Building Permit — Philadelphia
Philadelphia restaurant build-outs require an L&I building permit, issued after the zoning/use registration permit.
What it is. The building permit to enlarge, repair, change, add to, or install systems in a structure.
Who issues it. City of Philadelphia — Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) (City layer).
When you need it. Before construction; issued only after required zoning/use registration permits.
How to apply. Apply to L&I (online or the Permit and License Center); schedule and pass inspections.
Fees. Per the L&I fee schedule — see source (⟢ VERIFY).
What SpoonSeal tracks. The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.
References
- City of Philadelphia, Permits and certificates (L&I) — https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/permits-and-certificates/ — Official source last checked: 2026-07-02
Stay ahead of this requirement
SpoonSeal stores your documents, tracks expirations, and reminds you before anything lapses — so you are always inspection-ready.
Get started free →This guide is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the official agency linked above.