{"asOf":"2026-07-30T21:49:46.877Z","block":"1500-1599 W COURTLAND ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/1500-1599-w-courtland-st","address":"1539 W COURTLAND ST","parcelNumber":"776135700","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=776135700","ownerType":"investor","kind":"commercial","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":true,"institutional":true,"buildingCode":"WB0","buildingCodeNew":"612","buildingClass":"HSE WORSHIP ALL 2 STY MAS","buildingClassNew":"SCHOOL","useLabel":"Place of worship","owner":"FRONT STEP INC","coOwner":null,"marketValue":721900,"landAssessment":93847,"improvementAssessment":628053,"livableArea":11216,"yearBuilt":null,"lastSale":{"price":1,"date":"2005-07-22T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2022-009474","date":"2022-02-11","code":"FC-13-1008.2.5","title":"EXIT DOORS SELF CLOSING/LATCHING","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2022-02-22","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER 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REPAIR","latestInvestigationDate":"2022-02-22","underAppeal":false,"noticeUrl":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2022,"n":1,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-009417","date":"2022-02-04","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-009417","date":"2022-02-11","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-009417","date":"2022-02-22","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2022,"fails":2,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":40.02362821634213,"lng":-75.1511560427241,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.150997274,40.023638513],[-75.151019359,40.023630694],[-75.151065916,40.023410873],[-75.151340788,40.023445626],[-75.151255195,40.023841124],[-75.150962988,40.023802384],[-75.150997274,40.023638513]]]},"liDistrict":"NORTH","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2022-001730","type":"Special Hazards Certification","inspectionDate":"2022-02-09","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2023-02-09","buildingId":"1201146"},{"number":"BC-2023-005826","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2023-01-18","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2024-01-18","buildingId":"1201146"},{"number":"BC-2023-005825","type":"Special Hazards Certification","inspectionDate":"2023-01-18","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2024-01-18","buildingId":"1201146"},{"number":"BC-2024-000201","type":"Special Hazards Certification","inspectionDate":"2023-12-29","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2024-12-29","buildingId":"1201146"},{"number":"BC-2024-000202","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2023-12-29","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2024-12-29","buildingId":"1201146"},{"number":"BC-2025-024628","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-09-12","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-09-12","buildingId":"1201146"},{"number":"BC-2025-024627","type":"Special Hazards Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-09-12","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-09-12","buildingId":"1201146"},{"number":"BC-2025-024629","type":"Emergency and Standby Power Systems Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-09-12","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-09-12","buildingId":"1201146"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19140","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":null,"lotArea":12181,"zoning":"CMX2","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"4","intCond":"4","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"P O BOX 91, ROYERSFORD PA, 19468","mailOut":true,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":0,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":677200,"taxable":0,"land":121800,"improvement":555400,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":121800,"exemptImprovement":555400},{"y":2017,"v":677200,"taxable":0,"land":121800,"improvement":555400,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":121800,"exemptImprovement":555400},{"y":2018,"v":721900,"taxable":0,"land":93847,"improvement":628053,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":93847,"exemptImprovement":628053},{"y":2019,"v":721900,"taxable":0,"land":93847,"improvement":628053,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":93847,"exemptImprovement":628053},{"y":2020,"v":721900,"taxable":0,"land":93847,"improvement":628053,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":93847,"exemptImprovement":628053},{"y":2021,"v":721900,"taxable":0,"land":93847,"improvement":628053,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":93847,"exemptImprovement":628053},{"y":2022,"v":721900,"taxable":0,"land":93847,"improvement":628053,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":93847,"exemptImprovement":628053},{"y":2023,"v":721900,"taxable":0,"land":93847,"improvement":628053,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":93847,"exemptImprovement":628053},{"y":2024,"v":721900,"taxable":0,"land":93847,"improvement":628053,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":93847,"exemptImprovement":628053},{"y":2025,"v":721900,"taxable":0,"land":93847,"improvement":628053,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":93847,"exemptImprovement":628053},{"y":2026,"v":721900,"taxable":0,"land":93847,"improvement":628053,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":93847,"exemptImprovement":628053},{"y":2027,"v":721900,"taxable":0,"land":93847,"improvement":628053,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":93847,"exemptImprovement":628053}],"taxNow":0,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":true,"permits":[{"number":"225822","date":"2009-07-10","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2009-07-14","scope":null},{"number":"286943","date":"2010-06-22","work":"Demolition","type":"BP_DEMO","description":"DEMOLITION PERMIT","status":"EXPIRED","completedDate":null,"scope":"INTERIOR DEMO ONLY."},{"number":"315916","date":"2010-12-17","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2014-08-18","scope":"7 ROOF DRAINS, 1 MOP SINK, 3 WATER FOUNTAINS, 6 TOILETS, 4 LAV'S, 10 FLOOR DRAINS, 3 FLOOR SINKS"},{"number":"282433","date":"2011-01-05","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2011-01-05","scope":"TO INCLUDE STORAGE, KITCHEN AND BUSINESS OFFICE AS PART OF AN EXISTING SANCTUARY/FELLOWSHIP HALL."},{"number":"276929","date":"2011-02-10","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2014-02-03","scope":"REMODEL EXISTING BLDG. TO CREATE SEPARATE BUILDINGS (FIRE AREAS) FOR FELLOWSHIP HALL; SANCTUARY, KITCHEN/ACTIVITY AREA AND OFFICES AS PER PLANS."},{"number":"333627","date":"2011-07-28","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-11-01","scope":"INSTALL 400AMP,1 600AMP SERVICE,INTSALL 60 LIGHTS,20 OUTLETS,NO FIRE ALARM AS PER 2008 NEC"},{"number":"386520","date":"2012-03-12","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2014-04-02","scope":"4 ROOF TOP UNITS, 2 GAS FIRED 7.5 TON UNITS WITH ACCOIATED DUCTWORK AS PER PLAN."},{"number":"396870","date":"2012-05-04","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":null,"scope":"ADD 20 SMOKES, 10 HORNS, AND 5 HORN STROBES TO EXISTING FA SYSTEM(CHURCH)(AKA 1539-41 WEST COURTLAND(ADDITION))"},{"number":"404039","date":"2012-09-05","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2013-09-19","scope":"SUPPLY AND INSTALL KITCHEN HOOD, DUCTWORK, FANS, AND FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM-CHURCH"},{"number":"398919","date":"2012-09-05","work":"Suppression","type":"BP_FIRESUP","description":"SUPPRESSION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2013-12-13","scope":"SUPPLY AND INSTALL KITCHEN HOOD, DUCTWORK, FANS, AND FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM-CHURCH"}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2009,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Demolition"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2011,"k":"permit","w":"Use"},{"y":2011,"k":"permit","w":"Major alteration"},{"y":2011,"k":"permit","w":"Electrical"},{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Electrical"},{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Suppression"},{"y":2022,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2022,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 2 failed, 1 passed"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"873303","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","status":"Inactive","businessName":"FRONT STEP INC","legalName":"FRONT STEP INC","address":"1539 W COURTLAND ST","revenueCode":"3121","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2021-07-19","latestIssueDate":"2024-07-05","expirationDate":"2025-07-18","inactiveDate":"2025-09-16"},{"number":"897503","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Inactive","businessName":"Chef Bernard Caterers & Co.","legalName":"Chef Bernard Caterers & Co. ","address":"1539 W COURTLAND ST","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2022-06-06","latestIssueDate":"2022-06-06","expirationDate":"2023-06-05","inactiveDate":"2023-08-04"},{"number":"0988549","type":"Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location","status":"Active","businessName":"The Word In Action Int Ministinisties Inc","legalName":"The Word In Action Int Ministinisties Inc","address":"1539 W COURTLAND ST","revenueCode":"3118","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2025-09-11","latestIssueDate":"2025-09-11","expirationDate":"2026-09-10","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"0988549","type":"Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location","businessName":"The Word In Action Int Ministinisties Inc","legalName":"The Word In Action Int Ministinisties Inc","issuedDate":"2025-09-11","latestIssueDate":"2025-09-11","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2026-09-10","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"897503","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"Chef Bernard Caterers & Co.","legalName":"Chef Bernard Caterers & Co. ","issuedDate":"2022-06-06","latestIssueDate":"2022-06-06","closureDate":"2023-08-04","expirationDate":"2023-06-05","inactiveDate":"2023-08-04","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"873303","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","businessName":"FRONT STEP INC","legalName":"FRONT STEP INC","issuedDate":"2021-07-19","latestIssueDate":"2024-07-05","closureDate":"2025-09-16","expirationDate":"2025-07-18","inactiveDate":"2025-09-16","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-29","signals":[],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Use permit #282433: COMPLETED.","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: 286943 (EXPIRED).","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":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"2 failed, 1 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Feb 22, 2022.","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":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS) #873303: Inactive since Sep 16, 2025; Food Preparing and Serving #897503: Inactive since Aug 4, 2023","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":"deed-chain","level":"verify","title":"The latest nominal transfer is not a market sale—or a title opinion","finding":"The latest deed in the assembled record moved for nominal consideration.","why":"A $1 or nominal deed can be a valid family, estate, or entity transfer. It does not establish a sale price, clear title, or by itself prove a tangled title.","action":"Read the recorded deed and have the title search confirm every grantor, grantee, estate/probate step, lien, and authority to sell.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/property-lots-housing/get-a-copy-of-a-deed-or-other-recorded-document/"},{"id":"full-tax-exemption","level":"verify","title":"OPA shows a full exemption; its legal basis is unverified","finding":"OPA currently marks the land and building assessment fully tax-exempt; BlockReport does not receive the exemption determination or basis.","why":"Full OPA exemptions can have different legal bases, including government, religious, charitable/institutional, veteran, or other treatment. The current owner/use record is not a buyer’s tax forecast.","action":"Confirm the exact exemption basis, buyer eligibility, and next tax-year treatment directly with OPA.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-property-assessment/tax-exemptions-and-abatements/"},{"id":"commercial-trash","level":"verify","title":"A separate Commercial Trash account may apply","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as commercial. BlockReport does not receive a current Commercial Trash account balance.","why":"Philadelphia charges qualifying small commercial, mixed-use, and multi-unit properties that use City collection; exemptions and private collection can change applicability. A use category alone does not prove a fee is due.","action":"Check the Commercial Trash account inside the date-effective Property Payoff.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/2026-06-09-pay-your-trash-fee-bill-by-june-30/"},{"id":"violations","level":"clear","title":"No open violation; closed history remains relevant","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 1 historical violation 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/"},{"id":"building-certifications","level":"clear","title":"Filed system certifications are current in this dataset","finding":"Special Hazards Certification: Certified through Sep 12, 2026; Fire Alarm Certification: Certified through Sep 12, 2026; Emergency and Standby Power Systems Certification: Certified through Sep 12, 2026","why":"Fire-protection certifications apply to the named system and inspection period only; they are not a whole-building safety certificate. Philadelphia generally requires annual sprinkler, standpipe, fire-alarm, special-hazard, and emergency-power inspections where those systems exist.","action":"Confirm the certificate covers every applicable system and remains accepted by L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/maintenance-certifications/fire-protection-certifications/"}],"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/"}]}