How It Works

Raise High the Roof Deck

Thinking about adding a roof deck to your Queen Village property? Here’s what you need to know before you pick up a hammer—or hire a contractor!

By Len Sedney

Need more living space? Thanks to COVID, more and more homeowners are considering roof decks. Quarantines, lockdowns, and stay-at-home orders have changed homeowners’ priorities. Additional square footage, both inside and out, is at a premium. When adding on space to the existing footprint is not an option, a roof deck is a natural alternative. During COVID, roof decks not only provide more space but also offer a safe alternative for socializing with friends and family.

How does a homeowner move from concept to construction? As with any other physical alteration to an existing building in Philadelphia, there are rules and regulations that govern the construction of roof decks and roof deck access structures. In general, roof decks are permitted for residential uses in all zoning districts, subject to specific requirements of the Zoning Code. Particular requirements include, but are not limited to, setbacks, height limits, and types of materials used. If your residence is located within the Queen Village/Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO) district, your roof deck will also need to comply with the Queen Village NCO requirements.

In order to ensure that the roof deck will meet the requirements of the Code, it is suggested that an architect be hired. The architect or homeowner must be aware of the following important considerations: • What zoning district is your property located in? Is it located in the Queen

Village/Neighborhood Conservation

Overlay district? • Has your home been designated as historic by the Philadelphia Historic Commission? It will matter.

In general, roof decks must be set back at least five feet from the front building line. However, properties located in the Queen Village NCO District must be set back eight feet from the front property line (as illustrated in the drawing on the facing page), or a parapet at least 42 inches high must be used to enclose the front of the deck.

Roof deck access structure, or a pilot house, used to enclose the access structure must not exceed 10 feet in height above the surface of the roof deck (as illustrated in the drawing at left). The pilot house cannot exceed 125 square feet.

Roof Deck Access Structures.

Railings for roof decks may be up to 50 percent opaque and may not be constructed of unfinished wood.

Once you are ready to get started, a Zoning Permit and a Building Permit from the Department of License & Inspections (L & I) are required. An application along with plans must be filed with L & I. Most architects or contractors can assist you in obtaining the proper permits. The Zoning Permit protects both the homeowner’s interests as well as the neighborhood’s. The Zoning Permit also provides proper documentation for the roof deck if the homeowner sells the property. If your project cannot meet the requirements of the Zoning Code, securing a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment is required.

The above requirements have been used for illustrative purposes. Additional requirements may come into play based on the location of the property or the particular history of the property, such as past permits or violations at the property. Issuance of the Zoning Permit is the documentation you need that your project is in compliance with the Zoning Code.

Questions? Visit the Department of Licenses & Inspections at www.phila.gov/li or email permit.services@phila.gov, and you will be directed to an online form to submit your question. ■ If you see building construction of any type but do not see a building permit publicly posted, call 311 immediately to report it. By doing so, you are helping to ensure that construction plans and actual construction are inspected by the city.