3938 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 3938 Lancaster Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections lists 25 permits, 8 not closed, and 60 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 3938 Lancaster Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively high overall, with elevated inland flooding and heat wave risk.
Permits and code violations
8 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 4 open violations.
- Plumbing permit Aug 2026Issued
Replacing power vent water heaters
- Plumbing permit Aug 2026Issued
Replacing power vent water heaters
- Commercial building permit Jul 2025Completed
For level i alteration to the existing attached structure for use as a six family dwelling units. building is not sprinklered. separate permits required for mep work.
- Commercial building permit Jul 2025Issued
For level i alteration to the existing attched structure for use as a four family dwelling units. building is not sprinklered. separate permits required for mep work.
- Zoning permit Oct 2021Expired
Unity of use
- Fire suppression permit Aug 2021Issued
Kitchen fire suppression system see mp-004485
- Mechanical / fuel gas permit Aug 2021Expired
For the installation of one (1) type i kitchen hood (15'-0" long), with exhaust fan and makeup air fan, all within property lines, as per approved plans.
- Electrical permit Jul 2021Completed
Wiring to include receptacle outlets, lighting, disconnects, exit lighting, emergency lighting, motors, and appliance connecting to new 200 amp panel and existing services. all necessary bonding and grounding as per 2017 nec.
- Plumbing permit Jul 2021Completed
Install two floor drains, one hub drain, four kitchen sinks, two lavatories, two water closets and two grease interceptors according to the 2018 ppc.
- Commercial building permit Jun 2021Expired
No change in use and occupancy classification. level ii interior alterations to an existing take out restaurant as per approved plans. no structural work on this permit. separate permit required for any mep work.
- Commercial building permit Mar 2021Completed
Make safe permit- for removal and replacement of joists to resolve case cf-2020-085799. a separate permit is required for any additional alterations that are not specifically addressed on case cf-2020-085799. any work beyond the scope of the engineer's report requires separate permit. 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.
- General permit Jul 2020Completed
For the installation of one(1) non-illuminated flatwall sign.size and location as shown in scanned application. sign accessory to a previously approved commercial space.
Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively High
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 (350 ft), open. 1 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Brownfield site
1,950 ft
Modern Laundry and 2 more within half a mile. Former industrial land in EPA's cleanup and reuse program.
EPA ACRES Brownfields
Toxic release facility
5,100 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
Wildfire risk
Very Low
Wildfire risk is low enough that standard home insurance usually covers it.
FEMA National Risk Index
Nearest public schools
1,850 ft
Belmont CS (1,850 ft), Robeson HS for Human Services (2,300 ft), McMichael Morton Sch (2,450 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
6.6 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.
- Look at the stairwell (cleanliness, smell) and the association's notice board: unpaid dues, conflicts, recent decisions.
- 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.
- 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.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.
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