{"asOf":"2026-07-10T05:21:08.253Z","block":"3800-3899 GERMANTOWN AVE","blockUrl":"https://blockreport.homes/block/3800-3899-germantown-ave","address":"3829 GERMANTOWN AVE","parcelNumber":"871083600","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=871083600","ownerType":"investor","kind":"mixed-use","isHouse":false,"residential":true,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingClass":"STR/OFF+APT 3 STY MASONRY","useLabel":"Apartment building","owner":"GERMANTOWN AVENUE LLC","coOwner":null,"marketValue":224700,"livableArea":3684,"yearBuilt":1940,"lastSale":{"price":849500,"date":"2022-12-01T05:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[],"violationCases":[],"investigations":[],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":40.011705003118365,"lng":-75.15146890976018,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.151647065,40.011685639],[-75.151313522,40.011774649],[-75.151294024,40.011728685],[-75.15162489,40.011635666],[-75.151647065,40.011685639]]]},"liDistrict":"NORTH","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2022-018650","type":"Sprinkler Certification","inspectionDate":"2022-10-26","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2023-10-26","buildingId":"1206154"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19140","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":null,"lotArea":2000,"zoning":"CMX2.5","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"3","intCond":"3","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"315 W ZERALDA ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19144","mailOut":false,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":true,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":4,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":125100,"taxable":125100},{"y":2017,"v":125100,"taxable":125100},{"y":2018,"v":119800,"taxable":119800},{"y":2019,"v":123300,"taxable":123300},{"y":2020,"v":124500,"taxable":124500},{"y":2021,"v":124500,"taxable":124500},{"y":2022,"v":124500,"taxable":124500},{"y":2023,"v":91800,"taxable":91800},{"y":2024,"v":91800,"taxable":91800},{"y":2025,"v":105200,"taxable":105200},{"y":2026,"v":105200,"taxable":105200},{"y":2027,"v":224700,"taxable":224700}],"taxNow":1473,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"CP-2021-000512","date":"2021-03-09","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-12-14","scope":"For Level II Alterations without a change of occupancy to an existing Group R-2 (Three (3) Dwelling Units) occupancy on the 2nd/3rd floors of an existing three (3) story attached structure, including work to the vacant commercial space at the basement/ground floor (separate use permit and fit-out building permit(s) required prior to occupancy), as per plans; separate permits required for all MEP/FSP work; building to be fully sprinklered throughout as per NFPA 13."},{"number":"PP-2021-004242","date":"2021-03-16","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-12-09","scope":"Curb trap FAI"},{"number":"PP-2021-005844","date":"2021-04-11","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2021-10-27","scope":"Installation of sinks, toilets & Shower"},{"number":"EP-2021-003555","date":"2021-05-12","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-11-07","scope":"Rewire the entire building and install new 600 amp service. Underground service entrance according to plan and 2017 NEC. Install fire alarm system as per 2016 NFPA 72."},{"number":"MP-2021-005176","date":"2021-08-12","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-12-09","scope":"EZ PERMIT DUCTWORK & WARM-AIR APPLIANCES For the installation of New Ductwork, Registers/Grilles/Diffusers, and Warm-Air Appliances as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans. MULTI FAMILY/MIXED USE EACH HVAC UNIT TO BE SELF-CONTAINED WITHIN EACH DWELLING UNIT. NO PENETRATIONS OF RATED ASSEMBLIES. install all new ductwork with new hvac mechanicals for all 3 apartments. second floor will be split in half with 2 apartments. both units will have 2 ton Goodman electric air handlers with ductwork. both units will have mechanical rooms located in the closet of the units. 3rd floor will be one apartment with a 2 ton electric Goodman air handler with ductwork. the mechanical room will be located in the closet of the unit. we will install all 3 of the 14 seer 2 ton Goodman heat pump condenses on the ground in the back yard. we will have 18 diffusers total"},{"number":"FP-2021-001757","date":"2021-12-10","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Fire Suppression","description":"Fire Suppression Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-12-14","scope":"FOR INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEM PER NFPA 13 WITH 2-INCH FIRE SERVICE LINE AND 2-1/2 BFP DEVICE AS PER APPROVED PLANS."},{"number":"PP-2022-012857","date":"2022-10-03","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-12-09","scope":"For minor construction work at the subject property in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Philadelphia Code, all references codes and standards, and the attached EZ Standard, where included. Deviation from this standard shall result in permit revocation. A separate permit from the Philadelphia Department of Streets is required for any sidewalk and street closures. All means of pedestrian protection required at the site in accordance with the Philadelphia Building Code Chapter 33 shall be in place prior to start of work."},{"number":"ZP-2023-001315","date":"2023-02-10","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Eating and Drinking Establishments - Sit-Down Restaurant"},{"number":"CP-2023-003048","date":"2023-11-08","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Expired","completedDate":"2026-02-09","scope":"FOR LEVEL II ALTERATIONS TO THE FIRST FLOOR LEVEL FOR USE AS A SIT DOWN RESTAURANT WITH STORAGE IN BASEMENT LEVEL (NO CHANGE IN OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION). ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE THE ERECTION OF PARTITION WALLS, PROVIDE FINISHES/FURNISHINGS, AND ACCESSIBLITY IMPROVMENTS THROUGHOUT. WORK TO ALSO INCLUDE STRUCTURAL WORK (INFILL EXISTING OPENING). TENANT SPACE IS SPRINKLERED PER NFPA 13. ALL WORK TO BE DONE PER APPROVED PLANS. IF FIELD CONDITIONS VARY CONTACT DESIGN ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY WORK. SEPARATE PERMITS TO BE OBTAINED FOR ALL OTHER WORK."}],"storyTag":"Renovated & sold on","storyDelta":11.14,"timeline":[{"y":2020,"k":"sale","p":140000},{"y":2020,"k":"sale","p":205000},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"},{"y":2022,"k":"sale","p":849500},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Change of Use"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"}],"rented":true,"licenses":[{"number":"915264","type":"Rental","status":"Active","businessName":"GERMANTOWN AVE LLC","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":3,"issuedDate":"2023-01-26","latestIssueDate":"2026-05-14","expirationDate":"2027-01-25","inactiveDate":null}],"units":3,"signals":[{"kind":"post-purchase-work","level":"elevated","title":"Post-purchase work pattern","summary":"A recorded purchase followed by 3 permit events matches the early part of a renovate-and-resell sequence.","evidence":["purchase recorded in 2022","permit activity in 2022, 2023"],"caveat":"This does not show that the property is listed or that a sale is planned."},{"kind":"permit-mismatch","level":"watch","title":"Assessment/permit mismatch","summary":"The assessment jumped 114% in 2027, but no matching permit appears in the property timeline.","evidence":["assessment moved from $105,200 to $224,700","no permit shown in 2026-2028"],"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":"The record identifies more than one dwelling/use.","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":"2 permits not marked completed: PP-2021-005844 (Expired), CP-2023-003048 (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":"building-certifications","level":"attention","title":"A life-safety certification appears expired","finding":"Sprinkler Certification: Certified through Oct 26, 2023","why":"Fire-protection certifications apply to the named system and inspection period only; they are not a whole-building safety certificate. Philadelphia generally requires annual sprinkler, standpipe, fire-alarm, special-hazard, and emergency-power inspections where those systems exist.","action":"Request the correction/reinspection and current filed certificate.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/maintenance-certifications/fire-protection-certifications/"},{"id":"mixed-use","level":"verify","title":"Residential and business space run on separate compliance tracks","finding":"OPA classifies this parcel as mixed-use.","why":"The zoning/use and occupancy file must cover the actual residential and commercial spaces. Dwelling units can require Rental Licenses and lead compliance; the operator can separately need an Activity License and sector license; installed fire systems can require annual certification.","action":"Match every dwelling and business use to the zoning permit, CO, current operator licenses, and life-safety filings.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-certificate-of-occupancy/"},{"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 1940 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":"commercial-trash","level":"verify","title":"A separate Commercial Trash account may apply","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as mixed-use. BlockReport does not receive a current Commercial Trash account balance.","why":"Philadelphia charges qualifying small commercial, mixed-use, and multi-unit properties that use City collection; exemptions and private collection can change applicability. A use category alone does not prove a fee is due.","action":"Check the Commercial Trash account inside the date-effective Property Payoff.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/2026-06-09-pay-your-trash-fee-bill-by-june-30/"}],"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"}]}