{"asOf":"2026-07-23T20:13:02.024Z","block":"600-699 S 52ND ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/600-699-s-52nd-st","address":"600 S 52ND ST","parcelNumber":"871572420","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=871572420","ownerType":"investor","kind":"mixed-use","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"Y50","buildingCodeNew":"821","buildingClass":"STR/OFF+APT 3 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"ROW MIXED-COM/RES-BLT AS COM","useLabel":"Apartment building","owner":"CEDAR FOOD MARKET INC","coOwner":null,"marketValue":267600,"landAssessment":53500,"improvementAssessment":214100,"livableArea":3476,"yearBuilt":1925,"lastSale":{"price":130000,"date":"2014-03-28T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"568761","date":"2007-05-11","code":"CP-900","title":"SIGNS - NO PERMIT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"568762","date":"2007-05-11","code":"LO-1","title":"OBTAIN LIC INDICATED","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3843934","date":"2015-09-30","code":"FC-915.1/3","title":"ANNUAL CERT FIRE ALARM","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2024-096791","date":"2024-12-05","code":"F-1003.6","title":"MEANS OF EGRESS CONTINUITY\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-01-13","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2024-096790","date":"2024-12-05","code":"9-1405(1)","title":"SCALES AND SCANNERS LICENSE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-01-13","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"589167","date":"2007-06-01","code":"A-203.3/1","title":"UNAPPROVED MAT'L OR ASSEM","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}],"violationCases":[{"number":"112607","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2007-05-11","completedDate":"2008-01-07","violations":[{"number":"568761","date":"2007-05-11","code":"CP-900","title":"SIGNS - NO PERMIT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"568762","date":"2007-05-11","code":"LO-1","title":"OBTAIN LIC INDICATED","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"504560","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2015-10-01","completedDate":"2016-06-08","violations":[{"number":"3843934","date":"2015-09-30","code":"FC-915.1/3","title":"ANNUAL CERT FIRE ALARM","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"CF-2024-125216","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BUSINESS COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2024-12-06","completedDate":"2025-01-13","violations":[{"number":"VI-2024-096791","date":"2024-12-05","code":"F-1003.6","title":"MEANS OF EGRESS CONTINUITY\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-01-13","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2024-096790","date":"2024-12-05","code":"9-1405(1)","title":"SCALES AND SCANNERS LICENSE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-01-13","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"}]},{"number":"55566","type":null,"priority":null,"responsibility":null,"status":"CLOSED","createdDate":null,"completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"589167","date":"2007-06-01","code":"A-203.3/1","title":"UNAPPROVED MAT'L OR ASSEM","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2007,"n":3,"worst":null},{"y":2015,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2024,"n":2,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"112607","date":"2007-05-09","type":"BC INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"112607","date":"2007-07-23","type":"BC INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"504560","date":"2015-10-01","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"504560","date":"2015-11-04","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"504560","date":"2016-02-16","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"CLOSED"},{"caseNumber":"504560","date":"2016-04-15","type":"PRECOURT","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"504560","date":"2016-04-27","type":"PRECOURT","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2024-125216","date":"2024-12-06","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2024-125216","date":"2025-01-13","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2007,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2015,"fails":2,"passes":0},{"y":2016,"fails":0,"passes":2},{"y":2024,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2025,"fails":0,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":1855.38,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":true,"totalDue":1855.38,"principalDue":1335.16,"penaltyDue":122.1,"interestDue":107.88,"otherChargesDue":290.24,"yearsOwed":1,"oldestYearOwed":2021,"mostRecentYearOwed":2021,"mostRecentPaymentDate":"2021-07-28","assessmentYear":2022,"totalAssessment":148400,"taxableAssessment":148400,"exemptAbatementAssessment":0,"homesteadValue":0,"netTaxAfterHomestead":2077.3,"actionableAtSnapshot":true,"paymentAgreementAtSnapshot":false,"bankruptcyAtSnapshot":false,"assessmentUnderAppealAtSnapshot":false,"yearMonth":"202206"},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.95035569901752,"lng":-75.22721265962025,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.227029172,39.950370856],[-75.227039437,39.950294643],[-75.227401586,39.950340892],[-75.227386168,39.950416572],[-75.227029172,39.950370856]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL WEST","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2024-030028","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2024-11-05","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2025-11-05","buildingId":"1439780"},{"number":"BC-2025-027300","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-10-16","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-10-16","buildingId":"1439780"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19143","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":null,"lotArea":2703,"zoning":"CMX2","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"5","intCond":"5","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"600 S 52ND ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19143","mailOut":false,"appeals":[{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"CERTIFICATE IS FOR A TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT (NO SEATING) AS PART OF AN EXISTING RETAIL GROCERY STORE ON 1ST FLOOR IN THE SAME BUILDING WITH EXISTING FOUR (4) APARTMENTS ABOVE.","status":"OPEN","outcome":"Denied","date":"2007-05-09","number":"1040","relatedPermit":null},{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR RETAIL SALES OF COLD SANDWICHES/ COLD SALADS(NO DISPENSING WINDOW, NO MALT BEVERAGES) -LESS THAN 30 SEATS - A TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT - AS PART OF AN EXISTING RETAIL GROCERY STORE, ON THE FIRST FLOOR AND A VACANT 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR (U","status":"OPEN","outcome":"Granted with conditions","date":"2008-10-07","number":"5720","relatedPermit":"146430"}],"taxYears":[{"year":2016,"total":3733.27,"principal":3351.46,"interest":50.28,"penalty":33.51}],"taxNet":3733.27,"taxLien":true,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":2,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":212300,"taxable":212300,"land":14335,"improvement":197965,"taxableLand":14335,"taxableImprovement":197965,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2017,"v":212300,"taxable":212300,"land":14335,"improvement":197965,"taxableLand":14335,"taxableImprovement":197965,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2018,"v":142800,"taxable":142800,"land":28560,"improvement":114240,"taxableLand":28560,"taxableImprovement":114240,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2019,"v":147000,"taxable":147000,"land":29853,"improvement":117147,"taxableLand":29853,"taxableImprovement":117147,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2020,"v":148400,"taxable":148400,"land":30137,"improvement":118263,"taxableLand":30137,"taxableImprovement":118263,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2021,"v":148400,"taxable":148400,"land":30137,"improvement":118263,"taxableLand":30137,"taxableImprovement":118263,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2022,"v":148400,"taxable":148400,"land":30137,"improvement":118263,"taxableLand":30137,"taxableImprovement":118263,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":191100,"taxable":191100,"land":38200,"improvement":152900,"taxableLand":38200,"taxableImprovement":152900,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":191100,"taxable":191100,"land":38200,"improvement":152900,"taxableLand":38200,"taxableImprovement":152900,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":254200,"taxable":254200,"land":50840,"improvement":203360,"taxableLand":50840,"taxableImprovement":203360,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":254200,"taxable":254200,"land":50840,"improvement":203360,"taxableLand":50840,"taxableImprovement":203360,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":267600,"taxable":267600,"land":53500,"improvement":214100,"taxableLand":53500,"taxableImprovement":214100,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":3558,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"55566","date":"2007-02-09","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2007-12-05","scope":"REMOVE OF PVC DRAIN LINE, INSTALL 2 INDIRECT WASTE DRAINS, (1) 3 BOWL SINK, 1 PREP SINK, 1 HAND SINK AND INSTALLATION OF GREASE TRAP"},{"number":"58589","date":"2007-02-27","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2007-02-27","scope":"USE: 1ST FL.-RETAIL GROCERY STORE, 2ND AND 3RD FLRS.- VACANT"},{"number":"64892","date":"2007-04-05","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2007-04-05","scope":"AWNING SIGN"},{"number":"146430","date":"2008-12-17","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2008-12-17","scope":"ADDING TO THE USE. CURRENTLY A GROCERY STORE AND WANTS TO ADD THE RETAIL OF COLD SANDWICHES AND COLD SALAD. GROCERY STORE ON THE 1ST FLOOR. 2ND AND 3RD FLOORS VACANT AND WILL REAIM VACANT."},{"number":"247513","date":"2009-11-11","work":"Fast form building","type":"L_FFORM","description":"FAST FORM BUILDING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-02-17","scope":null},{"number":"975084","date":"2019-05-10","work":"New Construction","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"INSTALL NEW PECO INBOX FOR UNDERGROUND SERVICE, NEW METER SOCKET 200 AMP, CONDUIT 18\", PROPERTY GROUND ELECTRICAL SERVICE, PER 2017 NEC, REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT WITH NO ADDITIONAL WIRING REPLACING EQUIPMENT, NO ADDITIONAL WIRING"}],"storyTag":"New construction","storyDelta":-0.34,"timeline":[{"y":2007,"k":"viol","w":"3 L&I violations"},{"y":2008,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal granted with conditions"},{"y":2008,"k":"permit","w":"Use"},{"y":2009,"k":"permit","w":"Fast form building"},{"y":2014,"k":"sale","p":130000},{"y":2015,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2015,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed ×2"},{"y":2016,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection passed ×2"},{"y":2019,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2024,"k":"viol","w":"2 L&I violations"},{"y":2024,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed"},{"y":2025,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection passed"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"417687","type":"Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location","status":"Inactive","businessName":"RAMESH R NAROPANTH (CEDAR SUPERMARKET)","legalName":"RAMESH R NAROPANTH","address":"600 S 52ND ST","revenueCode":"3118","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2007-07-19","latestIssueDate":"2008-04-08","expirationDate":"2009-04-30","inactiveDate":"2008-12-17"},{"number":"463073","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Inactive","businessName":"CEDAR SUPERMARKET INC","legalName":"CEDAR SUPERMARKET INC","address":"600 S 52ND ST","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2008-12-17","latestIssueDate":"2008-12-17","expirationDate":"2010-04-30","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22"},{"number":"516452","type":"Dumpster License - Private Property","status":"Active","businessName":"CEDAR FOOD MARKET INC","legalName":"CEDAR FOOD MARKET INC","address":"600 S 52ND ST","revenueCode":"3230","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2010-10-07","latestIssueDate":"2013-09-24","expirationDate":null,"inactiveDate":null},{"number":"525132","type":"Rental","status":"Inactive","businessName":"RAMESH & HEMALATHA R NAROPANTH","legalName":"RAMESH & HEMALATHA R NAROPANTH","address":"600 S 52ND ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":2,"issuedDate":"2011-02-10","latestIssueDate":"2013-03-20","expirationDate":"2014-02-28","inactiveDate":null},{"number":"651527","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Inactive","businessName":"CEDAR FOOD MARKET INC","legalName":"CEDAR FOOD MARKET INC","address":"600 S 52ND ST","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2015-01-06","latestIssueDate":"2015-01-06","expirationDate":"2015-04-01","inactiveDate":"2015-11-02"},{"number":"682555","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Inactive","businessName":"CEDAR FOOD MARKET INC","legalName":"CEDAR FOOD MARKET INC","address":"600 S 52ND ST","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2015-11-02","latestIssueDate":"2025-05-15","expirationDate":"2026-04-30","inactiveDate":"2026-06-29"}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"682555","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"CEDAR FOOD MARKET INC","legalName":"CEDAR FOOD MARKET INC","issuedDate":"2015-01-06","latestIssueDate":"2025-05-15","closureDate":"2026-06-29","expirationDate":"2026-04-30","inactiveDate":"2026-06-29","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"525132","type":"Rental","businessName":"RAMESH & HEMALATHA R NAROPANTH","legalName":"RAMESH & HEMALATHA R NAROPANTH","issuedDate":"2011-02-10","latestIssueDate":"2013-03-20","closureDate":"2014-02-28","expirationDate":"2014-02-28","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"516452","type":"Dumpster License - Private Property","businessName":"CEDAR FOOD MARKET INC","legalName":"CEDAR FOOD MARKET INC","issuedDate":"2010-10-07","latestIssueDate":"2013-09-24","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":null,"inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"463073","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"CEDAR SUPERMARKET INC","legalName":"CEDAR SUPERMARKET INC","issuedDate":"2008-12-17","latestIssueDate":"2008-12-17","closureDate":"2012-12-22","expirationDate":"2010-04-30","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"417687","type":"Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location","businessName":"RAMESH R NAROPANTH (CEDAR SUPERMARKET)","legalName":"RAMESH R NAROPANTH","issuedDate":"2007-07-19","latestIssueDate":"2008-04-08","closureDate":"2008-12-17","expirationDate":"2009-04-30","inactiveDate":"2008-12-17","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-23","signals":[{"kind":"record-pressure","level":"elevated","title":"Records to verify together","summary":"More than one separately dated public record deserves a current-status check.","evidence":["$1,855 appeared in the City's June 2022 delinquency snapshot","a lien number appears in the historical tax ledger through 2016","failed L&I inspection activity in 2024"],"caveat":"A screening signal, not a foreclosure prediction. Tax entries are historical and must be verified with Philadelphia Revenue."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Use permit #58589: 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: 975084 (Issued).","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":"dated-tax-balance","level":"attention","title":"A dated tax balance needs a current payoff","finding":"$1,855.38 was recorded in the City’s 2022-06 delinquency snapshot for 2021.","why":"That is historical evidence, not today’s amount due. A current exemption, payment, credit, or assistance agreement can coexist with an older snapshot row.","action":"Check period balances and request a dated Property Payoff statement for settlement.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/guides/philadelphia-tax-center/what-to-do/"},{"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":"4 failed, 4 passed, and 1 CLOSED investigation outcome are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Jan 13, 2025.","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 Establishment, Retail Permanent Location #417687: Inactive since Dec 17, 2008; Food Preparing and Serving #463073: Inactive since Dec 22, 2012; Food Preparing and Serving #651527: Inactive since Nov 2, 2015; Food Preparing and Serving #682555: Inactive since Jun 29, 2026","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 4 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/"},{"id":"building-certifications","level":"clear","title":"Filed system certifications are current in this dataset","finding":"Fire Alarm Certification: Certified through Oct 16, 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/"}]}