{"asOf":"2026-07-31T01:18:36.040Z","block":"500-599 CHRISTIAN ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/500-599-christian-st","address":"542 CHRISTIAN ST","parcelNumber":"871036500","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=871036500","ownerType":"investor","kind":"mixed-use","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"Y50","buildingCodeNew":"820","buildingClass":"STR/OFF+APT 3 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"ROW MIXED-COM/RES-BLT AS RES","useLabel":"Apartment building","owner":"542 CHRISTIAN STREET ASSO","coOwner":null,"marketValue":720800,"landAssessment":144100,"improvementAssessment":576700,"livableArea":3218,"yearBuilt":1915,"lastSale":{"price":230000,"date":"2009-10-26T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"4908729","date":"2018-01-17","code":"9-3902 (2)","title":"MULTI FAMILY (R2)","status":"CLOSEDCASE","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null,"latestInvestigationDate":"2019-01-04","underAppeal":false,"noticeUrl":null}],"violationCases":[{"number":"618756","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"HCEU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2018-01-18","completedDate":"2019-01-18","noticeUrl":null,"violations":[{"number":"4908729","date":"2018-01-17","code":"9-3902 (2)","title":"MULTI FAMILY (R2)","status":"CLOSEDCASE","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null,"latestInvestigationDate":"2019-01-04","underAppeal":false,"noticeUrl":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2018,"n":1,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"618756","date":"2018-01-17","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"618756","date":"2018-05-08","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"618756","date":"2018-08-20","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"CLOSED"},{"caseNumber":"618756","date":"2018-12-21","type":"PRECOURT","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"618756","date":"2019-01-04","type":"PRECOURT","status":"CLOSED"},{"caseNumber":"669176","date":"2019-01-14","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2018,"fails":3,"passes":0},{"y":2019,"fails":0,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.93756083686758,"lng":-75.15320285028997,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.153225697,39.937639314],[-75.15314241,39.937616424],[-75.15318678,39.937480087],[-75.153257313,39.937498577],[-75.153225697,39.937639314]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL EAST","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2023-022474","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2023-09-22","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2024-09-22","buildingId":"1519152"},{"number":"BC-2024-027800","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2024-10-04","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2025-10-04","buildingId":"1519152"},{"number":"BC-2025-031015","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-11-04","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-11-04","buildingId":"1519152"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19147","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":null,"lotArea":1296,"zoning":"CMX1","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"3","intCond":"3","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"1428 KNOX RD, WYNNEWOOD PA, 19096","mailOut":true,"appeals":[{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR A TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT WITH SEATING ON THE FIRST FLOOR WITH ONE (1) DOUBLE-FACED PROJECTING SIGN AND TWO (2) FLATWALL WINDOW SIGNS AND FOR A TWO (2) FAMILY DWELLING ABOVE.","status":"CLOSED","outcome":"Withdrawn","date":"2009-06-16","number":"8629","relatedPermit":"200361"},{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR THE ERECTION OF A 4TH STORY ADDITION (PENTHOUSE) AND PROPOSED ROOF DECK WITH 42\" HIGH RAILING AND MAXIMUM 50% OPAQUE AND LEGALIZATION OF THE ERECTION OF THE ONE STORY STRUCTURE ON THE SIDE AND PROPOSED DECK ABOVE THE ONE STORY ST","status":"CLOSED","outcome":"Granted with conditions","date":"2010-05-26","number":"11605","relatedPermit":"269579"}],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":1,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":418300,"taxable":215221,"land":129600,"improvement":288700,"taxableLand":129600,"taxableImprovement":85621,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":203079},{"y":2017,"v":418300,"taxable":215221,"land":129600,"improvement":288700,"taxableLand":129600,"taxableImprovement":85621,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":203079},{"y":2018,"v":584600,"taxable":255622,"land":116920,"improvement":467680,"taxableLand":116920,"taxableImprovement":138702,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":328978},{"y":2019,"v":563400,"taxable":246352,"land":112680,"improvement":450720,"taxableLand":112680,"taxableImprovement":133672,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":317048},{"y":2020,"v":569000,"taxable":248801,"land":113800,"improvement":455200,"taxableLand":113800,"taxableImprovement":135001,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":320199},{"y":2021,"v":569000,"taxable":569000,"land":113800,"improvement":455200,"taxableLand":113800,"taxableImprovement":455200,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2022,"v":569000,"taxable":569000,"land":113800,"improvement":455200,"taxableLand":113800,"taxableImprovement":455200,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":572300,"taxable":572300,"land":114460,"improvement":457840,"taxableLand":114460,"taxableImprovement":457840,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":572300,"taxable":572300,"land":114460,"improvement":457840,"taxableLand":114460,"taxableImprovement":457840,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":657200,"taxable":657200,"land":131440,"improvement":525760,"taxableLand":131440,"taxableImprovement":525760,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":657200,"taxable":657200,"land":131440,"improvement":525760,"taxableLand":131440,"taxableImprovement":525760,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":720800,"taxable":720800,"land":144100,"improvement":576700,"taxableLand":144100,"taxableImprovement":576700,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":9199,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"254329","date":"2009-12-22","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2009-12-22","scope":"2ND -3RD FLOOR 1SFD"},{"number":"251451","date":"2010-01-13","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2011-05-31","scope":"RENOVATION OF 2ND AND 3RD FL. FOR (1) DWELLING UNIT. RENOVATION OF EXISTING 1ST FL. COMMERCIAL SPACE TO INCLUDE REMOVAL OF PARTITIONS AND EXISTING STAIR. ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE NEW PARTITIONS FOR RESTROOM & NEW STOREFRONT AS SHOWN ON THE APPROVED PLANS. THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA REQUIRES A LICENSED CONTRACTOR TO PERFORM THIS WORK ACTIVITY. THE OWNER IS REQUIRED TO FURNISH THE DISTRICT INSPECTOR WITH THE PROPER INFORMATION. DISTRICT INSPECTOR SHALL UPDATE THE PERMIT WITH THE CONTRACTOR INFORMATION."},{"number":"263615","date":"2010-02-24","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-12-01","scope":"INSTALL (2) TUBS, (2) SHOWERS, (5) LAV'S, (5) WATER CLOSETS, (1) KITCHEN SINK, (1) LAUNDRY STAND PIPE AND STACK"},{"number":"268295","date":"2010-03-23","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-09-13","scope":"NEW 300 AMP SERVICE - COMP REWIRE (2) APARTMENTS, 2 SETS 3-250 MCM AL IN (1) 3\" PVC CONDUIT, ALL WORK AS PER 2008 NEC (SOUTH DIST)"},{"number":"269660","date":"2010-03-30","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2011-05-31","scope":"INSTALLATION OF (3) HEATERS.1ST HEATER SET IN BASEMENT 112,000 BTU'S @92% WITH 4 TON A/C CONDENSER SET IN REAR,2ND HEATER PLACED IN 2ND-FLOOR UTILITY CLOSET, 80,000 BTU'S @92% WITH 2 TON A/C CONDENSER IN REAR,3RD HEATER PLACED IN 3RD-FLOOR UTILITY CLOSET, 80,000 BTU'S @92% WITH 2 TON A/C CONDENSER SET IN REAR,RELATED DUCT-WORK THROUGH-OUT."},{"number":"272807","date":"2010-04-14","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-05-12","scope":"INSTALL (2) 3/4\" WATER SERVICE MAIN TO METER, DRAIN ON SIDEWALK"},{"number":"269579","date":"2010-06-21","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-06-21","scope":"REGISTER USE AS REST. W/TAKE-OUT SALES OF FOOD WITH SERVE ON DISPOSABLE WARE AND WITH LESS THAN 30 SEATS, PENTHOUSE/STAIR ADDITION ATOP 3RD FLOOR W/ROOF DECK, ROOF DECK/TERRACE ATOP 1ST FLOOR W/RAILING"},{"number":"285066","date":"2010-08-30","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2011-05-31","scope":"FIT OUT FOR AN EAT-IN / TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT @ THE FIRST FLOOR INCLUDES MILLWORK AND SEATING"},{"number":"313003","date":"2010-11-22","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2011-05-31","scope":"INSTALLING DRAIN AND WATERPIPING TO 1(3)COMPARTMENT SINK,1 HAND SINK,1 GLASS WASHER,1 ICE MACHINE,3 INDIRECTS DRAINS"},{"number":"314315","date":"2010-12-07","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-12-31","scope":"INSTALL FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AS PER NFPA-72/AS PER SEALED DRAWINGS (SOUTH DIST)"},{"number":"GM-2024-000423","date":"2024-01-23","work":"Wall Covering Replacement","type":"General Permit Minor","description":"General Permit Minor","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-03-06","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. *CONTRACTOR IS A SOLE PROPRIETOR WITH NO EMPLOYEES* Replace old exterior vinyl siding with new vinyl siding. Remove and replace exterior window and siding trim where deteriorated as necessary."}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Electrical"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2010,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal granted with conditions"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Zoning/use"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Major alteration"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Electrical"},{"y":2018,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2018,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed ×3"},{"y":2019,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection passed"},{"y":2024,"k":"permit","w":"Wall Covering Replacement"}],"rented":true,"licenses":[{"number":"521780","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Active","businessName":"COMMONWEALTH COFFEE LLC (SHOT TOWER COFFEE)","legalName":"COMMONWEALTH COFFEE LLC","address":"542 CHRISTIAN ST","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2010-12-17","latestIssueDate":"2026-06-08","expirationDate":"2027-04-30","inactiveDate":null},{"number":"798085","type":"Rental","status":"Active","businessName":"542 Christian Street Associates, LLC","legalName":"542 Christian Street Associates, LLC","address":"542 CHRISTIAN ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":2,"issuedDate":"2018-12-27","latestIssueDate":"2025-11-11","expirationDate":"2026-12-26","inactiveDate":null},{"number":"853074","type":"Sidewalk Cafe (Temporary)","status":"Inactive","businessName":"COMMONWEALTH COFFEE LLC (SHOT TOWER COFFEE)","legalName":"COMMONWEALTH COFFEE LLC","address":"542 CHRISTIAN ST","revenueCode":"3123","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2020-10-08","latestIssueDate":"2021-12-20","expirationDate":"2022-12-31","inactiveDate":"2023-02-28"},{"number":"1013734","type":"Sidewalk Cafe","status":"Active","businessName":"Commonwealth Coffee LLC (Shot Tower Coffeee)","legalName":"Commonwealth Coffee LLC","address":"542 CHRISTIAN ST","revenueCode":"3123","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2026-07-27","latestIssueDate":"2026-07-27","expirationDate":"2027-07-26","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"1013734","type":"Sidewalk Cafe","businessName":"Commonwealth Coffee LLC (Shot Tower Coffeee)","legalName":"Commonwealth Coffee LLC","issuedDate":"2026-07-27","latestIssueDate":"2026-07-27","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2027-07-26","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"853074","type":"Sidewalk Cafe (Temporary)","businessName":"COMMONWEALTH COFFEE LLC (SHOT TOWER COFFEE)","legalName":"COMMONWEALTH COFFEE LLC","issuedDate":"2020-10-08","latestIssueDate":"2021-12-20","closureDate":"2023-02-28","expirationDate":"2022-12-31","inactiveDate":"2023-02-28","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"798085","type":"Rental","businessName":"542 Christian Street Associates, LLC","legalName":"542 Christian Street Associates, LLC","issuedDate":"2018-12-27","latestIssueDate":"2025-11-11","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2026-12-26","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"521780","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"COMMONWEALTH COFFEE LLC (SHOT TOWER COFFEE)","legalName":"COMMONWEALTH COFFEE LLC","issuedDate":"2010-12-17","latestIssueDate":"2026-06-08","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2027-04-30","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-30","units":2,"signals":[],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Appeal #8629: CLOSED · Withdrawn; related permit 200361. Use permit #254329: 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":"mixed-use","level":"verify","title":"Residential and business space run on separate compliance tracks","finding":"OPA classifies this parcel as mixed-use.","why":"The zoning/use and occupancy file must cover the actual residential and commercial spaces. Dwelling units can require Rental Licenses and lead compliance; the operator can separately need an Activity License and sector license; installed fire systems can require annual certification.","action":"Match every dwelling and business use to the zoning permit, CO, current operator licenses, and life-safety filings.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-certificate-of-occupancy/"},{"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":"managing-agent","level":"verify","title":"Tax mail goes outside Philadelphia; owner residence still needs verification","finding":"OPA mails the property tax record outside Philadelphia (1428 KNOX RD, WYNNEWOOD PA, 19096).","why":"A tax mailing destination does not establish where the owner lives. If a rental owner lives outside Philadelphia, the City requires a managing agent with a Philadelphia mailing address; the owner remains legally responsible.","action":"Verify the buyer’s residence and, if the buyer will live outside Philadelphia, identify the Philadelphia managing agent on the new license application.","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 1915 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":"3 failed, 1 passed, and 2 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Jan 14, 2019.","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":"Sidewalk Cafe (Temporary) #853074: Inactive since Feb 28, 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":"commercial-trash","level":"verify","title":"A separate Commercial Trash account may apply","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as mixed-use. 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":"Fire Alarm Certification: Certified through Nov 4, 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/"}]}