Deck Construction Permits in Philadelphia

Local Rule

Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I)

The city's own code sets a notably strict local threshold: a deck of any material, accessory to a one- or two-family occupancy, is exempt from a building permit only when it is not more than 12 inches above the ground surface below and not over a story or basement, well below the 30 inch figure used in most cities. For a slightly larger project, Philadelphia offers a real distinctive streamlined option, the EZ Deck Permit, available for a deck attached to a single-family dwelling in the rear yard, ground floor only, up to 160 square feet (or 216 square feet under specific conditions), with no roof, wall enclosure, or spa/hot tub support, and framing lumber required to be pressure-treated Southern Pine. Standard fees start at $75 for the first 500 square feet, filed through the eCLIPSE online portal.

Source · Verified September 2026

Philadelphia Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Philadelphia County

Philadelphia's own rule is shown above (Depends on project scope). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I)

Philadelphia's own "EZ Deck Permit" is a streamlined pathway limited to decks attached to a single-family dwelling, located in the backyard only, and no larger than 160 sq ft (or 216 sq ft with intermediate posts) a narrower, more specific threshold than the general PA 200 sq ft/30in standard used elsewhere in the state. Projects outside these EZ parameters go through Philadelphia's standard eCLIPSE plan review.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Philadelphia with a confirmed deck construction rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a deck construction project:

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