3878 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 3878 Lancaster Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections lists 41 permits, 12 not closed, and 44 violations, 4 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 3878 Lancaster Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively moderate overall, with elevated inland flooding and heat wave risk.
Permits and code violations
12 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 4 open violations.
- Electrical permit Aug 2026Issued
Replace 2 outlets, 2 switches, 6 fixtures, and 1 exit fixture--fishing
- Commercial building permit May 2024Expired
Level i interior alterations (no change of occupancy) to create two (2) hour rating surrounding existing exit enclosure as per approved plans. no changes to interior space layouts. no new space fit-outs. *2018 iebc review*
- Plumbing permit Dec 2023Completed
Replace 3/4" backflow device.
- Commercial building permit Jun 2023Expired
Level ii interior alterations on the 1st floor of an existing building structure. alterations to include the erection of partition walls, provide finishes/furnishings and accessibility improvements throughout. for use assembly and entertainment - nightclubs and private clubs (70 persons) as per approved plans. *2018 iebc review* ***************************separate permits are required for all other work. *******************************************
- Zoning permit May 2023Issued
Residential - household living - two-family; personal services
- Zoning permit Dec 2022Issued
Assembly and entertainment - nightclubs and private clubs
- Zoning permit Apr 2022Issued
Public, civic, and institutional - libraries and cultural exhibits
- Plumbing permit Feb 2022Expired
Install 5in x 5in curb trap and fai
- Fire suppression permit Aug 2020Completed
For the installation of an automatic wet sprinkler system (using new 2" fire service line as per pwd utility plan dated 12/13/19 and new 2" backflow) as per nfpa 13r throughout a new four (4) story attached structure used as group r-2, as per plans; see ap#962494 for new construction permit.
- Administrative permit Jul 2020Completed
For the amendment of permit ap#962494, to remove windows located at the rear elevation to reduce exterior wall opening areas and change the fire suppression system to a nfpa 13r system. size and location of window openings as per approved drawings.
- Mechanical / fuel gas permit Mar 2020Completed
Install four heat pumps systems and new duct work for three apartments all units to be self contained as ez permit ductwork & warm-air appliances - for the installation if new ductwork, registers/grilles/diffusers, and warm-air appliances as per attached standards. deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans.
- Fire suppression permit Feb 2020Completed
For the installation of an automatic wet sprinkler system (using new 2" fire service line as per pwd utility plan dated 12/13/19 and new 2" backflow) as per nfpa 13r throughout a new four (4) story attached structure used as group r-2, as per plans; see ap#962494 for new construction permit.
Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Highest for this area: inland flooding, heat wave, cold wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
4 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Former Toney Miller Svc Sta, 3917-27 Lancaster Ave (250 ft), open. 1 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Brownfield site
1,750 ft
Dupont Crescent Schuylkill River Dev Corp and 2 more within half a mile. Former industrial land in EPA's cleanup and reuse program.
EPA ACRES Brownfields
Toxic release facility
4,500 ft
Ge Co Re Entry Sys Department. 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
2,150 ft
Powel Samuel Sch (2,150 ft), Science Leadership Academy MS (2,150 ft), McMichael Morton Sch (2,300 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
6.5 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 Lancaster Avenue
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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.
- 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.
- Look at the stairwell (cleanliness, smell) and the association's notice board: unpaid dues, conflicts, recent decisions.
- Schedule a viewing on a weekday too, between 6:00 and 7:30 PM, the window when the building is busiest: neighbors, parking, elevator.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.
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