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 a formal code interpretation, also known as a “Preliminary Plan Review.”

To file an appeal, complete the appeal application form and attach a copy of the Notice of Refusal, an authorization letter and a check made payable to the City of Philadelphia for the amount shown on the Notice of Refusal, and mail or deliver in person to:

Boards Administration Unit
1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Municipal Services Building – 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1687

Phone: (215) 686-2419

Complete Instructions and Forms

Board of Building Standards Appeal Instructions
Board of Building Standards Appeal Form

Plumbing Advisory Board Appeal Form

Upon receipt of a complete appeal application package, a hearing date will be scheduled by the Boards Administration Unit. Hearings are generally scheduled within four (4) weeks of receipt of a complete appeal application package. If you have specific time constraints, please request information on accelerated hearing requests.

Owner’s Authorization Letter

All appeals to the Board of Building Standards must be accompanied by an authorization statement from the property owner or property manager, unless the applicant is also the property owner. This authorization is also required if an owner-applicant will not attend the hearing and elects to send his/her representative.

Board of Building Standards Owner’s Authorization Letter

Appeals Related to Accessibility Requirements

Per the PA Uniform Construction Code, accessibility appeals need to be directed to the Accessibility Advisory Board of PA Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. See the petition forms for instructions. Site plans may be required to be filed with those petitions.

PA Accessibility Advisory Board Appeal Form

Visit the Appeals Calendar for full listings of Appeal Hearings.