A use registration permit is required for every new use except a single-family dwelling, and accessory home occupations are specifically listed as accessory uses that require a permit. A simple home office (no employees or customers on site) is the exception and does not need a separate permit, but a home business with employees or visitors does.
Under Philadelphia Administrative Code A-301.1.5, a use registration permit is required for every new use commenced on any land or in any structure except use as a single-family dwelling. Most accessory uses do not need a separate permit, but the City's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) lists 'Accessory Home Occupations (see 14-604(10))' among the accessory uses that DO require a use registration permit. The practical dividing line is the home-occupation category: a pure 'home office' under Zoning Code Section 14-604(10)(b)(.1), conducted solely by residents with no employee or customer presence, is permitted as of right with no on-site activity, while a 'home business, professional' or 'home business, general' that brings nonresident employees or clients to the premises requires the zoning/use permit. You apply through L&I's eCLIPSE portal: filing fees are $25 for one- or two-family dwellings or $100 for all other uses, plus a $189 permit fee for each permitted use; a change-of-use application usually requires no plans and applications are processed within about 5 business days.
Operating a use without the required use registration permit is a zoning violation enforced by L&I through a Violation Notice. L&I may order the use to cease and may assess fines and daily penalties under Title 14 and the Administrative Code until the property is brought into compliance or a permit is obtained.
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