Report Uncovers Critical Failures in Philadelphia Oversight of Dangerous Buildings
Philadelphia is exposing the public to unnecessary risk due to serious flaws in the management of unsafe buildings, according to a special investigation by City Controller Christy Brady. The audit revealed that the city’s system for identifying, monitoring, and demolishing hazardous properties is plagued by inefficiency, court delays, and staff shortages, at a cost that places a significant burden on taxpayers, reported the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The investigation found that the city spends over $11 million annually on demolishing dangerous buildings—totaling more than $60 million since 2019. Shockingly, the city recoups only around 3% of that cost, leaving taxpayers to shoulder the majority of the expense.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) is responsible for overseeing the approximately 3,800 unsafe and 270 imminently dangerous properties in Philadelphia. However, with only 15 inspectors on staff, the department is severely understaffed, making it nearly impossible to meet the demand for timely inspections, re-inspections, and property monitoring.
Once a property is deemed imminently dangerous, inspectors issue a violation notice, warning that the structure will be demolished if the owner does not act. However, demolition approval requires a court process that can take up to 90 days. During this period, inspectors are supposed to check on the property every 10 days, but many buildings slip through the cracks due to staff shortages and inadequate tracking systems. For example, L&I lacks the ability to sort properties by the severity of danger, meaning a building with severe structural issues is treated the same as one that may have a crumbling, detached shed.
As part of the special investigation, the controller’s office visually inspected 120 imminently dangerous properties. Ironically, a partial building collapse occurred during their review, necessitating immediate demolition. The team also analyzed demolition activities over the past five years, excluding 2020, and examined the court process related to these demolitions. The report outlined several recommendations, including hiring additional inspectors and upgrading software to prioritize buildings that pose the greatest risk. The controller also suggested creating a collections process to recover demolition costs.
If you or a loved one has been injured on a property where you believe the owner was negligent to their required duty of care, consider speaking with a top premises liability attorney in Philadelphia. Contact us to set a time to meet and discuss the unique details of your situation.