Roof decks in Fishtown

Fishtown houses and roofs

Fishtown is one of the River Wards, roughly the triangle formed by the Delaware River, Front Street and York Street. A long-time working-class neighborhood, it has gentrified rapidly since the 2000s, and its blocks now mix older rowhomes with new construction. Philly Home Collective’s roof deck cost guide is written specifically about Fishtown.

What we hear about in Fishtown

• Adding a deck to an older rowhome whose roof framing wasn’t built for it
• Replacing a deck that came with a newer house
• Deciding between a hatch and a pilot house
• Re-roofing before the deck goes on

What to know before you build

Philly Home Collective puts Fishtown roof decks at $15,000–$35,000 for a simple deck, $35,000–$70,000 for mid-range, and $70,000–$150,000+ for high-end projects with a pilot house. The same guide warns, “Do not assume your project is minor or exempt. Confirm details with Zoning before you design too far.” Since the deck needs its own building permit, ask for the permit number when you buy a house that already has one.

The rules are the same citywide

In every Philadelphia neighborhood, roof decks on homes are allowed by the Zoning Code within limits: 5 feet back from the front, a deck surface within 48 inches of the roof’s mid-plane, railings up to 42 inches, and a pilot house of limited size. Every roof deck needs a building permit, and properties on the Philadelphia Register need Historical Commission review. Read the rules guide · See typical costs

Services in Fishtown

• New roof decks
• Pilot houses & roof access
• Roof deck repair & replacement
• Roofing under the deck
• Design, engineering & permits

Nearby: Northern Liberties · Queen Village · Spring Garden & Fairmount · All neighborhoods

We are a free referral service, not a contractor. We pass your request to an independent Philadelphia contractor who quotes and does the work.