SECTION A-902 BUILDING, FUEL GAS AND MECHANICAL CODE FEES 244

A-902.1 General: Fees for permits, appeals, certificates and administrative services related to activity regulated by the Building, Fuel Gas and Mechanical Codes shall be as set forth in this Section.

A-902.2 Construction: 245 Permit fees for new construction, additions, alterations, demolition, occupancy and repairs shall be as set forth in Sections A-902.2.1, except as otherwise specified in Sections A-902.2.2 through A-902.2.8.

   A-902.2.1 Constructed area: 246 The permit fee for new construction, additions, alterations and repairs shall be based on the constructed area as follows:

      For new construction and additions:

         500 square feet or less . . . . . $200

         Greater than 500 square feet . . . . . $200 plus $58 for each additional 100 square feet or fraction thereof above 500 square feet

      Exceptions:

         1.   For new construction of one- or two-family dwellings: 247

            Each building . . . . . $1,050

         2.   For additions and structures accessory to existing one- and two-family dwellings:

            500 square feet or less . . . . . $60

            Greater than 500 square feet . . . . . $60 plus $45 for each additional 100 square feet or fraction thereof above 500 square feet

         3.   For modular construction of one- and two-family dwellings pursuant to the Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Authorization Act, Act 192 of 1982, P.L. 676 (35 P.S. §§ 1656.1 – 1656.9) and the Industrialized Housing Act, Act 70 of 1972, P.L. 286 (35 P.S. §§ 1651.1 – 1651.12) respectively, the building permit fee shall be four hundred fifty dollars ($450) per building.

         4.   For construction of industrialized buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings pursuant to the Industrialized Housing Act, Act 70 of 1972, P.L. 286 (35 P.S. §§ 1651.1 - 1651.12) and related rules and regulations, the building permit fee shall be nine hundred dollars ($900) per building.

         5.   For initial tenant fit-out of a newly constructed building the fee shall be thirteen dollars ($13) per 100 square feet or fraction thereof with a minimum fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

         6.   For installation of solar collection panels and related support structure per building . . . . . $200 248

      For alterations and repairs, including the installation of decks: 249

         500 square feet or less . . . . . $200

         Greater than 500 square feet . . . . . $200 plus $48 for each additional 100 square feet or fraction thereof above 500 square feet

      Exceptions:

         1.   For one- or two-family dwellings: 250

            500 square feet or less . . . . . $60

            Greater than 500 square feet . . . . . $60 plus $45 for each additional 100 square feet or fraction thereof above 500 square feet

         2.   For alterations and repairs, the permit fee shall, at the applicant's selection, be based upon two percent (2%) of the contract value for construction regulated by the Building, Fuel Gas and Mechanical Codes, when such value is substantiated by the submission of a valid contract, except that the minimum fee shall be two hundred dollars ($200).

   A-902.2.2 Demolition: 251 Fees for permits for complete demolition shall be twenty dollars ($20) per 100 square feet or fraction thereof, but shall not exceed forty thousand dollars ($40,000). The minimum fee shall be two hundred dollars ($200).

   Exception: 252 For the demolition of non-bearing partitions the fee shall be as follows:

      In space 4,000 square feet or less . . . . . $60

      In space more than 4,000 square feet . . . . . $60 plus $4 per each additional 100 square feet above 4,000 square feet

   A-902.2.3 Minor Alterations: 253 Where the scope of the work to be performed is limited to the items listed below, the fees shall be as set forth in Sections A-902.2.3.1 through A-902.2.3.5.

   Exception: The fee for each of the following for a one- or two-family dwelling shall be fifty-five dollars ($55).

      A-902.2.3.1 For exterior wall covering:

         4,000 square feet or less . . . . . $60

         More than 4,000 square feet . . . . . $60 plus $4 per each additional 100 square feet above 4,000 square feet

      A-902.2.3.2 For replacement of roof covering:

         4,000 square feet or less . . . . . $60

         More than 4,000 square feet . . . . . $60 plus $3 per each additional 100 square feet above 4,000 square feet

      A-902.2.3.3 For replacement of windows and doors:

         20 openings or less . . . . . $60

         More than 20 openings . . . . . $60 plus $4 per each additional opening above 20 openings

      A-902.2.3.4 For replacement of porch or deck flooring having a maximum area of:

         200 square feet . . . . . $60

      A-902.2.3.5 For the installation of roll-down security gates:

         For each gate . . . . . $60

   A-902.2.4 Foundation-only permits: Fees for permits for the installation of foundations shall be based on the constructed area as follows:

         500 square feet or less . . . . . $200

         501 to 2,500 square feet . . . . . $350

         More than 2,500 square feet . . . . . $600

   A-902.2.5 Miscellaneous items: 254 Fees for miscellaneous items shall be as listed below:

   Exception: 255 The fee for each of the following for one- or two-family dwellings shall be fifty-five dollars ($55).

      Antennas – Roof- or ground-mounted (each). . . . . $110

      Fence walls – Concrete and masonry . . . . . $110

      Fences (each) – Non-masonry, exceeding 6 feet high . . . . . $110

      Installation, removal or filling with inert material of flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks: (each tank). . . . . $125

      Retaining walls more than 2 feet but less than 4 feet above the lower ground level . . . . . $125

      Retaining walls 4 feet or more above the lower ground level . . . . . $200

      Sidewalk and shelter platforms (each). . . . . $125

      Signs: 256

         Accessory . . . . . $200

         Outdoor advertising devices . . . . . $250

      Site preparation (clearing, grubbing and earth movement):

         Areas not exceeding 15,000 square feet $100

         Areas in excess of 15,000 square feet . . . . . $100 plus $5 per each additional 1,000 square feet in excess of 15,000 square feet with a maximum fee of $5,000

      Swimming pools . . . . . $200

      Tower cranes (when submitted as a separate permit application). . . . . $250

   A-902.2.6 Fire Suppression Equipment: 257 For the installation or alteration of fire suppression systems, the fee shall be as follows, except that the minimum fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150):

   Exception: For the installation of a complete fire sprinkler system within a one- or two-family dwelling the fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

      For each sprinkler head or suppression nozzle . . . . . $12

      For the installation of a backflow prevention device on a fire suppression system (where presented as a separate permit). . . . . $125

      For each standpipe riser (per floor). . . . . $60

      For each yard hydrant . . . . . $60

      For each fire pump . . . . . $275

      For commercial cooking extinguishing systems (each). . . . . $125

      A-902.2.6.1 Minor alterations: 258 Fees for minor alterations to fire suppression systems shall be as listed below:

      Exception: The fee for a one- or two-family dwelling shall be fifty-five dollars ($55).

         For relocation of fire sprinklers:

            20 sprinklers or less . . . . . $60

            More than 20 sprinklers . . . . . $60 plus $4 per each additional sprinkler above 20

   A-902.2.7 Mechanical Systems: 259

      A-902.2.7.1 For the installation or alteration of mechanical systems with ductwork, including connected appliances, the fee shall be twelve dollars ($12) for each register or diffuser served by the ductwork, except that the minimum fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

      Exception: For the installation of a complete heating and/or cooling system, including fuel gas piping and appliances, within a one- or two-family dwelling, the fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

      A-902.2.7.2 For the installation of fuel gas piping systems and equipment as regulated by the Philadelphia International Fuel Gas Code, including connected appliances, the fee shall be two percent (2%) of the contract value for construction when such value is substantiated by the submission of a valid contract, except that the minimum fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

      Exception: 260 The fee for alterations in a one- or two-family dwelling shall be fifty-five dollars ($55).

      A-902.2.7.3 For the installation or replacement of appliances regulated by the mechanical code or fuel gas code such as fireplaces (masonry and factory built), boilers, air conditioning units and heat pumps where presented as a separate permit application, the fee shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) for each appliance.

      Exception: 261 The fee for one- or two-family dwelling shall be fifty-five dollars ($55) for each appliance.

      A-902.2.7.4 For the installation of commercial cooking exhaust systems and related components the fee shall be one hundred twenty five ($125) per hood.

      A-902.2.7.5 Minor alterations: 262 Fees for minor alterations to mechanical systems shall be as listed below:

         A-902.2.7.5.1 For relocation of HVAC diffusers or registers with flexible connectors:

            20 units or less . . . . . $60

            More than 20 units . . . . . $60 plus $3 per each additional unit above 20

         A-902.2.7.5.2 For direct vent heating apparatus, or warm air heating apparatus installation connected to a flue or chimney:

            Each unit . . . . . $60

         Exception: The fee for one- or two-family dwelling shall be fifty-five dollars ($55) for each apparatus.

         A-902.2.7.5.3 For the installation of ductwork within a single tenant space and the capacity of the equipment is equal to or less than 2,000 cfm:

            Each installation . . . . . $60

   A-902.2.8 Excavation:  263 The fee for excavation as described in Section A-301.1.1 shall be one hundred three dollars ($103).

   A-902.2.9 Undetermined items: 264 For items of construction or alteration that are not included in Sections A-902.2.1 through A-902.2.8, the fee shall be two percent (2%) of the total value of construction, but not less than one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125).

A-902.3 Construction value: 265 The total value of the construction, when required on permit applications and when used to determine fees, shall include the value of all material, labor, engineering and/or architectural fees, and the overhead and profit cost inherent in the contract, whether or not any such items are provided at no cost.

A-902.4 Approval fee schedule: 266 For items submitted to the department for approval, the fees shall be as set forth in Sections A-902.4.1 through A-902.4.3.

   A-902.4.1 Preliminary review: For the examination of each set of preliminary drawings, specifications and computations:

      Tenant spaces, individual floors or buildings equal to or less than three stories:. . . . . $350

      Each additional story:. . . . . $75

   A-902.4.2 New methods and/or materials of construction: For each application for approval of construction material or technique: five hundred dollars ($500) for the initial application and one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for each subsequent year where recurring information is required to be reviewed by the department.

   A-902.4.3 Approval of revised drawings: For the review of revised drawings subsequent to issuance of the building permit, a fee of twenty dollars ($20) per sheet shall be paid. The fee shall be based on the total number of sheets contained on one of the three sets of revised drawings submitted for review. The minimum fee for such approval is seventy-five dollars ($75). 267

   Exception: The fee for the review of revised drawings submitted for existing owner occupied one- or two- family dwellings, including those that contain a Family Day Care Home shall be twenty-five dollars ($25).

A-902.5 Appeals: 268 For an appeal to the Board of Building Standards to request a variance, the fee schedule is as follows:

Note: For the purpose of calculating the fee for an appeal to the Board of Building Standards, a story shall be any level of floor area either at, above or below grade.

   For existing one- or two-family dwellings, including those that contain a Family Day Care Home:. . . . . $50

   For all buildings other than existing one- or two-family dwellings, the fee schedule is based on the building area affected by the refusal, as follows:

      Less than five stories in height and less than 30,000 square feet aggregate floor area . . . . . $200

      Five or more stories in height or more than 30,000 square feet aggregate floor area . . . . . $600

   For special hearings before the Board of Building Standards . . . . . $1,700

A-902.6 Certificate fee schedule: 269 For items where the department issues certifications, the fees shall be as set forth in Sections A-902.6.1 through A-902.6.5. These fees shall be paid at the time of filing the application.

   A-902.6.1 Certificate of occupancy: For the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy the fee schedule is as follows:

      As part of the Building Permit . . . . . No Fee

      Application for a "Certificate of Occupancy" only . . . . . $200

      Application for a "Temporary Certificate of Occupancy" for a permitted construction project . . . . . $300

      Application for a "Temporary Certificate of Occupancy" for a special event . . . . . $400

   A-902.6.2 Flood plain location certificate: For the written certification of the location of a property in reference to flood prone areas, the fee shall be fifty dollars ($50).

   A-902.6.3 Floor load certificates: The fee for the examination of computations to verify maximum live loads specified in floor live load certificates shall be one hundred dollars ($100) for four stories or less plus fifty dollars ($50) for each additional story.

   A-902.6.4 Special inspection agency and special inspector registration: 270 Fees for the registration of special inspection agencies and special inspectors pursuant to the requirements of Section 9-1306 of the Code ("Special Inspection Agencies and Special Inspectors") shall be established by the Department by regulation.

   A-902.6.5 Lawful Occupancy sign: For the review of plans for the initial issue of Lawful Occupancy signs when not part of plan review for building permit and/or Certificate of Occupancy, the fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150) per space.

 

Notes

244	Former Section A-902.10 deleted, Bill No. 980760 (approved December 30, 1998). Accelerated plan review is now addressed in Section A-901.10. Amended and former Sections A-902.2.1.1 through A-902.2.1.4 and A-902.7 through A-902.9 deleted, Bill No. 000348 (approved August 11, 2000). Amended, Bill No. 030780 (approved December 31, 2003).
245	These versions of Sections A-902.2 and A-902.2.1 are effective January 1, 2001. See Section 4, Bill No. 000348 (approved August 11, 2000). For the versions of Sections A-902.2 and A-902.2.1 effective until January 1, 2001, see Bill No. 000348. Amended, Bill No. 170167 (approved April 4, 2017), effective July 1, 2017.
246	Amended, Bill No. 020758 (approved January 31, 2003). Section 3 of Bill No. 020758 provides that the Ordinance shall be effective January 1, 2003. Amended, Bill No. 030780 (approved December 31, 2003); amended, Bill No. 070821 (approved November 15, 2007); amended, Bill No. 080853 (approved December 8, 2008).
247	Amended, Bill No. 080165 (approved June 18, 2008).
248	Added, Bill No. 190785 (approved November 6, 2019).
249	Amended, Bill No. 080165 (approved June 18, 2008); amended, Bill No. 080853 (approved December 8, 2008).
250	Amended, Bill No. 080165 (approved June 18, 2008); amended, Bill No. 090842 (approved January 13, 2010).
251	Amended, Bill No. 070821 (approved November 15, 2007); amended, Bill No. 130691-A (approved February 19, 2014). See note 87 for effective date provisions.
252	Amended, Bill No. 080165 (approved June 18, 2008).
253	Amended, Bill No. 070821 (approved November 15, 2007); amended, Bill No. 080165 (approved June 18, 2008).
254	Amended, Bill No. 020758 (approved January 31, 2003). Section 3 of Bill No. 020758 provides that the amendment shall be effective January 1, 2003. Amended, Bill No. 030780 (approved December 31, 2003); amended, Bill No. 070821 (approved November 15, 2007); amended, Bill No. 180175 (approved June 6, 2018).
255	Amended, Bill No. 080165 (approved June 18, 2008).
256	Amended, Bill No. 080853 (approved December 8, 2008).
257	Amended, Bill No. 070821 (approved November 15, 2007).
258	Amended, Bill No. 080165 (approved June 18, 2008).
259	Amended, Bill No. 020758 (approved January 31, 2003). Section 3 of Bill No. 020758 provides that the amendment shall be effective January 1, 2003. Amended, Bill No. 030780 (approved December 31, 2003); amended, Bill No. 070821 (approved November 15, 2007).
260	Amended, Bill No. 080165 (approved June 18, 2008).
261	Amended, Bill No. 080165 (approved June 18, 2008).
262	Amended, Bill No. 080165 (approved June 18, 2008).
263	Added, Bill No. 210389 (approved July 15, 2021), effective January 1, 2023.
264	Amended, Bill No. 070821 (approved November 15, 2007); renumbered and amended, Bill No. 210389 (approved July 15, 2021), effective January 1, 2023.
265	Amended, Bill No. 110829 (approved December 21, 2011); amended, Bill No. 190785 (approved November 6, 2019).
266	Amended, Bill No. 170167 (approved April 4, 2017), effective July 1, 2017. Enrolled bill read "...as set forth in Sections A-902.4.1 through A-902.4.4"; revised by Code editor.
267	Amended, Bill No. 110844 (approved December 21, 2011), effective August 22, 2012.
268	Amended, Bill No. 170167 (approved April 4, 2017), effective July 1, 2017.
269	Amended, Bill No. 170167 (approved April 4, 2017), effective July 1, 2017.
270	Amended, Bill No. 150472 (approved June 30, 2015).