So Your Philly Property Needs a Superhero Landing? How to Get a Make-Safe Permit
Let's face it, Philadelphia. We love our history, cheesesteaks, and the occasional Rocky montage moment. But let's be honest, some of our buildings have seen better days. Maybe your brick row house looks like it went a few rounds with Rocky himself. Or perhaps your corner store has a "certain charm" that leans more towards "haunted house" than "mom and pop shop." If your property needs a little TLC (Tender Loving Construction, not that other TLC we all secretly watch), you might need a Make-Safe Permit.
What in the Demolition Derby is a Make-Safe Permit?
This magical document, bestowed upon you by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (aka the L&I, the guardians of Philly's building code), allows you to fix up a building deemed unsafe by the city. Think of it as a superhero landing pad for your construction crew.
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| How To Get A Make Safe Permit In Philadelphia |
Why would I need one?
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
Let's say your roof is channeling its inner Niagara Falls, or your porch is doing a pretty good impression of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. These, my friend, are signs that your building might be a danger zone. The L&I might swoop in and slap a violation on your door, making a Make-Safe Permit your only hope to avoid fines and a possible visit from the city's wrecking crew.
Alright, alright, I get it. How do I get this Make-Safe Permit?
Hold your horses, Rambo. Getting a Make-Safe Permit isn't exactly a walk in the park (unless that park happens to be filled with permit applications). Here's the lowdown:
Channel your inner detective: First, figure out if you actually need a Make-Safe Permit. You can check the Philadelphia Atlas ([search philadelphia atlas ON City of Philadelphia (.gov) phila.gov]) to see if your property has any outstanding violations.
Assemble your team: You can tackle this permit quest yourself, but if battling bureaucracy isn't your kryptonite, consider enlisting a contractor or architect.
Prepare for battle: You'll need an engineer's report outlining the problems and a plan for how to fix them. Think of it as your battle strategy against the evil forces of structural instability.
Suit up: Make an appointment (because nobody likes waiting in line with grumpy contractors) and head down to the L&I with your completed application, engineer report, and any other requested documents. Be warned: Patience is a virtue, and cash, credit card, or electronic check is the offering to the permit gods.
The waiting game: The L&I will review your application, and hopefully, with a bit of bureaucratic magic, grant you your Make-Safe Permit. Once you have it, you can unleash the construction crew and turn your property from disaster zone to dazzling dwelling.
Bonus Tip: Don't forget to check if you need any additional permits for your specific project. Building codes can be trickier than a Philly cheesesteak with extra Whiz!
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
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Make-Safe Permit FAQs
How to know if I need a Make-Safe Permit?
Check the Philadelphia Atlas for any outstanding violations on your property.
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
How long does it take to get a Make-Safe Permit?
The L&I review process can take anywhere from a few days to a week.
Can I apply for a Make-Safe Permit online?
Nope, gotta do it in person (appointment required).
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
What happens if I don't get a Make-Safe Permit?
You could face fines or even the city demolishing your building (yikes!).
How much does a Make-Safe Permit cost?
The fee varies depending on the size of your building.
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