I want to build a deck that will be on the back side of my house coming from my 3rd bedroom window. It will be on the roof and come out over part of the back patio. Do I need any type of permit to do this?? A bunch of my neighbors have done this. I found this thread below regarding roof decks, but it is pretty old (2004). I figure the contractors I contact would know this information.

http://www.phillyblog.com/philly/gen...on-permit.html

Yes you need a permit.

You might want to mention the idea to your immediate neighbors also. Just to feel them out. I've know a few people who had these roof decks built and started to have gatherings on them, only to have the neighbors complain non stop about the noise. That pretty much did in the roof top parties.

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Teahead215
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I'm about to start almost the exact same process in the next few weeks. The first step I was going to take was drawing up the plans, telling the neighbors and then hitting up the South Kensington Community whatever group to see about the approval process.

Then.....margaritas.

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"Power does what it wants." - George Carlin

You need a permit and L&I is pretty vigilant about it. After the deck collapses/deaths in Chicago and elsewhere it's harder to get a permit. Also, the new pressure treated wood will eat ungalvanized nails in a couple of months so it's important that the deck is done right with good connections.

http://www.phila.gov/li/faq/permits/deckinfo/index.html

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Magellan2's prescription:
ATTENTION ALL READERS...
DISCLAIMER: Alesis is a South Street business owner
(keep that in mind when reading his or her responses)

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

I'm looking for a contractor to build a portion of my deck in the next 2-3 weeks. I'll be pouring the supports and can lay the decking myself, but need a professional to build the supports, ledger board and joists. I should have plenty of labor on hand, but need a professional b/c the deck is off the second floor.

Anyone know a contractor who could handle this short notice job? I'm just above Girard. Thanks!

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"Power does what it wants." - George Carlin

The process goes like this....

Send in application with plans to the ZBA.
Automatically get rejected and sent back to community association.
Contact local community association.
Go before their zoning committee.
Get letter of approval (assuming they approve - most require the deck to not be visible from the street).
Go back to ZBA.
Hope they approve you.
Get permits.
Build deck.

As for what the requirements are, it depends. For the most part, they require an actual door out to the deck...no roof hatches or window access. A real door and real stairs. Not sure if they will approve a spiral staircase outside the house. If the stairs come up through the roof, you have to build a little "house" (I'm sure there is a word for it but I can't think of it) on the roof like this:



I'm sure there are other requirements as well.

As for value, I think most people will tell you that it may add value, but rarely will you recoup the costs associated with adding a deck (at least if you do it legally with plans and a contractor). In other words, if you spend $20k adding the deck, you might increase the value of the property $10k-$15k but it is unlikely that you will get the full $20k. Basically, don't build a deck to make money, build the deck for your enjoyment while you live there. If you are going to be there 10yrs and lose $5k on the deck, that's not so bad if you got a lot of enjoyment out of it.

The only exception I could see....or that I have heard anyone in the business cite, would be if you had a really spectacular view that was really unique or incredible.

This is just one man's opinion on the internet, so take it for what it is worth....