{"asOf":"2026-07-10T16:51:52.975Z","block":"700-799 N 40TH ST","blockUrl":"https://blockreport.homes/block/700-799-n-40th-st","address":"734 N 40TH ST","parcelNumber":"061168801","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=061168801","ownerType":"absentee","kind":"house","isHouse":true,"residential":true,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingClass":"VACANT LAND RESIDE < ACRE","useLabel":"Vacant lot","owner":"TOWE WILLIAM","coOwner":null,"marketValue":520900,"livableArea":2997,"yearBuilt":2024,"lastSale":{"price":120000,"date":"2020-03-19T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2020-001684","date":"2020-04-21","code":"PM15-301","title":"VACANT STRUCTURE & LAND","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2020-06-25","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2020-001685","date":"2020-04-21","code":"PM15-302.4","title":"EXTERIOR AREA WEEDS","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2020-06-25","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2022-050635","date":"2022-07-14","code":"A-302.10/3","title":"WORK OUTSIDE OF SCOPE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2022-10-11","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"CF-2020-008575","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"CLIP - VACANT LOT INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2020-04-21","completedDate":"2020-06-25","violations":[{"number":"VI-2020-001684","date":"2020-04-21","code":"PM15-301","title":"VACANT STRUCTURE & LAND","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2020-06-25","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2020-001685","date":"2020-04-21","code":"PM15-302.4","title":"EXTERIOR AREA WEEDS","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2020-06-25","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}]},{"number":"CF-2022-069597","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BUILDING INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2022-07-14","completedDate":"2022-10-13","violations":[{"number":"VI-2022-050635","date":"2022-07-14","code":"A-302.10/3","title":"WORK OUTSIDE OF SCOPE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2022-10-11","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2020,"n":2,"worst":null},{"y":2022,"n":1,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-008575","date":"2020-04-21","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2020-008575","date":"2020-06-25","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-069597","date":"2022-07-14","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-069597","date":"2022-08-19","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2022-069597","date":"2022-10-13","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2020,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2022,"fails":2,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.966641695749125,"lng":-75.20334492837299,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.203614518,39.966647931],[-75.203083035,39.966704996],[-75.203070761,39.966637319],[-75.203604895,39.966577378],[-75.203614518,39.966647931]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL WEST","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19104","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":3,"lotArea":3825,"zoning":"RM1","grade":null,"basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":true,"extCond":"1","intCond":"1","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"506 S 41ST APT 2I, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19104","mailOut":false,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":1,"abated":true,"assessmentExemption":true,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":76700,"taxable":76700},{"y":2017,"v":76700,"taxable":76700},{"y":2018,"v":107100,"taxable":107100},{"y":2019,"v":110300,"taxable":110300},{"y":2021,"v":55200,"taxable":55200},{"y":2022,"v":55200,"taxable":55200},{"y":2023,"v":55200,"taxable":55200},{"y":2024,"v":55200,"taxable":55200},{"y":2025,"v":156100,"taxable":156100},{"y":2026,"v":540000,"taxable":108000},{"y":2027,"v":520900,"taxable":104180}],"taxNow":1512,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":true,"permits":[{"number":"856730","date":"2018-03-16","work":"Zoning","type":"ZP_ZONING","description":"ZONING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2018-03-16","scope":"FOR THE RELOCATION OF LOT LINES TO CREATE TWO (2) LOTS (PARCELS 'B' AND 'C') FROM ONE (1) EXISTING DEEDED LOT (734-36 N 40TH STREET (PARCEL 'A')). SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN ON THE APPROVED PLAN;"},{"number":"877775","date":"2018-06-19","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2018-06-19","scope":"FOR THE ERECTION OF A SEMI-DETACHED STRUCTURE WITH ROOF DECKS ABOVE THE 3RD AND 4TH FLOORS AND A ROOF DECK ACCESS STRUCTURE ABOVE THE 4TH FLOOR. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN ON PLANS AND APPLICATION. FOR USE AS SINGLE FAMILY HOUSEHOLD LIVING WITH ONE (1) INTERIOR ACCESSORY PARKING SPACE."},{"number":"971289","date":"2019-07-03","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2019-07-03","scope":"FOR THE COMPLETE DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING SEMI-DETACHED THREE (3) STORY MASONRY STRUCTURE"},{"number":"971293","date":"2019-07-08","work":"Demolition","type":"BP_DEMO","description":"DEMOLITION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2019-09-12","scope":"FOR THE COMPLETE DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING SEMI-DETACHED THREE (3) STORY MASONRY STRUCTURE.STRUCTURE TO BE DEMOLISHED BY HAND ONLY. PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION TO BE IN PLACE PRIOR TO START OF WORK AND TO BE MAINTAINED DURING ALL DEMOLITION ACTIVITIES. SEPARATE STREETS DEPARTMENT APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR SIDEWALK CLOSURE."},{"number":"ZP-2020-002297","date":"2020-09-03","work":"New construction, addition, GFA change","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2025-03-07","scope":"FOR THE ERECTION OF A SEMI-DETACHED BUILDING WITH A REAR DECK AT FIRST FLOOR, REAR ROOF DECK AT THIRD FLOOR AND A ROOF DECK ABOVE THIRD FLOOR ACCESSED BY EXTERIOR STAIRS FROM THE THIRD FLOOR (SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN ON PLANS)"},{"number":"FP-2022-001072","date":"2022-05-25","work":"New Construction","type":"Fire Suppression","description":"Fire Suppression Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-10-26","scope":"For the installation of a Residential Fire Sprinkler System (RFSS) in accordance with NFPA 13D and L&I Code Bulletin No. 1001-R1 (using a new one (1) inch combined fire/domestic service line as per PWD Utility Plan dated 08/27/2020), throughout a three (3) story attached structure to be used as Group R-3 (SFD), as per plans and hydraulic calculations; see RP-2020-014920 for new construction permit."},{"number":"EP-2023-001130","date":"2023-02-27","work":"New Construction","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-10-26","scope":"INSTALL 200AMP SERVICE, WIRING THROUGHOUT, INSTALL LIGHT FIXTURES, OUTLETS, SWITCHES, SMOKE DETECTORS, GROUNDING AS PER 2017 NEC"},{"number":"PP-2021-001011","date":"2023-03-22","work":"New Construction or Additions","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-10-26","scope":"FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE-FAMILY, THREE-STORY, SEMI-DETACHED STRUCTURE WITH CELLAR, TWO ROOF DECKS AND ACCESSORY INTERIOR PARKING SPACE PER APPROVED PLANS. BUILDING TO BE FULLY SPRINKLERED WITH NFPA 13D MINIMUM. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR MEP AND FIRE SUPPRESSION."}],"storyTag":"Torn down & rebuilt","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2019,"k":"permit","w":"Zoning/use"},{"y":2019,"k":"permit","w":"Demolition"},{"y":2019,"k":"demo"},{"y":2020,"k":"land","p":120000},{"y":2020,"k":"viol","w":"2 L&I violations"},{"y":2020,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2020,"k":"permit","w":"New construction, addition, GFA change"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2022,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2022,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 2 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction or Additions"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"276424","type":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot","status":"Inactive","businessName":"JOCELINE GALETTE","revenueCode":"3219","rentalCategory":null,"units":1,"issuedDate":"2004-08-26","latestIssueDate":"2010-03-16","expirationDate":"2011-02-28","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22"}],"signals":[{"kind":"permit-mismatch","level":"watch","title":"Assessment/permit mismatch","summary":"The assessment jumped 246% in 2026, but no matching permit appears in the property timeline.","evidence":["assessment moved from $156,100 to $540,000","no permit shown in 2025-2027"],"caveat":"Not proof of unpermitted work; reassessment, corrected data, or a permit under another parcel can also explain it."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Use permit #877775: COMPLETED.","why":"Philadelphia says a zoning approval or Property Sales Certification can identify a use without proving that it was established under the Building Code. A change of use, unit count, exits, or fire rating can require a Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy.","action":"Verify the lawful use, unit count, associated construction permits, and Certificate of Occupancy with L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-certificate-of-occupancy/"},{"id":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"3 failed, 2 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Oct 13, 2022.","why":"A PASSED or FAILED value applies to that inspection visit. CLOSED is a separate source status; none of the three alone proves the parent permit or violation case closed—or describes today’s condition.","action":"Open the parent case/permit for each material failure and confirm its later disposition.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections-by-permit-type/"},{"id":"business-license","level":"verify","title":"A historical business license is not current operating authority","finding":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot #276424: Inactive since Dec 22, 2012","why":"A license record proves the licensed activity existed at that time. An inactive or expired license does not establish that the business still operates—or that it may legally reopen under the same use.","action":"If business income matters, verify the current tenant, use registration, and active license in eCLIPSE.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/licenses/business-licenses/"},{"id":"deed-chain","level":"verify","title":"The latest nominal transfer is not a market sale—or a title opinion","finding":"The latest deed in the assembled record moved for nominal consideration.","why":"A $1 or nominal deed can be a valid family, estate, or entity transfer. It does not establish a sale price, clear title, or by itself prove a tangled title.","action":"Read the recorded deed and have the title search confirm every grantor, grantee, estate/probate step, lien, and authority to sell.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/property-lots-housing/get-a-copy-of-a-deed-or-other-recorded-document/"},{"id":"abatement","level":"verify","title":"A reduced taxable assessment is not a verified abatement","finding":"OPA’s numeric assessment fields show a reduced taxable assessment; BlockReport has no official program determination for this parcel.","why":"The numeric treatment can reflect an improvement abatement or another exemption. It does not identify the ordinance, approval, start or end date, or continuation requirements after a transfer. Once OPA verifies a specific active abatement, many common programs attach the benefit to the property for the remaining term rather than ending automatically at sale, but some require a new-owner filing and continued qualifying use or tax compliance.","action":"Obtain the OPA exemption/abatement determination and history, then underwrite the buyer’s bill from the verified program terms.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/property-and-real-estate-taxes/get-real-estate-tax-relief/get-a-property-tax-abatement/"},{"id":"violations","level":"clear","title":"No open violation; closed history remains relevant","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 3 historical violations across 2 cases.","why":"A closed case is materially better than an open one, but it does not by itself prove that every altered use, unit, or concealed condition matches today’s approvals.","action":"Use the closed cases to target the inspection and occupancy-file review.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/violation-and-order-types/"}],"closingChecks":[{"title":"Property Sales Certification","body":"The seller must obtain Philadelphia’s certificate showing the base zoning, last use in the zoning record, and open violations. The City warns that it does not prove Building Code occupancy or show zoning overlays.","action":"Obtain the fresh certificate and compare it with the CO, permits, and Atlas overlays.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-property-sales-certification/"},{"title":"Date-effective City Property Payoff","body":"The Tax Center Property Payoff covers Real Estate Tax, Commercial Trash, and L&I abatement-work invoices. Philadelphia says it does not include business-tax debts or liens, water and sewer charges, or fines for code violations.","action":"Request the City statement effective through settlement; read every period and invoice.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/guides/philadelphia-tax-center/what-to-do/"},{"title":"Professional title and water-lien searches","body":"OPA ownership, deed summaries, and a zero tax balance are not clear title. Mortgages, judgments, municipal claims, water liens, easements, heirs, and other encumbrances require separate searches.","action":"Use a Pennsylvania lawyer/title company and obtain owner’s title insurance; order the separate water search/payoff.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/2026-04-07-why-title-insurance-is-your-best-friend-when-buying-a-home-in-philadelphia/","secondaryUrl":"https://www.phila.gov/services/water-gas-utilities/pay-or-dispute-a-water-bill/resolve-water-liens-judgments/"},{"title":"Seller-specific tax relief is not the buyer’s bill","body":"LOOP and low-income or senior Real Estate Tax freezes depend on the qualifying owner and continued program eligibility; a buyer cannot assume the seller’s capped or frozen bill continues. A separately verified property abatement often remains with the property for its remaining term, but program-specific new-owner filing, use, and tax-compliance conditions still must be confirmed—not inferred from the reduced assessment alone.","action":"Have Revenue or OPA identify every current benefit, model the buyer’s bill without seller-specific relief, and confirm any verified abatement in writing.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/payment-plans-and-assistance-programs/income-based-programs-for-residents/apply-for-the-longtime-owner-occupants-program-loop/","secondaryUrl":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/property-and-real-estate-taxes/get-real-estate-tax-relief/tax-freeze/"},{"title":"Seller disclosure and independent inspections","body":"For a covered Pennsylvania residential transfer, obtain the statutory seller disclosure. It reports the seller’s knowledge; it is not a warranty, title search, code review, or substitute for inspections.","action":"Have the agreement and disclosure reviewed for this transaction’s coverage and exceptions.","url":"https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/real-estate-commission"}]}