Zoning & Use Registration Permit — Philadelphia
Philadelphia requires zoning and use registration permits (issued first) confirming a restaurant use before building permits or the CofO.
What it is. A zoning permit and, for a new/changed use, a use registration permit authorizing the restaurant use. L&I issues building permits and Certificates of Occupancy only after zoning/use registration permits are issued.
Who issues it. City of Philadelphia — Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) (City layer).
When you need it. Before building permits and occupancy; and on a change of use.
How to apply. Apply to L&I for the zoning/use registration permit.
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, Zoning permits — https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/permits-and-certificates/zoning-permits-and-approvals/ — 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.