Because in Philly, you can’t just show up with a bulldozer and a dream.
Before a single nail is hammered or a wall gets knocked down, there’s a complex system of permits, inspections, and city approvals standing between you and your construction site. Especially in Philadelphia, where navigating demolition and pre-construction can feel like decoding ancient bureaucracy.
At Comporth, we handle that headache for you, managing everything from asbestos inspections to adjoining property protections so your project starts on solid ground. Whether you’re building from scratch or redeveloping an existing property, here’s what it really takes to get your project past the red tape and into motion.
Why You Need a Licensed Expediter in Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia officially recognizes Licensed Expediters to assist property owners in navigating the tangle of local regulations as the permit applicant. Think of us as your compliance strategist, red-tape wrangler, and municipal translator. We help ensure your project:
- Follows the right order of operations
- Stays compliant with OSHA and the Philadelphia Code
- Doesn’t hit preventable permit delays or surprise violations
We can be engaged per application, per milestone, or as a built-in part of your construction admin budget. However we’re looped in, we save you time, money, and gray hairs.
Step 1: Discovery & Team Coordination
The first phase of any successful development is building the right team, and building it early. That includes:
- Aligning your scope of work with the city’s permit timeline
- Engaging architects, engineers, and licensed contractors
- Scheduling key reports like structural evaluations and environmental assessments
- Estimating costs (with a reality check baked-in)
- Setting expectations and timelines based on actual city processing speeds
This foundational work lets us preempt issues that could delay your demolition or increase your costs.
Step 2: Pre-Demolition Requirements (a.k.a. The Part Everyone Underestimates)
Demolition isn’t just about knocking things down. In Philadelphia, it’s a meticulous, code-driven process involving multiple permits and agencies. Comporth coordinates and files all of the following:
✅ Asbestos Inspection Report (AIR), Required before demo begins
✅ Lab Reports & Abatement Notifications, Filed with the Department of Public Health
✅ Discontinuance Permit, To shut off water service safely
✅ Plumbing Permit, To seal the lateral connection (yes, even if the building’s coming down)
✅ Zoning Permit, To confirm land use compliance
✅ Protection of Adjoining Property Documentation, Required under Philadelphia Code Section 3307
Every box must be checked before we can file the Complete Demolition Permit.
Step 3: Complete Demolition Permit Filing
Here’s where the magic (and paperwork) happens. We prepare and submit:
- Site and demolition plans
- Special Inspection Program documentation
- Public Notification and Information Forms
- Power line relocation and water shut-off permits
- Environmental testing and reports, including Dust Control (for large structures)
- Waste hauler details and management
- Demolition schedule with milestone dates
- Safety and pedestrian plans for street/sidewalk closure permits
We also coordinate with your demolition contractor to confirm their Class A or B license, identify storm water management prerequisites, and schedule on-site work to clear potential hazards in tandem with professional engineers.
With Comporth managing this, you’re not playing email tag with 6 different departments, you’re building momentum.
Why It Matters: Timeline = Money
Each delay in pre-construction sets off a domino effect that impacts your trades, materials delivery, and overall budget. When the front end is handled sloppily, it ripples through the entire project. But when it’s done right?
- You get realistic expectations, not wishful thinking
- Inspections are scheduled without drama
- Costs are controlled through planning, not panic
- Your project moves forward, without last-minute chaos
Bonus: We Help You Find (and Use) Incentives
Philadelphia has a range of local development incentives that can offset significant project costs, but they’re only available if you file at the right time and with the correct documentation. We’ll identify which incentives apply to your property, make sure your paperwork is correct, and ensure you hit the deadlines.
It’s one of the easiest ways to recoup money you’re already spending, without adding extra lift on your part.
Why Comporth?
We don’t just process forms, we think ahead. We plan every step with an understanding of Philly’s unique municipal rhythms, personalities, and pitfalls. With Comporth, you’re not just complying. You’re accelerating.
Let’s Get You to the Starting Line, The Right Way
Ready to move from demolition dreams to actual progress? Let Comporth take the permitting process off your plate so you can focus on the build, not the bureaucracy.
📞 Call 215.650.6449 or contact us here
🧱 We’ll make sure your project is safe, legal, and ready to roll.
