{"asOf":"2026-07-10T16:39:54.273Z","block":"200-299 N 53RD ST","blockUrl":"https://blockreport.homes/block/200-299-n-53rd-st","address":"228 N 53RD ST","parcelNumber":"441174700","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=441174700","ownerType":"owner-occupied","kind":"house","isHouse":true,"residential":true,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingClass":"S/D W/D GAR 3 STY MASONRY","useLabel":"House","owner":"JOHNS MICHAEL W","coOwner":null,"marketValue":349900,"livableArea":5070,"yearBuilt":1960,"lastSale":{"price":35000,"date":"1993-05-14T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"3463680","date":"2015-02-02","code":"A-301.1/55","title":"PERMP- ALTER/REPAIR/REPL PLUMB","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}],"violationCases":[{"number":"467709","type":"CONSTRUCTION SERVICES","priority":"CONSTRUCTION SERVICES","responsibility":"DW","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2015-02-04","completedDate":"2015-04-25","violations":[{"number":"3463680","date":"2015-02-02","code":"A-301.1/55","title":"PERMP- ALTER/REPAIR/REPL PLUMB","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2015,"n":1,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"467709","date":"2015-02-02","type":"PP_PLUMB","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"467709","date":"2015-04-25","type":"PP_PLUMB","status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2015,"fails":1,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.96417294205174,"lng":-75.2263758059068,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.226116971,39.964128028],[-75.226669493,39.96407659],[-75.226638173,39.964214852],[-75.226085884,39.964271791],[-75.226116971,39.964128028]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL WEST","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19139","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":3,"lotArea":7754,"zoning":"RSA3","grade":"A","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"4","intCond":"4","garage":2,"homestead":true,"mail":"228 N 53RD ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19139","mailOut":false,"appeals":[{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR AN ARCHITECTS OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR AND FOR A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING ABOVE IN THE REAR BUILDING ON THE SAME LOT WITH AN EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING IN THE FRONT BUILDING AND FOR THE ERECTION OF ONE (1) FLATWALL SIGN (12'X","status":"OPEN","outcome":"Granted with conditions","date":"2010-10-19","number":"13277","relatedPermit":"298095"},{"type":"Building standards appeal","grounds":"ON 8/20/15, THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS ISSUED A NOTICE OF REFUSAL FOR APPLICATION #611058.","status":"CLOSED","outcome":"APPROVED","date":"2015-11-02","number":"26057","relatedPermit":"611058"}],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":0,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":189900,"taxable":167400},{"y":2017,"v":189900,"taxable":167400},{"y":2018,"v":189900,"taxable":167400},{"y":2019,"v":140400,"taxable":110400},{"y":2020,"v":145600,"taxable":115600},{"y":2021,"v":145600,"taxable":115600},{"y":2022,"v":145600,"taxable":115600},{"y":2023,"v":231400,"taxable":183732},{"y":2024,"v":231400,"taxable":183731.6},{"y":2025,"v":298700,"taxable":237167.8},{"y":2026,"v":298700,"taxable":237167.8},{"y":2027,"v":349900,"taxable":277820.6}],"taxNow":3320,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"298095","date":"2010-10-19","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-10-19","scope":"USE OF REAR OF BLDG FROM A KENNEL AND VET OFFICE TO AN OFFICE FOR ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE AND CONVERT 2ND FLOOR OF THE REAR BLDG INTO 1 APT. INSTALL WALL SIGN INFRONT."},{"number":"311254","date":"2010-12-17","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"EXPIRED","completedDate":null,"scope":"RENOVATIONS OF EXISTING STRUCTURE TO ACCOMMODATE SMALL OFFICE AND HC BATHROOM ON 1ST FLOOR AND RENOVATE 2ND FLOOR INTO A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING."},{"number":"408898","date":"2012-06-05","work":"Administrative","type":"BP_ADMINST","description":"ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT","status":"EXPIRED","completedDate":null,"scope":"EXTENSION OF PERMIT #311254 PER PA EXTENSION ACT. PERMIT EXTENDED TO JULY 1, 2013. WORK INCLUDES RENOVATIONS OF EXISTING STRUCTURE TO ACCOMMODATE SMALL OFFICE AND HC BATHROOM ON 1ST FLOOR AND RENOVATE 2ND FLOOR INTO A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING."},{"number":"484653","date":"2013-08-02","work":"New Construction","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2021-02-24","scope":"BRANCH CIRCUIT WIRING IN OFFICE AND DWELLING AREA OF BUILDING REPLACE EXISTING SERVICE EQUIPMENT INSTALL FIRE ALARM EQUIPMENT PER 2008 NEC & NFPA 72 (MIXED USE) BRANCH CIRCUIT WIRING IN OFFICE AND DWELLING AREA OF BUILDING REPLACE EXISTING SERVICE EQUIPMENT INSTALL FIRE ALARM EQUIPMENT PER 2008 NEC & NFPA 72 (MIXED USE)"},{"number":"514767","date":"2014-05-02","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2014-07-03","scope":"INSTALLATION OF GAS FIREPLACE PER MANUFACTURER'S INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS."},{"number":"541606","date":"2014-06-25","work":"Zoning","type":"ZP_ZONING","description":"ZONING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2014-06-25","scope":"ERECTION OF 8' X 9' X 21\" HIGH REAR DECK (PROPOSED DECK AREA 70 SQ. FT.) ACCESSORY TO AN EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING WITH DOG KENNEL IN REAR BLDG."},{"number":"566784","date":"2014-10-08","work":"Administrative","type":"BP_ADMINST","description":"ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT","status":"EXPIRED","completedDate":"2015-02-04","scope":"EXTENSION OF PERMIT #311254 PER PA EXTENSION ACT. PERMIT EXTENDED TO JULY 1, 2016. WORK INCLUDES RENOVATIONS OF EXISTING STRUCTURE TO ACCOMMODATE SMALL OFFICE AND HC BATHROOM ON 1ST FLOOR AND RENOVATE 2ND FLOOR INTO A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING."},{"number":"569566","date":"2014-11-13","work":"Zoning admin review","type":"ZP_ADMIN","description":"ZONING ADMIN REVIEW","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2014-11-13","scope":"TO AMEND A/P NO 298095 (CAL NO 13277) TO CHANGE TO LOCATION OF THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED USES: FOR USE AS A DWELLING UNIT ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF THE REAR BUILDING AND BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL OFFICE ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF THE REAR BUILDING. NO CHANGE IN HEIGHT OR AREA OF STRUCTURE, NO CHANGE IN USE OF FRONT BUILDING."},{"number":"569574","date":"2014-11-21","work":"Administrative","type":"BP_ADMINST","description":"ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2017-04-03","scope":"AMENDMENT TO PERMIT# 311254 FOR CHANGE IN BUILDING LAYOUT FOR PROPOSED USE."},{"number":"594396","date":"2015-03-06","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-02-10","scope":"ROUGHIN WATER AND DRAIN LINES FOR 1 FULL BATH,1 HALF BATH AND 1 KITCHEN SINK-THE INSTALLATION WILL COMPLY WITH THE PHILADELPHIA PLUMBING CODE 2004"},{"number":"595541","date":"2015-04-06","work":"Suppression","type":"BP_FIRESUP","description":"SUPPRESSION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2017-11-14","scope":"INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH NFPA 13-D THROUGHOUT THE FIRST FLOOR OF AN EXISTING TWO (2) STORY REAR STRUCTURE. THIS IS A MULTIPURPOSE SYSTEM UTILIZING A COMBINED THREE-QUARTER INCH (3/4\") DOMESTIC AND FIRE SERVICE LINE. SEPARATE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR ALL PLUMBING WORK."}],"storyTag":"New construction","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2012,"k":"permit","w":"Administrative"},{"y":2013,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2014,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2014,"k":"permit","w":"Zoning"},{"y":2014,"k":"permit","w":"Administrative"},{"y":2014,"k":"permit","w":"Zoning admin review"},{"y":2014,"k":"permit","w":"Administrative"},{"y":2015,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2015,"k":"permit","w":"Suppression"},{"y":2015,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2015,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2015,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal approved"}],"rented":true,"licenses":[{"number":"254849","type":"Rental","status":"Active","businessName":"MICHAEL W JOHNS","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":2,"issuedDate":"2004-10-28","latestIssueDate":"2026-03-05","expirationDate":"2027-02-28","inactiveDate":null}],"units":2,"signals":[],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Appeal #13277: OPEN · Granted with conditions; related permit 298095. Use permit #298095: 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":"permit-status","level":"attention","title":"A permit row needs file-level verification","finding":"4 permits not marked completed: 311254 (EXPIRED), 408898 (EXPIRED), 484653 (Expired), 566784 (EXPIRED). At least one row also carries a completion date, so the City fields conflict.","why":"Issued work is not the same as approved final work. L&I uses final inspections and required certifications to close construction permits; expired, withdrawn, and completed are different City statuses.","action":"Open the permit file and confirm final inspections, holds, and any resulting occupancy certificate.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections-by-permit-type/"},{"id":"rental-license","level":"verify","title":"A rental license does not transfer with the deed","finding":"1 active Rental License record matched.","why":"If dwelling space is rented, the buyer must obtain a new annual Rental License; the seller’s license is not transferable. New applications require proof of ownership and legal occupancy, tax compliance, no open L&I violations, and lead compliance where applicable.","action":"Plan the buyer’s replacement license before settlement.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/rent-or-sell-property/get-a-rental-license/"},{"id":"lead","level":"verify","title":"Lead compliance is a separate record","finding":"OPA records a 1960 build year; BlockReport does not receive the Health Department’s unit-level lead certificate file.","why":"Philadelphia requires covered pre-March-1978 rentals to be certified lead-safe or lead-free for a new or renewed lease and for a new or renewed Rental License. A certificate is unit-specific; a renovation does not by itself create an exemption.","action":"Request the current lead certificate or City exemption for every dwelling unit.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/documents/lead-and-healthy-homes-resources-for-landlords/"},{"id":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"1 failed, 1 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Apr 25, 2015.","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":"homestead","level":"verify","title":"Homestead is tied to owner occupancy and the deed","finding":"OPA shows the Homestead Exemption.","why":"Philadelphia limits Homestead to an owner’s primary residence. The City says a deed change can require a new application or update.","action":"A buyer should apply in their own name and not assume the seller’s benefit continues.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/documents/homestead-exemption-application/"},{"id":"violations","level":"clear","title":"No open violation; closed history remains relevant","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 1 historical violation across 1 case.","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. Because OPA dates this building before 1978, separately obtain the required federal/City lead disclosures and any test results.","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"}]}