239 Catharine Street, Philadelphia
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 239 Catharine Street have open permits or code violations?
- Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections lists 29 permits, 9 not closed, and 28 violations, 11 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 239 Catharine Street at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated heat wave risk.
Permits and code violations
9 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 11 open violations.
- General permit minor Nov 2025Completed
**existing philadelphia historic property** for repair / replacement of roof covering(s) on existing roof(s) in accordance with the attached ez permit re-roofing standard. failure to comply with the attached ez permit re-roofing standard shall result in revocation of this permit. replacement of sheathing in excess of 10% of roof area shall not be applicable to the ez permit process. install new shingles on existing gable and dormer roofs, and dormer sides. no work to any windows or doors, no work to front facade, no capping of any architectural details, or any dormer features as per phc.
- General permit minor May 2025Expired
Ez permit re-roofing- for the installation of new roof coverings on existing roofs as per attached standard. deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans. replacement of sheathing in excess of 10% of roof area shall not be applicable to the ez permit process. no work to dormer fronts, no capping of any architectural features, no work to front facade as part of permit, no work to exterior windows or doors as part of permit(as per phc conditions). remove existing shingles install new shingles.
- Mechanical / fuel gas permit Mar 2025Issued
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. gas furnace 92% 60kbtu, coil 2.5t, ac 13.2seer unit located in the back yard. new ductwork
- Electrical permit Oct 2024Completed
Rewire as per nec 2017 20 recess light smoke and co arch fault
- Zoning permit Aug 2024Issued
For two (2) off-street surface parking spaces accessory to an existing structure.
- Plumbing permit Nov 2023Issued
Install a new stack , 3 toilets, 3 lavs and 1 tub and 1 shower, 1 kitchen and 2 water heaters.
- Zoning permit Jan 2023Issued
Residential - household living - multi-family
- Electrical permit Sep 2022Completed
Upgrade service to 200 amp 120/240 volt. 50 amp 120/240 outlet for car charger as per 2017 nec
- Plumbing permit Mar 2022Completed
Replacing curb trap fai and section of main house drain as per ppc 2018
- Plumbing permit Feb 2022Completed
Replace house trap and fresh air inlet as per ppc 2018
- Residential building permit Dec 2021Issued
For the partial demolition of the existing attached structure and the construction of an addition to the rear of an existing structure as per approved plan. *separate permits required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work* **underpinning is not part of this permit** ** amend to replace previously proposed steel deck to cantilevered wood framed deck at 3rd floor rear, and to changes to truss & decking design and 4th floor framing, as per amended plan and documents. **
- Zoning permit May 2021Issued
Residential - household living - single-family
Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
Highest for this area: heat wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Superfund site
1.7 mi
Martin Aaron, Inc. (NPL Site). Check groundwater and vapor reports on the EPA site page.
EPA National Priorities List
Leaking fuel tanks
6 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: 601 Christian St, 601 Christian St (1,500 ft), open. 1 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Brownfield site
1,000 ft
Bainbridge Site. Former industrial land in EPA's cleanup and reuse program.
EPA ACRES Brownfields
Toxic release facility
4,200 ft
Catalyst International Gasket Materials Corp and 3 more within a mile. Reports chemical releases to air, water or land to EPA each year.
EPA Toxics Release Inventory
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
950 ft
Meredith William M Sch (950 ft), Nebinger George W Sch (1,700 ft), Vare-Washington El Sch (2,050 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
6.7 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 Catharine 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 for the latest maintenance bill from a winter month, not a summer one: that's where the real cost of living there shows up.
- Schedule a viewing on a weekday too, between 6:00 and 7:30 PM, the window when the building is busiest: neighbors, parking, elevator.
- Look at the stairwell (cleanliness, smell) and the association's notice board: unpaid dues, conflicts, recent decisions.
- Knock on a neighboring door and ask two things: what bothers them most often, and what work is planned for the building.
- 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.
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