Most roof replacements in Philadelphia need a permit, which the contractor usually files through L&I. Small repairs may not, and the answer depends on the scope at your address. Ask L&I before the work begins, and allow time for any Historical Commission review that applies.
Key takeaways
- Most roof replacements need a permit; small repairs depend on their scope.
- The contractor usually files the permit through L&I.
- Most EZ permit applications are processed in about five business days, according to the city's permit pages.
- The L&I inspection for a minor permit comes after the old roofing is removed and new material is on site.
- The new membrane should not be installed until that inspection passes.
When does a roof job need a permit?
Most roof replacements need a permit. Repairs may not, and the scope decides it. L&I can say whether a particular repair requires one for the address.
A replacement changes the roof's structure or covering in a way the city wants to inspect, so it usually needs a permit. A patch of a few shingles or a single drain repair often does not, but that is a question for L&I rather than a guess.
When in doubt, ask. A permit that was needed and missed can cause trouble later, especially at a sale or refinancing.
What is an EZ permit?
An EZ permit is a permit without plans. The city's permit pages say most EZ applications are processed in about five business days, and the contractor can file it through L&I.
Not every roof job qualifies for an EZ permit, and the scope determines which route applies. A roofer who has worked in the city will know which one is likely for your building.
Processing time is an estimate. The schedule should allow for the permit and the inspection, not only the work itself.
How does the inspection fit in the sequence?
For a minor permit, the L&I inspection comes after the old roofing has been removed and new material is on site. The new membrane should not be installed until the inspection passes.
That sequence means the roof is open for a short time while the inspector looks. The roofer should plan the day so the material is on site and the old surface is clear before the inspector arrives.
Ask the roofer to show you where the inspection falls in the schedule. A roof covered before it is inspected is a problem to fix later.
What about historic review?
On a property in a historic district, or on the Philadelphia Register, roof work visible from the street may need Historical Commission review before L&I issues the permit. Flat roofs hidden by a parapet are generally treated more simply.
The Commission confirms the status of each address. Confirm it before the job is scheduled, because a review adds time before the permit is issued.
The Commission's Roofs Guideline favors work that is inconspicuous from the public right-of-way. A repair that does not change how the roof looks from the street is handled more simply.
What does the permit cost?
The permit fee is set by the city and is not printed here. Ask the roofer to list the permit as a separate line in the quote, so you can see what it costs.
Fees can change, and the current figure is on the city's site or from L&I. A quote that includes the permit as a line item is easier to compare with others.
Keep the permit paperwork with the contract and the receipts for the work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a permit myself?
The city's rules set who may do permitted work, and some owners of one- or two-family homes may do certain work themselves. Check the current rules with L&I before starting, because the conditions depend on the building and the scope.
How long does a permit take?
The city's permit pages say most EZ applications are processed in about five business days. Historic review, if it applies, can add time before the permit is issued.
What happens if the inspector finds a problem?
The inspector notes what needs correcting, and the roofer fixes it before the inspection is repeated. Keep the inspector's notes with the permit paperwork.
Does a permit affect my insurance?
A permit record can matter for an insurance claim or a sale. Keep the permit and the inspection results with the contract, and ask your insurer how it treats permitted work.
Sources
- City of Philadelphia - Licenses and Inspections (L&I) permit information
- City of Philadelphia - Historical Commission
This guide is general information for Philadelphia County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.