Get a Fire Suppression Systems Permit

You need this permit to do work on a fire suppression system.

This includes:

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues Fire Suppression Systems permits.

Private water or sewer services must be filed through a Site Work / Utility Permit. You must provide specific details and trade contractor information. Separate permits for each trade will be generated upon approval.

Some kinds of work are eligible for EZ permits, which do not require you to submit plans. This includes:

You can get a Rough-in Permit to install fire suppression system piping before the full permit is issued. Site Work Permits are not eligible.

You must first submit an application for a Fire Suppression Permit, including plans and the associated fees. You must request and describe rough-in work on the permit application. Once the Fire Suppression Permit application and associated plans are accepted for review, you must submit a separate application for rough-in approval.

You cannot get rough-in approval once the full permit has been approved. Rough-in approval lasts for 60 days and the work must not be concealed.

Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply for this permit. Authorized agents may include:

The permit application must include the complete scope of work and current owner information.

A fire suppression systems contractor must perform all work. The contractor must:

The contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project before a permit may be issued.

Backflow devices may only be installed by an approved technician.

If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.

Plans are not required for the following work if it adheres to the EZ Permit Standard.

Contact Air Management Services in the Health Department for information on asbestos investigation and abatement.

For historic properties

You need approval from

The Historical Commission

What's needed

You must have this approval in order to apply. L&I will refuse your permit application without Historical Commission approval. See how to get approval for work to a historic property.

In-person submission

You’ll need your plans with stamped approval from the Historical Commission before you make your application at the Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Submit your stamped plan as proof of approval when making your application.

Online submission

Upload all plans and materials required by the Philadelphia Historical Commission when you apply for your permit in eCLIPSE.

The Historical Commission will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

For water service and pressure flow data

You need approval from

The Philadelphia Water Department – Water Records

What's needed

Complete the Flow Test Data form. Find more information about the Water Department's review for flow data, along with the Flow Test Data Form.

In-person submission

You must submit a completed copy of the Flow Test Data form with your permit application.

The Water Department's Water Records group will receive an electronic notification after you submit your Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) permit at the Permit and License Center in the MSB. Water can then approve Flow Test Data.

Online submission

You must upload a completed copy of the Flow Test Data form when you apply for your permit in eCLIPSE.

The Water Records group will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

For any free-standing equipment, such as a Fire Department connection, that will be put in the right-of-way

You need approval from

The Department of Streets

What's needed

You’ll need to complete a Streets plan review. See Streets’ plan review requirements and applicable forms for more information.

In-person submission

You must submit your Streets-approved plans with your other application materials when you apply in person at the Permit and License Center in MSB.

Online submission

Upload all plans and materials required by the Department of Streets when you apply for your L&I permit through eCLIPSE. The Department of Streets will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

For some healthcare and medical care facilities

You need approval from

The Pennsylvania Department of Health

What's needed

Your plan must be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Find more information about what's needed and how to get approval.

In-person submission

You must submit a plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Health for compliance before applying at the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). Bring a copy of your permit when you submit your L&I application at Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Online submission

Upload a copy of your approved plan and letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Health when applying for your permit through eCLIPSE.

For utility plan approval if the application includes new construction

You need approval from

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)

What's needed

You’ll need a PWD Utility Plan Review. To get this review, submit a Utility Plan to PWD at [email protected].

In-person submission

Submit all required materials directly to PWD before you apply to the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).

Then, fill out and submit your L&I application at Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Online submission

Submit all required materials directly to PWD before you submit your L&I permit application.

File your permit application with L&I online through eCLIPSE.

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.

You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.

Permit and License Center1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.MSB, Public Service ConcoursePhiladelphia, PA 19102

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

This fee is nonrefundable. It will be credited towards the final permit fee.

Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.

To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review Request form and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.

(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.)

(Items paid at the Cashier's Station will be mailed within five business days.)

L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:

If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:

If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.

Applications with plans are processed within 20 business days.

If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

Before a permit may be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.

Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information and required inspections will be noted on your permit.

A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.

If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.

If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

When the contractor is ready to start work, request an inspection through eCLIPSE or by calling (215) 255-4040.

Approval documents will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.

If you have any questions, submit an online request to 311 or call 311. Call (215) 686-8686 if you are outside Philadelphia.