Service overview
You need a Zoning Permit to create new off-street parking. If parking is part of your development project, such as new construction or an addition, you may request it on the same zoning application.
The Zoning Code applies to parking spaces located on private property.The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues these approvals.
The Zoning Code does not control parking within the public right-of-way. For information about street parking, visit theDepartment of Streets.
If your proposal meets code requirements, you are granted permits as a matter of right. If your proposal does not meet code requirements, you’ll need a special exception or variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Who
Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply for this permit. Authorized agents may include:
- Design professionals.
- Attorneys.
- Contractors.
- Licensed expediters.
Requirements
Permit application
The permit application must include the complete listing of addresses and current owner information.
- If the property is NOT owned by a natural person or a publicly-traded company, provide the name and mailing address of one of the following:
- Each individual with more than 49% interest in ownership of the property
- The two individuals with the largest interest
- If a property was recently sold, submit a copy of the settlement sheet or deed with the application.
- You must apply for all permits under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).
Plans
If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.
Required pre-approvals
For any zoning application that includes parking
More +
You need approval from
TheDepartment 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 will need to apply for your Department of Streets permit approval before applying for your L&I permit. You will need to have the Streets Review Job Application Number when you apply for your L&I permit at the Permit and License Center in the MSB.
Online submission
Start your Department of Streets application using eCLIPSE before you apply for your L&I permit. You will be prompted to enter the Streets Review Job Application Number in the L&I application.
For:
- Landscaping and screening at parking lots.
- Parking at corner properties
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You need approval from
ThePhiladelphia City Planning Commission
What’s needed
You must have this approval in order to apply. See how to get a site plan review for your project.
In-person submission
You’ll need your plans with stamped approval from the City Planning Commission before you make your application to L&I.
Submit your stamped plan as proof of approval when making your applicationat the Permit and License Center in the MSB.
Online submission
Upload all plans and materials required by the City Planning Commission when applying for your permit in eCLIPSE.
PCPC will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.
For parking garages.
More +
You need approval from
The Philadelphia City Planning Commission
What’s needed
You must have this approval in order to apply. See how to get a garage facade review for your project approval.
In-person submission
You’ll need your plans with stamped approval from the City Planning Commission before you make your application to L&I.
Submit your stamped plan as proof of approval when making your applicationat the Permit and License Center in the MSB.
Online submission
Upload all plans and materials required by the City Planning Commission when applying for your permit in eCLIPSE.
PCPC will review your application electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.
For earth disturbance of 5,000 sq. ft. or more.
More +
You need approval from
The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) – Stormwater Management
What’s needed
To get stormwater management review, submit an ERSA Application at www.pwdplanreview.org.
Refer to the Philadelphia Stormwater Management Guidance Manual for more information.
In-person submission
Submit all required materials directly to PWD before filing your permit application.
Then, fill out and submit your permit application at the Permit and License Center in the MSB.
Online submission
Submit all required materials directly to PWD before you submit your L&I permit application.
Then, file your permit application with L&I online through eCLIPSE.
Where and when
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 Center Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.Online
In person
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Cost
Fee types that may apply
- Filing fee
- Permit fee
- Record retention fee
- Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)
Filing fee
There is a non-refundable filing fee,which is applied to the permit fee. The balance of the permit fee is due upon approval.
- For parking serving one-or-two-family dwellings:$25
- For all other parking:$100
Permit fee
- Per property: $174
The permit fee to change use may cover this fee if parking is accessory to a proposed use.
If multiple parking areas are provided on a property, they are typically not charged separate fees.
Record retention fee
- Per page larger than 8.5 in. by 14 in.: $4
Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)
Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
- Fee:$1050
- $350 is due when you apply. You must pay the remainder once approved.
To apply, fill out anAccelerated Plan Review Request form and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be creditedtoward your final permit fee.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
Where | Accepted payment |
---|---|
Online through the eCLIPSE application (There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
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In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building (Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
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Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
Late license payment
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.
How
You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.
In person
1
Get any required pre-approvals before submitting your application to L&I.
2
Bring your completed application, application materials, and payment to the Permit and License Center.
Applications are processed within 20 business days.
- You can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5-10 business days.
3
If approved, you will receive notice to pay the balance.
If not approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Online
1
Log in to your eCLIPSE account and apply for a permit. Upload all required documents and pay the filing fee.
If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.
2
The application will go to L&I and other City departments for review and approval.
- Applications are processed within 20 business days. Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
- You can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
3
If approved, the applicant will receive a notice to pay the balance.
If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Appeals
If your application receives a Notice of Refusal or Notice of Referral, you may appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Your right to appeal a Notice of Refusal or Referral expires 30 days from the date it was issued. These denials can not be extended. You need to submit a new application and filing fee to get a new refusal or referral.
Renewal requirements
Expiration
- Zoning permits that involve building expire in three years if you don’t begin construction at the site.
- A Conditional Zoning Permit is valid for one year after the date it was issued.
Extending a zoning permit
You can apply for a permit extension starting three months before the permit expires. Extended permits are valid for one year from the expiration date of the original permit, regardless of when the extension is issued.
You can apply for an extensiononline using eCLIPSE or in person. Refer to the zoning permit extension information sheet for more information.