How to keep your project moving, and your paperwork in line.
If you’re applying for a construction permit in Philadelphia, chances are you’re using the city’s eCLIPSE system, a platform known for being both necessary and notoriously tricky. Whether you’re a developer, architect, contractor, or design professional, you play a role in making sure your project sails through the permitting process without unexpected delays.
At Comporth, we’ve managed over 1000 successful permit applications through eCLIPSE. And guess what? Most delays we’ve seen aren’t because of the city, they’re caused by missing documents, inactive licenses, or tax compliance issues from someone named on the permit.
Let’s fix that.
What Is eCLIPSE?
eCLIPSE (Electronic Commercial Licensing, Inspection, and Permit Services Enterprise) is the City of Philadelphia’s online platform for managing building permits, trade licenses, activity licenses, and contractor registrations. It tracks:
- Permit applications and statuses
- Contractor and licensee associations
- Compliance documentation
- Inspection schedules and results
If you’re applying for a commercial permit, even for something like a residential triplex, you need to make sure every stakeholder tied to that permit is in good standing on eCLIPSE. If one entity is out of compliance, it can delay the entire application.
Why Permits Get Delayed in eCLIPSE
Once your permit is approved, it passes through the Permit Issuance Unit. If you see “HOLDS EXIST” on your permit status, that’s your red flag. The most common causes?
- Expired or unregistered trade licenses
- Missing tax clearance for one or more contractors
- Improper association between stakeholders and the permit
- Incomplete profiles in eCLIPSE
- Insurance documents not on file with L&I
Here’s the kicker: you won’t be told which contractor or professional is the issue. eCLIPSE will notify the applicant that a problem exists, but not who caused it. So unless every player double-checks their account setup, your permit can get stuck for weeks, or worse, canceled entirely if not resolved within 60 days.
How to Prevent Delays: The Comporth eCLIPSE Prep Guide
We’ve broken it down into three simple steps you can send to anyone being named on your permit. Contractors, architects, expediters, no one’s off the hook. Let’s walk through it.
✅ Step 1: Confirm Your eCLIPSE Profile Is Set Up Correctly
- Log into eCLIPSE and click “Profile” from the top navigation bar
- Click the gray box under “MY INFORMATION”
- Scroll to “MAILING ADDRESSES” and confirm there’s a valid address listed
- Select it as “Primary” and hit Save
This tells the system who you are and how to contact you. Without this step, L&I may block your license or delay your permit.
✅ Step 2: Connect Your Philadelphia Tax Account
- On the home screen, click the “My Activity Licenses” tab
- If you don’t see your Commercial Activity License (CAL), click “Associate an Activity License”
- Enter your Philadelphia Tax ID # and SSN or EIN
- Sole member LLCs: use your SSN unless otherwise directed
- Not sure what’s on file? Email revenue@phila.gov or log into the eWork portal
A missing or mismatched tax record is one of the top reasons eCLIPSE applications stall. Fix it before you’re named on a permit.
✅ Step 3: Register Your License or Trade Certification
- Click the “Trade Licenses” or “My Registrations” tab
- If nothing is listed, go back to the homepage and click “Apply for a Registration” or “Apply for a Trade License”
- Upload your current license(s) and insurance documentation
- Even if you’re a PA-registered Home Improvement Contractor, you must register locally with L&I
Pro tip: A valid license with the state of PA ≠ a valid license with the City of Philadelphia. Double-check both.
Need Help? That’s What We Do.
At Comporth, we work directly with everyone named on the permit to verify compliance before filing. We:
- Pre-check tax and license status
- Coordinate associations and eCLIPSE setup
- Resolve paperwork errors before they delay the timeline
- Communicate with L&I on your behalf
- Track and escalate “HOLDS EXIST” issues in real time
If your contractor, architect, or trade partner can’t complete their part independently, we can take care of it for them. Direct them to our intake form or contact us for immediate support.
Bottom Line: Permits Get Delayed Because Someone Dropped the Ball
The solution? Share this guide with every professional tied to your permit. Set expectations upfront. And if you’re working with Comporth, rest easy knowing we’ve already got eyes on every detail.
📞 Call 215.650.6449
📧 Or contact us here if your permit is already stuck in eCLIPSE limbo.
