It appears a permit was obtained in 2018 for renovation, and it was an EZ permit that reads: “APPLICANT AGREES TO LIMIT THE CONSTRUCTION TO COMPLY WITH EZ PERMIT STANDARD FOR INTERIOR ALTERATIONS, DATED JANUARY 2011.”Link to the permit: https://li.phila.gov/Property-History/search/Permit-Detail?

This translates to; "so long as you provide all of the appropriate paperwork to document the transaction, we will generally process the transaction". 

An emergency escape and rescue opening is not required in a new basement where there is an emergency escape and rescue opening in an existing basement that is accessible from the new basement.R310.6 Alterations or repairs of existing basements.An emergency escape and rescue opening is not required where existing basements undergo alterations or repairs.Exception: New sleeping rooms created in an existing basement shall be provided with emergency escape and rescue openings in accordance with Section R310.1.SECTION R303 LIGHT, VENTILATION AND HEATING R303.1 Habitable rooms.

That translates to around 200-250 dollars per door.As to "why", to a large extent, this is governed by the market.  

We have learned the hard way to say "No" to any alterations the tenant may want to make. 

But would that translate to better services by the city (better schools etc.)?

I unfortunately came out of Physical Therapy school with immense life altering debt.

Its absolutely a fire hazard, and if you have altered or tampered it in any way it is a potential disaster.Hope that this helps.

The positive feedback translated into high occupancy rates and repeat bookings, maximizing our profits.

Know what is happening in the macro environment and translate how that will likely affect your portfolio.