640 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 640 Chestnut Street have open permits or code violations?
- Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections lists 60 permits, 17 not closed, and 60 violations, 7 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 640 Chestnut Street at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated heat wave risk.
Permits and code violations
17 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 7 open violations.
- Commercial building permit Sep 2025Issued
For windows replacement to a portion of an existing structure. **all work to be done per approved plans.** if field conditions vary contact design engineer prior to the start of any work**iebc 2018*** windows replacement only**
- Plumbing permit Aug 2025Completed
1 1/2" water distribution pipe
- Fire suppression permit Dec 2024Completed
For the installation of a new fire suppression system complying with nfpa 13 throughout an existing structure. installation to include 4" fire service line and 4." dc wilkins 350 ast backflow prevention assembly as per approved plans. **standpipe system in accordance with nfpa14 to be provided**all work shall be performed by a fire suppression contractor licensed by the city of philadelphia
- Commercial building permit Oct 2024Completed
For level ii alterations to an existing structure. alterations to include two masonry openings through existing wall supported by concrete foundation. for use as previously approved. all work to be done per approved plans. ***************** separate permits to be obtained for all other work. ******************************************
- Electrical permit Aug 2024Completed
Install (2) 400 amp & (1) 200 amp 120/240v 1 phase services, (1) 2 gang meter bank, (1) 3 gang meter bank, (1) 4 gang meter bank, (2) 200 amp panels & feeders, (6) 125 amp panels & feeders & (1) 100 amp panel & feeder. install wiring throughout the common areas, two commercial shell spaces & six dwelling units. install lights normal & emergency, switches, sensors, receptacles & smoke alarms. provide power for the mechanical & hvac equipment. install a new fire alarm system throughout. all work in accordance with the 2017 nec.
- Plumbing permit Jun 2024Completed
Plumbing per plan
- Mechanical / fuel gas permit Jun 2024Completed
Installation of new hvac system for a mixed use building as per approved plans. *2018 imc review*
- Zoning permit Feb 2024Issued
Residential - household living - multi-family; retail sales - wearing apparel and accessories; artist studios and artisan industrial.
- Commercial building permit Feb 2024Completed
For change of occupancy and level iii alterations to include new partitions, fixtures, furnishings, finishes, new windows in existing opening, structural work, as per approved plans. building to be fully sprinklered per nfpa 13. separate permits required for mep and fire suppression work. amendment 9/19/24 to document layout changes as per approved plans. amendment 1/27/26 to change special inspection agency.
- Plumbing permit May 2023Completed
Curb trap, fresh air inlet
- General permit minor Dec 2022Expired
Ez interior non-load-bearing wall demolition - for the interior demolition on non-load-bearing partition walls and ceilings as per attached standard. deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans.
- Commercial building permit Sep 2022Completed
For the installation of exterior stairs at existing roof deck per approved plans.
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
2.4 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: Greyhound Lines, 1001 Filbert St (1,550 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
800 ft
Trigen Philadelphia Energy Corp Edison Facility and 2 more within a mile. Reports chemical releases to air, water or land to EPA each year.
EPA Toxics Release Inventory
Historic listing nearby
100 ft
Benjamin Franklin Hotel. Exterior changes can need preservation review; listed buildings can qualify for rehabilitation tax credits.
National Park Service, National Register
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
450 ft
National Constitution Center HS (450 ft), Mastery CHS-Lenfest Campus (1,700 ft), McCall Gen George A Sch (1,700 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
7.1 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 Chestnut 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.
- The building has commercial space on the ground floor. Ask about their hours, check where the ventilation or refrigeration units are, and what time deliveries happen in the morning.
- 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.
- Schedule a viewing on a weekday too, between 6:00 and 7:30 PM, the window when the building is busiest: neighbors, parking, elevator.
- 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.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.