Get a Mechanical Permit

You need a Mechanical Permit to install devices regulated by the Philadelphia Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes. This includes:

You don't need a Mechanical Permit for:

Boiler installations are regulated by the PA Department of Labor and Industry.

Some kinds of mechanical work are eligible for EZ permits, which do not require you to submit plans. This includes:

Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply. Authorized agents may include:

The permit application must include the complete scope of work and current owner information.

A licensed contractor must perform all work. The contractor must:

Sheet metal work must be performed by a registered sheet metal technician or apprentice employed by the contractor.

If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.

Plans are not required if the work is eligible for an EZ permit.

For historic properties

You need approval from

The Historical Commission

What's needed

You must have this approval in order to apply. L&I will refuse your permit application without Historical Commission approval. See how to get approval for work to a historic property.

In-person submission

You’ll need your plans with stamped approval from the Historical Commission before you make your application at the Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Submit your stamped plan as proof of approval when making your application.

Online submission

Upload all plans and materials required by the Philadelphia Historical Commission when you apply for your permit in eCLIPSE.

The Historical Commission will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

For some healthcare and other medical facilities

You need approval from

The Pennsylvania Department of Health

What's needed

Your plan must be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Find more information about what's needed and how to get approval.

In-person submission

You must submit a plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Health for compliance before applying at the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). Bring a copy of your permit when you submit your L&I application at Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Online submission

Upload a copy of your approved plan and letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Health when applying for your permit through eCLIPSE.

For encroachments in the City right-of-way

You need approval from

The Department of Streets

What's needed

You’ll need to complete a Streets plan review. See Streets’ plan review requirements and applicable forms for more information.

In-person submission

You must submit your Streets-approved plans with your other application materials when you apply in person at the Permit and License Center in MSB.

Online submission

Upload all plans and materials required by the Department of Streets when you apply for your L&I permit through eCLIPSE. The Department of Streets will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

For exhaust systems for enclosed or underground parking garages with more than 10 vehicles

You need approval from

The Department of Public Health – Air Management Services (AMS)

What's needed

You must work with Air Management and get an installation permit from Air Management Services prior to installing an underground or enclosed parking garage with a capacity of more than 10 vehicles.

In-person submission

Bring a copy of your Air Management permit when you submit your Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) application at Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Online submission

Upload a copy of your approved installation permit from AMS when you apply for your permit in eCLIPSE.

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.

You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.

Permit and License Center1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.MSB, Public Service ConcoursePhiladelphia, PA 19102

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

This fee is nonrefundable and must be turned in with your application. The fee will be credited toward the final permit fee.

Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.

To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review Request form and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.

(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.)

(Items paid at the Cashier's Station will be mailed within five business days.)

L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:

If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:

If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.

If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

Before a permit may be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.

Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information and required inspections will be noted on your permit.

A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.

If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.

If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

When the contractor is ready to start work, request an inspection through eCLIPSE or by calling (215) 255-4040.

Approval documents will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.

If you have any questions, submit an online request to 311 or call 311. Call (215) 686-8686 if you are outside Philadelphia.