{"asOf":"2026-07-31T01:47:09.853Z","block":"900-999 N RANDOLPH ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/900-999-n-randolph-st","address":"959 N RANDOLPH ST","parcelNumber":"057145000","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=057145000","ownerType":"owner-occupied","kind":"house","isHouse":true,"home":true,"commercial":false,"residential":true,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"O50","buildingCodeNew":"22","buildingClass":"ROW 3 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"ROW TYPICAL","useLabel":"House","owner":"GUO YAN ZHEN","coOwner":null,"marketValue":555900,"landAssessment":111180,"improvementAssessment":444720,"livableArea":1472,"yearBuilt":1920,"lastSale":{"price":275800,"date":"2021-09-08T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[],"violationCases":[],"investigations":[],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.96837233040062,"lng":-75.1460414846559,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.145971242,39.968390997],[-75.145925547,39.968386704],[-75.145936151,39.96833636],[-75.146156211,39.968357733],[-75.146147476,39.968408521],[-75.145971242,39.968390997]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL EAST","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":false,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19123","beds":4,"baths":2,"stories":3,"lotArea":1175,"zoning":"RSA5","grade":"C","basement":"D","heater":"B","centralAir":false,"extCond":"2","intCond":"2","garage":null,"homestead":true,"mail":"10 ELMBANK DR, BELLEVILLE IL, 82226","mailOut":true,"appeals":[{"type":"ZBA Permit Denial - Variance","grounds":"PERMIT FOR COMPLETE DEMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURE ON THE LOT AND FOR THE ERECTION OF AN \nATTACHED STRUCTURE WITH CELLAR AND AN ACCESSORY ROOF DECK ON FOURTH FLOOR AND ON REAR \nABOVE FIRST FLOOR (FOR RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY). SIZE AND LOCATI","status":"Completed","outcome":"Denied","date":"2021-07-20","number":"ZP-2020-009641","relatedPermit":"ZP-2020-009641"}],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":2,"abated":true,"assessmentExemption":true,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":281700,"taxable":105900,"land":25845,"improvement":255855,"taxableLand":25845,"taxableImprovement":80055,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":175800},{"y":2017,"v":281700,"taxable":105900,"land":72115,"improvement":209585,"taxableLand":72115,"taxableImprovement":33785,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":175800},{"y":2018,"v":281700,"taxable":105900,"land":72115,"improvement":209585,"taxableLand":72115,"taxableImprovement":33785,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":175800},{"y":2019,"v":309800,"taxable":105900,"land":79300,"improvement":230500,"taxableLand":79300,"taxableImprovement":26600,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":203900},{"y":2020,"v":320100,"taxable":105900,"land":81937,"improvement":238163,"taxableLand":81937,"taxableImprovement":23963,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":214200},{"y":2021,"v":320100,"taxable":105900,"land":81937,"improvement":238163,"taxableLand":81937,"taxableImprovement":23963,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":214200},{"y":2022,"v":320100,"taxable":320100,"land":81937,"improvement":238163,"taxableLand":81937,"taxableImprovement":238163,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":347800,"taxable":347800,"land":69560,"improvement":278240,"taxableLand":69560,"taxableImprovement":278240,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":347800,"taxable":267800,"land":69560,"improvement":278240,"taxableLand":69560,"taxableImprovement":198240,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":80000},{"y":2025,"v":519700,"taxable":315668,"land":103940,"improvement":415760,"taxableLand":103940,"taxableImprovement":211728,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":204032},{"y":2026,"v":519700,"taxable":315668,"land":103940,"improvement":415760,"taxableLand":103940,"taxableImprovement":211728,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":204032},{"y":2027,"v":555900,"taxable":337656,"land":111180,"improvement":444720,"taxableLand":111180,"taxableImprovement":226476,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":218244}],"taxNow":4419,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"513000","date":"2013-12-26","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2014-06-27","scope":"CURB TRAP IN MAIN DRAIN PA20133580665 (SFD)"},{"number":"RP-2021-014237","date":"2021-09-14","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Residential Building","description":"Residential Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-02-08","scope":"EZ PERMIT STANDARDS ALTERATIONS For alterations to an Existing One Family Dwelling as per attached standard. Deviations from this standard will result in permit revocation and require submission of construction plans. STRUCTURAL ALTERATION OR REPAIR IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED UNDER THIS PERMIT. PROHIBITED STRUCTURAL WORK INCLUDES ANY MODIFICATION TO EXTERIOR WALLS, PARTY WALLS, FLOOR/ROOF FRAMING OR FOUNDATIONS; UNDERPINNING AND EXCAVATIONS (I.E. DIGGING IN BASEMENT). ANY WORK/ALTERATIONS TO THE BASEMENT/CELLAR IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED UNLESS DOCUMENTED AS AN EXISTING HABITABLE SPACE WITH HEIGHTS AND MEANS OF EGRESS PER CONDITIONS OF THE EZ STANDARD. Separate permits required for Mechanical, Electric and Plumbing, ETC. Install new hardwood throughout; remove and replace kitchen tile and cabinets; remove and replace windows; replace sheetrock and insulate; remove non load bearing wall between kitchen and living room; replace bathroom tile; install new trim; reconfigure bathroom with new fixtures; paint throughout"},{"number":"EP-2021-010793","date":"2021-10-01","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-07-06","scope":"New 100 AMP incoming service, wiring throughout by 2014 nec CODE"},{"number":"MP-2021-006337","date":"2021-10-06","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-02-08","scope":"EZ PERMIT DUCTWORK & WARM-AIR APPLIANCES - For the installation of New Ductwork, Registers/Grilles/Diffusers, and Warm-Air Appliances as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans. EACH HVAC UNIT TO BE SELF-CONTAINED WITHIN EACH DWELLING UNIT. NO PENETRATIONS OF RATED ASSEMBLIES. (Install 95% Bryant gas heater with 3 ton coil and Condenser)."},{"number":"ZP-2021-013032","date":"2021-11-09","work":"New construction, addition, GFA change","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-02-08","scope":"FOR THE ERECTION OF A REAR ROOF DECK ABOVE AN EXISTING ATTACHED STRUCTURE. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN ON PLANS."},{"number":"RP-2021-018572","date":"2022-02-02","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Residential Building","description":"Residential Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-02-08","scope":"FOR THE ERECTION OF REAR BILEVEL ROOF DECKS ABOVE AN EXISTING ATTACHED STRUCTURE. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN ON PLANS"},{"number":"PP-2022-008471","date":"2022-06-08","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-02-08","scope":"Install lavs, water closets, showers, hot water heater, kitchen, laundry TWELVE FIXTURES AS PER PPC 2018"},{"number":"ZP-2020-009641","date":null,"work":"New construction, addition, GFA change","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Refused","completedDate":"2021-08-05","scope":"**REFUSAL. include demolition of existing structure."}],"storyTag":"New construction","storyDelta":0.23,"timeline":[{"y":2013,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2020,"k":"sale","p":225000},{"y":2021,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal denied"},{"y":2021,"k":"sale","p":275800},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"New construction, addition, GFA change"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[],"licenseActivity":[],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-30","signals":[{"kind":"post-purchase-work","level":"elevated","title":"Post-purchase work pattern","summary":"A recorded purchase followed by 6 permit events matches the early part of a renovate-and-resell sequence.","evidence":["purchase recorded in 2021","permit activity in 2021, 2022"],"caveat":"This does not show that the property is listed or that a sale is planned."},{"kind":"permit-mismatch","level":"watch","title":"Assessment/permit mismatch","summary":"The assessment jumped 49% in 2025, but no matching permit appears in the property timeline.","evidence":["assessment moved from $347,800 to $519,700","no permit shown in 2024-2026"],"caveat":"Not proof of unpermitted work; reassessment, corrected data, or a permit under another parcel can also explain it."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Appeal #ZP-2020-009641: Completed · Denied; related permit ZP-2020-009641.","why":"Philadelphia says a zoning approval or Property Sales Certification can identify a use without proving that it was established under the Building Code. A change of use, unit count, exits, or fire rating can require a Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy.","action":"Verify the lawful use, unit count, associated construction permits, and Certificate of Occupancy with L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-certificate-of-occupancy/"},{"id":"permit-status","level":"attention","title":"A permit row needs file-level verification","finding":"1 permit not marked completed: ZP-2020-009641 (Refused).","why":"Issued work is not the same as approved final work. L&I uses final inspections and required certifications to close construction permits; expired, withdrawn, and completed are different City statuses.","action":"Open the permit file and confirm final inspections, holds, and any resulting occupancy certificate.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections-by-permit-type/"},{"id":"homestead","level":"verify","title":"Homestead is tied to owner occupancy and the deed","finding":"OPA shows the Homestead Exemption.","why":"Philadelphia limits Homestead to an owner’s primary residence. The City says a deed change can require a new application or update.","action":"A buyer should apply in their own name and not assume the seller’s benefit continues.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/documents/homestead-exemption-application/"}],"closingChecks":[{"title":"Property Sales Certification","body":"The seller must obtain Philadelphia’s certificate showing the base zoning, last use in the zoning record, and open violations. The City warns that it does not prove Building Code occupancy or show zoning overlays.","action":"Obtain the fresh certificate and compare it with the CO, permits, and Atlas overlays.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-property-sales-certification/"},{"title":"Date-effective City Property Payoff","body":"The Tax Center Property Payoff covers Real Estate Tax, Commercial Trash, and L&I abatement-work invoices. Philadelphia says it does not include business-tax debts or liens, water and sewer charges, or fines for code violations.","action":"Request the City statement effective through settlement; read every period and invoice.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/guides/philadelphia-tax-center/what-to-do/"},{"title":"Professional title and water-lien searches","body":"OPA ownership, deed summaries, and a zero tax balance are not clear title. Mortgages, judgments, municipal claims, water liens, easements, heirs, and other encumbrances require separate searches.","action":"Use a Pennsylvania lawyer/title company and obtain owner’s title insurance; order the separate water search/payoff.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/2026-04-07-why-title-insurance-is-your-best-friend-when-buying-a-home-in-philadelphia/","secondaryUrl":"https://www.phila.gov/services/water-gas-utilities/pay-or-dispute-a-water-bill/resolve-water-liens-judgments/"},{"title":"Seller-specific tax relief is not the buyer’s bill","body":"LOOP and low-income or senior Real Estate Tax freezes depend on the qualifying owner and continued program eligibility; a buyer cannot assume the seller’s capped or frozen bill continues. A separately verified property abatement often remains with the property for its remaining term, but program-specific new-owner filing, use, and tax-compliance conditions still must be confirmed—not inferred from the reduced assessment alone.","action":"Have Revenue or OPA identify every current benefit, model the buyer’s bill without seller-specific relief, and confirm any verified abatement in writing.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/payment-plans-and-assistance-programs/income-based-programs-for-residents/apply-for-the-longtime-owner-occupants-program-loop/","secondaryUrl":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/property-and-real-estate-taxes/get-real-estate-tax-relief/tax-freeze/"},{"title":"Seller disclosure and independent inspections","body":"For a covered Pennsylvania residential transfer, obtain the statutory seller disclosure. It reports the seller’s knowledge; it is not a warranty, title search, code review, or substitute for inspections. Because OPA dates this building before 1978, separately obtain the required federal/City lead disclosures and any test results.","action":"Have the agreement and disclosure reviewed for this transaction’s coverage and exceptions.","url":"https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/real-estate-commission"}]}