I have been considering adding a roof deck to my 2-story house on Cedar. The problem is going to be determining how to provide access to the deck. These regulations are not very specific/detailed.

In my case all the houses on my block are 2-story except for the one next to mine, which is 3-story. So on one side of the deck there would be a brick wall. I was thinking about making the window in my 2nd bedroom a door, which would lead out to a walkway with a spiral staircase up to the roof. Not sure if this is feasible. Maybe I should just build a 3rd story with a half deck/master suite.

Has anyone gone through the process of adding a roof deck? How did you provide access? Size of the Deck? Setting? Cost?

Also, Brooke, what's the low-down on the value added to your home by adding a roof deck? A 3rd story? Have any info on this?

Thanks all, any additional info is much obliged.

===========FROM THE L&I Link===========
The City of Philadelphia requires all individuals to obtain permits prior to constructing a wood deck for a single family dwelling that is 12 -inches or more above the ground. The cost is $52.00 to cover the $25.00 Zoning permit, $25.00 Building permit and the $2.00 State fee. If construction is started without a permit and a violation is issued, an additional special inspection fee will be imposed equal to the Building and Zoning permit fees.
REQUIREMENTS

2. General Construction
   2. All lumber must be pressure treated or naturally durable, such as redwood or cedar
   3. All hardware must be non-corrosive
   4. The foundation must be a minimum of 2'6" below ground
   5. The guardrail vertical balusters may have a maximum opening of 4"
   6. Complex decks and/or deck exceeding 400 sq. ft in area are required to be certified by an registered architect or engineer

2. Zoning Requirements
   2. Complete a Zoning Permit Application
   3. Provide six (6) copies of a Plot Plan.
      1. Definition
      2. Example
   4. The plot plan will be reviewed for compliance with following Zoning requirements
      1. The deck can not be located in the front or side yard.
      2. The guard rail height may be a minimum of 36-inches and a maximum of 42-inches.
      3. The deck can not have a roof, walls, stairs, or an enclosure beneath the deck.
      4. Deck supports must not prevent vehicle access to the garage or parking space, regardless of its use.
      5. A minimum distance of 3-feet must be maintained from the deck to the rear property line or common driveway.
      6. All support columns must have a 1-foot,
      7. 6-inch clearance from the side lot lines if they are within 4-feet, 6-inches of the common driveway.
      8. For decks above driveways, the clearance between the lowest horizontal support beam and the driveway must be at least 6 feet.
      9. A deck attached to buildings located on the corner must not extend beyond the building line.

2. Building Requirements
   2. Complete the Building Permit Application
   3. Provide three (3) copies of a sketch of the deck, including:
      1. Size and spacing of joists
      2. Size and spacing of posts
      3. Size of beam
      4. Siz and method to attachment of ledger
      5. Height of deck above grade
      1. Sample Plan View
      2. Sample Cross Section Sketch