Vendor Licenses
A license is required of any vendor selling from a sidewalk stand, a pushcart, a motor vehicle or by foot. In addition to the license, the City of Philadelphia Code limits or prohibits vendors from selling in certain areas.
Temporary Vendor on Foot License
This license is required for the taking of orders, and as a separate transaction, making deliveries to purchasers. A license is required for any period from one day to one year.
Temporary Sidewalk Sales License
Required for anyone who exhibits, displays, offers for sale or sells any goods, wares or merchandise from any stand while on the sidewalks of the City of Philadelphia.
Temporary Pushcart Vendor License
Required of those who offer merchandise for sale from a wagon, handcart, pushcart or stand. A license is required for any period from one day to one year.
Firearms – Storage, License Information
This permit is no longer required by the City of Philadelphia.
Tobacco and Tobacco-related Products Tax
The Tobacco and Tobacco-related Products Tax is paid on items sold by retailers and by vending machines.
Sales and Use Tax
The City of Philadelphia imposes a Sales and Use tax.
Preliminary Plan Review Process
A preliminary plan review may be requested to identify potential code issues, attain code interpretations or seek a variance during the initial design phase of a project. The preliminary plan review and any associated variances are only applicable to the code edition under which the review was conducted. To obtain... Learn More
Project Information Sign Requirements for Construction, Demolition, Addition or Alteration projects
Project information signs are required for all construction, demolition, addition, or alteration projects. Please see the Major Building Requirements and all Other Building Requirements for more details.
Permit Appeals
Filing an Appeal Before you can file an appeal, you will need a formal code decision from the Department of Licenses and Inspections. This decision comes in the form of a Notice of Refusal document. This document is obtained from the plan examiner reviewing your permit application or request for... Learn More
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.
Alterations Permit
To obtain a Building Permit for alterations, gather the materials listed below and submit a completed permit application in-person at the Municipal Services Building (MSB) Concourse.
EZ Permits
EZ Permits are permits that Do Not Require the Submission of Plans
New Construction and Additions Permit
To obtain a Building Permit for new construction or an addition, gather the materials listed below and submit a completed permit application in-person at the Municipal Services Building (MSB) Concourse.
Making Your Location Decision
There are a number of existing buildings and build-to-suit opportunities for every type of business user. Many properties and buildings are located within special incentive zones, and sometimes City-owned or tax delinquent properties are available for development purposes.