Philadelphia, PA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Inspection frequency
- Yearly
- Who performs it
- Licensed pest control company
- Filing deadline
- 7 days after completion
- Exempt
- Gardened side yards/lots
- Base fine
- $300 per offense
Summary
Owners of vacant lots in Philadelphia must hire a licensed pest control company for a yearly inspection and rat remediation, then file certification of the work with the city within seven days of completion.
PM-309.6 Vacant lots. The owner of a vacant lot is required to perform yearly inspections and rat remediation by a licensed pest control company. Certification of each inspection and remediation must be filed with the department within seven days of completion. Exception: Side yards or lots that are continuously maintained as a garden are not subject to this requirement.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Property Maintenance Code PM-309.6, every vacant lot owner must arrange a yearly rat inspection and remediation performed by a licensed pest control company, and submit certification of each inspection and remediation to the Department of Public Health within seven days of completion. Side yards or lots that are continuously maintained as a garden are exempt. The Department of Public Health and the Department of Licenses and Inspections jointly enforce the section and may issue implementing regulations, on top of the routine grading, fencing and litter duties that already apply to vacant ground under the Property Maintenance Code.
Violations & Fines
No specific fine is listed for PM-309.6, so the code's Basic Fine applies: $300 per offense under A-601.1, plus city abatement costs and liens for uncorrected violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all vacant lots in Philadelphia need yearly rat inspections?
Who do I file the rat inspection certification with?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
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