Because the finish line doesn’t appear just because you started building.
In Philly, finishing a construction project isn’t just about getting the work done, it’s about getting the right approvals, meeting strict inspection requirements, and obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) that proves your space is legal, safe, and ready to be used.
Sounds simple? It’s not.
The permit-to-CO process is full of hidden hurdles that can stall projects for months. But with Comporth, you don’t have to get lost in the red tape. Here’s how we manage the complexities of construction compliance, so you can finish strong and on time.
Step 1: Permitting for Construction, Utility, Building, and Trade
Once the demolition is complete and the site is clear, it’s time to get the construction phase fully permitted. This includes:
✅ Utility Plan Filing – Early coordination is key to avoid delays
✅ Zoning Approval – For the proposed structure or use case
✅ Construction Permits – Including Building, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
✅ Protection of Adjoining Property Docs – Again required under Section 3307 of the Philadelphia Code
✅ Special Inspections Documentation – For any engineered systems or structural work
At this stage, Comporth is coordinating directly with your architect, engineer, and contractors to ensure consistency and alignment with the applicable I-Code as adopted by the City of Philadelphia, including accessibility, structural load, and fire protection standards.
Pro tip: Philadelphia uses eCLIPSE, an online permit system that has its own quirks and ePlan formatting rules. We know them well. Submitting an application with drawings that don’t meet Philadelphia ePlan Guidelines can push your timeline back by weeks or months.
Step 2: Managing Inspections and Compliance
Permits granted? Great. Now it’s time to pass inspections, both by city departments and third-party special inspection agencies.
We handle:
- Scheduling and tracking all required inspections with the municipality and 3rd party professionals
- Retrieving and organizing inspection reports and signatures
- Supporting the Site Safety Supervisor with code references
- Communicating directly with city officials to resolve issues or delays
- Ensuring that contractors maintain license, insurance, and tax clearance
And while most developers dread this part, we love it. This is where our insider knowledge, checklists, and timelines shine, because when inspections go smoothly, everything else follows suit.
Step 3: Securing the Certificate of Occupancy
No Certificate of Occupancy = No legal use of your space. And the CO won’t be issued unless:
- Every certificate and report is properly filed
- All inspections are passed
- All permits are closed
- No outstanding violations exist
That’s where ComporthAlerts™ kicks in. We proactively monitor your project to ensure it stays violation-free, inspection-ready, and fully compliant at every step.
We retrieve and deliver your official Certificate of Occupancy, confirming that your space is ready to be used legally and safely, whether that means tenants moving in, customers visiting, or equipment being installed.
Bonus: Legalization & Licensing After Construction
Think you’re done once the CO is issued? Not quite.
We also help you:
- Obtain lawful occupancy based on activities happening on the property
- Apply for business licenses and schedule civil inspections
- Ensure trash pickup is registered and dumpster licenses in place
- Get ahead of all required annual life safety certifications
This follow-through ensures your operations stay up and running, no surprise shutdowns, fines, or lawsuits years down the line.
Our In-House Capabilities Keep You Ahead
At Comporth, we don’t outsource the important stuff. We provide:
✅ Initial Property & Ownership Assessment
- We pull legal and tax records, deed info, and evaluate permitting needs from the start
✅ Complete Project Team Buildout
- We vet and coordinate architects, trades, engineers, and license holders to meet all compliance requirements
✅ Permit Application Preparation
- We organize architectural plans, engineering reports, and environmental documentation to avoid errors and rejections
✅ Municipal Engagement & Advocacy
- We act as your voice in city departments, resolving issues quickly and negotiating where needed
✅ Accelerated Timelines (When It Matters)
- We review every blueprint for code compliance and leverage paid acceleration options when your deadline is tight
✅ Cost Estimation & Tax Incentives
- We help identify local and state abatement programs that can dramatically reduce long-term property costs
✅ Sustainability Integration
- We collaborate with architects and engineers to include energy-efficient upgrades that increase building value and reduce environmental impact
Why Developers, Owners, and Architects Trust Comporth
We’re not just permit pushers. We’re construction translators, red-tape eliminators, and compliance strategists who know how Philadelphia works, and how to work with it to get things done faster, cleaner, and with fewer headaches.
Our work means fewer surprises, smoother approvals, and faster occupancy.
Ready to Go from Construction to Completion Without the Chaos?
Whether you’re deep into a project or just starting out, Comporth has the tools, relationships, and strategies to make sure you hit every deadline, pass every inspection, and get that CO without breaking stride.
📞 Call 215.650.6449 or contact us here
🏗️ Let’s finish your build like pros, and get people in the door, legally and on time.
