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 maintenance codes address conditions that create blight and reduce neighborhood property values. Common violations include peeling or deteriorating exterior paint, broken or boarded windows, accumulated junk or debris, overgrown vegetation, damaged roofing, and non-functioning vehicles. Property owners receive written notice with a compliance deadline, typically 10 to 30 days. Vacant and abandoned properties may be subject to vacant property registration requirements. The municipality may abate nuisance conditions and charge the property owner.
Written notice with 10-30 day compliance period. Fines $100 to $1,000 per violation per day. Municipal abatement with costs liened against property.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia caps amplified music and other sound by decibels above background at the property boundary: 3 dB near hospitals/schools/houses of worship, 5 dB ...
Philadelphia, PA
On-street parking in Philadelphia is governed by Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code and enforced by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), with restriction...
Philadelphia, PA
No zoning permit is needed for a fence at or below the Zoning Code limits; exceeding them requires a permit and a ZBA appeal. A building permit is required f...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia generally prohibits keeping chickens, poultry, and livestock; farm animals (other than pigs) are allowed only on parcels of three or more acres,...
Philadelphia, PA
No Philadelphia-specific ordinance directly imposes wildland-style defensible-space or brush-clearance requirements; the dense urban setting means there is n...
Philadelphia, PA
True backyard ground fires (recreational fires and bonfires) are not freely allowed in Philadelphia. The Air Management Code Section 3-202 prohibits open fir...
See how Philadelphia's property blight rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.