An establishment that uses a chemical solvent other than water to clean clothing and textiles. The solvent used is typically tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), which the industry calls “perc”. Please note that a Dry Cleaning facility is not allowed to use Perchloroethylene (Perc) if it shares a wall, ceiling, or floor with a sensitive facility such as a school, nursing home, or day care center.
Dry Cleaner
Required
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Obtain a Business Income and Receipts Tax ID
Every individual, partnership, association and corporation doing business in Philadelphia must file a Business Income and Receipts Tax Return in whether or not they earned a profit during the preceding year. Rental activities are usually considered business activities.
Obtain a Commercial Activity License
An Activity License is required for all businesses and non-profits operating in Philadelphia. This includes businesses that are located outside the city limits but do some or all of their business activity in the City.
Air Permits
The Department of Public Health Air Management Services (AMS) monitors the air quality and enforces city, state, and federal air quality standards in the City of Philadelphia.
Dry Cleaners License
As part of the City of Philadelphia’s license consolidation initiative, this license is no longer required.
Hazardous Materials License
This license is required for the storage, dispensing, use, or handling of hazardous material.
Pennsylvania Professional Licensing
Certain professionals and businesses require a license and state credential to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Documents You May Need
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Handbill Distribution License
This license is required for any distributor, distribution business, or person, who distributes commercial handbills on sidewalks, in public places, or door-to-door.
Have a Recycling Plan
All commercial properties receiving private or city waste collection must complete the Commercial Solid Waste and Recycling Plan.
Hazardous Materials License
This license is required for the storage, dispensing, use, or handling of hazardous material.
Signage
To obtain permission to install a sign on your business, gather the materials listed below and submit a completed permit application in-person at the Municipal Services Building (MSB) Concourse.
Use & Occupancy Tax
The Business Use and Occupancy Tax is a levy on the business, trade or other commercial use and occupancy of real estate located in Philadelphia.
Zoning and Use
The Philadelphia Zoning Code regulates development within the city. Zoning regulations govern land use, the height and size of buildings, population density, parking requirements, signage placement and the character of development on private property, and property uses.