closed hours punishable as trespass under Phila. Code 10-611 and Fairmount Park regulations.

Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code (PM-304 et seq.) requires owners to keep structures free of rodents and insects. Landlords must provide extermination in multi-unit buildings.

Philadelphia County requires scaffold permits through L&I under Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code (Title 4). Sidewalk sheds required for work above 40 feet adjacent to pedestrian ways.

Philadelphia Lead Paint Disclosure and Certification Law (Phila. Code §6-800) requires landlords of pre-1978 rental units with children under 6 to provide lead-safe or lead-free certification. Expanded citywide effective October 2020.

Philadelphia elevators regulated under PA Department of Labor & Industry (34 Pa. Code Ch. 7) and Phila. Building Code. Annual inspection, certificate of operation, and ASME A17.1 compliance required.

Philadelphia County prohibits home cultivation of cannabis. Pennsylvania permits only state-licensed commercial cultivation under the Medical Marijuana Act (Act 16 of 2016), and no residential grow is legal even for registered medical patients.

Philadelphia County permits state-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries only in commercial and industrial zoning districts, with 1,000-foot buffers from schools and daycares per Phila. Zoning Code 14-603(13) and PA Act 16 siting rules.

Philadelphia County mandates single-stream recycling collection weekly under Phila. Code 10-717.1, with commingled paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics 1-5 and 7 accepted. Source separation of recyclables from trash is required by Pennsylvania Act 101.

Philadelphia County residents may dispose of up to two bulk items (furniture, mattresses, appliances) per week at curbside on regular collection day, with white goods containing refrigerant requiring special preparation per Phila. Streets Department rules.

Philadelphia County Streets Department provides once-weekly curbside trash and recycling collection for buildings with six or fewer units. Set-out is allowed no earlier than 7 PM the evening before scheduled pickup per Phila. Code 10-717.

Philadelphia requires trash and recycling to be placed at the curbline directly in front of the property, with containers removed from the public right-of-way within 12 hours of collection under Phila. Code 10-717 and 10-722.

Philadelphia County limits customer visits to home businesses under Zoning Code Section 14-603(13). Traffic and activity must not exceed typical residential levels. Excessive client visits, deliveries, or parking demand triggers zoning violation.

Philadelphia County family child care homes (4-6 children) require PA DHS certification under 55 Pa. Code Ch. 3290. Family daycare is permitted in residential zones as a home occupation under Phila. Zoning Code §14-603(13) with registration and fire inspection.

Philadelphia home occupations are regulated under Phila. Zoning Code §14-603(13). Permitted accessory use in RSA/RM residential zones with limits on floor area, employees, and customer visits. Commercial Activity License required.

Philadelphia County follows PA Limited Food Establishment law (Act 106 of 2022) allowing home-based sale of non-hazardous foods with PA Department of Agriculture registration. Annual sales cap and labeling rules apply. Philadelphia home occupation zoning rules also apply.

Philadelphia County prohibits most home business signage in residential districts. Zoning Code Section 14-603(13)(d) allows only one non-illuminated nameplate sign up to 2 square feet. No window, yard, or vehicle advertising signs permitted for home occupations.

Philadelphia County allows home occupations in all residential districts under Zoning Code Section 14-603(13). Must be secondary to residential use, conducted by resident, and not change the residential character of the property. No manufacturing or retail sales on site.

Philadelphia limits Limited Lodging STRs to maximum 3 overnight guests per unit. Whole-home Limited Lodging Operator units capped at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional, per Phila. Code §9-3803.

Philadelphia STR operators must carry minimum 500000 dollars liability insurance per Phila. Code §9-3804. Airbnb and Vrbo host protection programs may satisfy this requirement if equivalent coverage is documented.

Philadelphia STRs must comply with Phila. Zoning Code §14-802 parking standards. No additional off-street parking required for Limited Lodging in primary residence; Visitor Accommodations must meet commercial hotel parking ratios.

Philadelphia caps Limited Lodging Operator (whole-home, non-host-occupied) STRs at 90 nights per calendar year. Host-occupied Limited Lodging has no night cap. Visitor Accommodations in CMX zones have no cap.

Philadelphia STR guests pay 8.5 percent Hotel Room Rental Tax plus 6 percent PA state sales tax, totaling 14.5 percent. Hosts must register with Phila. Department of Revenue and remit monthly.

Philadelphia STRs must comply with Phila. Code §10-400 noise ordinance. Quiet hours 10 PM-8 AM. STR hosts are liable for guest noise violations and may lose license after repeated complaints.

Philadelphia STR hosts must register with L&I, obtain a Commercial Activity License, and display license number on all listings. Annual renewal required with updated inspection.

Philadelphia 2021 Visitor Accommodations law requires all STRs to obtain a Limited Lodging or Hotel license from L&I. Hosts must register, pass inspection, and operate only in primary residence (Limited Lodging) or licensed hotel zones.

Philadelphia County is not designated as a wildfire hazard zone. Pennsylvania does not use California-style WUI mapping, and Philadelphia is a dense urban jurisdiction with minimal wildfire exposure and no defensible space requirements.

Philadelphia County requires working smoke alarms in all residential dwellings per the Philadelphia Fire Code. Alarms must be on every floor and within sleeping areas. Rental units require 10-year sealed battery or hardwired units under Section F-907.

Philadelphia County allows small backyard recreational fires in approved containers with restrictions. Fires must be attended, located 15 feet from structures, and use only clean wood or charcoal. Air Management Services may restrict on Air Quality Action Days.

Philadelphia County requires property owners to maintain lots free of accumulated combustible vegetation, weeds, and debris under the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code. Vacant lot cleaning is enforced by the Department of Licenses and Inspections. No statewide wildfire…

Philadelphia County prohibits the discharge of consumer fireworks within most of the city due to density restrictions. PA Act 43 of 2017 legalized consumer fireworks statewide but prohibits discharge within 150 feet of occupied structures, which effectively bans them in most…

Philadelphia County permits residential recreational fire pits with restrictions. Fires must be in approved containers, small in size, use clean dry wood only, and be attended at all times. Must be located at least 15 feet from structures and property lines per International…

Philadelphia County prohibits open burning of yard waste, leaves, trash, and construction debris under the Philadelphia Air Management Code. Only small recreational fires in approved containers are allowed. PA DEP burn rules under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 129 also apply.

Philadelphia requires Mobile Food Vending License from Dept of Licenses & Inspections plus Philadelphia Health Department food permit. Location-specific permits via Streets Department.

Philadelphia Code 9-205 restricts mobile vending in Center City, around City Hall, Love Park, and most of the Central Business District. University City and neighborhoods more permissive.

Philadelphia uses a "background-plus" decibel system rather than fixed dB ceilings. Residential properties must stay within 3 dB above background at the property line. Non-residential sources are allowed 5 dB above background at the nearest residential boundary and 10 dB at…

Vehicle noise in Philadelphia County is regulated by Philadelphia Code §10-403 and PA Vehicle Code Title 75 §4303. Modified exhaust, loud stereos, and engine revving prohibited; dirt bikes and ATVs banned on city streets.

Commercial noise in Philadelphia County is capped at 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at residential property lines per Philadelphia Code §10-403. HVAC, delivery, and mechanical equipment must comply.

Aircraft noise in Philadelphia County is primarily federal jurisdiction (FAA). Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) operates a Noise Compatibility Program and complaint hotline; local ordinances cannot regulate aircraft in flight.

Amplified music and sound equipment in Philadelphia County require a permit under Philadelphia Code §10-408. Sound cannot exceed 5 dBA above ambient at the property line; outdoor amplification prohibited after 10 PM.

Philadelphia County restricts gas-powered leaf blowers under Bill No. 210957-A; commercial use limited to 8 AM to 6 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 5 PM Saturdays. A phased ban on gas leaf blowers begins 2026.

Philadelphia County is coextensive with the City of Philadelphia; Philadelphia Code Title 10 Chapter 10-400 sets nighttime quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM weekends. Residential sound limits apply countywide.

Construction noise in Philadelphia County is restricted to 7 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday per Philadelphia Code §10-403(3). Sunday and holiday construction generally prohibited without a special permit from L&I.

Barking dogs in Philadelphia County are regulated under Philadelphia Code §10-404 as a public nuisance when barking persists more than 10 minutes continuously or intermittently for 30 minutes. PA Dog Law applies countywide.

Philadelphia pool barriers must be 48 inches minimum height per IRC Section R326 / Appendix G. Self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward required. Latches 54 inches above grade.

Philadelphia hot tubs and spas deeper than 24 inches require a permit and 48-inch barrier. Locking safety cover per ASTM F1346 may substitute for barrier fence on hot tubs.

Philadelphia above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches require a building permit and must meet 48-inch barrier rule. Pool wall may serve as barrier if 48 inches high with removable/lockable ladder.

Philadelphia County requires L&I building permits for all in-ground pools and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep per Phila. Building Code (based on IRC). Permit includes electrical, plumbing, and barrier review.

Philadelphia pools must have anti-entrapment drain covers (federal VGBA), GFCI-protected circuits, and NEC Article 680 equipotential bonding. Public/semi-public pools require lifeguards or posted no-lifeguard signage.

Philadelphia County prohibits most exotic and wild animals under Philadelphia Code §10-109. Banned: non-human primates, big cats, venomous reptiles, bears, wolves, and most constrictors over 6 feet.

Philadelphia County prohibits feeding wildlife that creates a public nuisance under Philadelphia Code §10-115. Feeding deer, feral cats without TNR program, and pigeons on public property restricted.

Philadelphia County limits households to 12 dogs or cats combined per Philadelphia Code §10-102. More than 12 animals requires a kennel license from the PA Department of Agriculture.

Beekeeping is permitted in Philadelphia County under Philadelphia Code §10-108 with hive registration. PA Bee Law 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21 requires registration with PA Department of Agriculture within 10 days of acquiring bees.

Backyard chickens are generally PROHIBITED in Philadelphia County. Philadelphia Code §10-112 bans keeping poultry, livestock, and fowl in residential areas without a farm license. Urban homesteading not permitted citywide.

Philadelphia County requires all dogs on leashes no longer than 6 feet when off owner property per Philadelphia Code §10-104. PA Dog Law 3 P.S. §459-305 requires confinement or control countywide.

Philadelphia County has NO breed-specific legislation. All dog regulations are behavior-based per PA Dog Law 3 P.S. §459-502-A. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and other breeds are legal countywide.

Philadelphia requires Erosion and Sediment Control plans approved by PWD and Philadelphia Conservation District for earth disturbances of 5,000+ sq ft, per PA Chapter 102.

Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) Stormwater Regulations require Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) for any project disturbing 15,000+ sq ft or creating 15,000+ sq ft impervious.

Philadelphia straddles the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers with extensive FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. Floodplain construction regulated by Phila Code Title 14-704 and PWD.

Philadelphia grading work requires L&I site/grading permits. Drainage must connect to PWD sewer system; no discharge to neighbors. Combined sewer system requires stormwater controls.

Philadelphia Zoning §14-706 requires lighting be shielded and not cast glare onto adjacent property. Nuisance complaints handled by L&I through 311.

Philadelphia has no dark-sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting in commercial districts governed by Zoning Code §14-706 performance standards (no direct glare onto adjacent property).

Philadelphia County does not require a garage sale permit for occasional residential yard sales under Phila. Code 19-2602. Frequent sellers or those acquiring inventory for resale must obtain a Commercial Activity License.

Commercial drone operations in Philadelphia County require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, LAANC authorization for PHL Class B airspace, and Philadelphia filming permits for use of city property under Phila. Code 10-611 and Commerce Department rules.

Philadelphia County lies entirely within Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Class B airspace, requiring FAA LAANC authorization for all recreational drone flights. Local takeoff/landing in city parks is prohibited without permit per Phila. Code 10-611.

Philadelphia County follows Pennsylvania common law for shared fences; no statewide cost-sharing statute. Each owner responsible for their own fence; party walls covered separately under Philadelphia Code §9-200.

Philadelphia County permits wood, vinyl, metal, masonry, and chain-link fencing under Zoning Code §14-706. Barbed wire and electric fencing prohibited in residential districts. Historic districts restrict materials further.

Philadelphia County requires a zoning permit for all fences from L&I regardless of height. Building permits additionally required for fences over 6 feet per PA Uniform Construction Code.

Philadelphia County requires pool fencing per PA Uniform Construction Code and IRC R326. Minimum 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates required for all pools over 24 inches deep.

Philadelphia County requires clear sight triangles at intersections per Philadelphia Code §11-508. Fences, walls, and vegetation over 30 inches prohibited within 25 feet of corner intersections.

Philadelphia County fence heights are limited by Philadelphia Zoning Code §14-706: 4 feet in front yards, 6 feet in side and rear yards for residential districts. Commercial and industrial zones allow up to 8 feet.

Philadelphia County requires zoning review for sheds but exempts structures under 100 sq ft from building permits. Setbacks typically 3 feet from side and rear property lines in residential districts. Max height 15 feet under Zoning Code Section 14-604.

Philadelphia County does not have tiny home specific zoning. Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet full Philadelphia Building Code standards. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences on residential lots.

Philadelphia County regulates carports as accessory structures under Zoning Code Section 14-604. Typically permitted in rear and side yards with setback requirements. Building permit required for permanent structures. Front-yard carports generally prohibited in residential zones.

Philadelphia County allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in certain residential zoning districts under the Zoning Code. Some RSA (single-family) districts permit them by right or special exception. Building permits required. No PA state ADU mandate exists.

Philadelphia County requires full building permits and zoning approval for garage conversions to habitable space. Must meet Philadelphia Building Code egress, ventilation, insulation, and ceiling height requirements. Parking replacement may be required.

Philadelphia County enforces No Solicitation postings under Phila. Code 9-205(4), requiring licensed canvassers to immediately leave any property displaying a No Soliciting or No Trespassing sign. Do Not Call registries apply for phone solicitations.

Philadelphia County requires commercial solicitors and peddlers to obtain a Sidewalk Vendor License or Door-to-Door Solicitor License from the Department of Licenses and Inspections before canvassing under Phila. Code 9-203 and 9-205.

Philadelphia L&I issues solar PV permits via eCLIPSE. Electrical and building permits required. PECO interconnection under PA Act 129. Historic districts need Philadelphia Historical Commission review.

Pennsylvania has no statewide solar access law preempting HOAs. Most Philadelphia rowhouses lack HOAs, but Planned Community condos and some developments may restrict panels.

Philadelphia County allows temporary garage sale signs on private property during the sale day, but prohibits placement on utility poles, trees, traffic signs, or public rights-of-way per Phila. Code 10-812 and Zoning Code 14-904.

Philadelphia County permits residential political signs on private property as protected political speech under the First Amendment, with reasonable size and placement limits under Phila. Zoning Code 14-904. No permit is required.

Philadelphia County places no specific regulation on residential holiday decorations and temporary seasonal displays on private property under Phila. Zoning Code 14-904, which exempts temporary holiday decorations from permit and size requirements.

Philadelphia L&I response times vary by violation severity. Emergency safety hazards receive same-day response. Standard complaints are investigated within 1-3 weeks. Violation notices typically allow 30 days for correction. Complex cases can take months to fully resolve.

Philadelphia uses 311 (Philly311) as the primary system for reporting code violations. Residents can call 311, dial 215-686-8686 from outside the city, use the Philly311 website, or the Philly311 mobile app. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) handles enforcement.

Common code violations in Philadelphia include working without permits, failing to adhere to approved plans, zoning violations, unsafe building conditions, property maintenance failures, and unpermitted occupancy changes. The city's aging housing stock generates significant…

Pennsylvania does not maintain a state-level prohibited invasive plant list with enforcement provisions comparable to some other states. Philadelphia follows DCNR guidance on invasive species and its own landscaping code (Title 14) for property standards.

Philadelphia does not have a specific bamboo ordinance, unlike several surrounding suburban municipalities. However, running bamboo that encroaches on neighboring properties may be addressed as a nuisance under Pennsylvania common law and city property maintenance codes.

Philadelphia generally permits front-yard gardens. The city's zoning code (Title 14) does not prohibit food gardens in residential front yards. Gardens must be maintained and not create nuisance conditions. Philadelphia has an active urban farming and community gardening…

In Philadelphia, sheds up to 120 sq ft located in the rear yard of one- or two-family dwellings do not require a building permit. Larger sheds require permits. Sheds between 120 and 200 cubic feet need a zoning permit but not a building permit.

Many fence installations in Philadelphia do not require permits. Chain-link fences at or below zoning height limits in single-family areas are exempt. Taller or non-standard fences may require building or zoning permits. Historic district properties may need Historical…

Low decks within building lines (12 inches or less above ground, not over a basement) do not require permits in Philadelphia. Rear-yard decks accessory to one-family dwellings may be exempt. Larger or elevated decks may qualify for EZ permits (permits without plans) up to 216 sq…

Most renovation work in Philadelphia requires building permits under Section A-301.1 of the Philadelphia Building Code. Some projects qualify for EZ permits (without plans). Cosmetic work like painting and basic flooring is exempt. L&I handles all permit applications.

Security cameras are widely used in Philadelphia, with approximately 30.73 cameras per 1,000 residents. Video-only recording in public-facing areas is legal. Audio recording triggers Pennsylvania's strict two-party consent wiretap law (Title 18, Chapter 57).

Pennsylvania has one of the strictest recording consent laws in the nation. The Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act (WESCA, Title 18 Chapter 57) requires all-party consent. Unauthorized recording is a third-degree felony with up to 7 years in prison and $15,000…

Philadelphia allows residential fences without permits in many cases. Chain-link fences up to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in rear/side yards generally do not require permits. Other fence types and heights may require zoning or building permits.