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Building Permit (alterations / fit-out): Philadelphia restaurant guide

Philadelphia L&I

What it is

Approval of your construction drawings for the restaurant build-out; it carries the Certificate of Occupancy when the work requires one.

When a restaurant needs it

Any construction, structural, egress or occupancy-changing work (not paint/finishes only).

How to apply

Your design professional files in eCLIPSE with sealed construction documents; the work must be done by a Philadelphia-licensed contractor.

Documents you’ll need

Construction documents sealed by a PA-registered design professional
Scope of work and owner info
Executed lease (if tenant)
Special Inspection agreement if required
Pre-approvals (e.g. Historical Commission)

Fee

$100 filing fee (credited) + non-residential alteration fee of $253 for the first 500 sq ft plus $60 per additional 100 sq ft (or 2% of construction cost on request, minimum $253) + $3 city and $4.50 state surcharges

Processing time

20 business days standard; 5 business days with Accelerated Review ($2,000)

Renewal

Work must begin within 6 months and may not stop for more than 6 months; stalled permits can be reinstated within 12–18 months, otherwise reapply

Who files

Filed by the owner's agent — normally the PA-registered architect/engineer — with a licensed Philadelphia contractor doing the work.

Good to know

PDPH adds a $250 fee if food-equipment installation or interior modification starts before plans are submitted to the Health Department, so submit the PDPH plan review alongside (or before) L&I review.

Official source

L&I — Get a Building Permit · L&I FAQ — When does my construction permit expire

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.