{"asOf":"2026-07-26T22:41:25.524Z","block":"1200-1299 N 4TH ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/1200-1299-n-4th-st","address":"1221 N 4TH ST","parcelNumber":"888001606","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=888001606","ownerType":"investor","kind":"house","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"OA0","buildingCodeNew":"45","buildingClass":"GAR W/COMM AREA MASONRY","buildingClassNew":null,"useLabel":"House","owner":"ENGINE HOUSE 29 LLC","coOwner":null,"marketValue":2703100,"landAssessment":270310,"improvementAssessment":2432790,"livableArea":11421,"yearBuilt":1990,"lastSale":null,"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2025-097023","date":"2025-12-15","code":"A-301.1/4","title":"ALTER INTERIOR PORTION","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-12-16","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2026-011661","date":"2026-03-03","code":"F-903.5","title":"SUPPRESSION SYSTEM TESTING & MAINTENANCE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-05-06","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2026-011662","date":"2026-03-03","code":"F-1003.6","title":"MEANS OF EGRESS CONTINUITY\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-05-06","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2026-011663","date":"2026-03-03","code":"F-901.4.5","title":"APPEARANCE OF EQUIPMENT\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-05-06","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"CF-2025-133717","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BUILDING INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2025-12-15","completedDate":"2025-12-16","violations":[{"number":"VI-2025-097023","date":"2025-12-15","code":"A-301.1/4","title":"ALTER INTERIOR PORTION","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2025-12-16","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"}]},{"number":"CF-2026-018626","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"QOL PROACTIVE RENTAL INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2026-03-03","completedDate":"2026-05-06","violations":[{"number":"VI-2026-011661","date":"2026-03-03","code":"F-903.5","title":"SUPPRESSION SYSTEM TESTING & MAINTENANCE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-05-06","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2026-011662","date":"2026-03-03","code":"F-1003.6","title":"MEANS OF EGRESS CONTINUITY\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-05-06","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2026-011663","date":"2026-03-03","code":"F-901.4.5","title":"APPEARANCE OF EQUIPMENT\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-05-06","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2025,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2026,"n":3,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-133717","date":"2025-12-15","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2025-133717","date":"2025-12-16","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2026-018626","date":"2026-03-03","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2026-018626","date":"2026-04-10","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2026-018626","date":"2026-05-06","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2025,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2026,"fails":2,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.97070234790659,"lng":-75.14255626039972,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.142249018,39.970747055],[-75.14228269,39.970582736],[-75.142863929,39.970658248],[-75.142830699,39.970821498],[-75.142249018,39.970747055]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL EAST","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2024-028979","type":"Emergency and Standby Power Systems Certification","inspectionDate":"2024-10-23","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2025-10-23","buildingId":"1034218"},{"number":"BC-2025-032702","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-04-03","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-04-03","buildingId":"1034218"},{"number":"BC-2026-000174","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-04-03","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-04-03","buildingId":"1034218"},{"number":"BC-2025-028478","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-04-03","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-04-03","buildingId":"1034218"},{"number":"BC-2025-025957","type":"Emergency and Standby Power Systems Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-10-03","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-10-03","buildingId":"1034218"},{"number":"BC-2026-013452","type":"Sprinkler Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-10-24","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-10-24","buildingId":"1034218"},{"number":"BC-2026-013103","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2026-04-14","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2027-04-14","buildingId":"1034218"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19122","beds":10,"baths":null,"stories":3,"lotArea":9922,"zoning":"RM1","grade":null,"basement":null,"heater":"A","centralAir":true,"extCond":"2","intCond":"2","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":null,"appeals":[{"type":"ZBA Permit Denial - Variance","grounds":"FOR THE ERECTION OF A FIVE-STORY ADDITION TO AN EXISTING THREE-STORY STRUTURE, WITH PILOTHOUSE (HEIGHT NTE 10 FEET; AREA NTE 125 SF; FOR STAIR ACCESS ONLY) TO ACCESS ROOF DECK WITH 42-INCH GUARD RAILS; FOR USE AS HOUSEHOLD LIVING (TWENTY-NI","status":"Completed","outcome":"Granted with conditions","date":"2021-01-15","number":"ZP-2020-004619","relatedPermit":"ZP-2020-004619"},{"type":"BBS Permit Denial","grounds":"FOR THE ERECTION OF A FIVE-STORY ADDITION TO AN EXISTING THREE-STORY STRUCTURE, WITH PILOTHOUSE TO ACCESS ROOF DECK. FOR USE AS HOUSEHOLD LIVING (TWENTY-NINE (29) DWELLING UNITS) AND VACANT COMMERCIAL SPACE ON PARTIAL FIRST FLOOR (SEPARATE ","status":"Completed","outcome":"Approved","date":"2021-08-24","number":"CP-2021-003373","relatedPermit":null}],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":0,"abated":true,"assessmentExemption":true,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2025,"v":2703100,"taxable":636397,"land":324400,"improvement":2378700,"taxableLand":324400,"taxableImprovement":311997,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":2066703},{"y":2026,"v":2703100,"taxable":636397,"land":324400,"improvement":2378700,"taxableLand":324400,"taxableImprovement":311997,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":2066703},{"y":2027,"v":2703100,"taxable":589402,"land":270310,"improvement":2432790,"taxableLand":270310,"taxableImprovement":319092,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":2113698}],"taxNow":8908,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"ZP-2020-004619","date":"2021-01-06","work":"New construction, addition, GFA change","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-05-24","scope":"FOR THE ERECTION OF A FIVE-STORY ADDITION TO AN EXISTING THREE-STORY STRUTURE, WITH PILOTHOUSE (HEIGHT NTE 10 FEET; AREA NTE 125 SF; FOR STAIR ACCESS ONLY) TO ACCESS ROOF DECK WITH 42-INCH GUARD RAILS. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN IN THE APPLICATION/PLANS."},{"number":"CP-2021-004794","date":"2021-08-11","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-04-02","scope":"FOR INTERIOR DEMOLITION OF NON-LOAD BEARING PARTITIONS, FIXTURES, FLOORING/CEILINGS, STAIRS, EQUIPMENT AS PER APPROVED PLANS. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR ALL OTHER WORK."},{"number":"CP-2021-003373","date":"2021-11-08","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-05-24","scope":"LEVEL III ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE FIVE-STORY ADDITION TO AN EXISTING THREE-STORY STRUCTURE, WITH PILOTHOUSE TO ACCESS ROOF DECK. FOR USE AS TWENTY-NINE (29) DWELLING UNITS AND SHELL COMMERCIAL SPACE ON PARTIAL FIRST FLOOR (SEPARATE USE PERMIT & CO REQUIRED PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY); FOR THE CREATION OF FOURTEEN (14) OFF-STREET ACCESSORY PARKING SPACES AND FIFTEEN (15) CLASS 1A BICYCLE SPACES AS PER APPROVED PLANS. BUILDING TO BE SPRINKLERED PER NFPA 13 AND EQUIPPED WITH STANDPIPES PER NFPA 14. ASBESTOS ABATEMENT REQUIRED PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORK. ALL WORK SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH HISTORICAL COMMISSION APPROVAL. BUILDING TO CONTAIN TYPE A AND TYPE B DWELLING UNITS. VARIANCE GRANTED UNDER MI-2021-003279. **SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR MEP & FIRE SUPPRESSION WORK**"},{"number":"GP-2021-014223","date":"2022-01-03","work":"Tank Install/Removal","type":"General","description":"General Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-03-25","scope":"**Existing Philadelphia Historic Property** TANK CLOSURE PERMIT - CLOSURE IN PLACE OF ONE (1) 4000 GALLON UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK (UST) PREVIOUSLY USED TO STORE GASOLINE & ONE (1) 2000 GALLON UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK (UST) PREVIOUSLY USED TO STORE HEATING OIL. REMOVE ANY PETROLEUM PRODUCT/WATER. CONDUCT A CONFIRMATORY SOIL SAMPLING OF SURROUNDING SOIL. CONTIGENCY PLAN IN PLACE IN THE CASE CONTAMINATED SOILS DISCOVERED. FILL IN PLACE WITH SAND OR FLOWABLE FILL CONCRETE MIXTURE. ALL WORK COMPLETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA DEP UST REMOVAL GUIDELINES. A CERTIFICATION & CLOSURE REPORT TO BE SUBMITTED TO INSPECTOR."},{"number":"FP-2022-001001","date":"2022-05-18","work":"New Construction","type":"Fire Suppression","description":"Fire Suppression Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-05-14","scope":"FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A THREE (3) INCH FIRE SERVICE LINE WITH A THREE (3) INCH BACKFLOW PREVENTER, AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM AS PER NFPA 13. ALL WORK SHALL BE DONE IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPROVED PLANS/HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS. A SEPARATE PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ANY OTHER WORK."},{"number":"PP-2022-008042","date":"2022-05-24","work":"New Construction or Additions","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-09-26","scope":"Installation of 3\" domestic water service, storm & sanitary curb traps, storm & sanitary fresh air inlets, storm & sanitary main drains into building"},{"number":"MP-2021-007441","date":"2022-06-27","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-05-14","scope":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit for combo CP-2021-003373"},{"number":"EP-2022-012625","date":"2022-12-22","work":"Rough-In","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2023-06-20","scope":"Rough-In Permit for EP-2022-012624 Install 1200a 3ph, 29 gang meter module. Install 400a ct service for house, install 400a ct service for commercial space. Install generator. Install all wiring throughout 29 apartments. Install fire alarm system throughout as per nfpa72. Install cable tv wiring as per 2017 nec"},{"number":"PP-2021-021025","date":"2023-02-09","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-05-14","scope":"Plumbing Permit (Interior) for combo CP-2021-003373"},{"number":"EP-2022-012624","date":"2023-07-05","work":"New Construction","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-03-27","scope":"Install a 1200 amp / 3 phase service, (29) gang meter bank, (2) 400 amp / 3 phase services, 100 kw / 3 phase generator & (2) ATS. Install panels & feeders. Install wiring throughout the common areas, parking garage, commercial space & (29) dwelling units. Install lights normal & emergency, switches, sensors, receptacles & smoke alarms. Provide power for the mechanical, hvac & elevator equipment. Install a new fire alarm system & two - way communication system throughout. All work in accordance with the 2017 nec & 2016 nfpa-72."},{"number":"ZP-2025-001920","date":"2025-03-20","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Eating and Drinking Establishments - Sit-Down Restaurant"},{"number":"ZP-2025-011816","date":"2025-12-08","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Artist Studios and Artisan Industrial."},{"number":"CP-2025-006100","date":"2025-12-15","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-03-17","scope":"FOR LEVEL II ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE. ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE PARTIAL DEMO AND THE ERECTION OF PARTITION WALLS, PROVIDE FINISHES/FURNISHINGS AND ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS THROUGHOUT. FOR USE AS ARTIST STUDIO AND ARTISAN INDUSTRIAL. ALL WORK TO BE DONE PER APPROVED PLANS. ***************** SEPARATE PERMITS TO BE OBTAINED FOR ALL OTHER WORK. ****************************************** 01/06/2026 AMENDMENT: RESTROOMS ORIGINALLY WERE SHOWN AS EXISTING ARE BEING PROPOSED."},{"number":"FP-2025-002538","date":"2026-01-05","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Fire Suppression","description":"Fire Suppression Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-03-16","scope":"EZ PERMIT SPRINKLER RELOCATION (NFPA 13)- For the relocation of sprinkler heads as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans. Relocate 7 sprinkler heads for new wall layouts"},{"number":"EP-2026-000123","date":"2026-01-12","work":"Rough-In","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-03-04","scope":"Rough-In Permit for EP-2026-000117 Wire Offices as per Plans"},{"number":"MP-2026-000332","date":"2026-02-03","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-03-17","scope":"FOR INSTALLATION OF HVAC SYSTEM TO SERVE THE ARTIST STUDIO AT THE GROUND FLOOR LEVEL AS PER APPROVED PLANS."},{"number":"PP-2026-001085","date":"2026-02-05","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-03-16","scope":"ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING COMMERCIAL SPACE. INTERIOR INSTALLATION OF DRAINAGE, WASTE, VENT, AND WATER SUPPLY FOR LISTED FIXTURES. ALL WORK TO BE INSTALLED IN STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH 2018 PPC AND APPROVED PLANS"},{"number":"EP-2026-000117","date":"2026-02-09","work":"New Construction","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-03-04","scope":"Install lighting, receptacles, exit/emergency lighting, and provide power to equipment as per 2017 NEC. Electrical service is existing."},{"number":"EP-2026-001176","date":"2026-02-27","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-03-04","scope":"Modify existing fire alarm system to accommodate renovation. Add/relocate addressable devices including manual pull stations, smoke/heat detectors, sprinkler monitoring, and horn/strobes as shown on approved plans. Connect new devices to existing FACP and update programming as required. All work to comply with 2016 NFPA 72, NEC 2017, and Philadelphia Fire Code. Provide testing and final inspection."}],"storyTag":"New construction","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2025,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2025,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2025,"k":"permit","w":"Change of Use"},{"y":2025,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"Rough-In"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2026,"k":"viol","w":"3 L&I violations"},{"y":2026,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 2 failed, 1 passed"}],"rented":true,"licenses":[{"number":"0956068","type":"Rental","status":"Active","businessName":"Engine House 29 LLC","legalName":"Engine House 29 LLC","address":"1221 N 4TH ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":29,"issuedDate":"2024-07-10","latestIssueDate":"2026-06-22","expirationDate":"2027-07-09","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"0956068","type":"Rental","businessName":"Engine House 29 LLC","legalName":"Engine House 29 LLC","issuedDate":"2024-07-10","latestIssueDate":"2026-06-22","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2027-07-09","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-25","units":29,"signals":[{"kind":"transition-activity","level":"watch","title":"Recent transition activity","summary":"The property has an unusually active paper trail worth monitoring for the next permit, inspection, deed, or listing.","evidence":["8 permit events since 2023"],"caveat":"Record activity alone does not establish that a sale or redevelopment is planned."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Appeal #ZP-2020-004619: Completed · Granted with conditions; related permit ZP-2020-004619.","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: EP-2022-012625 (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":"rental-license","level":"verify","title":"A rental license does not transfer with the deed","finding":"1 active Rental License record matched.","why":"If dwelling space is rented, the buyer must obtain a new annual Rental License; the seller’s license is not transferable. New applications require proof of ownership and legal occupancy, tax compliance, no open L&I violations, and lead compliance where applicable.","action":"Plan the buyer’s replacement license before settlement.","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 PASSED on May 6, 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":"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":"violations","level":"clear","title":"No open violation; closed history remains relevant","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 4 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":"Emergency and Standby Power Systems Certification: Certified through Oct 3, 2026; Fire Alarm Certification: Certified through Apr 14, 2027; Sprinkler Certification: Certified through Oct 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/"}]}