In response to Governor Wolf’s order to shut down construction sites in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections has extended the time for construction sites to safely close and offers the following guidance. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
For Philadelphia Only:
Construction work must stop by Friday, March 27, 2020 at 5 p.m.
The additional time is provided in the interest of public safety and protection against unnecessary property damage.
Construction sites must be made safe and secure by March 27 at 5 p.m.
Contractors are directed to take proper measures to protect adjacent properties, remove or fasten items that are or could become loose, secure sites against trespass, and complete work necessary to protect and ensure the structural integrity of buildings under construction.
Occupied residential properties must be left in safe and habitable condition.
GBCA has compiled a guide to assist you in closing your projects due to the State ordered shutdown. While it is not an all-inclusive, one size fits all guide, we hope it will help in this unprecedented time.
Routine maintenance and repair of existing buildings is exempted from the order and may continue.
Emergency systems repair and replacement are also exempted and may continue. The work must be performed by a license contractor and with permits as required by the Philadelphia Administrative Code. Examples include: Roof repair, Plumbing leaks, Hot water heater replacement, and Fire safety systems repair.
Contractors must obtain permits within 3 days of the emergency repair or replacement. At this time, new permit applications must be filed using the eCLIPSE system.
New Jersey Update:
Additionally, to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and protect the capacity of New Jersey’s health care system for the state’s most vulnerable, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 107, directing all residents to stay at home until further notice. The order explains that heavy construction may continue to operate but should limit staff on site to the minimal number to ensure that essential operations can continue.
GBCA will continue to provide updates as we get more information.
Resources
Philadelphia Licenses & Inspections Guidance
AGC Webinar Series
Guide for Safely Closing Projects
Eclipse System
NJ Executive Order No., 107
