Food Safety Certificate
Food businesses in Philadelphia must have an employee certified in food safety present whenever they are operating, whether or not the business is open to the public. To obtain a City of Philadelphia Food Safety Certification you must first complete a food safety course (16 hours of instruction) with an... Learn More
Food inspections and regulations
The Department of Health conducts routine inspections of food facilities in the City of Philadelphia. Most inspections occur once a year. During routine inspections, inspectors stress the prevention of foodborne illness and educate food facility operators on proper food handling techniques. Food businesses in Philadelphia must have an employee certified... Learn More
Non-Rental Affidavit
This form is used for property owners who do not reside in properties they own and the tenant does not pay rent.
Special Inspector License
The Special Inspector license is required of persons engaged in special inspections as defined in Chapter 17 of the Philadelphia Building Code and performed on a City of Philadelphia Construction Permit for a licensed Special Inspection Agency.
The Special Inspector license is not required if inspections are performed by a licensed Accredited Special Inspection Agency.
Persons employed as a Special Inspector must work for a licensed Special Inspection Agency. This license does not authorize the operation of a business.
Special Inspection Agency License
The Special Inspector license is required of persons engaged in special inspections as defined in Chapter 17 of the Philadelphia Building Code and performed on a City of Philadelphia Construction Permit.
The Special Inspection Agency shall employ one (1) or more licensed Special Inspectors or maintain current accreditation from an established accreditation agency that has been approved by the Department.
Sheet Metal (Apprentice) License
A Sheet Metal Apprentice license allows an individual to install, maintain, and service sheet metal systems used in HVAC systems under a registered apprenticeship program and the supervision of a registered sheet metal technician.
Persons employed as a Sheet Metal Apprentice must work for a licensed contractor. This license does not authorize the operation of a business.
Plumber (Journeyman) License
A journey license allows an individual to perform plumbing work, including drainage, water piping, or the construction, alteration and repairing of any drainage, cesspools, trap, waste vent or water piping, and fixtures attached thereto, except gas or electric heaters.
Plumber (Apprentice) License
A Plumbing Apprentice license allows an individual to perform plumbing work under the direction of a licensed Master Plumber. Plumbing work includes drainage, water piping, or the construction, alteration and repairing of any drainage, cesspools, trap, waste vent or water piping, and fixtures attached thereto, except gas or electric heaters.
Fire Suppression System Apprentice
This license allows an individual to perform apprentice work involving installation, alteration, repair, testing, servicing, maintenance, inspection and/or certification of fire suppression systems under a Registered Fire Suppression System Apprenticeship Program.
Electrical Inspection Agency License
The Electrical Inspection Agency license is required of any company providing third party electrical code enforcement services. This license must be renewed annually.
Recycling and Trash Bin requirements for Food Businesses
Any business that sells prepared or prepackaged food for consumption off the premises MUST provide cans for trash and
recycling. These cans must be placed within ten (10) feet of the public entrance to the business during the business’ normal hours of operation.
How to open a Commercial Child Care Business
The City of Philadelphia regulates childcare facilities for zoning, building, health and fire code compliance. If you are planning to operate such a facility, you will need to know what type of child care/use group you intend to apply for in order to fill out the appropriate documentation. Child care... Learn More
Developer Services
The City of Philadelphia’s Development Services Program is a resource available through the Office of Planning and
Development to assist developers of major real estate projects in navigating the approval and regulatory process. The
Program brings together representatives from the City’s relevant departments and agencies in the form of a Development Services Committee, which meets with developers to provide coordinated feedback on projects.
Nuisance Business Law
The Nuisance Business Law was created to address the City’s commitment to reducing chronic nuisance behaviors in and around businesses to
improve the health, safety, and welfare of the community. This new law is critical to improving the quality of life in our business communities.
This law is an empowerment tool for business owners to be part of the solution by combatting nuisance behavior. When businesses are proactive in
deterring nuisance behavior, commercial corridors will prosper and neighborhoods will improve.
Immigrant Assistance Services Provider Legal Duties
Legal Duties of a Provider Services Every immigration assistance provider may only perform the following immigration services: Transcribing responses on a government agency form related to immigration matters, but not advising on answers Translations services- This includes translating information and instructions on a form as well as translating documents from... Learn More