Skip to code content (skip section selection)
Compare to:
Philadelphia Overview
The Philadelphia Code
PHILADELPHIA HOME RULE CHARTER
THE PHILADELPHIA CODE
TITLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
TITLE 2. CITY-COUNTY CONSOLIDATION
TITLE 3. AIR MANAGEMENT CODE
TITLE 4. THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPANCY CODE
CHAPTER 4-100.0. LISTING OF SUBCODES
CHAPTER 4-200.0. TEXT OF SUBCODES
SUBCODE "A" (THE PHILADELPHIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE)
SUBCODE "B" (THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING CODE)
SUBCODE "E" (THE PHILADELPHIA ELECTRICAL CODE)
SUBCODE "EB" (THE PHILADELPHIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE)
SUBCODE "EC" (THE PHILADELPHIA ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE)
SUBCODE "F" (THE PHILADELPHIA FIRE CODE)
SUBCODE "G" (THE PHILADELPHIA FUEL GAS CODE)
SUBCODE "M" (THE PHILADELPHIA MECHANICAL CODE)
SUBCODE "P" (THE PHILADELPHIA PLUMBING CODE)
SUBCODE "PC" (THE PHILADELPHIA PERFORMANCE CODE FOR BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES)
SUBCODE "PM" (THE PHILADELPHIA PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE)
SUBCODE "R" (THE PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTIAL CODE)
TITLE 4.1. ELECTRICAL CODE
TITLE 4.2. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
TITLE 5. FIRE PREVENTION CODE
TITLE 6. HEALTH CODE
TITLE 7. HOUSING CODE
TITLE 8. PLUMBING CODE
TITLE 9. REGULATION OF BUSINESSES, TRADES AND PROFESSIONS
TITLE 10. REGULATION OF INDIVIDUAL CONDUCT AND ACTIVITY
TITLE 11. STREETS
TITLE 12. TRAFFIC CODE
TITLE 13. WATER AND SEWER
TITLE 14. ZONING AND PLANNING
TITLE 15. PARKS AND RECREATION
TITLE 16. PUBLIC PROPERTY
TITLE 17. CONTRACTS AND PROCUREMENT
TITLE 18. COMMERCE AND AVIATION
TITLE 19. FINANCE, TAXES AND COLLECTIONS
TITLE 20. OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
TITLE 21. MISCELLANEOUS
TITLE 22. PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT CODE
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION PM-301 GENERAL
PM-301.1 Scope. The provisions of this Chapter shall govern the minimum conditions and the responsibilities of persons for maintenance of structures, equipment and exterior property.
PM-301.2 Responsibility. The owner of the premises shall maintain the structures and exterior property in compliance with these requirements, except as otherwise provided for in this code. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy premises which are not in a sanitary and safe condition and which do not comply with the requirements of this Chapter. Occupants of a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit are responsible for keeping in a clean, sanitary and safe condition that part of the dwelling unit, rooming unit, housekeeping unit or premises which they occupy and control.
PM-301.3 Vacant structures and land. All vacant structures and premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the public health or safety.
SECTION PM-302 EXTERIOR PROPERTY AREAS
PM-302.1 Sanitation. All exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. The occupant shall keep that part of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition.
PM-302.2 Grading and drainage. All premises shall be graded and maintained to prevent the erosion of soil and to prevent the accumulation of standing water thereon, or within any structure located thereon.
Exception: Approved retention areas and reservoirs.
PM-302.3 Sidewalks and driveways. All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions.
PM-302.4 Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.
Upon failure of the owner or agent having charge of a property to cut and destroy weeds after service of a notice of violation, they shall be subject to prosecution in accordance with Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) and as prescribed by the authority having jurisdiction. Upon failure to comply with the notice of violation, any duly authorized employee of the jurisdiction or contractor hired by the jurisdiction shall be authorized to enter upon the property in violation and cut and destroy the weeds growing thereon, and the costs of such removal shall be paid by the owner or agent responsible for the property.
PM-302.5 Rodent harborage. All structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rodent harborage and infestation. Where rodents are found, they shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes which will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to eliminate rodent harborage and prevent reinfestation.
PM-302.6 Exhaust vents. Pipes, ducts, conductors, fans or blowers shall not discharge gases, steam, vapor, hot air, grease, smoke, odors or other gaseous or particulate wastes directly upon abutting or adjacent public or private property or that of another tenant.
PM-302.7 Accessory structures. All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.
   PM-302.7.1 Temporary Fences: No person shall place or maintain a fence in the 10th Councilmanic District that is free-standing (meaning not permanently affixed to the property) and that is of a type customarily used for building projects and construction sites, such as a modular chain-link fence, unless such free-standing fence is placed and maintained in connection with a building permit issued pursuant to Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code), or unless such fence is placed and maintained to protect against either a potential safety hazard from an ongoing work process for which a building permit is not required or any imminent safety hazard. Any temporary fence so placed shall be removed upon completion of the work authorized by such building permit or the elimination of the present or potential safety hazard.
PM-302.8 Motor vehicles. Except as provided for in other regulations, no inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth.
Exception: A vehicle of any type is permitted to undergo major overhaul, including body work, provided that such work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes.
PM-302.9 Defacement of property. No person shall willfully or wantonly damage, mutilate or deface any exterior surface of any structure or building on any private or public property by placing thereon any marking, carving or graffiti.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner to restore said surface to an approved state of maintenance and repair.
PM-302.10 Encroaching Trees.  430.1 No person shall allow any tree on his or her property to overhang or rest on the property of another person if the tree (i) is dead, weakened or decayed such that a significant portion of the tree could reasonably be expected to fall or come to rest on the property of another person or (ii) otherwise encroaches in a manner that harms or is likely to harm the other’s property.
CLIP may serve notice of violation with sixty (60) days to cure the violation. Upon failure of the tree owner to abate the encroachment after service of a notice of violation, CLIP shall be authorized, itself or by contract, to prune or remove the encroaching tree to the extent necessary to cure the violation and the owner of the tree shall be liable for the costs of such work.
This provision shall not apply to any Street Tree consistent with the provisions of Section 15-203 of The Philadelphia Code.

 

Notes

430.1
   Added, Bill No. 240371 (approved June 26, 2024).
SECTION PM-303 SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS AND HOT TUBS
PM-303.1 Swimming pools. Swimming pools shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and in good repair.
PM-303.2 Enclosures. pools, hot tubs and spas, containing water more than 24 inches (610 mm) in depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (1219 mm) in height above the finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. Gates and doors in such barriers shall be self-closing and self-latching. Where the self-latching device is less than 54 inches (1372 mm) above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate. Self-closing and self-latching gates shall be maintained such that the gate will positively close and latch when released from an open position of 6 inches (152 mm) from the gatepost. No existing pool enclosure shall be removed, replaced or changed in a manner that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier.
Exception: Spas or hot tubs with a safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346 shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section.
SECTION PM-304 EXTERIOR STRUCTURE
PM-304.1 General. The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.
   PM-304.1.1 Unsafe conditions. The following conditions shall be determined as unsafe and shall be repaired or replaced to comply with the International Building Code or the International Existing Building Code as required for existing building:
      1.   The nominal strength of any structural member is exceeded by nominal loads, the load effects or the required strength;
      2.   The anchorage of the floor or roof to walls or columns, and of walls and columns to foundations is not capable of resisting all nominal loads or load effects;
      3.   Structures or components thereof that have reached their limit state;
      4.   Siding and masonry joints including joints between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors and skylights are not maintained, weather resistant or water tight;
      5.   Structural members that have evidence of deterioration or that are not capable of safely supporting all nominal loads and load effects;
      6.   Foundation systems that are not firmly supported by footings, are not plumb and free from open cracks and breaks, are not properly anchored or are not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
      7.   Exterior walls that are not anchored to supporting and supported elements or are not plumb and free of holes, cracks or breaks and loose or rotting materials, are not properly anchored or are not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
      8.   Roofing or roofing components that have defects that admit rain, roof surfaces with inadequate drainage, or any portion of the roof framing that is not in good repair with signs of deterioration, fatigue or without proper anchorage and incapable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
      9.   Flooring and flooring components with defects that affect serviceability or flooring components that show signs of deterioration or fatigue, are not properly anchored or are incapable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
      10.   Veneer, cornices, belt courses, corbels, trim, wall facings and similar decorative features not properly anchored or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
      11.   Overhang extensions or projections including, but not limited to, trash chutes, canopies, marquees, signs, awnings, fire escapes, standpipes and exhaust ducts not properly anchored or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
      12.   Exterior stairs, decks, porches, balconies and all similar appurtenances attached thereto, including guard s and handrails, are not structurally sound, not properly anchored or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects; or
      13.   Chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks and similar appurtenances not structurally sound or not properly anchored, or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects.
   Exceptions:
      1.   When substantiated otherwise by an approved method.
      2.   Demolition of unsafe conditions shall be permitted when approved by the code official.
PM-304.2 Protective treatment. All exterior surfaces, including but not limited to, doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, decks and fences, shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted. All siding and masonry joints, as well as those between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors and skylights, shall be maintained weather resistant and water tight. All metal surfaces subject to rust or corrosion shall be coated to inhibit such rust and corrosion, and all surfaces with rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated to inhibit future rust and corrosion. Oxidation stains shall be removed from exterior surfaces. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement.
[F] PM-304.3 Premises identification. Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm).
PM-304.4 Structural members. All structural members shall be maintained free from deterioration, and shall be capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads.
PM-304.5 Foundation walls. All foundation walls shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rodents and other pests.
PM-304.6 Exterior walls. All exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface coated where required to prevent deterioration.
   PM-304.6.1 Satellite Dishes and Antennas; Findings.
      1.   The City of Philadelphia was established by Charter of 1701, is considered the birthplace of American Independence, the American Revolution and a centerpiece of early American history.
      2.   Philadelphia boasts historical, cultural and architectural lineage longer than that of almost any other place in America, with much of its buildings dating from the early 20th Century or earlier.
      3.   Certain considerations should be made to preserve the character and appeal of this uniquely American city as modern technological advancements are integrated into the City's landscape.
      4.   The City of Philadelphia has a vested interest in protecting its neighborhoods from conditions that could substantially and interfere with enhancing quality of life, fostering and facilitating commerce, maintaining and improving property values, and preserving and protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare.
      5.   The City of Philadelphia has an interest in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of building appurtenants, particularly those that extend into the public right-of-way.
      6.   The City of Philadelphia also recognizes the interest of its citizens in receiving and maintaining access to television, cable and satellite airwaves.
      7.   The Federal Communications Commission in 1996 adopted the Over-the-Air Reception Devices ("OTARD") rule concerning governmental and nongovernmental restrictions on viewers' ability to receive video programming signals.
      8.   Since then, the OTARD ruling has been interpreted by the FCC to allow the imposition of "reasonable" regulations on satellite dish and antenna placement under terms and conditions that don't impede signal access.
      9.   Particular attention needs to be given to tailoring measures that properly balance the interest of cable and satellite signal access and the City's interest in quality of life enhancement, historic preservation and public safety.
   PM-304.6.2 Satellite Dishes and Antennas; Locations.
      PM-304.6.2.1 Where an alternative location is available, including but not limited to a roof, rear yard or facade, or side yard or facade, no property owner or tenant in a multiple-family or two-family dwelling shall place or permit the placement of a satellite dish or antenna between the facade of the building and the street, unless the device is wholly within a balcony or patio area that is under the exclusive use or control of the unit owner or tenant.
      PM-304.6.2.2 Where an alternative location is available for placement of a satellite dish or antenna, with no material delay or material reduction in signal reception and at no significant additional cost to the owner or tenant (including but not limited to a roof, rear yard or facade, or side yard or facade), no property owner or tenant in a one-family dwelling shall place, install or maintain, or allow to be placed, installed or maintained, a satellite dish or antenna between the facade of a building and the street.
      PM-304.6.2.3 Any property owner or tenant in a one-family, two-family or multi-family dwelling, if his or her satellite dish or antenna was installed by a provider or installer, shall keep the certification provided by the installer as required by Section 9-632(4) of this Code at the residence at which the satellite dish or antenna is maintained, and shall produce it upon request by an inspector from the Department.
      PM-304.6.2.4. No property owner or tenant shall place a satellite dish or antenna that does not meet one of the following criteria between the facade of any building and the street:
         1.   A "dish" antenna that is one meter or less in diameter and is designed to receive direct broadcast satellite service, including direct-to-home satellite service, or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals via satellite.
         2.   An antenna that is one meter or less in diameter or diagonal measurement and is designed to receive video programming services via broadband radio service (wireless cable) or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals other than via satellite.
         3.   An antenna that is designed to receive local television broadcast signals.
PM-304.7 Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a nuisance.
PM-304.8 Decorative features. All cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.
PM-304.9 Overhang extensions. All overhang extensions including, but not limited to canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, fire escapes, standpipes and exhaust ducts shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a sound condition. When required, all exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.
PM-304.10 Stairways, decks, porches and balconies. Every exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting the imposed loads.
PM-304.11 Chimneys and towers. All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe and sound, and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.
PM-304.12 Handrails and guards. Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.
PM-304.13 Window, skylight and door frames. Every window, skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weather tight.
   PM-304.13.1 Glazing. All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes.
   PM-304.13.2 Openable windows. Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be easily openable and capable of being held in position by window hardware.
PM-304.14 [Reserved]
PM-304.15 Doors. All exterior doors, door assemblies and hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Locks at all entrances to dwelling units and sleeping units shall tightly secure the door. Locks on means of egress doors shall be in accordance with Section PM-702.3.
PM-304.16 Basement hatchways. Every basement hatchway shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain and surface drainage water.
PM-304.17 Guards for basement windows. Every basement window that is openable shall be supplied with rodent shields, storm windows or other approved protection against the entry of rodents.
PM-304.18 Building security. Doors, windows or hatchways for dwelling units, room units or housekeeping units shall be provided with devices designed to provide security for the occupant s and property within.
   PM-304.18.1 Doors. Doors providing access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let shall be equipped with a deadbolt lock designed to be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort and shall have a lock throw of not less than 1 inch (25 mm). Such deadbolt locks shall be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and maintained in good working order. For the purpose of this Section, a sliding bolt shall not be considered an acceptable deadbolt lock.
   PM-304.18.2 Windows. Operable windows located in whole or in part within 6 feet (1828 mm) above ground level or a walking surface below that provide access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let shall be equipped with a window sash locking device.
   PM-304.18.3 Basement hatchways. Basement hatchways that provide access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let shall be equipped with devices that secure the units from unauthorized entry.
PM-304.19 Additional Requirements for Doors, Windows and Other Openings. The owner of a structure, including a vacant structure, shall keep all doors, windows and openings from the roof or other areas in good repair, and shall ensure that such doors, windows and openings are securely locked, fastened or otherwise secured. Sealing such a property with boards or masonry or other materials that are not windows with frames and glazing or entry doors shall not constitute good repair or being locked, fastened or otherwise secured.
   PM-304.19.1 Use of alternative materials. If securely fastened windows and doors fail or are inadequate to prevent trespassers from entering a building, the owner shall take any measures prescribed by the code official to prevent unauthorized entry to the premises by closing all openings with materials approved by the code official, such as closing and securing all accessible openings using a commercial-quality, 14 gauge, rust-proof steel security panel or door, or such other materials deemed by the code official to provide an equivalent level of protection considering the specific characteristics of a property and its location. Security panels and doors shall be secured from the building interior, allow emergency access such as by key, and have an exterior finish that allows for easy removal of graffiti. The owner of property who shall obtain approval from the code official to use alternative materials. The code official shall promulgate regulations outlining the process by which an owner may obtain approval to use alternative materials.
SECTION PM-305 INTERIOR STRUCTURE
PM-305.1 General. The interior of a structure and equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and in a sanitary condition. Occupants shall keep that part of the structure which they occupy or control in a clean and sanitary condition. Every owner of a structure containing a rooming house, housekeeping units, a hotel, a dormitory, two or more dwelling units or two or more nonresidential occupancies, shall maintain, in a clean and sanitary condition, the shared or public areas of the structure and exterior property.
   PM-305.1.1 Unsafe conditions. The following conditions shall be determined as unsafe and shall be repaired or replaced to comply with the International Building Code or the International Existing Building Code as required for existing buildings:
      1.   The nominal strength of any structural member is exceeded by nominal loads, the load effects or the required strength;
      2.   The anchorage of the floor or roof to walls or columns, and of walls and columns to foundations is not capable of resisting all nominal loads or load effects;
      3.   Structures or components thereof that have reached their limit state;
      4.   Structural members are incapable of supporting nominal loads and load effects;
      5.   Stairs, landings, balconies and all similar walking surfaces, including guards and handrails, are not structurally sound, not properly anchored or are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
      6.   Foundation systems that are not firmly supported by footings are not plumb and free from open cracks and breaks, are not properly anchored or are not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects.
   Exceptions:
      1.   When substantiated otherwise by an approved method.
      2.   Demolition of unsafe conditions shall be permitted when approved by the code official.
PM-305.2 Structural members. All structural members shall be maintained structurally sound, and be capable of supporting the imposed loads.
PM-305.3 Interior surfaces. All interior surfaces, including windows and doors, shall be maintained in good, clean and sanitary condition. Peeling, chipping, flaking or abraded paint shall be repaired, removed or covered. Cracked or loose plaster, decayed wood and other defective surface conditions shall be corrected.
PM-305.4 Stairs and walking surfaces. Every stair, ramp, landing, balcony, porch, deck or other walking surface shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair.
PM-305.5 Handrails and guards. Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.
PM-305.6 Interior doors. Every interior door shall fit reasonably well within its frame and shall be capable of being opened and closed by being properly and securely attached to jambs, headers or tracks as intended by the manufacturer of the attachment hardware.
Loading...