{"asOf":"2026-07-27T21:11:54.014Z","block":"2100-2199 SEARS ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/2100-2199-sears-st","address":"2138 SEARS ST","parcelNumber":"361125600","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=361125600","ownerType":"owner-occupied","kind":"house","isHouse":true,"home":true,"commercial":false,"residential":true,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"O30","buildingCodeNew":"25","buildingClass":"ROW 2 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"ROW MODERN","useLabel":"House","owner":"EDELMAN JONATHAN","coOwner":null,"marketValue":434200,"landAssessment":86840,"improvementAssessment":347360,"livableArea":1200,"yearBuilt":1920,"lastSale":{"price":120000,"date":"2019-11-20T05:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"4111411","date":"2016-04-01","code":"9-3902 (1)","title":"ONE AND TWO FAMILY (R3)","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"4912643","date":"2018-04-23","code":"9-3905","title":"VACANT STRUCTURE LICENSE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2020-001055","date":"2020-04-06","code":"A-301.1/6","title":"PARTIAL DEMOLITION","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2020-12-18","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"526267","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"HCEU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2016-04-04","completedDate":"2019-11-13","violations":[{"number":"4111411","date":"2016-04-01","code":"9-3902 (1)","title":"ONE AND TWO FAMILY (R3)","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"630074","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"VS","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2018-04-23","completedDate":"2019-11-19","violations":[{"number":"4912643","date":"2018-04-23","code":"9-3905","title":"VACANT STRUCTURE LICENSE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"CF-2020-004888","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BUILDING INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2020-04-06","completedDate":"2023-03-07","violations":[{"number":"VI-2020-001055","date":"2020-04-06","code":"A-301.1/6","title":"PARTIAL DEMOLITION","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2020-12-18","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2016,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2018,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2020,"n":1,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"85243","date":"2006-10-16","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"85243","date":"2016-04-01","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"526267","date":"2016-04-01","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"526267","date":"2016-05-06","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"526267","date":"2016-06-28","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"CLOSED"},{"caseNumber":"526267","date":"2016-08-26","type":"PRECOURT","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"526267","date":"2016-10-12","type":"PRECOURT","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"526267","date":"2016-10-28","type":"PRECOURT","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"630074","date":"2018-04-23","type":"VAC INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"630074","date":"2018-05-29","type":"VAC INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"630074","date":"2018-08-31","type":"VAC INSP","status":"CLOSED"},{"caseNumber":"630074","date":"2018-12-28","type":"PRECOURT","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"630074","date":"2019-11-19","type":"PRECOURT","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-004888","date":"2020-04-06","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-004888","date":"2020-05-11","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-004888","date":"2020-06-15","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-004888","date":"2020-07-23","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-004888","date":"2020-08-28","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-004888","date":"2020-10-21","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-004888","date":"2020-12-18","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2006,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2016,"fails":4,"passes":2},{"y":2018,"fails":3,"passes":0},{"y":2019,"fails":0,"passes":1},{"y":2020,"fails":6,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.93523510845747,"lng":-75.18024008463314,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.180231464,39.935158495],[-75.1802807,39.935164851],[-75.180248706,39.935311723],[-75.180199469,39.935305366],[-75.180231464,39.935158495]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL WEST","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19146","beds":3,"baths":2,"stories":2,"lotArea":760,"zoning":"RSA5","grade":"C","basement":"A","heater":"A","centralAir":true,"extCond":"2","intCond":"2","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"2138 SEARS ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19146","mailOut":false,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":2,"abated":true,"assessmentExemption":true,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":108000,"taxable":108000,"land":9038,"improvement":98962,"taxableLand":9038,"taxableImprovement":98962,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2017,"v":108000,"taxable":108000,"land":29592,"improvement":78408,"taxableLand":29592,"taxableImprovement":78408,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2018,"v":108000,"taxable":108000,"land":29592,"improvement":78408,"taxableLand":29592,"taxableImprovement":78408,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2019,"v":108300,"taxable":108300,"land":29600,"improvement":78700,"taxableLand":29600,"taxableImprovement":78700,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2020,"v":116500,"taxable":116500,"land":31841,"improvement":84659,"taxableLand":31841,"taxableImprovement":84659,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2021,"v":116500,"taxable":116500,"land":31841,"improvement":84659,"taxableLand":31841,"taxableImprovement":84659,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2022,"v":116500,"taxable":116500,"land":31841,"improvement":84659,"taxableLand":31841,"taxableImprovement":84659,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":280000,"taxable":116500,"land":56000,"improvement":224000,"taxableLand":56000,"taxableImprovement":60500,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":163500},{"y":2024,"v":280000,"taxable":116500,"land":56000,"improvement":224000,"taxableLand":56000,"taxableImprovement":60500,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":163500},{"y":2025,"v":399600,"taxable":166262,"land":79920,"improvement":319680,"taxableLand":79920,"taxableImprovement":86342,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":233338},{"y":2026,"v":399600,"taxable":166262,"land":79920,"improvement":319680,"taxableLand":79920,"taxableImprovement":86342,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":233338},{"y":2027,"v":434200,"taxable":180658,"land":86840,"improvement":347360,"taxableLand":86840,"taxableImprovement":93818,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":253542}],"taxNow":2327,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"271469","date":"2010-04-08","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-12-23","scope":"REPLACE CURB TRAP"},{"number":"ZP-2020-007445","date":"2020-10-25","work":"New construction, addition, GFA change","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-01-14","scope":"FOR THE DEMO OF A REAR STRUCTURE. FOR THE ERECTION OF A REAR ADDITION (NTE 38 FT.) TO AN EXISTING ATTACHED STRUCTURE. SIZE AND LOCATION AS PER PLANS. FOR A SINGLE FAMILY HOUSEHOLD LIVING."},{"number":"RP-2020-001334","date":"2020-12-15","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Residential Building","description":"Residential Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-01-14","scope":"Construction of rear two (2) story addition per submitted plans."},{"number":"PP-2021-012150","date":"2021-07-12","work":"New Construction or Additions","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-01-13","scope":"Rough and finish (7) fixtures"},{"number":"EP-2021-007018","date":"2021-07-14","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-01-12","scope":"2138 SEARS ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19146-4536 TYPE OF WORK- ADDITION, BACK BEDROOM, KITCHEN, HALF-BATH DEDICATED CIRCUITS - 9 TOTAL 1 KITCHEN GFCI 20 AMP 2 KITCHEN GFCI 20 AMP 3 FRIDGE 20 AMP 4 RANGE/MICRO 20 AMP 5 DISHWASHER 20 AMP 6 GARBAGE DISPOSAL 15 AMP 7 BATHROOM GFCI 20 AMP 8 LIGHTING, OUTLETS AFCI 15 AMP 9 A/C 2-POLE 30 AMP UPSTAIRS NEW BEDROOM WORK 1 OUTLETS- 5 OUTLETS ADDED UNDER NEW AFCI 15 AMP CIRCUIT WITH 14/2 ROMEX 2 LIGHTING- SWITCH LEGS FOR 4 LIGHTS WERE RAN FOR 4 WAFER LED LIGHTS TO SINGLE SWITCH BY DOOR IN 14/2 ROMEX 3 SMOKE DETECTOR ADDED- 14/3 WIRE RAN TO ROUND BOX FOR SMOKE DETECTOR FROM EXISTING SMOKE DETECTOR IN HALL KITCHEN NEW WORK 2 DEDICATED 20 AMP CIRCUITS WERE RAN, BOTH LOAD OFF TO ANOTHER LOCATION WHERE THERE WILL BE A 20 AMP OUTLET IN 12/2 ROMEX NEW DEDICATED 20 AMP LINES FOR THE FRIDGE, RANGE/MICRO, DISHWASHER WERE RAN IN 12/2 ROMEX NEW DEDICATED 15 AMP CIRCUIT (14/2 ROMEX) FOR GARBAGE DISPOSAL RAN TO SWITCH BY SINK, THEN SWITCH LEG RAN UNDER THE SINK FROM THAT SWITCH LOCATION FOR GFCI DEVICE LIGHTING- 3 SWITCH LEGS WERE RAN FOR 3 WAFER LED LIGHTS THAT IS 3 WAY CONTROLLED FROM ENTRY OF KITCHEN AND BACKDOOR SWITCH LOCATION BACK DOOR LIGHT SWITCH LEG RAN FROM BACK DOOR SWITCH LOCATION FED FROM NEW AFCI 15 AMP CIRCUIT OUTDOOR WP GFCI WAS RAN OFF OF NEW AFCI 15 AMP CIRCUIT 10/2 HOMERUN RAN TO NEW A/C LOCATION WHERE IT WILL PLACED IN A 30 AMP NON FUSED DISCONNECT AND LOADED TO UNIT HALF-BATH NEW WORK DEDICATED 20 AMP CIRCUIT RAN FOR BATHROOM GFCI SWITCH FED FROM NEW AFCI 15 AMP CIRCUIT THAT CONTROLS AN EXHAUST FAN, AND VANITY LIGHT LIGHTING SWITCHLEG TOTALS 9 1 EXHAUST FAN As per 2014 nec"},{"number":"MP-2021-004179","date":"2021-07-15","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-01-13","scope":"Install Direct vent 60k BTU Gas Fired Furnace Install New Duct with a Total of (8)Diffusers/Registers Throughout house Install 2 ton AC system -Outdoor unit in yard RP-2020 001334"},{"number":"ZP-2022-009511","date":"2022-09-02","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Residential - Household Living - Single-Family"},{"number":"PP-2022-017247","date":"2022-12-01","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2023-12-18","scope":"CURB TRAP AND FRESH AIR INLET"}],"storyTag":"New construction","storyDelta":119,"timeline":[{"y":2018,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed ×3"},{"y":2019,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection passed"},{"y":2019,"k":"sale","p":120000},{"y":2020,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2020,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 6 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2020,"k":"permit","w":"New construction, addition, GFA change"},{"y":2020,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction or Additions"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Change of Use"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"}],"rented":true,"licenses":[{"number":"599839","type":"Rental","status":"Closed","businessName":"JAMES BURTON (BURTON RENOVATIONS LLC)","legalName":"JAMES BURTON","address":"2138 SEARS ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":1,"issuedDate":"2013-07-17","latestIssueDate":"2014-07-10","expirationDate":"2015-02-28","inactiveDate":"2015-04-29"},{"number":"829552","type":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot","status":"Inactive","businessName":"JAMES BURTON..","legalName":"JAMES BURTON..","address":"2138 SEARS ST","revenueCode":"3219","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2019-11-18","latestIssueDate":"2019-11-18","expirationDate":"2020-11-17","inactiveDate":"2021-01-16"},{"number":"918851","type":"Rental","status":"Active","businessName":"Jonathan Edelman","legalName":"Jonathan Edelman","address":"2138 SEARS ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":1,"issuedDate":"2023-03-15","latestIssueDate":"2026-07-07","expirationDate":"2027-03-14","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"918851","type":"Rental","businessName":"Jonathan Edelman","legalName":"Jonathan Edelman","issuedDate":"2023-03-15","latestIssueDate":"2026-07-07","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2027-03-14","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"829552","type":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot","businessName":"JAMES BURTON..","legalName":"JAMES BURTON..","issuedDate":"2019-11-18","latestIssueDate":"2019-11-18","closureDate":"2021-01-16","expirationDate":"2020-11-17","inactiveDate":"2021-01-16","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"599839","type":"Rental","businessName":"JAMES BURTON (BURTON RENOVATIONS LLC)","legalName":"JAMES BURTON","issuedDate":"2013-07-17","latestIssueDate":"2014-07-10","closureDate":"2015-04-29","expirationDate":"2015-02-28","inactiveDate":"2015-04-29","status":"Closed","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-25","signals":[{"kind":"permit-mismatch","level":"watch","title":"Assessment/permit mismatch","summary":"The assessment jumped 43% in 2025, but no matching permit appears in the property timeline.","evidence":["assessment moved from $280,000 to $399,600","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":"permit-status","level":"attention","title":"A permit row needs file-level verification","finding":"1 permit not marked completed: PP-2022-017247 (Expired). At least one row also carries a completion date, so the City fields conflict.","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":"rental-license","level":"verify","title":"A rental license does not transfer with the deed","finding":"1 active Rental License record matched.","why":"If dwelling space is rented, the buyer must obtain a new annual Rental License; the seller’s license is not transferable. New applications require proof of ownership and legal occupancy, tax compliance, no open L&I violations, and lead compliance where applicable.","action":"Plan the buyer’s replacement license before settlement.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/rent-or-sell-property/get-a-rental-license/"},{"id":"lead","level":"verify","title":"Lead compliance is a separate record","finding":"OPA records a 1920 build year; BlockReport does not receive the Health Department’s unit-level lead certificate file.","why":"Philadelphia requires covered pre-March-1978 rentals to be certified lead-safe or lead-free for a new or renewed lease and for a new or renewed Rental License. A certificate is unit-specific; a renovation does not by itself create an exemption.","action":"Request the current lead certificate or City exemption for every dwelling unit.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/documents/lead-and-healthy-homes-resources-for-landlords/"},{"id":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"14 failed, 4 passed, and 2 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Dec 18, 2020.","why":"A PASSED or FAILED value applies to that inspection visit. CLOSED is a separate source status; none of the three alone proves the parent permit or violation case closed—or describes today’s condition.","action":"Open the parent case/permit for each material failure and confirm its later disposition.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections-by-permit-type/"},{"id":"business-license","level":"verify","title":"A historical business license is not current operating authority","finding":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot #829552: Inactive since Jan 16, 2021","why":"A license record proves the licensed activity existed at that time. An inactive or expired license does not establish that the business still operates—or that it may legally reopen under the same use.","action":"If business income matters, verify the current tenant, use registration, and active license in eCLIPSE.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/licenses/business-licenses/"},{"id":"abatement","level":"verify","title":"A reduced taxable assessment is not a verified abatement","finding":"OPA’s numeric assessment fields show a reduced taxable assessment; BlockReport has no official program determination for this parcel.","why":"The numeric treatment can reflect an improvement abatement or another exemption. It does not identify the ordinance, approval, start or end date, or continuation requirements after a transfer. Once OPA verifies a specific active abatement, many common programs attach the benefit to the property for the remaining term rather than ending automatically at sale, but some require a new-owner filing and continued qualifying use or tax compliance.","action":"Obtain the OPA exemption/abatement determination and history, then underwrite the buyer’s bill from the verified program terms.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/property-and-real-estate-taxes/get-real-estate-tax-relief/get-a-property-tax-abatement/"},{"id":"violations","level":"clear","title":"No open violation; closed history remains relevant","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 3 historical violations across 3 cases.","why":"A closed case is materially better than an open one, but it does not by itself prove that every altered use, unit, or concealed condition matches today’s approvals.","action":"Use the closed cases to target the inspection and occupancy-file review.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/violation-and-order-types/"}],"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"}]}