Garages / Parking
Required
Download PDF
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.
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.
Public Garage or Lot License
This license is required to maintain an outdoor space for the storing of three or more vehicles for a fee.
Air Permits for Parking Garages and Lots
Any enclosed or below ground parking garage must have a mechanical ventilation system to prevent build up of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. A pre-construction permit must be approved by AMS prior to installing a mechanical ventilation system to assure compliance with AMS requirements.
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.
Have a Recycling Plan
All commercial properties receiving private or city waste collection must complete the Commercial Solid Waste and Recycling Plan.
Documents You May Need
Download PDF
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.
Tow Company License
This license is required for the transportation of one vehicle by another service vehicle for a service charge.
Hazardous Materials License
This license is required for the storage, dispensing, use, or handling of hazardous material.
Dumpster License
Dumpsters in the public right of way require an annual, renewable license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
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.