Philadelphia Shuts Down Over 80 Construction Sites in Major Licensing Crackdown

Philadelphia has halted construction at more than 80 sites across the city following a significant enforcement action against an unlicensed contractor. The City’s Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issued stop-work orders on March 15, 2024, against projects associated with the Elegance Group, which is accused of circumventing licensing regulations and jeopardizing public safety.

The shutdown comes after the Board of Licenses and Inspections Review unanimously upheld the revocation of Elegance Group’s contractor license. Investigations revealed that the company had been established to bypass previous enforcement actions against its predecessor, Expert Builders, whose license was suspended due to falsified engineering reports. City officials determined that the same individuals behind Expert Builders applied for a new license under a different name as a means to continue operations, which was deemed a violation of city regulations.

Public Safety as a Priority

Inspectors swiftly executed the stop-work orders on Saturday, reflecting the city’s commitment to public safety. Basil Merenda, commissioner of L&I’s Inspections, Safety and Compliance unit, emphasized that the city will take immediate action against contractors who operate unlawfully. “Public safety is our top priority,” he stated, warning that companies failing to adhere to licensing and safety standards will be barred from construction activities in Philadelphia.

This enforcement action is part of a larger initiative to strengthen accountability within the construction industry. Under the administration of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, the restructuring of the L&I established a dedicated unit focused solely on construction and building code enforcement, separate from other municipal operations.

City officials have assured property owners affected by the stop-work orders that support is available to help them navigate compliance issues. Owners are encouraged to contact L&I’s Audits and Investigations Unit for guidance on hiring properly licensed contractors. The unit can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 686-2616 during business hours.

Strengthening Regulatory Oversight

The crackdown on unlicensed contractors reflects a broader effort by the city to close regulatory loopholes. L&I is collaborating with City Council to develop legislation aimed at enhancing oversight of licensed professionals. Officials noted that while enforcement actions follow due process, contractors who violate regulations will face penalties, including stop-work orders and license suspensions.

Public complaints play a crucial role in triggering inspections and investigations. Residents can access a current list of suspended contractors on the L&I website and are encouraged to report concerns through the 311 system. The city aims to respond to non-emergency complaints within five to ten business days, while emergency responses through 911 are initiated within hours.

For more information about licensing requirements and ongoing enforcement actions, residents can visit phila.gov/LI. The city’s proactive measures underscore a commitment to maintaining safety and integrity within Philadelphia’s construction landscape.