Permit guides › Philadelphia › PHL-CR-04
Electrical Permit: Philadelphia restaurant guide
Philadelphia L&I
What it is
Covers new circuits, panels, kitchen equipment connections, lighting and fire-alarm interconnections.
When a restaurant needs it
Any electrical work.
How to apply
Filed in eCLIPSE; you must hire a licensed electrical inspection agency to perform the inspections.
Documents you’ll need
- Executed contract with the licensed electrical contractor
- Plans if required
- Owner info
Fee
$25 per $1,000 of estimated cost (minimum $63, maximum $18,975) + $100 filing fee credited + surcharges
Processing time
20 business days with plans; ~5 business days without
Renewal
Expires with the job
Who files
The owner or an authorized agent (electrical contractor, design professional, attorney, expediter) may file; all work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor.
Good to know
Unlike most cities, Philadelphia electrical inspections are done by a private licensed electrical inspection agency that you hire, not by L&I.
Official source
L&I — Get an Electrical Permit
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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.