Do I need a permit?

[Greg Pizzola]

Hi All,

I'm preparing to add a second bath in my basement. First step I took was to look into getting a permit to tie in to my sewer. From what it looks like to me I'm not required in Philadelphia, PA to obtain a permit since I'm in a one family dwelling.

I'm not familiar with the L and I department so I'm not sure if this is normal.

Here is the link to the permits page for philadelphia that lists the one and two family dwelling exception...

Https://business.phila.gov/plumbing-permit/

 

[Smooky]

I think it says that plans are not required but I think you will need to get a permit.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Stuff]

If you are in the city limits then you need to hire someone. Permits are required for everything but can only be pulled by licensed contractors.

 

[hj]

You apparently do NOT need a plan, although one might be a good idea before you do the work and then find out it has to be redone. You DO, however, need a permit, otherwise how could they readjust your property taxes to show the increase in your home's value.

 

[Cacher_Chick]

From Philadelphia Plumbing Code-

P-105.1 License required. No person shall install plumbing, water drain or waste piping, or fixtures unless properly
licensed pursuant to Title 9, Section 9-1003. No person shall hire such unlicensed person to perform plumbing
work. Any person who has had plumbing work performed by an unlicensed person must have a Registered Master
Plumber inspect and if necessary redo the work. Permits must be secured for the inspection activity and for any
additional plumbing work as a result of the inspection.

I think they write this into the code to protect the city and keep the unions happy. You would really need to check with the district licensing office to see what a single-family residential owner is allowed to do.

 

[Greg Pizzola]

From Philadelphia Plumbing Code-

P-105.1 License required. No person shall install plumbing, water drain or waste piping, or fixtures unless properly
licensed pursuant to Title 9, Section 9-1003. No person shall hire such unlicensed person to perform plumbing
work. Any person who has had plumbing work performed by an unlicensed person must have a Registered Master
Plumber inspect and if necessary redo the work. Permits must be secured for the inspection activity and for any
additional plumbing work as a result of the inspection.

Looks like I'll be digging and my plumber will be doing the plumbing. Although, isn't that code kind of contradictory? ...You must use a plumber, but if you don't you need it inspected by a plumber.

 

[Cacher_Chick]

Looks like I'll be digging and my plumber will be doing the plumbing. Although, isn't that code kind of contradictory? ...You must use a plumber, but if you don't you need it inspected by a plumber.

A plumber can collect a fee to sign off on your work and get you through the inspection process. Whether you can find one who will do that is another story.