Philadelphia unveils required construction, demolition project signage one year after fatal building collapse

Updated Jul 23, 2014
Philadelphia city officials unveil the new required signage for construction and demolition projects. Credit: CBS PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia city officials unveil the new required signage for construction and demolition projects. Credit: CBS Philadelphia

As a measure taken in the aftermath of a building demolition that killed six people last year, the city of Philadelphia is now requiring construction and demolition sites to post large signs that provide ample details to the public about the work being done at the site.

According to a report from CBS Philadelphia, the city received calls from pedestrians concerned about the safety demolition work being done at a four-story building on Market Street last year. The building collapsed during demolition on June 5, 2013, killing six people and injuring a dozen more.

Unfortunately, the city says the citizens who called “lacked pertinent information about the project” that would have led to the city stepping in and stopping the work. The new signs are meant to provide passersby with all the information they might need when calling to report concerns over work.

The signs must measure 4 feet tall by 6 feet wide for all construction and demolition jobs on buildings with more than three stories. On those with three or fewer, smaller signs are required. The larger sign includes the anticipated completion date, the names of the developer and general contractor, an artist’s rendering of what the completed building will look like must include the names of the owner and construction manager, artist’s renderings of the final design, completion date, and the suggestion to call the city if problems are observed.

The signs also include a QR code that passersby can scan with their smartphones that will take them to the city’s Licenses and Inspections department where they can find contact information and more information about the project.