{"asOf":"2026-07-29T16:35:34.473Z","block":"900-999 NORTHWESTERN AVE","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/900-999-northwestern-ave","address":"950 NORTHWESTERN AVE","parcelNumber":"885729180","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=885729180","ownerType":"vacant","kind":"vacant land","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":true,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"JU","buildingCodeNew":null,"buildingClass":"AMUSE FAIRMOUNT PARK","buildingClassNew":null,"useLabel":"Vacant lot","owner":"FAIRMOUNT PARK","coOwner":"COMMISSION","marketValue":3825500,"landAssessment":3825500,"improvementAssessment":0,"livableArea":null,"yearBuilt":null,"lastSale":{"price":450000,"date":"1980-12-23T05:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"1887384","date":"2010-11-16","code":"PM-307.1/4","title":"ROOF FIRE DAMAGED","status":"DEMOLISH","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3488325","date":"2015-03-10","code":"A-302.8/32","title":"INSURANCE - POST CERT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}],"violationCases":[{"number":"258648","type":"UNSAFE","priority":"UNSAFE","responsibility":"CSU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2010-11-16","completedDate":"2010-11-16","violations":[{"number":"1887384","date":"2010-11-16","code":"PM-307.1/4","title":"ROOF FIRE DAMAGED","status":"DEMOLISH","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"479384","type":null,"priority":null,"responsibility":null,"status":"CLOSED","createdDate":null,"completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"3488325","date":"2015-03-10","code":"A-302.8/32","title":"INSURANCE - POST CERT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2010,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2015,"n":1,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"258648","date":"2010-10-23","type":"CSUINITIAL","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"258648","date":"2010-10-23","type":"CSUINITIAL","status":"CLOSED"},{"caseNumber":"258648","date":"2010-10-23","type":"CSUFINAL","status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2010,"fails":1,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":40.07742049707977,"lng":-75.23686632148421,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.239917647,40.076818637],[-75.237357095,40.079240888],[-75.236023419,40.07820521],[-75.234926128,40.077948214],[-75.234321423,40.077459107],[-75.234166847,40.076308521],[-75.234850664,40.075966654],[-75.236291857,40.076836869],[-75.237460003,40.076566438],[-75.237965706,40.076831936],[-75.238385229,40.076620584],[-75.238653321,40.076443007],[-75.238937197,40.076208065],[-75.239917647,40.076818637]]]},"liDistrict":"NORTH","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19128","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":null,"lotArea":956381,"zoning":"SPPOA","grade":null,"basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":null,"intCond":null,"garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"42ND & PARKSIDE AVE, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19131","mailOut":false,"appeals":[{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"CERTIFICATE FOR PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINING, RETAIL SALES OF PREPARED FOODS, TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT WITH SEATING AND RETAIL SALE OF PRE-PACKAGED FOOD (ALL ONE TENANT) AS PART OF RECREATIONAL USES WITHIN 500 FEET OF R-2 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.     ","status":"CLOSED","outcome":"Granted","date":"2010-05-26","number":"11665","relatedPermit":"274801"},{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DECK ON FRONT OF EXISTING TWO (2) STORY DETACHED STRUCTURE. TO LEGALIZE USE AS LIBRARIES AND CULTURAL EXHIBITS ON SAME LOT AS OTHER EXISTING USES AS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN ON APPLICA","status":"OPEN","outcome":"Granted","date":"2013-12-18","number":"21612","relatedPermit":"493365"}],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":0,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":2200000,"taxable":0,"land":2200000,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":2200000,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2017,"v":2200000,"taxable":0,"land":2200000,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":2200000,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2018,"v":2200000,"taxable":0,"land":2200000,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":2200000,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2019,"v":2266000,"taxable":0,"land":2266000,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":2266000,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2020,"v":2266000,"taxable":0,"land":2266000,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":2266000,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2021,"v":2266000,"taxable":0,"land":2266000,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":2266000,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2022,"v":2266000,"taxable":0,"land":2266000,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":2266000,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":2869100,"taxable":0,"land":2869100,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":2869100,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":2869100,"taxable":0,"land":2869100,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":2869100,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":1912800,"taxable":0,"land":1912800,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":1912800,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":1912800,"taxable":0,"land":1912800,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":1912800,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":3825500,"taxable":0,"land":3825500,"improvement":0,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":3825500,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":0,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"272461","date":"2010-04-13","work":"Demolition","type":"BP_DEMO","description":"DEMOLITION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-06-25","scope":"INTERIOR DEMOLITION OF EXISTING COFFEE SHOP."},{"number":"274105","date":"2010-04-21","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-06-25","scope":"RELOCATING TOILET AND SINK, INSTALLING NEW MOP SINK, KITCHEN SINK, HAND WASH SINK"},{"number":"278486","date":"2010-05-20","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-08-10","scope":"INSTALL 200 AMP SERVICE. ADD (15) NEW RECEPTACLES, (6)SWITCHES AND (12)LIGHTS.....IN ACCORDANCE WITH 2008 NEC"},{"number":"280635","date":"2010-05-21","work":"Alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-06-25","scope":"REMOVE EXISTING ASPHASLT SHINGLES. INSTALL ICE & WATER SHIELD AND 30LB FELF. INSTALL NEW 30 YR GAF TIMBERLINE SHINGLES. INSTALL NEW RIDGE VENT."},{"number":"274801","date":"2010-05-28","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-05-28","scope":"RECREATIONAL USES TO INCLUDE PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINING RETAIL SALE OF PREPARED FOODS,PREPARED OFF-SITE(NO COOKING ON PREMISES):SALE OF PREPACKAGED FOOD AND BEVERAGES AS PART OF RECREATIONAL USES"},{"number":"272463","date":"2010-06-04","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-06-25","scope":"INTERIOR/EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS, COMPLETE FIT OUT, REHAB OF EXISTING FAIRMOUNT PARK BUILDING, NEW PORCH ENTRANCES AND FOOTINGS, AS PER SUBMITTED PLANS. NO SIGNS,"},{"number":"493365","date":"2014-03-13","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2014-03-13","scope":"FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DECK ON FRONT OF EXISTING TWO (2) STORY DETACHED STRUCTURE. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN ON APPLICATION/PLANS. LIBRARIES AND CULTURAL EXHIBITS ON SAME LOT AS OTHER EXISTING USES AS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED. NO SIGNS ON THIS APPLICATION."},{"number":"529798","date":"2014-04-30","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2014-04-30","scope":"FOR THE ERECTION OF ACCESSORY DETACHED STRUCTURE. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN ON APPLICATION/PLANS. TOILET FACILITY ACCESSORY TO EXISTING LIBRARIES AND CULTURAL EXHIBITS ON SAME LOT AS OTHER EXISTING USES AS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED. NO SIGNS ON THIS APPLICATION."},{"number":"479384","date":"2014-07-18","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2018-02-02","scope":"TO LEGALIZE THE DEMOLITION OF DECK. ERECTION OF DECK AND WHEELCHAIR LIFT ADJACENT TO EXISTING BUILDING AND FOR THE ERECTION OF AN ACCESSORY COMPOSTING TOILET FACILITY AS PER PLANS."},{"number":"621633","date":"2015-08-17","work":"Administrative","type":"BP_ADMINST","description":"ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2017-04-03","scope":"AMEND PERMIT #479384 TO INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A WOODEN WHEELCHAIR RAMP INSTEAD OF THE ORIGINALLY PROPOSED WHEEL CHAIR LIFT AS PER APPROVED PLANS."}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Alteration"},{"y":2010,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal granted"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Use"},{"y":2010,"k":"permit","w":"Major alteration"},{"y":2010,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2010,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2013,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal granted"},{"y":2014,"k":"permit","w":"Zoning/use"},{"y":2014,"k":"permit","w":"Zoning/use"},{"y":2014,"k":"permit","w":"Major alteration"},{"y":2015,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2015,"k":"permit","w":"Administrative"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"506748","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Inactive","businessName":"DEVON ARMS APARTMENTS LLC (THE CEDARS HOUSE)","legalName":"DEVON ARMS APARTMENTS LLC","address":"950 NORTHWESTERN AVE","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2010-06-24","latestIssueDate":"2015-09-16","expirationDate":"2016-04-30","inactiveDate":"2016-06-29"},{"number":"792903","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","status":"Inactive","businessName":"DICENTRA LLC","legalName":"DICENTRA LLC","address":"950 NORTHWESTERN AVE","revenueCode":"3121","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2018-10-26","latestIssueDate":"2020-03-10","expirationDate":"2020-10-25","inactiveDate":"2020-12-24"}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"792903","type":"Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS)","businessName":"DICENTRA LLC","legalName":"DICENTRA LLC","issuedDate":"2018-10-26","latestIssueDate":"2020-03-10","closureDate":"2020-12-24","expirationDate":"2020-10-25","inactiveDate":"2020-12-24","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"506748","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"DEVON ARMS APARTMENTS LLC (THE CEDARS HOUSE)","legalName":"DEVON ARMS APARTMENTS LLC","issuedDate":"2010-06-24","latestIssueDate":"2015-09-16","closureDate":"2016-06-29","expirationDate":"2016-04-30","inactiveDate":"2016-06-29","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-28","signals":[{"kind":"permit-mismatch","level":"watch","title":"Assessment/permit mismatch","summary":"The assessment jumped 100% in 2027, but no matching permit appears in the property timeline.","evidence":["assessment moved from $1,912,800 to $3,825,500","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":"Appeal #11665: CLOSED · Granted; related permit 274801. Use permit #274801: 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":"1 failed, 1 passed, and 1 CLOSED investigation outcome are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was FAILED on Oct 23, 2010.","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 #506748: Inactive since Jun 29, 2016; Food Preparing and Serving (30+ SEATS) #792903: Inactive since Dec 24, 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":"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/"},{"id":"violations","level":"clear","title":"No open violation; closed history remains relevant","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 2 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/"}],"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/"}]}