{"asOf":"2026-07-24T13:19:41.793Z","block":"500-599 N 4TH ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/500-599-n-4th-st","address":"538 N 4TH ST","parcelNumber":"882933460","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=882933460","ownerType":"owner-occupied","kind":"commercial","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":true,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"AC0","buildingCodeNew":"219","buildingClass":"STORE 3 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"RESTAURANT","useLabel":"Store","owner":"VRONTIS CONSTANTINOS TR","coOwner":"VRONTIS THEOLOGIA TR","marketValue":472500,"landAssessment":94500,"improvementAssessment":378000,"livableArea":5470,"yearBuilt":1920,"lastSale":{"price":1,"date":"2018-12-28T05:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"3974144","date":"2016-06-13","code":"PM15-308.1","title":"RUBBISH AND GARBAGE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"211936395","date":"2017-02-15","code":"PM15-304.7","title":"EXTERIOR STRUCT ROOF DRAINAGE","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"},{"number":"VI-2025-085945","date":"2025-10-30","code":"F-901.6.4","title":"PERIODIC TESTING\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-12-04","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2025-085946","date":"2025-10-30","code":"F-904.12","title":"COMMERCIAL COOKING SYSTEMS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-12-04","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"538957","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"HCEU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2016-06-14","completedDate":"2016-08-24","violations":[{"number":"3974144","date":"2016-06-13","code":"PM15-308.1","title":"RUBBISH AND GARBAGE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"573233","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2017-02-16","completedDate":"2025-05-16","violations":[{"number":"211936395","date":"2017-02-15","code":"PM15-304.7","title":"EXTERIOR STRUCT ROOF DRAINAGE","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"}]},{"number":"CF-2025-119233","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"QOL FIRE SAFETY INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2025-10-30","completedDate":"2025-12-04","violations":[{"number":"VI-2025-085945","date":"2025-10-30","code":"F-901.6.4","title":"PERIODIC TESTING\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-12-04","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2025-085946","date":"2025-10-30","code":"F-904.12","title":"COMMERCIAL COOKING SYSTEMS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-12-04","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2016,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2017,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2025,"n":2,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"24855","date":"2004-04-02","type":"L_INITIAL","status":"CLOSED"},{"caseNumber":"538957","date":"2016-06-13","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"538957","date":"2016-08-23","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"573233","date":"2017-02-15","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-119233","date":"2025-10-30","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-119233","date":"2025-12-04","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2016,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2017,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2025,"fails":1,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.96151515304629,"lng":-75.14521337805067,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.144964576,39.961511003],[-75.144976463,39.961456868],[-75.14546218,39.961519302],[-75.145450292,39.961573437],[-75.144964576,39.961511003]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL EAST","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2025-022898","type":"Special Hazards Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-08-31","result":"Deficient","expirationDate":null,"buildingId":"1015276"},{"number":"BC-2025-030861","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-09-24","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-09-24","buildingId":"1015276"},{"number":"BC-2025-029569","type":"Special Hazards Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-11-01","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-11-01","buildingId":"1015276"},{"number":"BC-2026-005718","type":"Special Hazards Certification","inspectionDate":"2026-02-28","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2027-02-28","buildingId":"1015276"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19123","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":3,"lotArea":2761,"zoning":"CMX2","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"3","intCond":"3","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"538 N 4TH ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19123","mailOut":false,"appeals":[{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR PROPOSED TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT WITH SEATING. FOOD SERVE IN DISPOSABLE WARE. NO SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR TAKE-OUT, NO LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, NO DISPENSING WINDOW ON 1ST FLOOR IN THE SAME BUILDING WITH PROPOSED TWO (2) FAMILY DWE","status":"CLOSED","outcome":"Granted","date":"2011-11-30","number":"16490","relatedPermit":"366460"}],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":true,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":0,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":328200,"taxable":328200,"land":41400,"improvement":286800,"taxableLand":41400,"taxableImprovement":286800,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2017,"v":328200,"taxable":328200,"land":41400,"improvement":286800,"taxableLand":41400,"taxableImprovement":286800,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2018,"v":365900,"taxable":365900,"land":73221,"improvement":292679,"taxableLand":73221,"taxableImprovement":292679,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2019,"v":365600,"taxable":365600,"land":73120,"improvement":292480,"taxableLand":73120,"taxableImprovement":292480,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2020,"v":368300,"taxable":368300,"land":73660,"improvement":294640,"taxableLand":73660,"taxableImprovement":294640,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2021,"v":368300,"taxable":368300,"land":73660,"improvement":294640,"taxableLand":73660,"taxableImprovement":294640,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2022,"v":368300,"taxable":368300,"land":73660,"improvement":294640,"taxableLand":73660,"taxableImprovement":294640,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":402500,"taxable":402500,"land":80490,"improvement":322010,"taxableLand":80490,"taxableImprovement":322010,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":402500,"taxable":402500,"land":80490,"improvement":322010,"taxableLand":80490,"taxableImprovement":322010,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":450000,"taxable":450000,"land":90000,"improvement":360000,"taxableLand":90000,"taxableImprovement":360000,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":450000,"taxable":450000,"land":90000,"improvement":360000,"taxableLand":90000,"taxableImprovement":360000,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":472500,"taxable":472500,"land":94500,"improvement":378000,"taxableLand":94500,"taxableImprovement":378000,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":6299,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":true,"permits":[{"number":"62103","date":"2007-03-14","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":null,"scope":"INSTALL 10 RECEPTS, 6 LTS,. REPLACE 200 AMP PANEL, REPL (2) 100 AMP PANELS(CC DIST)"},{"number":"366460","date":"2011-12-12","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2011-12-12","scope":"TAKE OUT RESTAURANT WITH SEATING ON 1ST FLOOR AND TWO APTS ABOVE"},{"number":"379295","date":"2011-12-16","work":"Demolition","type":"BP_DEMO","description":"DEMOLITION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-05-03","scope":"INTERIOR DEMO OF NON LOAD BEARING WALLS. THREE SETS OF PLANS DRAWN TO PROFESSIONAL QUALITY ARE TO BE SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE WORK ON RENOVATION STARTS."},{"number":"386023","date":"2012-02-01","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-02-01","scope":"EXTEND USE OF RESTAURANT TO BASEMENT FOR OFFICE AND STORAGE ACC TO RESTAURANT"},{"number":"386954","date":"2012-02-07","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-09-06","scope":"RESTAURANT-INSTALL 2 TOILETS,6 SINKS,1 GREASE TRAP,2 FL DRAINS,1 HOT WATER TANK,1 LAUNDRY TUB,1 MOP SINK"},{"number":"388833","date":"2012-02-17","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-02-17","scope":"BASEMENT OFFICE AND STORAGE ACC TO RESTAURANT AND FEED PREP ROOM"},{"number":"386049","date":"2012-03-20","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-03-20","scope":"FOR THE REMOVAL OF ALL EXISTING SIGNS AND FOR THE ERECTION OF ONE (1) ACCESSORY AWNING SIGN (FLAT WALL SIGN-NO COPY ON THE SIDES OF THE AWNING) AND ONE (1) ACCESSORY DOUBLE FACED PROJECTING SIGN (SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN IN THE APPLICATION)."},{"number":"385532","date":"2012-03-23","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-10-24","scope":"CONSTR OF NON LOAD BEARING PARTITIONS. NEW STORE FRONT WINDOW AND DOOR IN EXISTING OPENINGS. ALTERATIONS AS PER SUBMITTED PLANS. REPAIR EXTERIOR STUCCO-RESTAURANT. PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, GREASE HOOD/DUCT, SIGN, AND FIRE SUPPRESSION WORK REQUIRES ADDITIONAL PERMITS. CALL THE INSPECTOR PRIOR TO STARTING WORK."},{"number":"394529","date":"2012-04-11","work":"Sign","type":"BP_SIGN","description":"SIGN PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-06-20","scope":"ERECTION OF SIGN ON RESTAURANT"},{"number":"396526","date":"2012-06-13","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-10-22","scope":"NEW WIRING IN BASEMENT AND 1ST FLOOR AND NEW 200A PANEL 40 CIRC PANEL ARE EXISTING AS PER 2008 NEC. INSTALL NEW FA SYSTEM AS PER NFPA-72.(RESTAURANT)(CC DIST)"},{"number":"415135","date":"2012-07-09","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-07-17","scope":"INSTALL 3/4\" WATER SERVICE (MIXED USE)"},{"number":"402911","date":"2012-07-24","work":"Suppression","type":"BP_FIRESUP","description":"SUPPRESSION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-10-22","scope":"INSTALL 2 - 3 GALLON TANKS (ANSUL SYSTEM) INTO A KITCHEN HOOD. KITCHEN HOOD PERMIT UNDER AP #402915."},{"number":"402915","date":"2012-07-24","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-10-22","scope":"INSTALLATION OF A 15' TYPE I HOOD OVER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND A 7' TYPE II HOOD FOR THE PIZZA OVEN WITH DUCT AND FANS AS PER PLAN. FSS PERMIT UNDER AP#402911."}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Major alteration"},{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Sign"},{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Electrical"},{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Suppression"},{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2016,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2016,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2017,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2017,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed"},{"y":2025,"k":"viol","w":"2 L&I violations"},{"y":2025,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"576425","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","status":"Inactive","businessName":"PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CO LLC","legalName":"PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CO LLC","address":"538 N 4TH ST","revenueCode":"3121","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2012-10-24","latestIssueDate":"2020-01-15","expirationDate":"2020-04-30","inactiveDate":"2020-06-29"},{"number":"865795","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","status":"Active","businessName":"PC VENTURES LLC","legalName":"PC VENTURES LLC","address":"538 N 4TH ST","revenueCode":"3121","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2021-04-12","latestIssueDate":"2026-03-30","expirationDate":"2027-04-11","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"865795","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","businessName":"PC VENTURES LLC","legalName":"PC VENTURES LLC","issuedDate":"2021-04-12","latestIssueDate":"2026-03-30","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2027-04-11","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"576425","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","businessName":"PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CO LLC","legalName":"PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CO LLC","issuedDate":"2012-10-24","latestIssueDate":"2020-01-15","closureDate":"2020-06-29","expirationDate":"2020-04-30","inactiveDate":"2020-06-29","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-23","signals":[],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Appeal #16490: CLOSED · Granted; related permit 366460. Use permit #366460: 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":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"3 failed, 2 passed, and 1 CLOSED investigation outcome are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Dec 4, 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 (30+ SEATS) #576425: Inactive since Jun 29, 2020","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":"deed-chain","level":"verify","title":"The latest nominal transfer is not a market sale—or a title opinion","finding":"The latest deed in the assembled record moved for nominal consideration.","why":"A $1 or nominal deed can be a valid family, estate, or entity transfer. It does not establish a sale price, clear title, or by itself prove a tangled title.","action":"Read the recorded deed and have the title search confirm every grantor, grantee, estate/probate step, lien, and authority to sell.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/property-lots-housing/get-a-copy-of-a-deed-or-other-recorded-document/"},{"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 4 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/"},{"id":"building-certifications","level":"clear","title":"Filed system certifications are current in this dataset","finding":"Special Hazards Certification: Certified through Feb 28, 2027; Fire Alarm Certification: Certified through Sep 24, 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/"}]}