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New Law: Submitting Floor Plans for Permits (Oct. 1st 2019)
Havent seen a discussion on this yet, but back on Oct. 1st, it appears that the law changed a bit for the city of Philly. All investors must have Floor plans (blueprints) for any renovation work done on a property to secure Permits. This will add additional cost and time to those quick flips and renovations. The only way to get around this new law is to have your drivers license show that you live at the property that you are renovating. I havent been able to get down to L&I just yet to speak to them face to face about this just yet, but wondering if anyone has gone through the new process since this new law has gone into affect and what has been your experience so far?
@Gerren Ferguson. I was wondering the same. Contractor friend of mine says under 25k and you don't need plans but I don't know if that is accurate.
@Eli B. From my understanding that's no longer the case. Plans are a must or you have to show proof that you reside there.
@Gerren Ferguson. Do you know if an engineer report is sufficient or do you need full floor plans by an architect?
@Gerren Ferguson it will be worth getting some more clarification from the building department on who is able to submit the plans. I imagine if you stop in to the office you could get a pretty quick answer on this sort of thing.
I would generally recommend an architect for projects with the argument that the things we take into consideration due to their experience and material knowledge even on small jobs will help to avoid missteps and leave you with a better finished product. Small local firms are the typical scale that handle these projects. That said, I recognize that some people are looking to reduce upfront costs and have the experience from similar projects to navigate the process independently. In these situations a draftsman or even the contractor may be able to produce these plans. For small projects the fees shouldn't be that crazy whichever route you decide to go.
On a side note, this requirement will make the next owners / renovators life a heck of a lot easier.
The change that went into effect on Oct 1 is that in order to obtain an EZ Permit for work on an RSA or RM zoned property, the property must be owner-occupied, supposedly proven w drivers license matching address. I doubt they will allow ownership through an LLC w the member living on the property, which would be the only way to skirt this. I think they will mainly require the property be owned by an individual vs an LLC.
@Gerren Ferguson well, latest update on this: I had a building permit pulled and a letter from an engineer was sufficient. No plans
Originally posted by @Eli B.:
@Gerren Ferguson well, latest update on this: I had a building permit pulled and a letter from an engineer was sufficient. No plans
Interesting. So you were able to get a permit without plans?!! What did the letter state? I will assume this was fairly recent and after the Oct 1st change? Was the cost of renovation over 25k?
@Gerren Ferguson cost of renovation on the permit was 50k. Letter States that no structural work was being done (no load bearing walls changed etc.) Was approved immediately
I’m working through this now on a project in GA. If there are no structural changes simple sketches may meet the need. Stamped engineering plans are expensive but not necessary for most interior renovations.
@Eli B. Amazing! Thanks for the update! I'll be making the jump again on a new property starting next month. So perfect timing with this info! Appreciate it
