{"asOf":"2026-07-25T23:21:00.327Z","block":"4000-4099 LANCASTER AVE","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/4000-4099-lancaster-ave","address":"4056 LANCASTER AVE","parcelNumber":"882929180","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=882929180","ownerType":"absentee","kind":"commercial","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":true,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"AC0","buildingCodeNew":"254","buildingClass":"STORE 3 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"DOWNTOWN ROW TYPE-* SNGL OCCP","useLabel":"Store","owner":"KALAM MOHAMMAD","coOwner":null,"marketValue":250000,"landAssessment":50000,"improvementAssessment":200000,"livableArea":2672,"yearBuilt":1915,"lastSale":{"price":260000,"date":"2023-02-07T05:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"3701981","date":"2015-09-08","code":"A-504.1/2","title":"SWO- CONTRARY TO GOOD PRACTICE","status":"ERROR","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3701982","date":"2015-09-08","code":"A-901.13/1","title":"PENALTY- NO BLDG PERM INFO","status":"ERROR","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3701979","date":"2015-09-08","code":"A-301.1/4","title":"PERMB- ALTER REPAIR INT PART","status":"ERROR","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3701980","date":"2015-09-08","code":"A-301.1/7","title":"PERMB- INT DEMOL WALLS ETC","status":"ERROR","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3701978","date":"2015-09-08","code":"A-104.1/1","title":"WORKMANLIKE- BUILDING CODE","status":"ERROR","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2025-005514","date":"2025-01-28","code":"6-301(4)(A)(.2)","title":"FOOD - SMALL ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-03-11","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2025-005515","date":"2025-01-28","code":"F-904.5","title":"WET CHEMICAL SYSTEMS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-03-11","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2025-005519","date":"2025-01-28","code":"F-5003.5.1","title":"MARKING OF CONTAINERS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-03-11","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"501071","type":"CONSTRUCTION SERVICES","priority":"CONSTRUCTION SERVICES","responsibility":"DW","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2015-09-08","completedDate":"2015-09-09","violations":[{"number":"3701981","date":"2015-09-08","code":"A-504.1/2","title":"SWO- CONTRARY TO GOOD PRACTICE","status":"ERROR","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3701982","date":"2015-09-08","code":"A-901.13/1","title":"PENALTY- NO BLDG PERM INFO","status":"ERROR","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3701979","date":"2015-09-08","code":"A-301.1/4","title":"PERMB- ALTER REPAIR INT PART","status":"ERROR","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3701980","date":"2015-09-08","code":"A-301.1/7","title":"PERMB- INT DEMOL WALLS ETC","status":"ERROR","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3701978","date":"2015-09-08","code":"A-104.1/1","title":"WORKMANLIKE- BUILDING CODE","status":"ERROR","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"CF-2025-006797","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BUSINESS COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2025-01-31","completedDate":"2025-03-12","violations":[{"number":"VI-2025-005514","date":"2025-01-28","code":"6-301(4)(A)(.2)","title":"FOOD - SMALL ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-03-11","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2025-005515","date":"2025-01-28","code":"F-904.5","title":"WET CHEMICAL SYSTEMS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-03-11","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2025-005519","date":"2025-01-28","code":"F-5003.5.1","title":"MARKING OF CONTAINERS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-03-11","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2015,"n":5,"worst":null},{"y":2025,"n":3,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"90602","date":"2006-11-15","type":"BC INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"501071","date":"2015-09-08","type":"BP_BLDG","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"501071","date":"2015-09-09","type":"BP_BLDG","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-006797","date":"2025-01-31","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-006797","date":"2025-03-12","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2006,"fails":0,"passes":1},{"y":2015,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2025,"fails":1,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.96410367528329,"lng":-75.20438581040905,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.204474691,39.9639828],[-75.204518103,39.964010006],[-75.204296317,39.964224715],[-75.204253197,39.964198112],[-75.204474691,39.9639828]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL WEST","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2023-023720","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2023-11-18","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2024-11-18","buildingId":"1448418"},{"number":"BC-2024-033718","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2024-12-26","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2025-12-26","buildingId":"1448418"},{"number":"BC-2025-003484","type":"Special Hazards Certification","inspectionDate":"2024-12-30","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2025-12-30","buildingId":"1448418"},{"number":"BC-2025-033158","type":"Special Hazards Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-12-18","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-12-18","buildingId":"1448418"},{"number":"BC-2026-002266","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-12-23","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-12-23","buildingId":"1448418"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19104","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":3,"lotArea":1600,"zoning":"CMX2","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"4","intCond":"4","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"127 REVERE DR, DEPTFORD NJ, 08096","mailOut":true,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":2,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":41700,"taxable":41700,"land":16000,"improvement":25700,"taxableLand":16000,"taxableImprovement":25700,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2017,"v":41700,"taxable":41700,"land":16000,"improvement":25700,"taxableLand":16000,"taxableImprovement":25700,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2018,"v":45300,"taxable":45300,"land":9060,"improvement":36240,"taxableLand":9060,"taxableImprovement":36240,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2019,"v":41900,"taxable":41900,"land":8380,"improvement":33520,"taxableLand":8380,"taxableImprovement":33520,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2020,"v":42200,"taxable":42200,"land":8440,"improvement":33760,"taxableLand":8440,"taxableImprovement":33760,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2021,"v":42200,"taxable":42200,"land":8440,"improvement":33760,"taxableLand":8440,"taxableImprovement":33760,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2022,"v":42200,"taxable":42200,"land":8440,"improvement":33760,"taxableLand":8440,"taxableImprovement":33760,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":46100,"taxable":46100,"land":9223,"improvement":36877,"taxableLand":9223,"taxableImprovement":36877,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":46100,"taxable":46100,"land":9223,"improvement":36877,"taxableLand":9223,"taxableImprovement":36877,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":50300,"taxable":50300,"land":10060,"improvement":40240,"taxableLand":10060,"taxableImprovement":40240,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":50300,"taxable":50300,"land":10060,"improvement":40240,"taxableLand":10060,"taxableImprovement":40240,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":250000,"taxable":250000,"land":50000,"improvement":200000,"taxableLand":50000,"taxableImprovement":200000,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":704,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"60821","date":"2007-03-08","work":"Fast form building","type":"L_FFORM","description":"FAST FORM BUILDING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2007-09-26","scope":null},{"number":"63912","date":"2007-03-22","work":"Fast form building","type":"L_FFORM","description":"FAST FORM BUILDING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2007-07-27","scope":null},{"number":"81214","date":"2007-07-18","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2008-03-26","scope":"REPAIR OF BURGING WALL AT FRONT FACADE AS PER PLANS."},{"number":"362059","date":"2011-09-08","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2011-09-08","scope":"USE TO EAT-IN RESTAURANT"},{"number":"362178","date":"2011-10-04","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-02-29","scope":"GROUND LEVEL INTERIOR RENOVATIONS TO INCLUDE INSTALLATION OF NEW KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, REPLACE LIGHTING FIXTURES AND INSTALL CERAMIC TILE ON WALL FOR EAT-IN RESTAURANT,UPGRADES TO FINISHES. CHANGE IN OCCUPANCY AND USE. VACANT UPPER FLOORS RESTRICTED ACCESS PER DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS.(USE PERMIT AND CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY REQUIRED PRIOR TO OCCUPYING VACANT FLOORS)"},{"number":"370787","date":"2011-10-27","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-05-09","scope":"REPAIR/REPLACE - 2 EXIT EMERGENCY LIGHTS - 5 RECEPTACLES/OUTLETS - 2 SWITCHES AS PER 2008 NEC"},{"number":"371397","date":"2011-10-31","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-02-22","scope":"INSTALL WATER LINES, DRAIN LINES, 1 GREASE TRAP, 1-3 COMPARTMENT SINK, 2 HAND SINKS, 1 MOP SINK, AND 1 PREP SINK (COMMERCIAL SPACE)"},{"number":"370169","date":"2012-01-11","work":"Suppression","type":"BP_FIRESUP","description":"SUPPRESSION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-02-29","scope":"INSTALL NEW WET CHEMICAL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM WITH FIFTEEN (15) FLOW POINTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH NFPA 17A, SEE APPLICATION # 375037 FOR KITCHEN HOOD APPROVAL."},{"number":"375037","date":"2012-01-11","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-02-29","scope":"INSTALL NEW KITCHEN HOOD WITH ASSOCIATED DUCT WORK AND EXHAUST / MAKE-UP AIR FANS. SEE APPLICATION # 370169 FOR WET CHEMICAL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM APPROVAL."},{"number":"637466","date":"2015-09-09","work":"Demolition","type":"BP_DEMO","description":"DEMOLITION PERMIT","status":"EXPIRED","completedDate":null,"scope":"INT DEMO EZ INTERIOR DEMOLITION- FOR THE INTERIOR DEMOLITION OF NON LOAD-BEARING PARTITION WALLS AND CEILINGS AS PER ATTACHED STANDARD. DEVIATIONS FROM THIS STANDARD WILL RESULT IN PERMIT REVOCATION AND REQUIRE SUBMISSION OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS."},{"number":"CP-2023-003023","date":"2023-08-18","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-06-04","scope":"FOR LEVEL II ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTING TENANT SPACE FOR USE AS A BUSINESS OCCUPANCY (SIT DOWN RESTAURANT), ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE THE ERECTION OF PARTITION WALLS, PROVIDE FINISHES/FURNISHINGS AND ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS THROUGHOUT. ALL WORK TO BE DONE PER APPROVED PLANS. IF FIELD CONDITIONS VARY CONTACT DESIGN ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY WORK. SEPARATE PERMITS TO BE OBTAINED FOR ALL OTHER WORK. VACANT UPPER FLOORS RESTRICTED ACCESS PER DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS.(USE PERMIT AND CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY REQUIRED PRIOR TO OCCUPYING VACANT FLOORS)"},{"number":"MP-2023-004074","date":"2023-10-20","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-04-22","scope":"FOR A 11' KITCHEN HOOD INSTALLATION. **ALL WORK TO BE DONE PER APPROVED PLANS.** IF FIELD CONDITIONS VARY CONTACT DESIGN ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY WORK. ** SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR ALL OTHER WORK.**"},{"number":"FP-2023-002532","date":"2023-10-25","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Fire Suppression","description":"Fire Suppression Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-04-22","scope":"EZ KITCHEN FIRE SUPPRESSION- For the installation of New Wet Chemical Kitchen Fire Suppression System as per attached standard. Deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans. Kitchen suppression system"},{"number":"EP-2023-010689","date":"2023-11-08","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-11-13","scope":"Add one circuit 20A, 120V for Air Makeup fan, and one circuit 20A, 240V for exhaust fan. AS PER NEC 2017"}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":2.25,"timeline":[{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2015,"k":"viol","w":"5 L&I violations"},{"y":2015,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2015,"k":"permit","w":"Demolition"},{"y":2017,"k":"sale","p":80000},{"y":2023,"k":"sale","p":260000},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2025,"k":"viol","w":"3 L&I violations"},{"y":2025,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"559409","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Inactive","businessName":"PBW USA INC","legalName":"PBW USA INC","address":"4056 LANCASTER AVE","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2012-03-30","latestIssueDate":"2016-04-28","expirationDate":"2017-04-30","inactiveDate":"2017-06-29"},{"number":"559411","type":"Dumpster License - Private Property","status":"Inactive","businessName":"PBW USA INC","legalName":"PBW USA INC","address":"4056 LANCASTER AVE","revenueCode":"3230","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2012-03-30","latestIssueDate":"2012-07-03","expirationDate":"2013-07-31","inactiveDate":null},{"number":"839384","type":"Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location","status":"Closed","businessName":"JACOB DORMEVIL (JD'S SOUL FOOD KITCHEN LLC)","legalName":"JACOB DORMEVIL","address":"4056 LANCASTER AVE","revenueCode":"3118","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2020-03-06","latestIssueDate":"2021-03-17","expirationDate":"2022-03-05","inactiveDate":"2022-05-04"},{"number":"942930","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Inactive","businessName":"4056 khan llc","legalName":"4056 khan llc","address":"4056 LANCASTER AVE","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2024-01-30","latestIssueDate":"2025-02-06","expirationDate":"2026-01-29","inactiveDate":"2026-03-30"}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"942930","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"4056 khan llc","legalName":"4056 khan llc","issuedDate":"2024-01-30","latestIssueDate":"2025-02-06","closureDate":"2026-03-30","expirationDate":"2026-01-29","inactiveDate":"2026-03-30","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"839384","type":"Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location","businessName":"JACOB DORMEVIL (JD'S SOUL FOOD KITCHEN LLC)","legalName":"JACOB DORMEVIL","issuedDate":"2020-03-06","latestIssueDate":"2021-03-17","closureDate":"2022-05-04","expirationDate":"2022-03-05","inactiveDate":"2022-05-04","status":"Closed","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"559411","type":"Dumpster License - Private Property","businessName":"PBW USA INC","legalName":"PBW USA INC","issuedDate":"2012-03-30","latestIssueDate":"2012-07-03","closureDate":"2013-07-31","expirationDate":"2013-07-31","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"559409","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"PBW USA INC","legalName":"PBW USA INC","issuedDate":"2012-03-30","latestIssueDate":"2016-04-28","closureDate":"2017-06-29","expirationDate":"2017-04-30","inactiveDate":"2017-06-29","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-24","signals":[{"kind":"post-purchase-work","level":"elevated","title":"Post-purchase work pattern","summary":"A recorded purchase followed by 4 permit events matches the early part of a renovate-and-resell sequence.","evidence":["purchase recorded in 2023","permit activity in 2023"],"caveat":"This does not show that the property is listed or that a sale is planned."},{"kind":"permit-mismatch","level":"watch","title":"Assessment/permit mismatch","summary":"The assessment jumped 397% in 2027, but no matching permit appears in the property timeline.","evidence":["assessment moved from $50,300 to $250,000","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":"Use permit #362059: 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: 637466 (EXPIRED).","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":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"2 failed, 3 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Mar 12, 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 Preparing and Serving #559409: Inactive since Jun 29, 2017; Dumpster License - Private Property #559411: Inactive; Food Establishment, Retail Permanent Location #839384: Closed since May 4, 2022; Food Preparing and Serving #942930: Inactive since Mar 30, 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 commercial. 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 8 historical violations across 2 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 Dec 23, 2026; Special Hazards Certification: Certified through Dec 18, 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/"}]}