5231 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 5231 Germantown Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections lists 24 permits, 1 not closed, and 60 violations, 5 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 1, the highest potential. Test for radon before you buy.
- What natural disasters is 5231 Germantown Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively moderate overall, with elevated heat wave and cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
1 permit not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 5 open violations.
- Plumbing permit Apr 2025Completed
Replace curb trap and fai
- Demolition permit Jun 2023Completed
Sub demolition permit for cf-2023-059483. for the complete demolition of a sfd as part of the city of philadelphia demolition program. add'l specs: no sidewalk. (1) stucco c/w 13 e. bringhurst st., clean and remove debrid from 13 e. bringhurst st. replace 2 side windows on side of 13 e. bringhurst st. replace 30' of rear 4' high chain link fence c/w 13 e. bringhurst st. install erosion control mat with topsoil and seed.
- Plumbing permit Jun 2023Completed
Created from demolition permit dp-2023-000820. lateral seal.
- Plumbing permit Mar 2022Expired
Repair curb trap fai
- Electrical permit Jan 2021Completed
Feeding 12/2 wires to (9) min-split ductless units outside to a disconnect from panel as per 2017 nec
- Mechanical / fuel gas permit Oct 2020Completed
For the installation of nine (9) mini-split ductless systems with condensing units, in an existing structure, as per approved plans.
- General permit minor Jul 2020Completed
All work to address violation # a-302.10/3 replace all required windows as per historical commission with "clad windows"
- Plumbing permit Jun 2020Completed
Replace 40 gallon hot water tanks
- General permit minor Nov 2019Completed
Level 1 alterations to an exiting multi-family dwelling units-laminate walls with gyp. install finish flooring, kitchen cabinets no work to fire rated assemblies and no framing permitted on this permit. new flooring, kitchen cabinets, small repair to drywall. no work to the windows or exterior as per historic approval.
- Plumbing permit Sep 2019Completed
Install new 6" curb trap new fai and new main drain curb to bldg new 1 1/2 water service main to bldg as per philadelphia 2004 plumbing code.
- Mechanical permit Sep 2019Completed
For the installation of a hvac mechanical system to include split system air handlers, exhaust fans, grilles/registers/diffusers, and associated ductwork.
- Electrical permit Apr 2019Completed
Amend ap# 888236 to update fire alarm devices and modification to the service and panel schedule and to the fire pump
Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Highest for this area: heat wave, cold wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
5 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Freedom Square Lower Germantown, 29 E Wister St (950 ft), open. 2 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Brownfield site
1,000 ft
Penn Garden and 5 more within half a mile. Former industrial land in EPA's cleanup and reuse program.
EPA ACRES Brownfields
Toxic release facility
3,400 ft
Viz Manufacturing Co. Reports chemical releases to air, water or land to EPA each year.
EPA Toxics Release Inventory
Historic listing nearby
150 ft
Howell House and 4 more listings close by. Exterior changes can need preservation review; listed buildings can qualify for rehabilitation tax credits.
National Park Service, National Register
Radon potential
High
Average indoor levels here can exceed 4 pCi/L, EPA's action level. A $15 test kit settles it before you buy.
EPA and USGS Geologic Radon Potential Map
Nearest public schools
700 ft
Mastery CS John Wister Elementary (700 ft), Fitler Academics Plus (2,000 ft), Kelly John B Sch (2,750 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
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
Have you lived here? Share your experience.
Leave a reviewLife around the address
Firehouse Arts operates at 5231 Germantown Avenue, bringing arts-related visitors and regular foot traffic to this stretch of Germantown Avenue. Its presence makes the block a destination for people attending programs and events at the venue.
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More on Germantown 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The year built, height regime, structure, and elevator for this address are being indexed right now, city by city. Save the page and check back: it fills in over time. If you live here, you can fill it in yourself in a minute by leaving a review.