City of Philadelphia v. Lindy

Opinion by

Judge Craig,

We here face the following question:

After a public agency’s administrative decision adverse to a party has become final, as a consequence of that party’s failure to pursue the procedures available for review of the decision, may the party proceed in a civil action to seek damages from the public agency on the basis that the decision was invalid?

This case involves the trespass complaint of apartment developer Lindy against the City of Philadelphia, requesting damages from the city for the alleged unlawful revocation of building permits for a 234-unit apartment complex.…