Philadelphia Board of L&I Review

Philadelphia Board of Licenses and Inspections Review

The Philadelphia Board of Licenses and Inspections Review (BLIR) acts as an independent quasi-judicial body authorized to hear appeals against administrative decisions made by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L and I). Established to ensure due process for property owners, businesses, and residents, the Board provides a forum to contest violation notices, license denials, and other enforcement actions. The Board operates separately from the Department of L and I to maintain impartiality in its reviews and decisions. Its primary function is to determine whether the Departments actions were taken in accordance with the Philadelphia Code and applicable regulations.

Jurisdiction and Case Types

The Boards jurisdiction covers a specific range of administrative appeals. It is crucial for appellants to understand that the BLIR does not handle zoning variances, which fall under the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

• Business and Trade Licenses: The Board hears appeals regarding the suspension, revocation, denial, or non-renewal of various city licenses, including rental licenses, contractor certifications, and business privilege licenses.
• Property Maintenance Violations: Property owners cited for violations of the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code can appeal these findings to the Board if they believe the citations are factually incorrect or legally unfounded.
• Firearm Permits: The Board serves as the appellate body for individuals who have had their license to carry a firearm denied or revoked by the Philadelphia Police Department.
• Unsafe Structure Notices: Appeals regarding designations of properties as unsafe or imminently dangerous are heard by this body.

The Appeals Process

To initiate a review, an appeal must be filed within a strictly enforced statutory period, typically 10 to 30 days depending on the nature of the violation or decision. Filings are managed by the Boards Administration Unit. Hearings are public proceedings where the appellant and the City (represented by the Law Department) present evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments. The Board then issues a written decision affirming, modifying, or reversing the original administrative action. Decisions made by the Board can be further appealed to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Location and Access

The administrative offices and the Boards Administration Unit are located in the Municipal Services Building (MSB), a central hub for city services near City Hall. Hearings are generally conducted in the MSB or the One Parkway Building. The facilities are equipped with security screening similar to a courthouse. Visitors should expect bag checks and metal detectors. The location is highly accessible via public transit, sitting directly above the underground concourse connecting to subway and regional rail lines.