{"asOf":"2026-07-25T22:39:06.445Z","block":"400-499 CHESTNUT ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/400-499-chestnut-st","address":"431 CHESTNUT ST","parcelNumber":"883373600","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=883373600","ownerType":"owner-occupied","kind":"offices","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":true,"residential":false,"taxExempt":true,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"DD0","buildingCodeNew":"241","buildingClass":"OFF BLD N/PKG N/COM MASON","buildingClassNew":"OFFICE BLDNG - Low Rise","useLabel":"Offices","owner":"AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SO","coOwner":null,"marketValue":2343700,"landAssessment":468700,"improvementAssessment":1875000,"livableArea":15156,"yearBuilt":1910,"lastSale":{"price":1625000,"date":"1999-12-30T05:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2024-068871","date":"2024-08-15","code":"F-1031.10","title":"EMERGENCY POWER FOR ILLUMINATION\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-09-09","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2024-069079","date":"2024-08-15","code":"F-903.5","title":"SUPPRESSION SYSTEM TESTING & MAINTENANCE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-05-09","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2024-069080","date":"2024-08-15","code":"F-901.6.4.2","title":"SUBMISSION OF CERTIFICATIONS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-05-09","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2025-087095","date":"2025-11-04","code":"PM15-108.1","title":"UNSAFE STRUCTURE","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2026-01-02","resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"},{"number":"VI-2025-087096","date":"2025-11-04","code":"A-304.1/1","title":"ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2026-01-02","resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"},{"number":"VI-2025-087097","date":"2025-11-04","code":"PM15-304.1(G)","title":"EXTERIOR WALLS","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2026-01-02","resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"CF-2024-089328","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"FIRE SAFETY INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2024-08-15","completedDate":"2025-09-09","violations":[{"number":"VI-2024-068871","date":"2024-08-15","code":"F-1031.10","title":"EMERGENCY POWER FOR ILLUMINATION\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-09-09","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2024-069079","date":"2024-08-15","code":"F-903.5","title":"SUPPRESSION SYSTEM TESTING & MAINTENANCE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-05-09","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2024-069080","date":"2024-08-15","code":"F-901.6.4.2","title":"SUBMISSION OF CERTIFICATIONS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-05-09","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"}]},{"number":"CF-2025-120850","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"UNSAFE","responsibility":"CSU INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2025-11-04","completedDate":"2026-01-02","violations":[{"number":"VI-2025-087095","date":"2025-11-04","code":"PM15-108.1","title":"UNSAFE STRUCTURE","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2026-01-02","resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"},{"number":"VI-2025-087096","date":"2025-11-04","code":"A-304.1/1","title":"ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2026-01-02","resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"},{"number":"VI-2025-087097","date":"2025-11-04","code":"PM15-304.1(G)","title":"EXTERIOR WALLS","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2026-01-02","resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2024,"n":3,"worst":null},{"y":2025,"n":3,"worst":"UNSAFE STRUCTURE"}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"CF-2024-089328","date":"2024-08-15","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2024-089328","date":"2025-05-09","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2024-089328","date":"2025-09-09","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-120850","date":"2025-11-04","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-120850","date":"2026-01-02","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2024,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2025,"fails":2,"passes":1},{"y":2026,"fails":0,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.94927641082978,"lng":-75.14860722273468,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.148505967,39.949491974],[-75.14860567,39.949045376],[-75.148708425,39.949057943],[-75.148612404,39.94950464],[-75.148505967,39.949491974]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL EAST","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2021-000945","type":"Facade Report","inspectionDate":"2021-04-05","result":"Safe with Repair","expirationDate":"2026-04-05","buildingId":"1466704"},{"number":"BC-2022-009760","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2022-04-01","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2023-04-01","buildingId":"1466704"},{"number":"BC-2024-017973","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2024-03-20","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2025-03-20","buildingId":"1466704"},{"number":"BC-2024-017181","type":"Sprinkler Certification","inspectionDate":"2024-03-22","result":"Deficient","expirationDate":null,"buildingId":"1466704"},{"number":"BC-2025-008138","type":"Sprinkler Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-03-17","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-03-17","buildingId":"1466704"},{"number":"BC-2025-007014","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-03-17","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-03-17","buildingId":"1466704"},{"number":"BC-2026-009060","type":"Sprinkler Certification","inspectionDate":"2026-03-31","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2027-03-31","buildingId":"1466704"},{"number":"BC-2026-009597","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2026-03-31","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2027-03-31","buildingId":"1466704"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19106","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":3,"lotArea":5052,"zoning":"CMX4","grade":"A+","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"3","intCond":"3","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"431 CHESTNUT ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19106","mailOut":false,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":1,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":1031600,"taxable":412640,"land":505200,"improvement":526400,"taxableLand":202080,"taxableImprovement":210560,"exemptLand":303120,"exemptImprovement":315840},{"y":2017,"v":1031600,"taxable":412640,"land":505200,"improvement":526400,"taxableLand":202080,"taxableImprovement":210560,"exemptLand":303120,"exemptImprovement":315840},{"y":2018,"v":2387100,"taxable":954840,"land":477420,"improvement":1909680,"taxableLand":190968,"taxableImprovement":763872,"exemptLand":286452,"exemptImprovement":1145808},{"y":2019,"v":2458700,"taxable":0,"land":491740,"improvement":1966960,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":491740,"exemptImprovement":1966960},{"y":2020,"v":2520100,"taxable":0,"land":504020,"improvement":2016080,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":504020,"exemptImprovement":2016080},{"y":2021,"v":2520100,"taxable":0,"land":504020,"improvement":2016080,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":504020,"exemptImprovement":2016080},{"y":2022,"v":2520100,"taxable":0,"land":504020,"improvement":2016080,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":504020,"exemptImprovement":2016080},{"y":2023,"v":2520100,"taxable":0,"land":504020,"improvement":2016080,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":504020,"exemptImprovement":2016080},{"y":2024,"v":2520100,"taxable":0,"land":504020,"improvement":2016080,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":504020,"exemptImprovement":2016080},{"y":2025,"v":2343700,"taxable":0,"land":468740,"improvement":1874960,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":468740,"exemptImprovement":1874960},{"y":2026,"v":2343700,"taxable":0,"land":468740,"improvement":1874960,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":468740,"exemptImprovement":1874960},{"y":2027,"v":2343700,"taxable":0,"land":468700,"improvement":1875000,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":468700,"exemptImprovement":1875000}],"taxNow":0,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"427560","date":"2012-09-19","work":"New Construction","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2022-05-13","scope":"BRANCH CIRCUIT WIRING TO GUTTER/SNOW MELTING SYSTEM ON ROF EDGE. 120/240V 20A CIRCUIT FROM EXISITING PANEL. ALL WORK DONE IN ACCORDANCE WITH 2008 NEC(COMMERCIAL)(CC DIST)"},{"number":"523895","date":"2014-04-09","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":null,"scope":"INSTALL 9 NEW HEATS AND 1 SMOKE DETECTOR PER 2008 NEC & NFPA 72 (COMMERCIAL)"},{"number":"EP-2020-001260","date":"2020-05-06","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2020-11-20","scope":"Installation of Cl2 low voltage wiring, Installation of 1 access control card reader to existing access control system as per 2017 NEC."},{"number":"EP-2023-007617","date":"2023-08-22","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2024-02-28","scope":"Upgrade CCTV System AS PER NEC 2017"},{"number":"GP-2026-001094","date":"2026-03-24","work":"Shelter/Platform","type":"General","description":"General Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"SHELTER PLATFORM PERMIT- Erection of sidewalk shelter platform 90 l.f. on Chestnut St. with the deck at 300 P.S.I. each as per Engineered Plans. Streets Department permit is required for sidewalk closure prior to the start work. Approved under SR-2026-032899"}],"storyTag":"New construction","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":1999,"k":"sale","p":1625000},{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2014,"k":"permit","w":"Electrical"},{"y":2020,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2024,"k":"viol","w":"3 L&I violations"},{"y":2024,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed"},{"y":2025,"k":"viol","w":"3 L&I violations incl UNSAFE STRUCTURE"},{"y":2025,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 2 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"Shelter/Platform"},{"y":2026,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection passed"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"327424","type":"Dumpster License - Public ROW","status":"Inactive","businessName":"AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY","legalName":"AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY","address":"431 CHESTNUT ST","revenueCode":"3417","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2005-07-23","latestIssueDate":"2010-09-23","expirationDate":"2008-03-31","inactiveDate":"2010-09-23"},{"number":"515330","type":"Dumpster License - Public ROW","status":"Inactive","businessName":"AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY","legalName":"AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY","address":"431 CHESTNUT ST","revenueCode":"3417","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2010-10-14","latestIssueDate":"2015-07-23","expirationDate":"2016-03-31","inactiveDate":"2016-05-30"}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"515330","type":"Dumpster License - Public ROW","businessName":"AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY","legalName":"AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY","issuedDate":"2005-07-23","latestIssueDate":"2015-07-23","closureDate":"2016-05-30","expirationDate":"2016-03-31","inactiveDate":"2016-05-30","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-24","signals":[],"legalChecks":[{"id":"permit-status","level":"attention","title":"A permit row needs file-level verification","finding":"3 permits not marked completed: 427560 (Expired), EP-2023-007617 (Expired), GP-2026-001094 (Issued). 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":"violations","level":"attention","title":"An unsafe-building history still deserves the repair file","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 6 historical violations across 2 cases.","why":"The aggregate currently shows zero open violations, so a historical unsafe/imminently-dangerous row is not a current hazard finding. The repair or demolition permit, final inspection, and case closure are the evidence that resolves the former designation.","action":"Review the Make Safe/repair permit, final inspection, and case closure.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/violation-and-order-types/"},{"id":"building-certifications","level":"attention","title":"A life-safety certification appears expired","finding":"Facade Report: Safe with Repair through Apr 5, 2026; Fire Alarm Certification: Certified through Mar 31, 2027; Sprinkler Certification: Certified through Mar 31, 2027","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":"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 PASSED on Jan 2, 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":"Dumpster License - Public ROW #327424: Inactive since Sep 23, 2010; Dumpster License - Public ROW #515330: Inactive since May 30, 2016","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":"full-tax-exemption","level":"verify","title":"OPA shows a full exemption; its legal basis is unverified","finding":"OPA currently marks the land and building assessment fully tax-exempt; BlockReport does not receive the exemption determination or basis.","why":"Full OPA exemptions can have different legal bases, including government, religious, charitable/institutional, veteran, or other treatment. The current owner/use record is not a buyer’s tax forecast.","action":"Confirm the exact exemption basis, buyer eligibility, and next tax-year treatment directly with OPA.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-property-assessment/tax-exemptions-and-abatements/"}],"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/"}]}