Roof decks in Rittenhouse & Fitler Square

Rittenhouse & Fitler Square houses and roofs

Rittenhouse and Fitler Square sit in southwest Center City. Fitler Square takes its name from a half-acre park. Together they form the Rittenhouse–Fitler Historic District, designated by the Historical Commission in 1995.

What we hear about in Rittenhouse & Fitler Square

• Historic review of decks visible from squares and side streets
• Pilot houses on tall, narrow houses
• Replacing older decks and railings
• Condo associations controlling the roof

What to know before you build

On a district property, the Historical Commission reviews decks and roofing. The question is usually whether the deck, railing or pilot house will be seen from public streets and squares. The zoning limits still apply: a 5-foot front setback, a deck surface within 48 inches of the roof’s mid-plane, and a pilot house no more than 10 feet above the deck.

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 Rittenhouse & Fitler Square

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

Nearby: Graduate Hospital · 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.