Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $69–$150 A specific 'Roof Covering' fee of $69 applies for standard residential replacements.
Fee Method Flat rate
Apply Online Apply at Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections →

What's Required in Philadelphia

  • Building Permit required for all roof covering replacements (reroofing)
  • Permit only required for windows/doors if the opening size changes or the property is historic
  • Removal of existing roofing layers is required before installing new material in many cases
  • Class A fire rating required for all new roof coverings in the city
  • Contractors must be registered General Contractors with the City of Philadelphia
  • Final inspection required to verify venting and perimeter flashing

Do You Need a Permit to Replace a Roof in Philadelphia

In almost every case, yes — a full roof replacement (a tear-off and re-cover, or a complete reroof) requires a building permit in Philadelphia, issued by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections. Replacing the roof covering is regulated work because it affects the structure’s weather envelope and, on a tear-off, exposes the sheathing for inspection. A licensed roofing contractor usually pulls the permit, and an inspection may be required after the old material is removed and again at completion. Permit-free roofing is generally limited to minor repairs — not a whole-roof replacement.

Roof Repair vs. Replacement: When You Need a Permit in Philadelphia

The dividing line in Philadelphia is usually the scope of work. Small repairs — patching a leak, swapping a few damaged shingles, or fixing flashing — often don’t require a permit. A full replacement, a tear-off down to the deck, adding a second layer over the old shingles, or any change to the roof structure (rafters, trusses, sheathing) generally does. Some cities also cap how much roof area you can repair before it counts as a replacement. Because that threshold and any wind- or fire-zone rules vary, confirm the cutoff with the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections — the requirements above list what Philadelphia expects.

How to Get a Roof Replacement Permit in Philadelphia

1

Step 1: Verify Historic Status

Check the Historic Registry; landmarked roofs require commission approval.

2

Step 2: Apply via eCLIPSE

Submit a 'Building Permit' application for roof covering.

3

Step 3: Contractor Check

Ensure your roofer has an active Philadelphia contractor license in eCLIPSE.

4

Step 4: Fee Payment

Pay the $69 flat-rate roof covering fee.

5

Step 5: Final Inspection

Schedule a final inspection once the project is waterproof and complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a building permit for 'Roof Covering' is required for all replacements.
The flat fee is $69 for the first 4,000 sq ft.
Yes, contractors must have an active Philadelphia license and current tax account to pull permits.
Yes — a full roof replacement or tear-off requires a building permit in Philadelphia from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections, and it’s usually pulled by a licensed roofing contractor. Minor repairs (a small patch or a few shingles) are often exempt. Confirm the repair-vs-replacement threshold with the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections.
Small repairs — patching a leak, replacing a few shingles, or fixing flashing — usually don’t need a permit in Philadelphia, while a full replacement, tear-off, added shingle layer, or structural change does. Some cities cap the repairable area before it’s treated as a replacement; check with the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections.