Construction

Within PWD Development Services, the Stormwater Inspections program is responsible for inspection of private development projects during construction that have been designed and permitted to meet the PWD Stormwater Regulations.

Throughout construction, PWD inspectors will visit the development site to confirm that the Post‑Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) and Erosion & Sedimentation (E&S) Control systems are installed according to the Approved Plans. Below is a timeline with key resources that are needed through construction.

Preconstruction Meeting

A preconstruction meeting is required for all projects in the Development Compliance and Retrofit Review Paths. Please contact PWD Stormwater Inspections (215)-685-6387 at least seven (7) days before the start of construction to schedule a preconstruction meeting. Be sure to have the project’s PWD tracking number available for reference. 

Active Construction Inspections

PWD Stormwater Inspections will visit the site frequently to ensure that adequate E&S measures are in place and construction is proceeding according to the approved PCSMP. Some things to keep in mind during construction: 

  • Follow best practices in installing and maintaining erosion and sediment control measures to prevent sediment, debris, trash, and concrete washout from entering inlets and stormwater management practices (SMPs)
  • Minimize vehicle traffic over and around SMPs
  • Minor weir and orifice changes can significantly impact an SMP’s performance
  • PWD must be notified of additional work or changes in scope. 
  • Significant modifications may require a Field Change to be submitted to Stormwater Plan Review, as described in Section 2.3.1 of the Philadelphia Stormwater Management Guidance Manual (Manual). 

Active Construction Permits

There are common permits that may be needed during construction that are issued by other PWD units and City agencies. Contact these units directly with additional questions. 

Visit water.phila.gov/contractors for other PWD Contractor Resources.

Construction Closeout

  • A Final Inspection is required for every project and must be conducted before a building is occupied. A Final Inspection may be scheduled when a phase is completed, or when a subcontractor has completed all their stormwater work, by contacting your assigned inspector or by calling 215-685-6387. 
  • A construction certification package is created by the design engineer during the review process and must be completed by the contractor or owner’s designee. Certification package sections for individual SMPs must be submitted upon completion of individual systems. 
  • Record Drawings are required for every project. The design professional or contractor can submit signed drawings to PWD for review through the Project Dashboard, or by email at PWD.PlanReview@phila.gov if the original project submission was made prior to 2015.

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