Do You Need a Deck Permit in Philadelphia?

Short answer
Usually yes

Decks less than 12 inches above ground need no permit. Higher decks need a building permit, and a zoning permit too if they exceed 216 sq ft, sit above the first floor or are in a front or side yard. Decks up to 216 sq ft can use an EZ permit.

Source: Philadelphia L&I: Start Right guide (June 2026)

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Philadelphia Deck Permits at a Glance

Permits, last 12 months
397
Issued, last 30 days
30
Median application to issue
Not published
Median permit fee paid
Not published
Issuing office
Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I)
Rule last checked
October 30, 2026

Permits Issued per Month

30 Nov 34 Dec 26 Jan 27 Feb 39 Mar 26 Apr 32 May 43 Jun 35 Jul 36 Aug 34 Sep 30 Oct
Philadelphia deck permits issued per month, Nov 2025 to Oct 2026. Lighter bar = current month to date.

Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to deck work. Data from Philadelphia L&I Permits (Carto), refreshed October 30, 2026.

What Philadelphia's Rules Say

  • Under 12 in above ground: no permit.
  • Over 12 in: building permit; EZ permit for decks up to 216 sq ft.
  • Zoning permit if over 216 sq ft, above the first floor, or in a front/side yard.

Philadelphia Deck Permit Fees

We have not verified Philadelphia's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) sets the fee when you apply.

Busiest Areas for Deck Permits

ZIP codePermits (12 mo)
1911929
1913525
1914324
1911123
1914121
1912821

How to Get a Deck Permit in Philadelphia

  1. Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
  2. Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
  3. Apply with the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) through the official department website.
  4. Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.

Recent Philadelphia Deck Permits

IssuedAddressWork
2026-10-291332 Yerkes StFOR THE ERECTION OF ACCESSORY REAR SUN DECK ACCESS FROM FIRST FLOOR REAR AS PART OF AN EXISTING ATTACHED STRUCTURE. SIZE
2026-10-298129 Halstead StFOR THE ERECTION OF A NEW SEMI-DETACHED STRUCTURE WITH CELLAR AND REAR SUN DECK ACCESS FROM REAR FIRST FLOOR. SIZE AND L
2026-10-298127 Halstead StFOR THE ERECTION OF A NEW SEMI-DETACHED STRUCTURE WITH CELLAR AND REAR SUN DECK ACCESS FROM REAR FIRST FLOOR. SIZE AND L
2026-10-293612 N 9Th StAdding a single GFI outlet to the existing porch for a stair lift trickle charger to plug in to.
2026-10-281521 Beverly RdEZ PERMIT DECKS - For New Decks to an Existing One Family Dwelling as per attached standards. Deviations from these stan
2026-10-286742 N Broad StFOR THE PARTIAL DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING STRUCTURE (FRONT PORCH). SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN IN APPLICATION/PLANS
2026-10-275155 N Hutchinson StResidential Service Equipment not exceeding a rating of 200 amps WITH NO INCREASE IN SERVICE SIZE as per Residential Ser
2026-10-26250 E Clearfield StResidential Service Equipment not exceeding a rating of 200 amps WITH NO INCREASE IN SERVICE SIZE as per Residential Ser
2026-10-2310834 Rennard StInstallation of outdoor 2 rear decks GFCI outlets and 4 lights BY FISHING ONLY.
2026-10-216018 Chestnut StMAKE SAFE PERMIT TO COMPLY WITH CF-2025-133417 TO INCLUDE PARTIAL DEMOLITION AND REPLACEMENT OF FRONT PORCH AND FRAMING

Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.

Philadelphia Deck Contractors: Get Weekly Permit Lists

Contractors: get new permits for your trade and city every Monday. Join the waitlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a deck permit in Philadelphia?

Usually yes. Decks less than 12 inches above ground need no permit. Higher decks need a building permit, and a zoning permit too if they exceed 216 sq ft, sit above the first floor or are in a front or side yard. Decks up to 216 sq ft can use an EZ permit.

How many deck permits does Philadelphia issue?

Philadelphia issued 397 permits matching deck work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 33 a month. The busiest month was Jun 2026 with 43.

How much does a deck permit cost in Philadelphia?

We have not yet verified Philadelphia's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) when you apply.

How long does it take to get a deck permit in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's open data for these records does not include usable application dates, so we cannot calculate a processing time. Ask the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) for current timelines.

Who issues deck permits in Philadelphia?

The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).

Related Permit Guides

Written and maintained by the Home Permit Guide Editorial TeamPlaceholder profile

Last updated

This is a placeholder editorial profile. A named reviewer with verifiable experience will be added here. Until then, every rule on this page links to the official government source it was checked against. Read our editorial policy.

Sources

Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.

  1. Philadelphia L&I: Start Right guide (June 2026) (linked above) (phila.gov)
  2. Philadelphia L&I: Get permits without plans (EZ permits) (phila.gov)