242 Arch Street, Philadelphia
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 242 Arch Street have open permits or code violations?
- Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections lists 48 permits, 3 not closed, and 53 violations, 13 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 242 Arch Street at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated heat wave risk.
Permits and code violations
3 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 13 open violations.
- Plumbing permit Feb 2024Completed
Replace curb trap and main drain, install new fai
- Plumbing permit Aug 2023Expired
Excavate at the vent on the side walk to expose the main drain. cut out 5 inch cast iron pipe going through the foundation wall up to the trap. remove defection section and install new cast iron pipes. repair/replace md, ct & fai.
- Commercial building permit Apr 2023Completed
Partial demolition and reconstruction of existing greenhouse style wall and roof. alterations to consist of metal stud bearing walls, and roof framing in existing locations-no change to existing footprint. **separate permits to be required for any plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire suppression system installations. **
- Commercial building permit Mar 2023Completed
For structural repairs to floor framing and sheathing in an existing building per approved plans.
- Fire suppression permit Jul 2020Expired
For the installation of a new backflow prevention assembly (8" dc ames colt 200). backflow prevention system to be tied to an existing fire suppression installation.all work shall be performed by a fire suppression contractor licensed by the city of philadelphia.
- Alteration permit Apr 2018Completed
Brown stone facade repair with approval of phc
- Alteration permit Jan 2018Completed
For the installation of a temporary shelter platform with a tie in to the existing facade with approval from the philadelphia historical commission and provide covered walked at public right of way, extent of public right of way covered as approved by the philadelphia streets department. covered walkway shall be designed to support all imposed loads. all work to be done per approved plans. if field conditions vary contact structural engineer prior to the start of any work. separate permits required for all other work.
- Use permit Jun 2017Completed
Change in use from stationary store to wearing apparel and accessory store on the first floor. no change in height or square footage. no sign on this permit
- Electrical permit Aug 2015Completed
Install 200amp service and wire switches, recepts, lights, and interconnect smoke/co detectors through out as per 2008 nec (cc district)
- Electrical permit Apr 2015Completed
200amp service & wiring throughout as per nec 2008 (sfd) cc district
- Electrical permit Apr 2015Completed
200amp service & wiring throughout as per nec 2008 (sfd) cc district
- Plumbing permit Apr 2015Completed
Lateral,house drain,house trap,fai & water serv pa20151100263 "self-certification's are no longer permitted" - "all excavations and plumbing trenches in excess of 5 feet in depth must have approved shoring in place at the time of inspection"(center city district)
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
2.2 mi
Martin Aaron, Inc. (NPL Site). Check groundwater and vapor reports on the EPA site page.
EPA National Priorities List
Leaking fuel tanks
4 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Snydermans Gulf, 250 N 2nd St (1,300 ft), open. 1 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Toxic release facility
1,100 ft
U S Department Of The Treasury U S Mint At Philadelphia and 6 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
1,100 ft
Mastery CHS-Lenfest Campus (1,100 ft), National Constitution Center HS (2,200 ft), McCall Gen George A Sch (3,500 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
7.5 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 Arch 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.
- Knock on a neighboring door and ask two things: what bothers them most often, and what work is planned for the building.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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