{"asOf":"2026-07-26T17:20:19.383Z","block":"500-599 S 52ND ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/500-599-s-52nd-st","address":"540 S 52ND ST","parcelNumber":"888001682","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=888001682","ownerType":"investor","kind":"house","isHouse":true,"home":true,"commercial":false,"residential":true,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"SR","buildingCodeNew":"41","buildingClass":"VACANT LAND RESIDE < ACRE","buildingClassNew":null,"useLabel":"House","owner":"BEAR & CO","coOwner":null,"marketValue":277200,"landAssessment":27720,"improvementAssessment":249480,"livableArea":944,"yearBuilt":2023,"lastSale":null,"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2021-078638","date":"2021-11-09","code":"A-302.10/2","title":"WORK NOT ACCORDING TO PLANS","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-05-16","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"CF-2021-108871","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BUILDING INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2021-11-09","completedDate":"2023-05-16","violations":[{"number":"VI-2021-078638","date":"2021-11-09","code":"A-302.10/2","title":"WORK NOT ACCORDING TO PLANS","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-05-16","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2021,"n":1,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-108871","date":"2021-11-09","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-108871","date":"2023-05-16","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2021,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2023,"fails":0,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.95099011693784,"lng":-75.22706038832017,"geom":null,"liDistrict":"CENTRAL WEST","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19143","beds":2,"baths":null,"stories":1,"lotArea":null,"zoning":"CMX2","grade":null,"basement":null,"heater":"A","centralAir":true,"extCond":"1","intCond":"1","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"1802 CHURCH LN 1 ST FLOOR, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19141","mailOut":false,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":0,"abated":true,"assessmentExemption":true,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2025,"v":260400,"taxable":39060,"land":39060,"improvement":221340,"taxableLand":39060,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":221340},{"y":2026,"v":260400,"taxable":39060,"land":39060,"improvement":221340,"taxableLand":39060,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":221340},{"y":2027,"v":277200,"taxable":27720,"land":27720,"improvement":249480,"taxableLand":27720,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":249480}],"taxNow":547,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"CP-2020-004454","date":"2020-10-06","work":"New Construction","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-09-26","scope":"FOR THE ERECTION OF A FOUR STORY BUILDING FOR USE A MULTIFAMILY HOUSEHOLD LIVING ON 2ND-4TH FLOORS AND A VACANT COMMERCIAL SPACE ON THE GROUND FLOOR. ALL WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPROVED PLANS. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY FOR RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY ONLY. SEPARATE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR FIT OUT AND CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY. COMMERCIAL SPACE TO BE SPRINKLERED PER NFPA 13 AND RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY TO BE SPRINKLERED PER NFPA 13R. STANDPIPES TO BE INSTALLED IN EXIT STAIRWAY. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR M.E.P. AND FIRE SUPPRESSION WORK."},{"number":"PP-2022-003580","date":"2022-04-07","work":"New Construction or Additions","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-04-19","scope":"New construction, interior & exterior plumbing; Two-one inch domestic Water Distribution and a six-inch combined sewer. +All proposed work to be done in accordance with Philadelphia Plumbing Code 2018."},{"number":"FP-2022-000863","date":"2022-04-11","work":"New Construction","type":"Fire Suppression","description":"Fire Suppression Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-02-28","scope":"FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A TWO-INCH FIRE SERVICE LINE, TWO-INCH BACKFLOW PREVENTER, FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM AND STANDPIPE IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPROVED PLANS, HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS AND NFPA 13, 13R AND 14."},{"number":"EP-2022-005881","date":"2022-10-24","work":"New Construction","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2023-12-11","scope":"Install a 400 amp service, (5) gang meter bank, (1) 200 amp panel & feeder, (3) 150 amp panels & feeders, (1) 100 amp panel & feeder. Install wiring throughout the shell commercial space, (3) dwelling units and the common areas. Install lights normal & emergency, switches, sensors, receptacles and smoke alarms. Provide power for the mechanical & hvac equipment. Install a fire alarm system throughout. All work in accordance with the 2017 nec & 2016 nfpa-72."},{"number":"MP-2022-005225","date":"2022-11-07","work":"New Construction","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-09-25","scope":"FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW HVAV SYSTEM INCLUDING MECHANICAL APPLIANCES, REGISTERS AND DIFFUSERS WITH ASSOCIATED DUCTWORK AS PER PLANS. EACH HVAC UNIT IS TO BE SELF-CONTAINED WITHIN EACH DWELLING UNIT. NO PENETRATIONS OF RATED ASSEMBLIES."},{"number":"MP-2023-004510","date":"2023-11-07","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-02-28","scope":"FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW HVAC SYSTEM INCLUDING AIR HANDLING UNIT, CONDENSING UNIT, REGISTERS AND DIIFFUSERS WITH ALL ASSOCIATED DUCTWORK AND ACCESSORIES AS PER PLANS."}],"storyTag":"New construction","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2020,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2021,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2021,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction or Additions"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2023,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection passed"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"}],"rented":true,"licenses":[{"number":"0963978","type":"Rental","status":"Active","businessName":"Bear & co.","legalName":"Bear & co.","address":"540 S 52ND ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":3,"issuedDate":"2024-10-23","latestIssueDate":"2025-09-15","expirationDate":"2026-10-22","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"0963978","type":"Rental","businessName":"Bear & co.","legalName":"Bear & co.","issuedDate":"2024-10-23","latestIssueDate":"2025-09-15","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2026-10-22","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-25","units":3,"signals":[],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"The record identifies more than one dwelling/use.","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":"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":"1 failed, 1 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on May 16, 2023.","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 1 historical violation across 1 case.","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/"},{"title":"Seller-specific tax relief is not the buyer’s bill","body":"LOOP and low-income or senior Real Estate Tax freezes depend on the qualifying owner and continued program eligibility; a buyer cannot assume the seller’s capped or frozen bill continues. A separately verified property abatement often remains with the property for its remaining term, but program-specific new-owner filing, use, and tax-compliance conditions still must be confirmed—not inferred from the reduced assessment alone.","action":"Have Revenue or OPA identify every current benefit, model the buyer’s bill without seller-specific relief, and confirm any verified abatement in writing.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/payment-plans-and-assistance-programs/income-based-programs-for-residents/apply-for-the-longtime-owner-occupants-program-loop/","secondaryUrl":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/property-and-real-estate-taxes/get-real-estate-tax-relief/tax-freeze/"},{"title":"Seller disclosure and independent inspections","body":"For a covered Pennsylvania residential transfer, obtain the statutory seller disclosure. It reports the seller’s knowledge; it is not a warranty, title search, code review, or substitute for inspections.","action":"Have the agreement and disclosure reviewed for this transaction’s coverage and exceptions.","url":"https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/real-estate-commission"}]}