1609 Brown Street, Philadelphia
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 1609 Brown Street have open permits or code violations?
- Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections lists 54 permits, 6 not closed, and 60 violations, 2 open.
- What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Philadelphia County?
- $832,750 for a single-unit home, per FHFA. Larger loans are jumbo loans.
- Is radon a problem here?
- EPA radon zone 2, moderate potential.
- What natural disasters is 1609 Brown Street at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively moderate overall, with elevated heat wave risk.
Permits and code violations
6 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 2 open violations.
- Electrical permit Oct 2026Issued
Installation of new wiring throughout for each unit(4) and the common area. installation of new boxes, switches and other electrical equipment throughout for each unit (4) and common area. installation of interconnected smoke alarms throughout. installation of new 400 amp service -(3) 600 kcmil al ,w/ 1/0 cu grounding electrode & bond all systems in the property together , including 5-gang meter bank, and 5 service panels, 125 amps for each unit(4) and common area 100 amps. all electrical installations will be installed per approved drawings-2017 nec.
- Plumbing permit Jul 2026Issued
Alterations to existing apartments. interior installation of drainage, waste, vent, and water supply for listed fixtures. venting to be designed and installed in accordance with section 919 philadelphia single stack vent system. all work to be installed in strict compliance with 2018 ppc and approved plans
- Commercial building permit Feb 2026Issued
For a level ii interior alterations to an existing structure used as a multi-family household living. alterations to include, selective demolition of existing partions and the erection of new partition walls, provide finishes/furnishings throughout. building is not sprinklered. ** all work to be done per approved plans.** if field conditions vary contact design professional prior to the start of any work. **asbestos remediation required in selected area (basement) prior to start of work**separate permits to be obtained for all other work.** amendment approved 4/29/26 amend alteration permit cp-2025-006242 to include intallation of star bolts in front wall as per approved plans.
- Residential building permit Oct 2024Completed
For the installation of starbolts and repairs to the front exterior wall to resolve case cf-2024-108812. all work to be done per approved plans and engineering inspection letter. if field conditions vary contact design engineer prior to the start of any work. a separate permit is required for any additional alterations that are not specifically addressed on case cf-2024-108812. "in accordance with code bulletin pm-1801, a pa professional engineer is required to monitor repairs made under this permit. the engineer must submit a sealed statement to the department confirming that the structure is in sound condition at completion."
- Mechanical / fuel gas permit Jun 2022Completed
For the installation of a new hvac systems, associated duct work, rooftop units, appliances, and registers/diffusers as per approved plans. separate permit required for electrical, plumbing, fire suppression
- Electrical permit Jun 2022Completed
New 300 amp incoming service and wiring throughout as per 2017 nec. install new fire alarm system as per 2016 nfpa 72.
- Plumbing permit Apr 2022Completed
Install 6 water closets, 5 shower/tubs, 10 lavatories, 3 kitchen sinks, 3 washing machine boxes, 2 roof drains, 3 area drains, 1 sump pump, 1 ejector sump pump, 6 hub drains and 3 hot water heaters according to the 2018 ppc.
- Plumbing permit Apr 2022Completed
Install 6" storm and sanitary main drains & curb traps, fai, and 1" water service
- Fire suppression permit Apr 2022Completed
Install new fire suppression system complying with nfpa 13r throughout the building to include 2" main fire service line with a 2.5" backflow prevention assembly and one (1) standpipe riser complying with nfpa 14 as per approved plans. all work shall be performed by a fire suppression contractor licensed by the city of philadelphia.
- Demolition permit Nov 2021Completed
For proposed complete demolition of an existing three story attached structure for use as a vacant residential use as shown on plan sealed by structural engineer. hand demolition to be done for all demolition methods. permitted demolition activity to be in accordance with approved site safety demolition plan & such plan to be maintained on site at all times in accordance with philadelphia administrative code.any deviation will require an amended building permit. pedestrian protection to be in place prior to start of work and to be maintained during all demolition activities.* a covered walkway or sidewalk closure shall be required within 8 feet of building facades in accordance with section 3306 of the ibc. separate building and/or streets department permits are required.* if field conditions vary contact design professional prior to the start of any work.
- Commercial building permit Nov 2021Completed
For the erection of an attached structure with roof deck accessed by a roof deck access structure; for use as multi-family (three (3) dwelling units) household living; size and location as shown in the application/plan. building to be fully sprinklered. separate permits required for mep & fp work.
- Plumbing permit Sep 2021Completed
Lateral seal
Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Highest for this area: heat wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
4 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Amoco Sta Phila Ridge Ave, 1840 Ridge Ave (1,650 ft), open. 2 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Brownfield site
550 ft
1521 1539 Parrish Street and 2 more within half a mile. Former industrial land in EPA's cleanup and reuse program.
EPA ACRES Brownfields
Toxic release facility
2,200 ft
Smithkline Beecham Pharmaceuticals and 1 more within a mile. Reports chemical releases to air, water or land to EPA each year.
EPA Toxics Release Inventory
Historic listing nearby
450 ft
Darrah, Lydia, School. Exterior changes can need preservation review; listed buildings can qualify for rehabilitation tax credits.
National Park Service, National Register
High-voltage line
1,250 ft
138 kV line run by PECO ENERGY CO.
HIFLD transmission lines
Radon potential
Moderate
Average indoor levels of 2 to 4 pCi/L. EPA still suggests testing ground-floor and basement units.
EPA and USGS Geologic Radon Potential Map
Nearest public schools
1,000 ft
People for People CS (1,000 ft), Franklin LC (1,300 ft), Science Leadership Academy (1,550 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
7.8 mi
Philadelphia International (PHL). Aircraft may be audible under approach paths.
FAA large-hub airports
Conforming loan limit 2026
$832,750
Philadelphia County. Mortgages up to this amount qualify for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pricing. Above it, the loan is a jumbo with stricter terms.
FHFA Conforming Loan Limit Values, one-unit
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More on Brown Street
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What's worth checking in person before deciding.
- Test water pressure and temperature at the tap, in the bathroom and kitchen, for at least a minute.
- Ask specifically where you'd park: is there paid city parking, who currently holds it, what the permit costs, and how long the waitlist is.
- Knock on a neighboring door and ask two things: what bothers them most often, and what work is planned for the building.
- Schedule a viewing on a weekday too, between 6:00 and 7:30 PM, the window when the building is busiest: neighbors, parking, elevator.
- Ask for the latest maintenance bill from a winter month, not a summer one: that's where the real cost of living there shows up.
- Look at the stairwell (cleanliness, smell) and the association's notice board: unpaid dues, conflicts, recent decisions.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.
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