Roof decks in Society Hill

Society Hill houses and roofs

Society Hill was settled in the early 1680s and became one of Philadelphia’s most studied historic neighborhoods after urban renewal that began in the 1950s. The Historical Commission designated the Society Hill Historic District in 1999, and Washington Square West next door became a district in 2024.

What we hear about in Society Hill

• Historic review for a new deck or pilot house
• Keeping the deck and railings out of view from the street
• Older roof framing
• Replacing a deck that predates current rules

What to know before you build

The City lists decks, railings and roofing among the exterior work on Register properties that needs a Historical Commission project review, which is free and part of the permit. Commission staff can approve work that isn’t visible, or has limited visibility, from public rights-of-way. Anything else goes to the Architectural Committee. Setting the deck well back from the front and keeping the pilot house low makes approval easier. Talk to staff at preservation@phila.gov early.

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 Society Hill

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

Nearby: Queen Village · Rittenhouse & Fitler Square · Northern Liberties · 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.