The Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections has just expanded the scope of “Emergency Work” projects that are authorized to proceed under the current orders that regulate construction. Projects that conform with the expanded scope can now proceed with permits issued after March 20, 2020. In the updated FAQs, #1 and #2 reflect these changes (scroll down to read them).

You can see the full list of FAQ’s here:

SEE ALL FAQs

 

L&I FAQs Reflecting Changes to Scope of “Emergency Work”

1. What type of work is authorized? What is prohibited?

As of May 1, 2020, work associated with permits issued on or before March 20, 2020 may take place with the following exceptions:

  • Work may not be performed within an occupied dwelling unit or within any shared residential common area.
  • Underpinning work, demolition of attached structures, or any other work that requires the support of an existing party wall may not take place at this time, unless the work physically began on or before March 20, 2020.

Work may not be performed under permits issued after March 20, 2020, except:

  • Emergency work (see FAQ #2)
  • Work on health care, medical, and pharmaceutical care facilities
  • Work on critical infrastructure, including affordable housing projects approved by the Department of Planning and Development

 

2. What “emergency work” permitted after March 20, 2020 is authorized to proceed?

Emergency work authorized to proceed under permits issued after March 20, 2020 (see FAQ #1) includes the following:

  • Work needed for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Work required to correct code violations, including dangerous building violations under a make-safe permit
  • Façade repair and maintenance
  • Installation, repair, maintenance, testing and certification of fire protection systems including sprinklers, standpipes, fire pumps, fire alarms, fire and smoke dampers, and smoke control systems
  • Mechanical, electrical and plumbing system and equipment installation or replacement within existing buildings
  • Repairs to schools located in existing buildings