A-302.1 Action on application: The department shall examine or cause to be examined all applications for permits and amendments thereto within a reasonable time after filing. If the application or the construction documents do not conform to the requirements of all pertinent laws, the code official shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefor. If the code official is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this code and the technical codes and all laws and ordinances applicable thereto, the code official shall issue a permit therefor as soon as practicable upon payment of requisite fees.

A-302.2 Suspension of permit: Any permit issued shall become invalid if the authorized work is not commenced within six months after issuance of the permit, or if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of six months after the time of commencing the work. The code official may for reasonable cause extend the time for commencing the work for a period not exceeding six months upon written request of the permittee. No permit shall be extended more than once. In order to proceed with the work authorized by an expired permit, a new permit shall be obtained.

Exception: Zoning and use registration permits.

A-302.2.1 Zoning and use registration permits: Zoning and/or Use Registration Permits issued with respect to construction or interior alterations, shall expire one year after the date of issuance unless the building permit for such work is issued prior thereto and the work is carried on to completion without voluntary interruption. Use registration permits, where no construction or alteration work is involved, shall expire three months from the date of issuance unless the approved use has begun.

A-302.3 Previous approvals: This code and the technical codes shall not require changes in the construction documents, construction or designated use group of a building for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the construction of which has been actively prosecuted within 90 days after the effective date of the applicable code(s) and is completed with dispatch.

A-302.4 Signature to permit: The code official charged with the review of permit applications and related construction documents shall affix a signature of approval to each approved application and/or permit in accordance with procedures of the department.

A-302.5 Construction documents: Upon approval, the code official shall stamp or endorse in writing "Approved" on three sets of construction documents, unless otherwise specified.

A-302.5.1 Distribution: The approved sets of construction documents shall be distributed as follows:

1. One set shall be retained in the records of the Permit Services division according to the established retention schedule.

2. One set shall be forwarded to the appropriate inspection office.

3. One set shall be returned to the applicant. This set shall be retained by the applicant at the construction site and shall be available for inspection by the code official.

A-302.5.2 Responsibility: Construction documents approved by the department are approved with the intent that such construction documents comply in all respects with this code and the applicable technical codes. Any omissions or errors on the construction documents do not relieve the applicant or other responsible persons of having to comply with all applicable requirements of this code and the technical codes.

A-302.6 Foundation permit: The code official is authorized to issue a permit for the construction of foundations before the construction documents for the entire structure have been submitted provided the zoning permit for the entire structure has been issued and provided that appropriate construction documents and required statements have been filed.

A-302.6.1 Related work: Issuance of a foundation permit for a structure shall be the basis for issuance of plumbing and electrical permits for such work below grade.

A-302.6.2 Owner's risk: The owner of a structure for which a foundation and related permits have been issued shall proceed at the owner's risk without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted. Issuance of a foundation permit shall not be construed to establish vested rights to the building or related permits on the part of any party to the construction project.

A-302.7 Posting of permits and licenses: Permits and licenses shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and shall be readily available for inspection by the code official. A true copy of permits authorizing construction activity shall be posted on the site of the operations, open to public inspection during the entire time of the prosecution of the work for which the permit has been issued.

Exception: Multiple-family dwelling license, rooming house license or residential rental property license where there is no on-premises management office.

A-302.8 Revocation of permit: The code official is authorized to revoke a permit or approval issued pursuant to the provisions of this code and the technical codes in case of any of the following:

1. The permit was issued in error.

2. The permit was issued on the basis of incorrect information in the application or construction documents.

3. The permit was issued on the basis of false statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application or construction documents.

4. An ordinance, regulation, or condition of permit has been violated.

5. Work is being conducted in an unsafe manner.

6. A Stop Work Order or Cease Operations Order has been issued.

A-302.8.1 Correction: When the department determines that grounds exist for the revocation of a permit, it shall serve written notice upon the holder of the permit, stating the nature of the violation and allowing for a reasonable period within which compliance with all the requirements of such permit shall be achieved. The notice may also describe a course of remedial action.

A-302.9 Conditions of permit: Permits issued pursuant to this code and the technical codes are subject to the conditions stated in Sections A-302.9.1 through A-302.9.5 as applicable.

A-302.9.1 Payment of fees: A permit shall not be issued until the fees prescribed in Chapter 9 have been paid.

A-302.9.2 Compliance with code: The permit shall be a license to proceed with the work and shall not be construed as authority to violate, cancel or set aside any of the provisions of this code or the technical codes, except as specifically stipulated by legally granted variance.
A-302.9.3 Compliance with permit: All work shall conform to the approved application and the approved construction documents for which the permit has been issued and any approved amendments to the approved application or the approved construction documents. Permits are not transferable except by application to the department.

A-302.9.4 Compliance with site plan: All new work shall be located strictly in accordance with the approved site plan.

A-302.9.5 Asbestos inspection report: A permit for any demolition or alteration which requires the filing of plans shall not be issued until an asbestos inspection report, furnished by an independent certified asbestos investigator as defined in Section 6-601 of the Philadelphia Health Code, has been submitted. Submission of an asbestos inspection report is not required for buildings erected pursuant to a building permit issued after December 31, 1980, or any residence with three dwelling units or less.

A-302.10 Notice of start: The code official shall be given at least 24-hour notice of start of work under a permit.