• PWD Development Services Newsletter February 2024

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    New Updates to Philadelphia’s “SCAR” Manual

    Last revised in 2017, Philadelphia’s Sewer Connection and Repair Manual (or “SCAR” Manual) recently received significant updates. With these latest revisions to the SCAR Manual, users will see:

    • New clarity around review, permitting, and inspection requirements—including changes to application processes due to COVID-19
    • An expanded Connections Details section within the Appendices
    • Updated content reflecting current PWD rules and regulations
    • The removal of outdated or now-prohibited items (ex., resilient saddle connections)

    Click here to review the newly published SCAR Manual Version 1.2. *Note: If you have accessed the Manual previously, you may need to clear your browser’s cache to view the latest version.

    Stormwater Billing and Incentives’ Stormwater Grants Deadline

    Pre-application meeting requests are now open for the Spring 2024 Stormwater Grants deadline! These meetings are required for all applicants planning to apply for a Stormwater Grant, and for the Spring round must be requested by February 15 and held by March 1. The applicant must submit a Conceptual plan with their meeting request. Other documents may also be submitted for review but are not required.

    The next Stormwater Grants deadline is March 15, 2024. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the 15th.

    To begin your pre-application meeting request, head to our Stormwater Grants website or use this link.

    Updated Resource: Green Roof Density Bonus Fact Sheet

    PWD’s fact sheet explaining the City’s Green Roof Density Bonus (GRDB) incentive was revised in December 2023, updating the 2018 version. With this new revision users will see:

    • Adjusted reference to relevant City code and its explanation of the density exception
    • Further clarity about the GRDB Review Path and application submissions
    • Updated contact information for the Plan Review office

    To view the revised GRDB fact sheet, follow this link or visit the Development Incentives webpage to learn more. Our full library of development resources is available at Development Services’ Resources Directory page. Questions about the GRDB incentive should be sent to PWD_DevServices@phila.gov.

    New! Final Inspection Form

    The request for a development project’s final inspection can now be submitted via webform at PWD’s website. Requesting a final inspection requires a project engineer’s confirmation that all prerequisite site preparations and closeout documentation have been addressed in full, including the Record Drawing submission. Submitting a completed form will generate an automated email.

    To access the Final Inspection Request Form, follow this link. Questions about the process may be sent to PWD_DevServices@phila.gov. *Note: Beginning March 1, 2024, all final inspection requests must use this new form.

    Certificate of Occupancy Holds: FAQs

    In August 2023, PWD implemented a new policy concerning its use of Certificate of Occupancy (CO) holds within eCLIPSE for building permit applications that trigger Stormwater Management plan reviews. PWD staff will resolve these CO holds after confirming compliance for each project and its associated permit including, though not limited to, the following:

    1. Resolution of all construction violations
    2. Payment of all review fees
    3. Obtainment of a Post-Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) Final Inspection Report
    4. Execution and recording of an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Agreement
    5. Submission of a compliant Record Drawing

    The Final CO will not be issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) until PWD’s hold has been resolved.

    *Note that Temporary COs may also be held for projects that employ stormwater-related Green Roof Density Bonuses (GRDB), and that PWD routinely places holds on any issued permits with violation concerns.

    The Department’s CO Holds procedure is outlined in the Stormwater Management Guidance Manual’s Appendix M. PCSMP Closeout. Common questions about the procedure are addressed at our CO Holds Policy page. Additional questions about PWD’s treatment of CO holds should be directed to PWD.PlanReview@phila.gov.