Thanks for your comments, but with all due respect alesis, you're wrong regarding the drawings (4 copies needed) as well as the fee ($62). The process isn't as easy as you claim and a qualified builder isn't, nor should be needed for a homeowner to build a deck. The reason it's confusing is because the L & I website you referenced isn't the current L & I webiste. Try this link:
http://webapps.phila.gov/li/