{"asOf":"2026-07-29T06:54:22.948Z","block":"4700-4799 MELVALE ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/4700-4799-melvale-st","address":"4738 MELVALE ST","parcelNumber":"453326100","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=453326100","ownerType":"owner-occupied","kind":"house","isHouse":true,"home":true,"commercial":false,"residential":true,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"H46","buildingCodeNew":"32","buildingClass":"SEMI/DET 2.5 STY FRAME","buildingClassNew":"TWIN CONVENTIONAL","useLabel":"House","owner":"DEVITT JEFFREY","coOwner":null,"marketValue":184800,"landAssessment":36960,"improvementAssessment":147840,"livableArea":820,"yearBuilt":1920,"lastSale":{"price":131000,"date":"2007-04-10T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"3641082","date":"2015-07-17","code":"CP-01","title":"CLIP VIOLATION NOTICE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3641083","date":"2015-07-17","code":"CP-101","title":"LICENSE - RENTAL PROPERTY","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3641084","date":"2015-07-17","code":"CP-312A","title":"HIGH WEEDS-CUT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}],"violationCases":[{"number":"492142","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"CLIP","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2015-07-17","completedDate":"2015-08-21","violations":[{"number":"3641082","date":"2015-07-17","code":"CP-01","title":"CLIP VIOLATION NOTICE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3641083","date":"2015-07-17","code":"CP-101","title":"LICENSE - RENTAL PROPERTY","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3641084","date":"2015-07-17","code":"CP-312A","title":"HIGH WEEDS-CUT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2015,"n":3,"worst":null}],"investigations":[],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":40.0005473386552,"lng":-75.06622739515207,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.066131032,40.000489398],[-75.06619663,40.000455677],[-75.066323743,40.000605086],[-75.066258162,40.000639405],[-75.066131032,40.000489398]]]},"liDistrict":"EAST","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19137","beds":3,"baths":1,"stories":2,"lotArea":1321,"zoning":"RSA5","grade":"C","basement":"D","heater":"H","centralAir":false,"extCond":"4","intCond":"4","garage":null,"homestead":true,"mail":"4738 MELVALE ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19137","mailOut":false,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":2,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":106400,"taxable":76400,"land":19822,"improvement":86578,"taxableLand":19822,"taxableImprovement":56578,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":30000},{"y":2017,"v":106400,"taxable":76400,"land":31920,"improvement":74480,"taxableLand":31920,"taxableImprovement":44480,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":30000},{"y":2018,"v":106400,"taxable":76400,"land":31920,"improvement":74480,"taxableLand":31920,"taxableImprovement":44480,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":30000},{"y":2019,"v":121800,"taxable":81800,"land":36540,"improvement":85260,"taxableLand":36540,"taxableImprovement":45260,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":40000},{"y":2020,"v":131200,"taxable":86200,"land":39360,"improvement":91840,"taxableLand":39360,"taxableImprovement":46840,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":45000},{"y":2021,"v":131200,"taxable":86200,"land":39360,"improvement":91840,"taxableLand":39360,"taxableImprovement":46840,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":45000},{"y":2022,"v":131200,"taxable":86200,"land":39360,"improvement":91840,"taxableLand":39360,"taxableImprovement":46840,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":45000},{"y":2023,"v":154600,"taxable":74600,"land":30920,"improvement":123680,"taxableLand":30920,"taxableImprovement":43680,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":80000},{"y":2024,"v":154600,"taxable":74600,"land":30920,"improvement":123680,"taxableLand":30920,"taxableImprovement":43680,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":80000},{"y":2025,"v":172100,"taxable":72100,"land":34420,"improvement":137680,"taxableLand":34420,"taxableImprovement":37680,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":100000},{"y":2026,"v":172100,"taxable":72100,"land":34420,"improvement":137680,"taxableLand":34420,"taxableImprovement":37680,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":100000},{"y":2027,"v":184800,"taxable":84800,"land":36960,"improvement":147840,"taxableLand":36960,"taxableImprovement":47840,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":100000}],"taxNow":1009,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"PP-2021-008480","date":"2021-05-17","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2021-10-26","scope":"Replace curb trap, Fai and partial main drain"},{"number":"GM-2023-009269","date":"2023-10-22","work":"Wall Covering Replacement","type":"General Permit Minor","description":"General Permit Minor","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2026-03-21","scope":"EZ EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS- For the Applications of Exterior Wall Coverings as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans. Separate Streets Department permit required for sidewalk and street closure."},{"number":"GM-2025-003027","date":"2025-04-03","work":"Roof Covering Replacement","type":"General Permit Minor","description":"General Permit Minor","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2025-10-06","scope":"For minor construction work at the subject property in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Philadelphia Code, all references codes and standards, and the attached EZ Standard, where included. Deviation from this standard shall result in permit revocation. A separate permit from the Philadelphia Department of Streets is required for any sidewalk and street closures. All means of pedestrian protection required at the site in accordance with the Philadelphia Building Code Chapter 33 shall be in place prior to start of work."},{"number":"GP-2025-003028","date":"2025-04-09","work":"Solar Panels and Structure","type":"General","description":"General Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2025-10-14","scope":"FOR THE INSTALLATION OF RESIDENTIAL ROOF MOUNTED SOLAR PANELS AND RELATED APPURTENANCES AS NOTED ON THE APPROVED PLANS. ALL WORK TO BE DONE PER APPROVED PLANS. IF FIELD CONDITIONS VARY CONTACT DESIGN ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY WORK. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR ALL OTHER WORK, INCLUDING ALL ELECTRICAL WORK."},{"number":"EP-2025-003162","date":"2025-04-23","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2025-08-11","scope":"INSTALLATION OF ROOFTOP MOUNTED 5.16 KW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PV SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE 2017 NEC AND PER PLANS."}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":1.18,"timeline":[{"y":2007,"k":"sale","p":60000},{"y":2007,"k":"sale","p":131000},{"y":2015,"k":"viol","w":"3 L&I violations"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Wall Covering Replacement"},{"y":2025,"k":"permit","w":"Roof Covering Replacement"},{"y":2025,"k":"permit","w":"Solar Panels and Structure"},{"y":2025,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"}],"rented":true,"licenses":[{"number":"673981","type":"Rental","status":"Active","businessName":"JEFFREY DEVITT","legalName":"JEFFREY DEVITT","address":"4738 MELVALE ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":1,"issuedDate":"2015-08-12","latestIssueDate":"2026-06-30","expirationDate":"2026-08-31","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"673981","type":"Rental","businessName":"JEFFREY DEVITT","legalName":"JEFFREY DEVITT","issuedDate":"2015-08-12","latestIssueDate":"2026-06-30","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2026-08-31","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-28","signals":[{"kind":"transition-activity","level":"watch","title":"Recent transition activity","summary":"The property has an unusually active paper trail worth monitoring for the next permit, inspection, deed, or listing.","evidence":["4 permit events since 2023"],"caveat":"Record activity alone does not establish that a sale or redevelopment is planned."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"permit-status","level":"attention","title":"A permit row needs file-level verification","finding":"3 permits not marked completed: GM-2023-009269 (Expired), GM-2025-003027 (Expired), GP-2025-003028 (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":"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/"},{"id":"violations","level":"clear","title":"No open violation; closed history remains relevant","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 3 historical violations across 1 case.","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"}]}