Navigate L&I violations with confidence. Get your Make Safe Permit approved quickly
and avoid costly fines with our comprehensive guide for Philadelphia property
owners.
Navigate L&I violations with confidence. Get your Make Safe Permit approved quickly
and avoid costly fines with our comprehensive guide for Philadelphia property
owners.
What is a Make Safe Permit in Philadelphia?
The Goal
The goal is simple: remove the hazard, comply with city regulations, and make the property safe again.
A Make Safe Permit is a special permit required by the City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) when a property has been declared unsafe or imminently dangerous. This usually happens after a city inspection identifies serious structural issues that pose a risk to public safety.
Unlike standard building permits, a Make Safe Permit is limited in scope. It only allows repairs or stabilization necessary to eliminate the unsafe condition. It is not valid for full renovations, additions, or unrelated remodeling projects. Any extra work beyond fixing the unsafe condition requires separate permits.
The goal is simple: remove the hazard, comply with city regulations, and make the property safe again.
When the City of Philadelphia L&I inspects a property and finds dangerous conditions, they issue a Notice of Violation. This bright orange notice means the property is officially unsafe. From there, the process typically looks like this:
01
Violation Issued
You receive notice that the building is unsafe, condemned, or imminently dangerous.
02
Time to Comply
The city usually gives 30 days (or less for severe cases) to take corrective action.
03
Risk of Enforcement
If you fail to act, you may face:
Failure to act results in daily fines (often $300+ per day), court action, forced demolition, property liens, and vacancy orders.
04
Apply for Make Safe Permit
Submit proper application with certified professional plans to legally address the violation.
05
Inspection & Compliance
City inspectors verify repairs meet safety standards and violation requirements are satisfied.
Critical Warning
Ignoring violations leads to escalating daily fines, potential property loss, and legal action through Philadelphia Municipal Court. Swift action protects your investment.
Step-by-Step Make Safe Permit Process
Successfully obtaining a Make Safe Permit in Philadelphia requires careful attention to procedural details and strict compliance with L&I
requirements. Follow this comprehensive process to ensure approval and violation resolution.
Serious Consequences of Ignoring Violations
Property owners who fail to address Make Safe violations face severe
financial and legal consequences through Philadelphia’s aggressive
enforcement system. The Department of Licenses & Inspections
possesses comprehensive authority to compel compliance through
multiple enforcement mechanisms.
Forced City Intervention
City performs emergency demolition or stabilization work and bills property owner for all costs, often exceeding $50,000 for major structural repairs.
Daily Financial Penalties
Accumulating fines of $300-500+ per day until full compliance achieved. These charges compound rapidly, often reaching thousands of dollars within weeks.
Municipal Court Action
Legal proceedings through Philadelphia Municipal Court system, resulting in additional court costs, legal fees, and potential criminal penalties for willful non-compliance.
Property Liens & Shutdowns
Automatic liens filed against property for unpaid fines and costs. Vacancy orders force immediate tenant/business evacuation until compliance achieved.
Philadelphia L&I Enforcement Reality
The Department has full legal authority to enforce compliance. Doing nothing is invariably the most expensive option for property owners.
Expert Make Safe Permit Assistance
Why Choose Professional Help?
- Navigate complex L&I regulations
- Avoid costly permit mistakes
- Ensure timely compliance
- Protect your property investment
NK Construction & Design: Your Philadelphia Make Safe Experts
At NK Construction & Design, we specialize in guiding Philadelphia property owners through the complex Make Safe Permit process. Our experienced team eliminates the guesswork and stress from L&I violation resolution.
Our Comprehensive Services
- Professional Engineering Partnership: Collaboration with licensed engineers and
- architects for certified plans
- Permit Application Management: Complete preparation and filing with Philadelphia L&I through eCLIPSE portal
- Expert Construction Services: Qualified structural stabilization and safety repairs
- Inspection Coordination: Full management of L&I inspection process and violation closure
From historic Philadelphia row homes to modern commercial properties, our skilled team ensures your building becomes safe, compliant, and protected against costly fines or demolition orders.
Get Your Make Safe Permit Approved Today
Don’t let L&I violations threaten your Philadelphia property investment. Our expert team at NK Construction & Design provides comprehensive Make Safe Permit services that ensure quick compliance and protect against costly enforcement actions.
Contact NK Construction & Design today to resolve your L&I violation properly and restore your property to safe, compliant status. We handle everything from initial assessment to final inspection approval.
