{"asOf":"2026-07-27T01:32:15.282Z","block":"1500-1599 N 5TH ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/1500-1599-n-5th-st","address":"1501 N 5TH ST","parcelNumber":"881001148","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=881001148","ownerType":"investor","kind":"apartments","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"SR","buildingCodeNew":"804","buildingClass":"VACANT LAND RESIDE < ACRE","buildingClassNew":"APARTMENTS - LOW RISE","useLabel":"Apartments","owner":"SMDC PROPERTIES LLC","coOwner":null,"marketValue":751600,"landAssessment":75100,"improvementAssessment":676500,"livableArea":4340,"yearBuilt":2022,"lastSale":{"price":1500000,"date":"2022-03-31T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2020-005685","date":"2020-05-15","code":"10-715","title":"LITTER ON VACANT LOTS","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2020-08-19","resolution":"COMPLIED - BY ENFORCEMENT ACTION"},{"number":"VI-2022-010092","date":"2022-02-14","code":"A-301.1/50","title":"NEW ELECTRICAL WIRING","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2022-03-22","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2026-056064","date":"2026-07-22","code":"9-3902 (1)","title":"RENTAL LICENSE- ONE & TWO FAMILY (R3)","status":"SVN ISSUED","resolutionDate":"2026-07-22","resolution":"SVN ISSUED"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"CF-2020-016382","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"CLIP - VACANT LOT INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2020-05-15","completedDate":"2020-08-20","violations":[{"number":"VI-2020-005685","date":"2020-05-15","code":"10-715","title":"LITTER ON VACANT LOTS","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2020-08-19","resolution":"COMPLIED - BY ENFORCEMENT ACTION"}]},{"number":"CF-2022-011979","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BUILDING INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2022-02-14","completedDate":"2022-03-22","violations":[{"number":"VI-2022-010092","date":"2022-02-14","code":"A-301.1/50","title":"NEW ELECTRICAL WIRING","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2022-03-22","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"}]},{"number":"CF-2026-092467","type":"SITE VIOLATION NOTICE","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"QOL PM EXTERIOR INVESTIGATOR","status":"SVN ISSUED, BALANCE DUE","createdDate":"2026-07-22","completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2026-056064","date":"2026-07-22","code":"9-3902 (1)","title":"RENTAL LICENSE- ONE & TWO FAMILY (R3)","status":"SVN ISSUED","resolutionDate":"2026-07-22","resolution":"SVN ISSUED"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2020,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2022,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2026,"n":1,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-016382","date":"2020-05-15","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-016382","date":"2020-07-14","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-016382","date":"2020-08-20","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-011979","date":"2022-02-14","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-011979","date":"2022-03-22","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2026-092467","date":"2026-07-22","type":null,"status":null}],"inspYears":[{"y":2020,"fails":2,"passes":1},{"y":2022,"fails":1,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.97406263905579,"lng":-75.14392374741347,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.143804839,39.97407458],[-75.143813157,39.974019462],[-75.144045058,39.974051036],[-75.144032707,39.97410595],[-75.143804839,39.97407458]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL EAST","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2024-015440","type":"Sprinkler Certification","inspectionDate":"2024-05-23","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2025-05-23","buildingId":"3000086"},{"number":"BC-2025-025165","type":"Sprinkler Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-07-07","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-07-07","buildingId":"3000086"},{"number":"BC-2025-025169","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-07-07","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-07-07","buildingId":"3000086"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19122","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":4,"lotArea":1297,"zoning":"IRMX","grade":"C+","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"1","intCond":"1","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"318 LONGWOOD RD, KENNETT SQUARE PA, 19348","mailOut":true,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":4,"abated":true,"assessmentExemption":true,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2026,"v":750000,"taxable":75000,"land":75000,"improvement":675000,"taxableLand":75000,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":675000},{"y":2027,"v":751600,"taxable":75100,"land":75100,"improvement":676500,"taxableLand":75100,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":676500}],"taxNow":1050,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"824200","date":"2018-02-01","work":"New Construction","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-04-08","scope":"FOR THE ERECTION OF AN ATTACHED THREE STORY STRUCTURE WITH A MEZZANINE ABOVE THE SECOND STORY AND A ROOF DECK ACCESSED BY A ROOF ACCESS STRUCTURE AS PER PLANS. THE STRUCTURE IS TYPE VB CONSTRUCTION. SEPARATE CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY REQUIRED FOR FIRST FLOOR COMMERCIAL SPACE. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR ALL MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING AND FIRE SUPPRESSION WORK. AMENDMENT (6/9/2021) TO ADD A DWELLING UNIT AND AN ARTISAN STUDIO. TO CHANGE OF STRUCTURAL FRAMING IN TOP 3 FLOOR FROM LVLS TO TJI'S AS PER REVISED PLANS."},{"number":"1034774","date":"2020-05-21","work":"Amend for conversion","type":"Administrative","description":"Administrative Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"TO AMEND PREVIOUS BUILDING PERMIT AP#82400 FIRST FLOOR & BASEMENT COMMERCIAL SPACE TO (1) RESIDENTIAL UNIT ( ON BASEMENT AND FIRST FLOOR) AND (1) INDUSTRIAL ARTISAN SPACE (FIRST FLOOR), AND AN ADDITIONAL COVERED PARKING STALL.INTERIOR CHANGES AS PER PLANS."},{"number":"EP-2021-000023","date":"2021-01-12","work":"Rough-In","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2022-02-11","scope":"Rough-in wire throughout only as per 2017 nec"},{"number":"MP-2021-000124","date":"2021-01-20","work":"New Construction","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-02-09","scope":"EZ PERMIT DUCTWORK & WARM-AIR APPLIANCES- For Mechanical Work to include the installation as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans. (3) air handler, (3) 2.5 ton ac, (3) new duct work, all condenser will be at the back yard"},{"number":"FP-2021-000359","date":"2021-03-11","work":"New Construction","type":"Fire Suppression","description":"Fire Suppression Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-03-28","scope":"FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A NFPA 13 FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM SERVICED BY A TWO INCH FIRE SERVICE LINE WITH A BACKFLOW PREVENTER ASSEMBLY. ALL WORK TO BE DONE PER APPROVED PLANS. IF FIELD CONDITIONS VARY CONTACT DESIGN ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY WORK. FIRE SUPRESSION SYSTEM TO BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH NFPA 13 STANDARD."},{"number":"PP-2021-001516","date":"2021-03-24","work":"New Construction or Additions","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-02-09","scope":"Installation of supply and DWV pipe to listed fixtured. Installation of a 1\" water service, a house drain, curb trap, and fresh air inlet per the 2018 Philadelphia Plumbing Code. \"ALL EXCAVATIONS AND PLUMBING TRENCHES IN EXCESS OF 5' IN DEPTH MUST HAVE APPROVED SHORING IN PLACE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION\""},{"number":"EP-2022-001538","date":"2022-03-16","work":"New Construction","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-03-25","scope":"INSTALL 400 AMP SERVICE. WIRING THROUGHOUT. INSTALL OUTLETS, SWITCHES, SMOKE ALARMS, LIGHT FIXTURES, GROUNDING SYSTEM, EMERGENCY LIGHTS, AND EXIT SIGNS AS PER 2017 NEC."}],"storyTag":"New construction","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2020,"k":"permit","w":"Amend for conversion"},{"y":2020,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2020,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 2 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Rough-In"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction or Additions"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2022,"k":"sale","p":1500000},{"y":2022,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2022,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2026,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"355917","type":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot","status":"Inactive","businessName":"1516-54 N 5TH STREET ASSOC,LLC","legalName":"1516-54 N 5TH STREET ASSOC,LLC","address":"1501 N 5TH ST","revenueCode":"3219","rentalCategory":null,"units":1,"issuedDate":"2006-02-10","latestIssueDate":"2006-02-10","expirationDate":"2007-02-28","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22"},{"number":"547673","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Closed","businessName":"1601 V & W INC (LIBERTAD LOUNGE)","legalName":"1601 V & W INC","address":"1501 N 5TH ST","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2011-10-31","latestIssueDate":"2017-05-24","expirationDate":"2018-04-30","inactiveDate":null},{"number":"773871","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","status":"Active","businessName":"1601 V & W INC","legalName":"1601 V & W INC","address":"1501 N 5TH ST","revenueCode":"3121","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2018-04-23","latestIssueDate":"2026-04-27","expirationDate":"2027-04-22","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"773871","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","businessName":"1601 V & W INC","legalName":"1601 V & W INC","issuedDate":"2018-04-23","latestIssueDate":"2026-04-27","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2027-04-22","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"547673","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"1601 V & W INC (LIBERTAD LOUNGE)","legalName":"1601 V & W INC","issuedDate":"2011-10-31","latestIssueDate":"2017-05-24","closureDate":"2018-04-30","expirationDate":"2018-04-30","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Closed","statusLabel":"Closed","active":false},{"number":"355917","type":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot","businessName":"1516-54 N 5TH STREET ASSOC,LLC","legalName":"1516-54 N 5TH STREET ASSOC,LLC","issuedDate":"2006-02-10","latestIssueDate":"2006-02-10","closureDate":"2012-12-22","expirationDate":"2007-02-28","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-25","signals":[{"kind":"post-purchase-work","level":"watch","title":"Post-purchase work pattern","summary":"A recorded purchase followed by 1 permit event matches the early part of a renovate-and-resell sequence.","evidence":["purchase recorded in 2022","permit activity in 2022"],"caveat":"This does not show that the property is listed or that a sale is planned."}],"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":"permit-status","level":"attention","title":"A permit row needs file-level verification","finding":"2 permits not marked completed: 1034774 (Issued), EP-2021-000023 (Expired). At least one row also carries a completion date, so the City fields conflict.","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":"building-certifications","level":"attention","title":"A life-safety certification appears expired","finding":"Sprinkler Certification: Certified through Jul 7, 2026; Fire Alarm Certification: Certified through Jul 7, 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":"Request the correction/reinspection and current filed certificate.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/maintenance-certifications/fire-protection-certifications/"},{"id":"rental-status","level":"verify","title":"Residential form does not establish rental use","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as apartments; 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 unlabeled on Jul 22, 2026.","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":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot #355917: Inactive since Dec 22, 2012; Food Preparing and Serving #547673: Closed","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":"abatement","level":"verify","title":"A reduced taxable assessment is not a verified abatement","finding":"OPA’s numeric assessment fields show a reduced taxable assessment; BlockReport has no official program determination for this parcel.","why":"The numeric treatment can reflect an improvement abatement or another exemption. It does not identify the ordinance, approval, start or end date, or continuation requirements after a transfer. Once OPA verifies a specific active abatement, many common programs attach the benefit to the property for the remaining term rather than ending automatically at sale, but some require a new-owner filing and continued qualifying use or tax compliance.","action":"Obtain the OPA exemption/abatement determination and history, then underwrite the buyer’s bill from the verified program terms.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/property-and-real-estate-taxes/get-real-estate-tax-relief/get-a-property-tax-abatement/"},{"id":"commercial-trash","level":"verify","title":"A separate Commercial Trash account may apply","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as apartments. 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 3 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/"}]}