{"asOf":"2026-07-24T20:18:47.269Z","block":"1500-1599 RITNER ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/1500-1599-ritner-st","address":"1540 RITNER ST","parcelNumber":"871534460","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=871534460","ownerType":"absentee","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":"CHENG ANDREW FU","coOwner":"CHEN YU","marketValue":424300,"landAssessment":84800,"improvementAssessment":339500,"livableArea":2652,"yearBuilt":1920,"lastSale":{"price":320000,"date":"2006-09-07T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"1262192","date":"2008-12-17","code":"A.CNE.000","title":"COULD NOT 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9"}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"188316","date":"2008-12-17","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"188316","date":"2009-03-06","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"188316","date":"2009-04-01","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"508118","date":"2015-10-27","type":"CSUINITIAL","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"508118","date":"2016-03-04","type":"CSUINITIAL","status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2008,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2009,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2015,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2016,"fails":0,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.92088642627023,"lng":-75.1736831847821,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.173636213,39.920965356],[-75.173670959,39.920800393],[-75.173730435,39.920808708],[-75.173695002,39.920973028],[-75.173636213,39.920965356]]]},"liDistrict":"SOUTH","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19145","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":null,"lotArea":1020,"zoning":"CMX1","grade":"C+","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"4","intCond":"4","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"514 S 5TH ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19147","mailOut":false,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":2,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":285500,"taxable":263000,"land":15935,"improvement":269565,"taxableLand":15935,"taxableImprovement":247065,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":22500},{"y":2017,"v":285500,"taxable":263000,"land":15935,"improvement":269565,"taxableLand":15935,"taxableImprovement":247065,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":22500},{"y":2018,"v":280300,"taxable":257800,"land":56060,"improvement":224240,"taxableLand":56060,"taxableImprovement":201740,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":22500},{"y":2019,"v":288700,"taxable":258700,"land":57740,"improvement":230960,"taxableLand":57740,"taxableImprovement":200960,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":30000},{"y":2020,"v":291500,"taxable":261500,"land":58300,"improvement":233200,"taxableLand":58300,"taxableImprovement":203200,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":30000},{"y":2021,"v":291500,"taxable":261500,"land":58300,"improvement":233200,"taxableLand":58300,"taxableImprovement":203200,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":30000},{"y":2022,"v":291500,"taxable":291500,"land":58300,"improvement":233200,"taxableLand":58300,"taxableImprovement":233200,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":381600,"taxable":381600,"land":76320,"improvement":305280,"taxableLand":76320,"taxableImprovement":305280,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":381600,"taxable":381600,"land":76320,"improvement":305280,"taxableLand":76320,"taxableImprovement":305280,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":476100,"taxable":476100,"land":95220,"improvement":380880,"taxableLand":95220,"taxableImprovement":380880,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":476100,"taxable":476100,"land":95220,"improvement":380880,"taxableLand":95220,"taxableImprovement":380880,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":424300,"taxable":424300,"land":84800,"improvement":339500,"taxableLand":84800,"taxableImprovement":339500,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":6664,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"649128","date":"2015-10-30","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-02-26","scope":"MAKE SAFE PERMIT TO COMPLY CASE #508118; WORK TO INCLUDE: REPAIRS TO STRUCTURE TO MAKE STABLE AND WATERTIGHT AND TO REMOVE WET AND SMOKE DAMAGED BUILDING MATERIALS."},{"number":"669215","date":"2016-04-06","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-12-20","scope":"FOR LEVEL II ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTING BUILDING, ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE THE RENOVATION OF EXISTING FLOOR/ CEILING/WALL ASSEMBLIES AND FOR REPAIR OF WATER DAMAGE. ALL WORK TO BE DONE PER APPROVED PLANS. NO STRUCTURAL WORK ASSOCIATED WITH SCOPE OF WORK. IF FIELD CONDITIONS VARY CONTACT DESIGN PROFESSIONAL PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY WORK. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, AND PLUMBING WORK."},{"number":"685547","date":"2016-04-19","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-12-14","scope":"INSTALL 2 KITCHEN SINKS, 4 WATER CLOSETS, 4 LAVY SINKS, TUBS, SHOWER GARBAGE DISPOTALS, INDIRECT WASTE FOR AC- THE INSTALLATION WILL COMPY WITH THE PHILADELPHIA PLUMBING CODE 2004"},{"number":"686982","date":"2016-04-25","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-12-14","scope":"TO INSTALL TWO CENTRAL HEATING AND A/C 2 TO SYSTEM AND DUCTWORK ON 2ND AND 3RD FL NO CHANG E FIRST FLOOR FOR A TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL HVAC UNITS USE HIGH EFFICIENCY W/POWERED AIR SUPPLY EXHAUST DEVICE. NO CHINMEY REQUIRED"},{"number":"686906","date":"2016-10-21","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-12-15","scope":"INSTALL 400AMP SERVICE WITH 4 METERS,8 GFI,12 OUTLETS AND 10 LIGHTS PER 2008 (MIXED USE)SOUTH DISTRICT INSTALL FIRE ALARM PER NFPA 72"},{"number":"778895","date":"2017-05-25","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2017-07-10","scope":"FOR INSTALLATION OF A NEW COMMERCIAL KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD WITH ASSOCIATED DUCTWORK AS PER PLANS."},{"number":"778896","date":"2017-05-25","work":"Suppression","type":"BP_FIRESUP","description":"SUPPRESSION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2017-07-10","scope":"FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM PER NFPA 17A STANDARD FOR COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOOD."},{"number":"791277","date":"2017-06-12","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2017-07-17","scope":"INSTALL (1) HVAC SYSTEM SYSTEM WITH DUCTWORK. (MIXED USE)"}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":2.4,"timeline":[{"y":2009,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2015,"k":"viol","w":"4 L&I violations incl EXTERIOR STRUCT UNSAFE COND 9"},{"y":2015,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed"},{"y":2015,"k":"permit","w":"Major alteration"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Major alteration"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2016,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection passed"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Electrical"},{"y":2017,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2017,"k":"permit","w":"Suppression"},{"y":2017,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"209943","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","status":"Closed","businessName":"UNITY LEASING LLC","legalName":"UNITY LEASING LLC","address":"1540 RITNER ST","revenueCode":"3121","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2004-05-06","latestIssueDate":"2004-05-06","expirationDate":"2005-04-30","inactiveDate":"2010-04-28"},{"number":"394844","type":"Rental","status":"Inactive","businessName":"ANDREW FU CHENG","legalName":"ANDREW FU CHENG","address":"1540 RITNER ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":1,"issuedDate":"2006-12-19","latestIssueDate":"2010-06-01","expirationDate":"2011-02-28","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22"},{"number":"488021","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Closed","businessName":"LYS FAME INC (SKY CAFE)","legalName":"LYS FAME INC","address":"1540 RITNER ST","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2009-11-17","latestIssueDate":"2015-04-24","expirationDate":"2016-04-30","inactiveDate":"2016-06-29"},{"number":"569497","type":"Dumpster License - Private Property","status":"Active","businessName":"TJIA TJOEN LIE","legalName":"TJIA TJOEN LIE","address":"1540 RITNER ST","revenueCode":"3230","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2012-07-24","latestIssueDate":"2013-07-30","expirationDate":null,"inactiveDate":null},{"number":"745527","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Active","businessName":"GLOBAL MODERN CENTURY LLC","legalName":"GLOBAL MODERN CENTURY LLC","address":"1540 RITNER ST","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2017-07-13","latestIssueDate":"2026-05-28","expirationDate":"2027-07-12","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"745527","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"GLOBAL MODERN CENTURY LLC","legalName":"GLOBAL MODERN CENTURY LLC","issuedDate":"2017-07-13","latestIssueDate":"2026-05-28","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2027-07-12","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"569497","type":"Dumpster License - Private Property","businessName":"TJIA TJOEN LIE","legalName":"TJIA TJOEN LIE","issuedDate":"2012-07-24","latestIssueDate":"2013-07-30","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":null,"inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"488021","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"LYS FAME INC (SKY CAFE)","legalName":"LYS FAME INC","issuedDate":"2009-11-17","latestIssueDate":"2015-04-24","closureDate":"2016-06-29","expirationDate":"2016-04-30","inactiveDate":"2016-06-29","status":"Closed","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"394844","type":"Rental","businessName":"ANDREW FU CHENG","legalName":"ANDREW FU CHENG","issuedDate":"2006-12-19","latestIssueDate":"2010-06-01","closureDate":"2012-12-22","expirationDate":"2011-02-28","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"209943","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","businessName":"UNITY LEASING LLC","legalName":"UNITY LEASING LLC","issuedDate":"2004-05-06","latestIssueDate":"2004-05-06","closureDate":"2010-04-28","expirationDate":"2005-04-30","inactiveDate":"2010-04-28","status":"Closed","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-23","signals":[],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"The record identifies more than one dwelling/use.","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":"violations","level":"attention","title":"An unsafe-building history still deserves the repair file","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 5 historical violations across 2 cases.","why":"The aggregate currently shows zero open violations, so a historical unsafe/imminently-dangerous row is not a current hazard finding. The repair or demolition permit, final inspection, and case closure are the evidence that resolves the former designation.","action":"Review the Make Safe/repair permit, final inspection, and case closure.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/violation-and-order-types/"},{"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":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"3 failed, 2 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Mar 4, 2016.","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":"building-certifications","level":"verify","title":"A fire-system permit exists, but no annual certification matched","finding":"2 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":"business-license","level":"verify","title":"A historical business license is not current operating authority","finding":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS) #209943: Closed since Apr 28, 2010; Food Preparing and Serving #488021: Closed since Jun 29, 2016","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/"}],"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/"}]}