Featured Expert
Kate Stairs, PE
Principal/Director of Restoration
Philadelphia, PA
Property maintenance certification for façades
Philadelphia requires periodic property-maintenance certifications for qualifying exterior walls and appurtenances and has related certifications for other exterior structures.
Understand what applies.
Façade inspection requirements in Philadelphia, PA.
Use this summary as a starting point. Walker can help confirm the current requirements, determine the appropriate inspection approach, and support the filing process for your building.
Buildings generally covered
Buildings 6 or more stories in height or with any appurtenance more than 60 feet in height.
Typical inspection cadence
Typically every 5 years. New structures are generally inspected within 10 years of completion, then every 5 years. Confirm current waiver and extension rules.
Qualified professional
A licensed engineer or architect.
Filing notes
Due dates vary by year of construction. Confirm current forms, filing process, and any waiver or extension criteria with Philadelphia L&I.
Unsafe-condition requirements
Confirm the jurisdiction-specific requirements, repair deadlines, emergency actions, and amended-report obligations when unsafe conditions are identified.
Requirements can change. Confirm current applicability, filing deadlines, and professional requirements with the local jurisdiction or a qualified professional before relying on this summary.
How Walker helps.
Move from ordinance review to a practical next step.
01
Determine what applies.
Confirm the ordinance, building criteria, filing cycle, and inspection requirements.
02
Inspect and document conditions.
Walker selects an inspection approach based on the ordinance, building geometry, access needs, and observed conditions. Methods may include visual assessment, close-up review, swing stages, aerial lifts, drones, or rope access.
03
Prepare and support the report.
Translate findings into clear documentation and support the appropriate reporting process.
04
Plan the next move.
Walker can support repair design, construction documents, bidding assistance, and construction administration when the inspection identifies conditions that need to be addressed.
Related Walker location: Philadelphia, PA
Local Walker expertise.
Connect with a façade ordinance specialist.
Frequently asked questions.
Questions about Philadelphia, PA façade inspections.
Does Philadelphia require façade inspections?
Philadelphia requires periodic property-maintenance certifications for qualifying exterior walls and appurtenances and has related certifications for other exterior structures.
Which buildings may be subject to Property maintenance certification for façades?
Buildings 6 or more stories in height or with any appurtenance more than 60 feet in height.
How often are façade inspections required in Philadelphia?
Typically every 5 years. New structures are generally inspected within 10 years of completion, then every 5 years. Confirm current waiver and extension rules.
Who can perform a façade ordinance inspection in Philadelphia?
A licensed engineer or architect.
Can Walker help with the Philadelphia filing process?
Yes. Walker can help confirm what applies, complete the inspection, document conditions, and support the required reporting process. Due dates vary by year of construction. Confirm current forms, filing process, and any waiver or extension criteria with Philadelphia L&I.
Can Walker help design repairs after the inspection?
Walker can support repair design, construction documents, bidding assistance, and construction administration when the inspection identifies conditions that need to be addressed.
Need help confirming what applies?
Start with the building. We’ll help clarify the next step.
Tell us where the property is located and what you know about the building. Walker can help confirm the ordinance requirements, inspection approach, and filing path.