Skip to content If your property has received a structural violation notice, taking immediate action is not optional; it is required. Puro-tec Property Restoration is in the business of acquiring Make Safe Permits in Philadelphia and can help property owners remediate imminent hazards and solve their Philadelphia L&I violations right away. Our experienced team coordinates directly with engineers, contractors, and the city to make sure each requirement is completed and every unsafe condition is remedied. If you have an open violation resolution in Philadelphia, our professionals will walk you through every step.
Why You Need a Make Safe Permit
Property ownership in Philadelphia comes with responsibility, and compliance with Philadelphia L&I violations help is one of the many responsibilities property owners must follow. A Make Safe Permit is not just paperwork; it is a protection of the City against hazards related to materials being on property, which poses risks to residents, tenants, and the public at large. The paperwork may mean your building has a legal flag, possibly unsafe, and further penalties will occur regarding fines due to your property.
Getting the correct emergency permit proves accountability and verifies that only professional and qualified individuals are doing stabilization, demolition, or shoring actions for your property. For the property owner, the permit protects and signifies authorization and paves the way to compliance or restoration. With the permit in hand, your property is quickly stabilized, safe, and in compliance.
The Risks of Ignoring Violations
Failure to secure a Make Safe Permit in Philadelphia leads to heightened safety concerns, larger fines, and the possibility of enforced city action. Delay exposes owners to lawsuits, dangerous collapses, and severe financial repercussions.
Common Safety Hazards
- Crumbling walls endanger pedestrians and nearby structures
- Collapsing porches pose life-threatening risks to occupants
- Weakened foundations compromise overall building stability
- Unsafe roofs invite sudden collapse and interior damage
Legal & Financial Penalties
Ignoring structural violation repair in Philadelphia can result in mounting fines, daily penalties, and costly court orders. In some cases, the city may even demolish unsafe sections and bill owners directly for the expense.
What Is a Make Safe Permit?
A Make Safe Permit Philadelphia is issued when a property is deemed unsafe by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). Unlike a standard building permit, it addresses emergencies, requiring swift action to secure public safety.
This special emergency permit, issued by the City of Philadelphia, allows only work that stabilizes or removes hazardous structural conditions. It does not authorize general improvements, but rather targets conditions that threaten safety and compliance.
What It Covers
- Partial demolition of dangerous sections
- Emergency shoring to prevent collapse
- Stabilization of walls and foundations
- Removal of unstable roofs or porches
What It Does Not Cover
The permit excludes cosmetic upgrades, remodeling, or other non-urgent work. Its sole purpose is emergency stabilization, not enhancements or improvements unrelated to public safety.
When Do You Need One?
Property owners often wonder when to request a Make Safe Permit in Philadelphia. The answer is simple: as soon as the city identifies dangerous structural conditions, or damage leaves the building unstable.
A notice from L&I means the clock is already ticking, and a quick resolution is vital to avoid escalating issues. In situations where storms, floods, or fire compromise structural integrity, permits serve as official clearance to begin emergency stabilization. Courts and city orders also frequently mandate permits before any other work can proceed.
Without the required documentation, properties remain legally blocked and financially vulnerable. City inspectors are authorized to enforce compliance aggressively. Requesting the permit not only protects your building but also prevents worsening hazards that could endanger lives or nearby properties.
Situations That Trigger a Make Safe Permit
- L&I structural violation notices
- Fire, flood, or storm damage
- Structural collapse or imminent collapse
- Court or city order to secure property
Why Timing Matters
Delays in securing permits cause hazards to worsen, increase violation penalties, and may even force involuntary demolition. Quick action ensures compliance and safeguards your investment.
How to Obtain a Make Safe Permit in Philadelphia
Navigating the emergency building permits in Philadelphia requires accuracy and professional support. At Puro-tec Property Restoration, we streamline each step so your property can move from violation to compliance without confusion.
Step 1 – Structural Engineer Inspection
A licensed engineer evaluates the building’s condition, documenting hazards and necessary stabilization work. This inspection is mandatory for all Make Safe Permit applications filed with L&I.
Step 2 – Define Scope of Work
The engineer and contractor determine exactly what work is required to remove unsafe conditions. This ensures the permit only covers essential stabilization or emergency demolition tasks.
Step 3 – Submit via eCLIPSE System
Applications are filed online through Philadelphia’s eCLIPSE system. Owners must provide engineer reports, photographs, violation notices, and any required structural plans. Missing documents delay approval, so thorough preparation is critical at this stage.
Step 4 – Pay Permit Fees
Permit costs typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on property size and complexity. Fees must be paid before the city reviews or issues approval.
Step 5 – Inspections & Work Approval
Once work begins, L&I schedules inspections to confirm safety measures. Only after passing inspections can contractors continue with demolition, stabilization, or shoring activities.
Step 6 – Final Inspection & Closure
After completion, L&I performs a final inspection. Successful approval officially closes the violation case, confirming your property has met all requirements and is no longer flagged as unsafe.
Why Choose Puro-tec Property Restoration
Not all companies handle open violation resolution in Philadelphia with the same level of expertise. Puro-tec Property Restoration combines experience, resources, and local knowledge to deliver unmatched service for property owners in need.
Expertise You Can Rely On
Our team understands the nuances of structural violation repair in Philadelphia, handling everything from engineering coordination to city communication. With decades of restoration work behind us, we know how to resolve violations effectively and efficiently.
Full-Service Management
We coordinate engineers, contractors, and permit applications, ensuring every step flows smoothly. You focus on ownership, while we manage compliance and execution.
Licensed & Insured Professionals
As a fully licensed property restoration company in Philadelphia, we meet all legal requirements. Insurance coverage protects both our team and your property throughout every stage of stabilization and repair.
Permit Costs & Pricing Factors
Understanding the cost of a Make Safe Permit in Philadelphia is an essential part of planning for compliance. While the city establishes a basic framework for fees, the true cost depends on the specific conditions of your property. Each building presents its own set of challenges, and those details directly influence how much the permit and related services will total.
Some permits remain relatively straightforward, while others require extensive engineering support, multiple inspections, or additional documentation. Properties located in historic areas, large buildings, or those with extensive structural damage often see higher expenses because of stricter requirements and additional oversight. Engineering complexity also plays a significant role, as detailed structural reports may be required before approval.
Since no two properties are alike, the most accurate way to determine cost is through a professional assessment. A tailored estimate ensures clarity, avoids hidden surprises, and gives owners confidence about what to expect during resolution.
Typical Cost Range
Most Make Safe Permits cost between $150 and $500, though larger or complex projects requiring structural engineering can exceed this initial range.
Factors That Affect Costs
- The scope of damage determines labor and material needs
- Square footage impacts permit fees and work size
- Engineering complexity drives documentation and approval requirements
- Zoning or historic restrictions add additional compliance costs
Get a Custom Estimate
Since every property is unique, we provide tailored estimates after inspection. Contact us for a full breakdown based on your building’s size, condition, and violation notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Make Safe Permit & a building permit?
A Make Safe Permit addresses urgent structural hazards flagged by L&I, allowing only emergency stabilization. A building permit authorizes construction, remodeling, or general improvements not tied to safety violations or immediate danger.
How long does it take to get one?
Timelines vary, but most applications receive review within one to two weeks once all documents are submitted. Emergency conditions may accelerate approvals, while missing paperwork or complex engineering reports often cause delays.
Who is responsible for costs?
Property owners are legally responsible for securing the permit and covering all related fees. In rental properties, landlords, not tenants, must ensure compliance and payment of engineering, application, and inspection costs.
Can I sell a property with open violations?
No. Philadelphia requires open violations to be resolved before closing. Failure to secure a Make Safe Permit blocks real estate transactions and reduces property value, often scaring away serious buyers.
What documents are required for the application?
Required items include an engineer’s inspection report, photographs, a violation notice, contractor details, and a detailed scope of work. Missing or incomplete documentation delays processing within the eCLIPSE system.
Take Action Today
A structural violation should never linger unresolved. Puro-tec Property Restoration specializes in helping property owners secure emergency building permits in Philadelphia while addressing hazards that threaten both safety and compliance. Our licensed team works directly with engineers, contractors, and the city to move your property from violation to clearance as quickly as possible.
Ready to Secure Your Property?
Our experts in Philadelphia L&I violations are prepared to guide you through every step. Whether you need stabilization, shoring, or partial demolition, we make the process clear, efficient, and fully compliant with city requirements.
Don’t risk fines or unsafe conditions. Request your consultation now.
