Before You Build in Philadelphia, PA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code §PM-303 requires all pools, hot tubs, and spas with water deeper than 24 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. The Philadelphia Residential Code Appendix G provides additional barrier design specifications.

Phila. Code §14-706 regulates retaining walls as part of fencing and wall standards. Any portion of a retaining wall above the higher grade level must comply with fence height requirements. Where a fence sits atop a retaining wall, the combined height cannot exceed the maximum permitted fence height.

Philadelphia caps residential fence height at 4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in side and rear yards under Phila. Code §14-706. Corner lots have sight-triangle restrictions. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential districts.

Philadelphia requires a 48-inch barrier around any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub holding water more than 24 inches deep. The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code (BCOC) adopts the IRC 2018 Appendix G / Section AG105 plus Property Maintenance Section PM-303. Pool barriers must be at least 48 inches above grade with maximum 2 inches between the barrier bottom and grade, and openings must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward away from the pool.

Above-ground pools in Philadelphia are subject to the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools under §PM-303. Pools with water deeper than 24 inches require a 48-inch barrier. The zoning code does not permit pools in front or side yards, and pools must be at least 2 feet from any property line.

Hot tubs and spas in Philadelphia must comply with §PM-303 safety requirements. Units with water deeper than 24 inches need a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Hot tubs with an ASTM F 1346 compliant safety cover are exempt from the barrier requirement. Electrical work requires an L&I permit.

Philadelphia ADUs are governed by Phila. Code §14-604(11). Limited to 800 sq ft, one per lot, allowed only in RSA-5/CMX-1 districts on lots ≥1,600 sq ft or in historic buildings. Owner must occupy the main unit or ADU. Zoning + Building permits required.

Converting a garage to living space or an ADU requires a Zoning Permit and Building Permit. Existing detached garages may qualify as the ADU structure under Phila. Code §14-604(11) in eligible districts. Owner-occupancy required if used as ADU.

Philadelphia does not have specific tiny home regulations. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted under §14-604(11) but must be within an existing principal building or existing detached accessory building. New freestanding ADU construction is not permitted by right. Tiny homes on wheels may be classified as RVs under §12-919.

Carports in Philadelphia are regulated as accessory structures under Phila. Code §14-604. They must be constructed in conjunction with or after the principal structure, comply with setback and height limits for the applicable zoning district, and obtain a zoning and building permit from L&I. In residential districts, they are typically permitted in side and rear yards.

Philadelphia Fire Code §F-307.1.2 governs portable outdoor fireplaces. Must be used per manufacturer instructions and kept 15 feet from structures. Must be non-combustible material enclosed with mesh no larger than 1 inch.

Open burning in Philadelphia is broadly prohibited under Phila. Code §3-202 (no burning of waste) and Philadelphia Fire Code §F-307. Recreational fires (≤3 ft diameter) are permitted with 25-foot clearance from structures.

Phila. Code §14-705 requires a landscape and tree preservation plan for development on lots over 5,000 sq ft. Heritage trees (24+ inch DBH of listed species) cannot be removed without meeting specific conditions or obtaining a special exception from the Zoning Board. Tree replacement is required per §14-705(1)(g).