Roof decks in Northern Liberties

Northern Liberties houses and roofs

Northern Liberties was one of the ten largest cities in the US between 1790 and 1840, before it joined Philadelphia in 1854. It became a manufacturing district, and since the 2000s has seen extensive new development alongside converted industrial buildings.

What we hear about in Northern Liberties

• Townhouses and condos where the roof is a common element
• Replacing decks on newer construction
• Upgrading railings and pilot house doors
• Leaks at deck posts and pilot house flashing

What to know before you build

If you own a condo, the roof may belong to the association, and its approval (and insurance) may be needed before any contractor can start. Zoning allows roof decks for residential uses in all districts, but non-residential uses need special exception approval in CMX-3, CMX-4 and CMX-5 and are prohibited elsewhere, which matters for mixed-use buildings. The pilot house area cap of 125 sq ft doesn’t apply in RM-2, RM-3, RM-4, RMX-3, CMX-3, CMX-4, CMX-5 and IRMX districts. The 10-foot height cap applies everywhere.

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 Northern Liberties

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

Nearby: Fishtown · Spring Garden & Fairmount · Society Hill · 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.