{"asOf":"2026-07-23T17:23:51.615Z","block":"1600-1699 PORTER ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/1600-1699-porter-st","address":"1638 PORTER ST","parcelNumber":"871534620","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=871534620","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":"CHEN XIAO S","coOwner":"CHEN BI FANG","marketValue":517100,"landAssessment":103400,"improvementAssessment":413700,"livableArea":3232,"yearBuilt":1920,"lastSale":{"price":240000,"date":"2015-08-17T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"3688761","date":"2015-08-24","code":"9-3905","title":"VACANT STRUCTURE LICENSE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3912932","date":"2016-04-26","code":"A-901.13/1","title":"PENALTY- NO BLDG PERM INFO","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3912929","date":"2016-04-26","code":"A-301.1/4","title":"PERMB- ALTER REPAIR INT PART","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3912930","date":"2016-04-26","code":"A-301.1/7","title":"PERMB- INT DEMOL WALLS ETC","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3912931","date":"2016-04-26","code":"A-504.1/3","title":"SWO- CONSTR W/O BLDG PERMIT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3943817","date":"2016-05-19","code":"PM15-305.3","title":"INTERIOR SURFACES","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}],"violationCases":[{"number":"499059","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"HCEU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2015-08-25","completedDate":"2015-09-08","violations":[{"number":"3688761","date":"2015-08-24","code":"9-3905","title":"VACANT STRUCTURE LICENSE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"529871","type":"CONSTRUCTION SERVICES","priority":"CONSTRUCTION SERVICES","responsibility":"DS","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2016-04-26","completedDate":"2016-05-16","violations":[{"number":"3912932","date":"2016-04-26","code":"A-901.13/1","title":"PENALTY- NO BLDG PERM INFO","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3912929","date":"2016-04-26","code":"A-301.1/4","title":"PERMB- ALTER REPAIR INT PART","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3912930","date":"2016-04-26","code":"A-301.1/7","title":"PERMB- INT DEMOL WALLS ETC","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3912931","date":"2016-04-26","code":"A-504.1/3","title":"SWO- CONSTR W/O BLDG PERMIT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"534305","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"HCEU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2016-05-20","completedDate":"2016-08-17","violations":[{"number":"3943817","date":"2016-05-19","code":"PM15-305.3","title":"INTERIOR SURFACES","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2015,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2016,"n":5,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"499059","date":"2015-08-24","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"499059","date":"2015-09-08","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"529871","date":"2016-04-26","type":"BP_BLDG","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"529871","date":"2016-05-16","type":"BP_BLDG","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"534305","date":"2016-05-19","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"534305","date":"2016-08-16","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2015,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2016,"fails":2,"passes":2}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.919816635872515,"lng":-75.17549168811509,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.175440334,39.919921289],[-75.175489633,39.919703039],[-75.175541978,39.91971005],[-75.175495352,39.919928489],[-75.175440334,39.919921289]]]},"liDistrict":"SOUTH","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19145","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":3,"lotArea":1344,"zoning":"RSA5","grade":"C+","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"4","intCond":"4","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"1951 RITNER ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19145","mailOut":false,"appeals":[{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR PROPOSED FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE FOR HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE (BUSINESS\nAND PROFESSIONAL OFFICE) ON 1ST FLOOR AND PROPOSED TWO (2) FAMILY DWELLING ABOVE IN AN\nEXISTING STRUCTURE.","status":"OPEN","outcome":"Granted","date":"2018-10-17","number":"34614","relatedPermit":"885696"},{"type":"ZBA Permit Denial - Variance","grounds":"Permit for a package shipping and printing co (business support) in an existing structure with other existing uses in the structure as previously approved.","status":"Dismissed / Withdrawn","outcome":"Dismissed","date":"2025-09-16","number":"ZP-2024-010535","relatedPermit":"ZP-2024-010535"},{"type":"ZBA Permit Denial - Variance","grounds":"Permit for the proposed use, Eating and Drinking Establishment - Prepared Food Shop, on the ground floor level of an existing structure.\n\nNo change to residential uses on the floors above.\n\nAP # 885696, Cal # 34614, ZBA granted variance for","status":"Completed","outcome":"Granted","date":"2026-05-11","number":"ZP-2025-010674","relatedPermit":"ZP-2025-010674"}],"taxYears":[{"year":2016,"total":292.85,"principal":184.94,"interest":2.78,"penalty":1.85}],"taxNet":292.85,"taxLien":true,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":1,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":265000,"taxable":265000,"land":26900,"improvement":238100,"taxableLand":26900,"taxableImprovement":238100,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2017,"v":265000,"taxable":265000,"land":26900,"improvement":238100,"taxableLand":26900,"taxableImprovement":238100,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2018,"v":349100,"taxable":349100,"land":69820,"improvement":279280,"taxableLand":69820,"taxableImprovement":279280,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2019,"v":359500,"taxable":359500,"land":71900,"improvement":287600,"taxableLand":71900,"taxableImprovement":287600,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2020,"v":363000,"taxable":363000,"land":72600,"improvement":290400,"taxableLand":72600,"taxableImprovement":290400,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2021,"v":363000,"taxable":363000,"land":72600,"improvement":290400,"taxableLand":72600,"taxableImprovement":290400,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2022,"v":363000,"taxable":363000,"land":72600,"improvement":290400,"taxableLand":72600,"taxableImprovement":290400,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":424100,"taxable":424100,"land":84820,"improvement":339280,"taxableLand":84820,"taxableImprovement":339280,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":424100,"taxable":424100,"land":84820,"improvement":339280,"taxableLand":84820,"taxableImprovement":339280,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":533500,"taxable":533500,"land":106700,"improvement":426800,"taxableLand":106700,"taxableImprovement":426800,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":533500,"taxable":533500,"land":106700,"improvement":426800,"taxableLand":106700,"taxableImprovement":426800,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":517100,"taxable":517100,"land":103400,"improvement":413700,"taxableLand":103400,"taxableImprovement":413700,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":7468,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"691814","date":"2016-05-13","work":"Interior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Demo.","type":"General Permit Minor","description":"General Permit Minor","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2021-08-03","scope":"EZ STANDARD LIMITED COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & REPAIRS- For the limited demolition and commercial alterations as per attached standard. Deviations from this standard will result in permit revocation and require submission of construction plans."},{"number":"701573","date":"2016-06-21","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2017-01-19","scope":"INSTALL 200AMP SERVICE WITH 4-METER SOCKETS, REPLACE LIGHTS & SWITCHES WITH 20-NEW RECESSED LIGTHS AND REPLACE 10-OUTLETS ON 1ST FLOOR ONLY AS PER NEC 2008 SOUTH DISTRICT"},{"number":"708409","date":"2016-07-20","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2017-01-09","scope":"INSTALL 80,000 BTU 92% HEAT WITH 4 TON OF AIR CENTRAL AIR IN BASEMENT WITH RELATED DUCT WORK"},{"number":"ZP-2025-010674","date":"2026-04-08","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Eating and Drinking Establishments - Prepared Food Shop"},{"number":"ZP-2024-010535","date":null,"work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Refused","completedDate":"2025-09-16","scope":null}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2015,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2015,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2015,"k":"sale","p":240000},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Interior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Demo."},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Electrical"},{"y":2016,"k":"viol","w":"5 L&I violations"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2016,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 2 failed, 2 passed"},{"y":2018,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal granted"},{"y":2025,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal dismissed"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"Change of Use"},{"y":2026,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal granted"}],"rented":true,"licenses":[{"number":"297136","type":"Hazardous Materials","status":"Inactive","businessName":"GIANCARLO LELII","legalName":"GIANCARLO LELII","address":"1638 PORTER ST","revenueCode":"3335","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2004-06-07","latestIssueDate":"2004-06-07","expirationDate":"2005-12-31","inactiveDate":"2006-01-05"},{"number":"802202","type":"Rental","status":"Active","businessName":"XIAO SHI & BI FANG CHEN","legalName":"XIAO SHI & BI FANG CHEN","address":"1638 PORTER ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":2,"issuedDate":"2019-02-11","latestIssueDate":"2026-01-03","expirationDate":"2027-02-10","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"802202","type":"Rental","businessName":"XIAO SHI & BI FANG CHEN","legalName":"XIAO SHI & BI FANG CHEN","issuedDate":"2019-02-11","latestIssueDate":"2026-01-03","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2027-02-10","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"297136","type":"Hazardous Materials","businessName":"GIANCARLO LELII","legalName":"GIANCARLO LELII","issuedDate":"2004-06-07","latestIssueDate":"2004-06-07","closureDate":"2006-01-05","expirationDate":"2005-12-31","inactiveDate":"2006-01-05","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-23","units":2,"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":["1 permit event since 2023","2 zoning/board appeals since 2023"],"caveat":"Record activity alone does not establish that a sale or redevelopment is planned."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Appeal #34614: OPEN · Granted; related permit 885696.","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: ZP-2024-010535 (Refused).","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":"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":"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":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"3 failed, 3 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Aug 16, 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":"business-license","level":"verify","title":"A historical business license is not current operating authority","finding":"Hazardous Materials #297136: Inactive since Jan 5, 2006","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 6 historical violations across 3 cases.","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/"}]}