Coronavirus Update: Philly L&I
Note: All Coronavirus updates are time sensitive and subject to change.
Please consult your attorney if you have questions regarding your specific situation.
On March 22, 2020, Philadelphia issued a new Business Activity and Stay at Home Order. This Order explained which construction activity is and is not authorized. The provisions of this Order took effect Monday, March 23, 2020, at 8 a.m.
The Business Activity and Stay at Home Order affects construction work as follows: [source]
1. Except as described in 1, 3, and 4 below, all construction work must stop by Friday, March 27th at 5 p.m.
The additional time is provided in the interest of public safety and protection against unnecessary property damage.
Construction sites must be made safe and secure by March 27 at 5 p.m.
Contractors are directed to take proper measures to protect adjacent properties, remove or fasten items that are or could become loose, secure sites against trespass, and complete work necessary to protect and ensure the structural integrity of buildings under construction.
In addition to providing safe and secure job sites, contractors must leave occupied residential properties in safe and habitable condition.
2. Non-emergency construction may continue on the following facilities and infrastructure only:
Medical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare facilities
City essential infrastructure projects (projects the City deems necessary to ensuring that the City can continue delivering critical infrastructure services).
3. The following repair and maintenance work may continue:
Emergency repairs to both residential and non-residential properties. Examples of authorized work include
Roof repair
Plumbing leak repair
Hot water heater replacement
Testing, maintenance, certification and repair of life safety systems (ex. fire alarms and sprinklers)
Heating or air conditioning system repair
For occupied residential properties only, non-emergency repairs and maintenance necessary for the safety, sanitation, and functional operation of the household.
Contractors must obtain permits within 3 days of the emergency repair or replacement. At this time new permit applications must be filed using the eCLIPSE system.
4. “Make-safe” work to address violations for imminently dangerous or unsafe properties is authorized.
You must obtain a “make-safe” permit in person at the L&I district office at 1512 Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
You must make an advance appointment through this online form.
More information is available here.
NOTES:
For work that requires permits and must be performed by licensed contractors:
Contractors must obtain the permits within 3 days of beginning the work.
New permit applications must be filed using eCLIPSE.
Contractors must document the repairs through photograph or video. They must upload all documentation and required certifications through this online form within 7 days of completion of the repair.
These conditions must be followed for work at occupied residences:
Work area cleaned and sanitized by occupants and by workers
Workers keep occupants at least 10-feet away
No more workers than necessary to accomplish the task may enter the residence.
Authorization to do repair work does not encompass door-to-door solicitation. Going door-to-door to solicit repair work is prohibited.
Please note that normal permitting and licensing requirements apply to all construction work authorized under the Order. The current situation does NOT excuse failure to obtain all required permits and licenses. You can obtain permits on licenses online using L&I’s eCLIPSE system.
Do you have a question about whether your work can continue? Give us a call at 856-528-9195