Landscaping in Philadelphia: city permits, Rain Check and old-city soil
Updated · KeystoneProGuide editorial team
What is different about landscaping in Philadelphia?
Three things. The city issues its own permits and licenses for some yard work, its Water Department will help pay for gardens that soak up rain, and much of its housing is old enough that the soil around it deserves a test before anyone digs a vegetable bed. The Census Bureau estimates that 39.9 percent of the city's 748,270 housing units were first built in 1939 or earlier, against 25.0 percent for Pennsylvania.
When does yard work need a city permit?
Retaining walls are the main one. Philadelphia requires a retaining wall permit to build or replace a wall at least 2 feet high, or any wall that supports a surcharge load. That is stricter than the state's general exemption for walls up to 4 feet. Plans are not needed if the wall follows the city's EZ Permit Standard. For a one- or two-family home the filing fee is $25 and the flat permit fee is $69, and the city says such applications are reviewed within 15 business days.
The same page warns about boundaries. A new wall must not encroach on the neighbor's property, a wall that straddles a line may be the joint responsibility of both owners, and only a survey by a licensed surveyor can fix its exact position. In a city where 64.1 percent of homes are single-family houses, a figure that includes attached row houses, many yards share a wall with the next one.
Patios are lighter. The city's zoning page says no zoning permit is needed for concrete or other hard surfaces such as driveways and patios, or for fences within the zoning height limit. Earth disturbance of 5,000 square feet or more is a different matter: it needs a Philadelphia Water Department stormwater review before a permit application.
Who may do the work?
For a retaining wall under permit, the city says a licensed Philadelphia contractor must do the work. At an existing one- or two-family home, the work may also be done by an owner who lives there, or by a home improvement contractor registered with the state who also holds a Philadelphia Commercial Activity License. More generally, Philadelphia's Contractor License is required for construction, demolition or repair work, while firms working only on existing one- or two-family homes register with the state instead.
Two lookups cover both cases. The city's contractor lookup lists every actively licensed contractor and any licensing violations, and the Attorney General's contractor search shows state registrations. Questions go to 311, or (215) 686-8686 from outside the city.
Will the city help pay for a rain garden?
Through Rain Check, yes. The program offers a free rain barrel, or a downspout planter, rain garden or porous paving installed at a reduced price. The Water Department says the program is open to residents of the whole city, not only the combined sewer area, and that everyone who takes part must first attend a Rain Check workshop.
Know what it will not do. The Water Department says residential customers pay a flat stormwater charge, that stormwater credits are not available for homes, and that a rain barrel or rain garden will not reduce the monthly bill. Take part for the garden, not for a lower bill.
Should you test the soil before planting?
In older neighborhoods it is worth it. Penn State Extension says soil near older homes, especially close to foundations painted with lead-based paint, can contain very high lead levels, that homes built before 1978 are more likely to have used lead paint, and that young children are at greatest risk. It recommends testing near older homes, roads, play areas and vegetable gardens, and asking the lab for total lead. The standard fertility test does not include it.
The Penn State Extension Philadelphia County office answers soil test questions at PhiladelphiaExt@psu.edu or 215-471-2200, Ext. 0, and samples of about a cup can be mailed directly to Penn State's laboratory.
What happens to fall leaves?
The Department of Sanitation runs a leaf recycling program. In 2026 it runs from November 2 to December 19, with bagged leaf drop-off at 15 sites on five Saturdays, and street collection in some neighborhoods with heavy leaf fall. Leaves must be in large brown paper bags; brush and limbs are not accepted. Leaves bagged with ordinary trash are not composted. The compost goes to the Fairmount Park Organic Recycling Center, and residents can take small amounts of compost and mulch for free.
Who owns the yard?
Often a landlord. The Census Bureau puts owner occupancy at 51.8 percent of the city's occupied homes, barely half, against 69.3 percent statewide, so many households will need the owner's agreement before planting or paving.
For the state rules behind all of this, see what Pennsylvania requires. Businesses serving the city are on the Philadelphia landscapers page.
Sources
- 2020-2024 ACS 5-Year Narrative Profile: Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, U.S. Census Bureau
- 2020-2024 ACS 5-Year Narrative Profile: Pennsylvania, U.S. Census Bureau
- 34 Pa. Code § 403.62. Permit requirements and exemptions., Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Code)
- Get a Retaining Wall Permit, City of Philadelphia
- Get a Zoning Permit, City of Philadelphia
- Get a Contractor License, City of Philadelphia
- Find a licensed contractor and contractor information, City of Philadelphia
- Rain Check, City of Philadelphia
- RainCheck Goes Citywide, Philadelphia Water Department
- Residential Stormwater Charge, Philadelphia Water Department
- Lead in Residential Soils: Sources, Testing, and Reducing Exposure, Penn State Extension
- Soil and Water Testing Information (Philadelphia County Master Gardeners), Penn State Extension
- Recycle fall leaves, City of Philadelphia
- Home Improvement Contractor Search, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General