Buying, selling, or investing in property in Philadelphia just got a little easier. The City of Philadelphia has introduced a centralized online portal designed to streamline permits, licenses, and property violation information — a major win for homeowners, buyers, real estate agents, and contractors.

What You Can Do Through the Philadelphia Permit and License Portal

The city’s portal serves as a one-stop hub for property-related services, including:

• Applying for building and zoning permits

• Obtaining rental and vacant property licenses

• Securing certificates of occupancy or rental suitability certificates

• Viewing property violation histories

• Paying tickets, fines, or violations

• Scheduling inspections and in-person appointments with the Permit and License Center

• Appealing notices or denied permits

• Verifying contractor licenses

• Reporting unpermitted work

For Philadelphia real estate professionals, this tool is especially valuable. Realtors and investors can quickly check for violations on a property, confirm whether licenses are up to date, and avoid costly surprises that might delay a closing.

Why This Matters for Philadelphia Real Estate

Navigating permits and licenses has always been one of the trickiest parts of the real estate process. By consolidating everything into one online hub, the city is making it easier for property owners and agents to ensure compliance. This means fewer transaction delays, better transparency, and more confidence for buyers and sellers.

If you’re buying, selling, or renovating in Philadelphia, it’s a good idea to get familiar with this portal early on. It can save time, prevent headaches, and help ensure your deal moves forward smoothly.

Source

Information for this article was adapted from the City of Philadelphia (August 2025).