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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
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
CHAPTER 9-100. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 9-200. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES ON STREETS
CHAPTER 9-300. COMMUNICATION
CHAPTER 9-400. CARRIERS
CHAPTER 9-500. BOILERS, FUEL, HEAT AND REFRIGERATION
CHAPTER 9-600. SERVICE AND OTHER BUSINESSES
§ 9-601. Garages, Parking Lots, Sales Lots and Sales Showrooms.
§ 9-602. Outdoor Advertising.
§ 9-603. Pawnbrokers.
§ 9-604. Refuse Collection.
§ 9-605. Towing.
§ 9-606. Ammunition.
§ 9-607. Firearms.
§ 9-608. Real Estate Signs.
§ 9-609. Self-Service Laundries.
§ 9-610. Massage Businesses.
§ 9-611. Masseurs and Masseuses.
§ 9-612. Fences Around Automobile Wrecking Yards and Junk Yards and Buildings.
§ 9-613. Junk Dealers.
§ 9-614. Payment of Gratuities to Employees.
§ 9-615. Dealers in Precious Metals.
§ 9-616. Retail Sale of Motor Fuels.
§ 9-617. Fences Around Transportation Installations.
§ 9-618. Sale of Spray Paint Containers, Indelible Markers and Etching Acid.
§ 9-619. Refund Policy Disclosure.
§ 9-620. Sale and Installation of Audible Motor Vehicle Alarms.
§ 9-621. Tire Dealers.
§ 9-622. Cigarettes and Tobacco Products.
§ 9-623. Bicycle Couriers and Bicycle Delivery Service.
§ 9-624. Adult Bookstores.
§ 9-625. Sale of Laser Pointing Devices.
§ 9-626. Sale of Motor Vehicle That Cannot Be Registered in Pennsylvania.
§ 9-627. Commercial Establishments on Residential Blockfaces.
§ 9-628. Alcohol Advertising.
§ 9-629. Drug Paraphernalia, Blunt Cigars, and Similar Items.
§ 9-630. Seventh District Commercial Business Hour Restriction.
§ 9-631. Tobacco Retailer Permit.
§ 9-632. Television Access Providers and Installers.
§ 9-633. Sale of Electronic Smoking Devices and Unapproved Nicotine Delivery Products.
§ 9-634. Immigration Assistance Services.
§ 9-635. Urban Experiential Displays.
§ 9-636. Gender-Neutral Bathroom Designation.
§ 9-637. Opioid Antidote Availability.
§ 9-638. Sale of Electronic Smoking Devices in Youth-Accessible Establishments.
§ 9-639. Flavored Tobacco Products.
§ 9-640. Tax Preparation Services.
§ 9-641. Sixth District Commercial Business Hour Restriction.
§ 9-642. Ninth District Commercial Business Hour Restriction.
§ 9-643. Commercial Business Hour Restriction Near the Boundary of the Eighth and Ninth Districts.
CHAPTER 9-700. AMUSEMENT BUSINESSES
CHAPTER 9-800. LANDLORD AND TENANT
CHAPTER 9-900. PROFESSIONS
CHAPTER 9-1000. TRADES
CHAPTER 9-1100. FAIR PRACTICES ORDINANCE: PROTECTIONS AGAINST UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION
CHAPTER 9-1200. CONDOMINIUM AND COOPERATIVE CONVERSIONS
CHAPTER 9-1300. INSPECTION BUSINESSES
CHAPTER 9-1400. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
CHAPTER 9-1500. NOTIFICATION OF INTENTION TO CLOSE OR RELOCATE OPERATIONS
CHAPTER 9-1600. PROHIBITION AGAINST UNLAWFUL EVICTION PRACTICES
CHAPTER 9-1700. REQUIRED POLICY FOR EMPLOYERS WITHIN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA REGARDING ASPECTS OF TRANSMISSION OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS
CHAPTER 9-1800. PROTECTING PHILADELPHIA'S RESTAURANTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
CHAPTER 9-1900. FIRE INSURANCE ESCROW ACCOUNTS: MUNICIPAL CERTIFICATE REQUIRED PRIOR TO PAYMENT OF FIRE LOSS CLAIMS
CHAPTER 9-2000. SALE OF MALT OR BREWED BEVERAGES
CHAPTER 9-2100. CIGARETTE VENDING MACHINES
CHAPTER 9-2200. EXPEDITERS
CHAPTER 9-2300. PROTECTION OF DISPLACED SERVICE EMPLOYEES
CHAPTER 9-2400. PROHIBITION AGAINST PREDATORY LENDING PRACTICES
CHAPTER 9-2500. FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM WORKERS
CHAPTER 9-2600. PLANNED EVENT PERMITS
CHAPTER 9-2700. SALES OF ALCOHOL; VERIFICATION OF AGE
CHAPTER 9-2800. UNIVERSITIES, PROPERTY OWNERS OR MANAGERS AND STUDENTS
CHAPTER 9-2900. TAKE-OUT SALE OF MALT AND BREWED BEVERAGES
CHAPTER 9-3000. SHEET METAL TECHNICIAN
CHAPTER 9-3100. USE OF MERCURY IN DENTISTRY
CHAPTER 9-3200. ENTITLEMENT TO LEAVE DUE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING
CHAPTER 9-3300. USE AND INSPECTION OF TOWER AND MOBILE CRANES IN CONSTRUCTION
CHAPTER 9-3400. ENERGY CONSERVATION
CHAPTER 9-3500. FAIR CRIMINAL RECORD SCREENING STANDARDS
CHAPTER 9-3600. AGENTS AND SHERIFF'S SALES
CHAPTER 9-3700. BOUNCERS
CHAPTER 9-3800. ELECTRIC FENCES
CHAPTER 9-3900. PROPERTY LICENSES AND OWNER ACCOUNTABILITY
CHAPTER 9-4000. AUTOMATED PURCHASING MACHINES
CHAPTER 9-4100. PROMOTING HEALTHY FAMILIES AND WORKPLACES
CHAPTER 9-4200. DONATION BINS
CHAPTER 9-4300. WAGE THEFT COMPLAINTS
CHAPTER 9-4400. RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS OPERATIONS
CHAPTER 9-4500. PROTECTIONS FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS
CHAPTER 9-4600. FAIR WORKWEEK EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
CHAPTER 9-4700. WRONGFUL DISCHARGE FROM PARKING EMPLOYMENT
CHAPTER 9-4800. RESPONSIBILITIES CONCERNING BED BUG INFESTATION
CHAPTER 9-4900. PROHIBITION ON USE OF CERTAIN BAGS BY RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS
CHAPTER 9-5000. EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH COVID-19 EMERGENCY HEALTH ORDER
CHAPTER 9-5100. FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES
CHAPTER 9-5200. RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY WHOLESALERS
CHAPTER 9-5300. TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY WORKER RECALL AND RETENTION
CHAPTER 9-5400. RETENTION OF HOTEL WORKERS
CHAPTER 9-5500. PROHIBITION ON TESTING FOR MARIJUANA AS A CONDITION FOR EMPLOYMENT
CHAPTER 9-5600. WORKFORCE AND CAREER PATHWAYS INFORMATION SHEET
CHAPTER 9-5700. LEASING OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
CHAPTER 9-5800. TANGLED TITLE DISCLOSURE
CHAPTER 9-5900. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN GAMING AND SKILL-BASED DEVICES
CHAPTER 9-6000. EMPLOYEE COMMUTER TRANSIT BENEFIT PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 9-6100. MOTOR VEHICLE SALVAGING, DISMANTLING, RECYCLING, OR REPAIRING
CHAPTER 9-6200. TRESPASSING IN RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS
CHAPTER 9-6300. CONSUMER PROTECTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 9-6400. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
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
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§ 9-637. Opioid Antidote Availability. 963
   (1)   Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
      Department. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
      Department Sign. A sign no larger than eight and a half (8.5) by eleven (11) inches, designed and issued by the Department, which gives notice of the availability of Opioid Antidotes and contains related messaging from the Department.
      Opioid Antidote. Naloxone nasal spray (NARCAN™) or any other formulation of naloxone approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as an emergency treatment for opioid overdose. The Board of Health may promulgate regulations to supplement this definition when appropriate for the protection of public health.
      Pharmacist. An individual duly licensed by the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy to engage in the practice of pharmacy.
      Retail Pharmacy. An establishment meeting the definition of "Pharmacy" in the Pennsylvania Pharmacy Act, 63 Pa. Stat. Ann. § 390-2, that dispenses pharmaceuticals directly to patients.
   (2)   Opioid Antidote Stocking Requirement. Retail Pharmacies shall maintain a pharmaceutical stock sufficient to fill at least two (2) requests for Opioid Antidotes made pursuant to Pennsylvania Department of Health Standing Order DOH-001-2018, "Naloxone Prescription for Overdose Prevention", another applicable standing order for Opioid Antidotes, or an individual prescription for a single-use dose of an Opioid Antidote.
      (a)   The following shall in any case constitute a sufficient stock of Opioid Antidotes for purposes of this subsection (2): two (2) NARCAN™ nasal spray cartons containing two blister packages each with single 4 mg dose of naloxone in a 0.1 mL intranasal spray.
      (b)   It shall be an affirmative defense to a violation of this subsection (2) to demonstrate either:
         (.1)   fewer than three (3) days elapsed between the date of the violation and the last preceding date on which the Retail Pharmacy was in compliance with this subsection (2); or
         (.2)   fewer than seven (7) days elapsed between the date of the violation and the last preceding date on which the Retail Pharmacy was in compliance with this subsection (2), and the Retail Pharmacy had ordered adequate replacement stock prior to receiving the violation.
      (c)   The Board of Health may promulgate regulations to update the stocking requirements of this subsection (2), including subsection (2)(a), in consideration of contemporaneous scientific research.
   (3)   Signage Requirement. Retail Pharmacies shall display a Department Sign or Department Signs in a location or locations so that a Department Sign is visible and legible from all points of sale at which a Pharmacist dispenses pharmaceuticals. The Department may approve variations in the sign design at the request of a Retail Pharmacy.
   (4)   Exception. A Retail Pharmacy at which all practicing Pharmacists refuse in accordance with applicable law to dispense Opioid Antidotes under any circumstances shall not be subject to the provisions of this Section. Such refusals shall be submitted annually to the Department on a form issued by the Department.
   (5)   Enforcement and Penalties. The Department shall enforce this Section. A violation of this Section shall be a Class III offense. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. The amount required to be remitted in response to a notice of violation of this Section pursuant to Section 1-112 shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

 

Notes

963
   Added, Bill No. 180695 (approved December 11, 2018).
§ 9-638. Sale of Electronic Smoking Devices in Youth-Accessible Establishments. 964
   (1)   Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
      Adults-Only Establishment. An establishment that holds an active Adults-Only ESD Establishment License issued pursuant to subsection 9-638(6).
      Department. The Department of Public Health.
      Electronic Smoking Device or ESD. Set forth in subsection 9-631(1).
   (2)   Sale of Electronic Smoking Devices with a Characterizing Flavor Restricted. Except at an Adults-Only Establishment, no person shall sell or offer for sale, or possess with intent to sell or offer for sale, any Electronic Smoking Device with a Characterizing Flavor, defined as a taste or aroma, other than the taste or aroma of tobacco, imparted either prior to or during use of an Electronic Smoking Device or of any byproduct produced by the Electronic Smoking Device, including, but not limited to, any taste or aroma relating to fruit, chocolate, vanilla, honey, candy, cocoa, dessert, alcoholic beverage, menthol, mint, wintergreen, herb, or spice; provided, however, that an Electronic Smoking Device shall not be determined to have a Characterizing Flavor solely because of the use of additives or flavorings or the provision of ingredient information.
   (3)   Sale of Electronic Smoking Devices with Nicotine Salt Restricted. Except at an Adults-Only Establishment, no person shall sell or offer for sale, or possess with intent to sell or offer for sale, any Electronic Smoking Device with nicotine salt.
      (a)   This subsection 9-638(3) shall not apply to Electronic Smoking Devices that contain 20 mg/ml or less of nicotine in any form.
   (4)   Overriding Clause Restricting the Sale of All Electronic Smoking Devices to Adults-Only Establishments. If and only if subsection 9-638(3) or (3)(a) is held by a court to be illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional, then this subsection (4) shall be effective. No person shall sell or offer for sale, or possess with intent to sell or offer for sale, any Electronic Smoking Device, except at an Adults-Only Establishment.
   (5)   Except at an Adults-Only Establishment, no person shall sell or offer for sale, or possess with intent to sell or offer for sale, any Electronic Smoking Device, unless such Device or category of Devices has been approved by the Department as permitted for sale under this Section. The Department, by regulation, shall provide an expeditious approval process.
   (6)   Adults-Only ESD Establishment License. The Department shall issue and renew an Adults-Only ESD Establishment License, which shall be issued and renewed annually on a calendar year basis, to an establishment that adequately demonstrates via application to the Department on a form developed by the Department that the establishment:
      (a)   holds a valid Tobacco Retailer Permit issued pursuant to Section 9-631;
      (b)   does not permit persons under 18 years of age, or persons of such other higher age who are legally prohibited from purchasing an Electronic Smoking Device in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as may be established by law, to enter any portion of the establishment, at any time of day;
      (c)   has a formal, written employee training and compliance protocol for exclusion of persons whose entry is to be restricted in accordance with subsection (6)(b), including implementation of identification checks at entry; and
      (d)   has cumulatively violated Sections 9-622 (Cigarettes and Tobacco Products) or 9-633 (Sale of Electronic Smoking Devices and Unapproved Nicotine Delivery Products) fewer than two (2) times in the immediately preceding twenty-four (24) month period.
   (7)   Enforcement.
      (a)   A violation of this Section shall be a Class III offense. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. The amount required to be remitted in response to a notice of violation of this Section pursuant to Section 1-112 shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
      (b)   Any person applying for or renewing a Tobacco Retailer Permit pursuant to Section 9-631 shall be denied such permit if the person has violated this Section 9-638 two or more times in the immediately preceding twenty-four (24) month period.

 

Notes

964
   Added, Bill No. 190804 (approved December 18, 2019).
§ 9-639. Flavored Tobacco Products. 965
   (1)   Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
      Characterizing Flavor. A taste or aroma, other than the taste or aroma of tobacco, imparted either prior to or during consumption of a Tobacco Product or any byproduct produced by the Tobacco Product, including, but not limited to, any taste or aroma relating to fruit, chocolate, vanilla, honey, candy, cocoa, dessert, alcoholic beverage, mint, wintergreen, herb, or spice; provided, however, that a Tobacco Product shall not be determined to have a Characterizing Flavor solely because of the use of additives or flavorings or the provision of ingredient information.
      Flavored Cigar. Any item rolled for smoking containing tobacco, including cigars and cigarillos, that imparts a Characterizing Flavor, except any cigarette subject to the tax authorized by Section 19-1807.
      Flavored Roll-Your-Own Tobacco. Any Tobacco Product that imparts a Characterizing Flavor and that, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco for rolling and smoking.
      Tobacco Product. As defined in subsection 9-631(1) of this Code.
      Tobacco Products Distribution Business. An establishment that prohibits minors from entering; provides neither food nor beverage to customers; and derives ninety percent (90%) or more of gross sales on an annual basis from Tobacco Products and accessories used in the consumption of Tobacco Products, including from sales via the internet which are delivered only upon verification of identity and age.
   (2)   Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products Prohibited. It shall be a violation of this Section for any person to sell or offer for sale, or to possess with intent to sell or offer for sale, any Flavored Cigar or Flavored Roll-Your-Own Tobacco.
   (3)   Exception. Subsection 9-639(2) shall not apply to any Tobacco Products Distribution Business.
   (4)   Enforcement.
      (a)   A violation of this Section shall be a Class III offense. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. The amount required to be remitted in response to a notice of violation of this Section pursuant to Section 1-112 shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
      (b)   Any person applying for or renewing a Tobacco Retailer Permit pursuant to Section 9-631 shall be denied such permit if the person has violated Section 9-639(2) two or more times within the preceding twenty-four (24) months.

 

Notes

965
   Added, Bill No. 180457 (approved December 18, 2019). Enrolled bill numbered this as Section 9-637; renumbered by Code editor.
§ 9-640. Tax Preparation Services. 965.1
   (1)   Definitions.
      (a)   Tax Preparation Services Provider. An individual or business involved in providing a service to consumers involving preparation of federal, state, or City tax returns or related filings.
      (b)   Consumer. An individual or couple filing taxes jointly or a business consisting of a self-employed person, but not including a business with one or more employees other than the business owner.
   (2)   Authorization.
      (a)   The Department of Revenue shall provide information on its publicly-available webpage, in a prominent location, concerning the availability of no cost tax preparation services provided by the City, Commonwealth, Federal Government, registered non-profit organizations and legal aid services.
   (3)   Prohibited Conduct.
      (a)   No Tax Preparation Services Provider shall provide service to a consumer unless:
         (.1)   The Tax Preparation Service Provider has provided a listing of the cost of the services offered to the consumer and any additional fees that may be charged; and
         (.2)   Such consumer has acknowledged receipt of such information by providing evidence of receipt, such as signing a copy of such document, or digitally certifying awareness of the cost of services.
   (4)   Remedies.
      (a)   The penalty for a violation of this Section shall be a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense.
      (b)   Any person aggrieved by a Tax Preparation Services Provider’s violation of this Section 9-640 shall have a right of action against such Provider and may recover for each such violation:
         (.1)   Actual damages;
         (.2)   Reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs;
         (.3)   Such other relief, including injunctive relief, as the court may deem appropriate.

 

Notes

965.1
   Added, Bill No. 240087-A (approved May 29, 2024), effective November 1, 2024. Enrolled bill numbered this as Section 9-630; renumbered by Code editor.
§ 9-641. Sixth District Commercial Business Hour Restriction. 965.2
   (1)   Definitions.
      (a)   Commercial Establishment. An establishment involved in the buying and selling of goods where consumers primarily purchase goods intended for consumption or use off premises, including a Food Establishment as defined in Code Section 6-102, provided however that any Food Establishment with a Restaurant Liquor License shall not be covered by this Section, and further provided that this Section shall not apply to a Food Establishment that serves customers exclusively from a drive-through window or any vehicle fueling station.
   (2)   Prohibited Conduct. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, no Commercial Establishment shall be open to the public between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. at the following streets or any other location which Council shall from time to time ordain:
      (a)   The area bounded by East Allegheny Avenue, Kensington Avenue, Torresdale Avenue, and Frankford Avenue. This bounded area will include all businesses located on both sides of the boundary blocks.
   (3)   Penalties. The penalty for a violation of this Section shall be a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense for each day the violation continues.
   (4)   Sunset Provision. The provisions of this Section 9-641 shall expire December 31, 2026.

 

Notes

965.2
   Added, Bill No. 240474 (approved August 12, 2024).
§ 9-642. Ninth District Commercial Business Hour Restriction. 965.3
   (1)   Definitions.
      (a)   Commercial Establishment. An establishment involved in the buying and selling of goods where consumers primarily purchase goods intended for consumption or use off premises, including a Food Establishment as defined in Code Section 6-102, provided however that any Food Establishment with a Restaurant Liquor License shall not be covered by this Section, and further provided that this Section shall not apply to a Food Establishment that serves customers exclusively from a drive-through window or any vehicle fueling station.
   (2)   Prohibited Conduct. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, no commercial establishment shall be open to the public between 12 midnight and 6 a.m. at the following streets or any other location which Council shall from time to time ordain:
      (a)   Ogontz Avenue, between Haines Street and Cheltenham Avenue, on both sides.
      (b)   The area bounded by Ogontz Avenue, between Haines Street and 66th Avenue on both sides.
   (3)   Penalties. The penalty for a violation of this Section shall be a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense for each day the violation continues.
   (4)   Sunset Provision. The provisions of this Section 9-642 shall expire December 31, 2026.

 

Notes

965.3
   Added, Bill No. 240414 (approved August 12, 2024) and Bill No. 240468 (approved August 12, 2024). Enrolled bill numbered this as Section 9-640; renumbered by Code editor.
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