{"asOf":"2026-07-28T22:54:25.603Z","block":"5200-5299 RIDGE AVE","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/5200-5299-ridge-ave","address":"5231 RIDGE AVE","parcelNumber":"871105700","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=871105700","ownerType":"owner-occupied","kind":"mixed-use","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"S40","buildingCodeNew":"818","buildingClass":"ROW W/OFF STR 2.5 STY MAS","buildingClassNew":"TWIN MIXED-COM/RES-BLT AS RES","useLabel":"Mixed-use","owner":"HAMILTON ROGER S","coOwner":null,"marketValue":259200,"landAssessment":51800,"improvementAssessment":207400,"livableArea":1752,"yearBuilt":1900,"lastSale":{"price":1,"date":"2002-02-25T05:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[],"violationCases":[],"investigations":[],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":40.01923566828471,"lng":-75.21065705739399,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.210506766,40.019166069],[-75.210556683,40.019144799],[-75.210540373,40.019185689],[-75.210796462,40.019249752],[-75.210776071,40.019297145],[-75.210569913,40.01924118],[-75.210506766,40.019166069]]]},"liDistrict":"NORTH","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19128","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":null,"lotArea":1332,"zoning":"CMX2","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"4","intCond":"4","garage":null,"homestead":true,"mail":"5231 RIDGE AVE, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19128","mailOut":false,"appeals":[{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR A TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT WITH HOT AND COLD FOOD ON THE FIRST FLOOR IN THE SAME STRUCTURE WITH AN EXISTING ONE FAMILY DWELLING ABOVE. (NO SIGNS ON THIS APPLICATION)","status":"OPEN","outcome":"Granted","date":"2010-01-19","number":"10440","relatedPermit":"237050"}],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":0,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":175200,"taxable":155100,"land":35200,"improvement":140000,"taxableLand":35200,"taxableImprovement":119900,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":20100},{"y":2017,"v":175200,"taxable":155100,"land":35200,"improvement":140000,"taxableLand":35200,"taxableImprovement":119900,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":20100},{"y":2018,"v":153400,"taxable":133300,"land":30680,"improvement":122720,"taxableLand":30680,"taxableImprovement":102620,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":20100},{"y":2019,"v":158000,"taxable":131200,"land":31600,"improvement":126400,"taxableLand":31600,"taxableImprovement":99600,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":26800},{"y":2020,"v":159500,"taxable":132700,"land":31900,"improvement":127600,"taxableLand":31900,"taxableImprovement":100800,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":26800},{"y":2021,"v":159500,"taxable":132700,"land":31900,"improvement":127600,"taxableLand":31900,"taxableImprovement":100800,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":26800},{"y":2022,"v":159500,"taxable":132700,"land":31900,"improvement":127600,"taxableLand":31900,"taxableImprovement":100800,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":26800},{"y":2023,"v":208400,"taxable":173389,"land":41600,"improvement":166800,"taxableLand":41600,"taxableImprovement":131789,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":35011},{"y":2024,"v":208400,"taxable":173388.8,"land":41600,"improvement":166800,"taxableLand":41600,"taxableImprovement":131788.8,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":35011.2},{"y":2025,"v":183400,"taxable":152588.8,"land":36680,"improvement":146720,"taxableLand":36680,"taxableImprovement":115908.8,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":30811.2},{"y":2026,"v":183400,"taxable":152588.8,"land":36680,"improvement":146720,"taxableLand":36680,"taxableImprovement":115908.8,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":30811.2},{"y":2027,"v":259200,"taxable":215654.4,"land":51800,"improvement":207400,"taxableLand":51800,"taxableImprovement":163854.4,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":43545.6}],"taxNow":2136,"familyHeld":true,"lastTransferNominal":true,"permits":[{"number":"237050","date":"2010-01-19","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-01-19","scope":"USE TO TAKE OUT RESTAURANT."},{"number":"265202","date":"2010-04-06","work":"Alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-11-03","scope":"NON-STUCT.INTERIOR ALTERATIONS:FIT-OUT EXIST'G RETAIL / COMM'L SPACE W/ NEW 5/8 GWB OVER EXIST'G PLASTER / DRYWALL-WALLS AND CEILING - NO NEW PARTITIONS.NEW CERAMIC TILE FLOOR AND STAINLESS STEEL BACK SPLASH IN KITCHEN AREA.NOTE: FIRE ALARM SYSTEM REQ'D AND COMM'L KITCH EXHAUST AND FIRE SUPRESSION REQ.D - SEPARATE PERMIT- HEALTH DEPT PRE-REQ.APPROVAL REQ'D"},{"number":"273804","date":"2010-04-20","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-12-09","scope":"FA:RELOCATING (1) MANUAL S,1 HORN STROBE/(1) ANSUL SYS CONNECTION. ELECTRICAL: REPLACING/RELOCATING (12) RECEPT'S, (7) LT FIXTURES/(1) EXIT SIGN, (2) EXHAUST HOODS, REPLACING (1) 200A SERVICE AND (1) 100A SERVICE AS PER 2008 NEC (NORTH DIST)"},{"number":"274370","date":"2010-04-22","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-10-25","scope":"PIPE FIT (3) BAY SINKS AND GREASE TRAP DRAINS, PIPE FIT HAND SINK DRAIN, PIPE FIT FOOD PREP INDIRECT DRAIN"},{"number":"263881","date":"2010-05-27","work":"Suppression","type":"BP_FIRESUP","description":"SUPPRESSION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-11-03","scope":"INSTALL TYPE 1 KITCHEN HOOD, DUCT WORK, FANS, ANSUL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM ONLY , AS PER PLANS. REFER TO ALTS PERMIT UNDER REVIEW AP265202 FOR FURTHER APPROVALS."},{"number":"266925","date":"2010-05-27","work":"Suppression","type":"BP_FIRESUP","description":"SUPPRESSION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-11-03","scope":"INSTALL TYPE 1 KITCHEN HOOD, DUCT WORK, FANS, ANSUL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM ONLY , AS PER PLANS. REFER TO ALTS PERMIT UNDER REVIEW AP265202 FOR FURTHER APPROVALS."}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Use"},{"y":2010,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal granted"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Alteration"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Electrical"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Suppression"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Suppression"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[],"licenseActivity":[],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-27","signals":[{"kind":"permit-mismatch","level":"watch","title":"Assessment/permit mismatch","summary":"The assessment jumped 41% in 2027, but no matching permit appears in the property timeline.","evidence":["assessment moved from $183,400 to $259,200","no permit shown in 2026-2028"],"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 #10440: OPEN · Granted; related permit 237050. Use permit #237050: 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-status","level":"verify","title":"Residential form does not establish rental use","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as mixed-use; no active Rental License row matched.","why":"A multi-unit or mixed-use classification does not prove that space is currently rented. If dwelling space is rented, Philadelphia generally requires a current Rental License and related occupancy, tax, violation, and lead compliance.","action":"Confirm actual occupancy first; if any unit is rented, verify the license and legal unit count with L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/rent-or-sell-property/get-a-rental-license/"},{"id":"building-certifications","level":"verify","title":"A fire-system permit exists, but no annual certification matched","finding":"3 fire/suppression-related permits matched; the fetched BIN certification feed returned no row.","why":"Installed systems in mixed-use and larger buildings generally require periodic certification, but applicability and limited-area exceptions vary. A missing BIN/address join is not proof of a compliance failure.","action":"Confirm what system was installed and whether a current annual certificate is required and filed.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/maintenance-certifications/fire-protection-certifications/"},{"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 and appears related-party/family-held.","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":"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":"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/"}],"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/"}]}