USA Site Plans
Planning to build a backyard deck in Philadelphia? A deck can make outdoor space more useful, especially for rowhomes, twins, single-family homes, and properties with rear yards. But before construction starts, the City needs to understand where the deck will be located, how large it will be, how far it is from property lines, and whether it affects stairs, railings, garage access, driveways, alleys, or neighboring properties.
A Philadelphia deck site plan helps show the proposed deck layout on the property. It can include the existing house, property lines, deck footprint, stairs, landings, railings, setbacks, alley access, driveway, garage, fence, shed, patio, and other nearby features.
This guide explains what a Philadelphia deck site plan should include, why it matters for permit review, what homeowners should prepare, and how to avoid common deck layout mistakes.
What Is a Philadelphia Deck Site Plan?
A Philadelphia deck site plan is a scaled drawing that shows a proposed deck on a residential lot. It is usually drawn from above and shows how the deck fits with the existing home, property lines, rear yard, stairs, fences, garage, driveway, and alley access.
A deck site plan may show:
- property lines and lot dimensions;
- existing house footprint;
- proposed deck location;
- deck length and width;
- deck stairs and landings;
- guardrails or railings if applicable;
- front, side, and rear setbacks;
- distance to rear property line or common driveway;
- support post locations;
- garage, shed, fence, patio, or driveway location;
- alley access if present;
- north arrow and scale;
- basic notes about the project.
The purpose is to make the deck layout clear. A reviewer should be able to see where the deck is, how large it is, how close it is to property lines, and whether the deck affects access, parking, stairs, or nearby structures.
Does a Deck in Philadelphia Need a Permit?
Many deck projects in Philadelphia require zoning and building permit review. Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspections has an EZ Permit Standard for certain decks attached to an existing one-family dwelling. That standard allows qualifying deck projects to obtain zoning and building permits without submitting full plans if all listed conditions and construction requirements are met.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – EZ Permit Standards: Deck
The EZ Deck Permit Standard is limited. It applies to decks attached to an existing single-family dwelling and includes conditions such as rear-yard placement, size limits, clearances from property lines, garage-access protection, and height limits. If your deck does not meet the EZ standard, submitted plans may be required.
Philadelphia also says zoning approval is required for new buildings and additions, and zoning approval is required to get a Building Permit. Deck projects can affect lot coverage, setbacks, yards, access, and structure footprint, so zoning review may be part of the process.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – Get a Zoning Permit for New Construction or Additions
For non-EZ projects, larger decks, elevated decks, unusual layouts, roof decks, decks with structural complications, or properties with special review conditions, a more complete plan package may be needed.
Why a Deck Site Plan Matters
A deck is more than a platform. It can change how people enter and exit the home, how the rear yard is used, how close the structure is to property lines, and whether the project affects a garage, alley, driveway, or neighboring property.
A clear Philadelphia deck site plan helps show:
- where the deck will be built;
- how large the deck will be;
- whether it is attached to the house;
- whether it is located in the rear yard;
- how close it is to property lines;
- where stairs and landings are located;
- whether support posts interfere with garage or driveway access;
- whether railings or guards are needed;
- whether nearby fences, sheds, patios, or garages affect the layout;
- whether the project matches the permit application and construction drawings.
A site plan gives the reviewer a quick visual summary of the project. It also helps the homeowner and contractor avoid layout mistakes before construction begins.
Philadelphia EZ Deck Permit Standards: Key Site Layout Points
Philadelphia’s EZ Deck Permit Standard includes several conditions that are directly related to site layout. Homeowners should review the full official standard, but the site plan can help show whether the deck appears to meet important placement requirements.
According to the City’s EZ Deck Permit Standard, the deck must be attached to an existing single-family dwelling, may not be located above the first floor, and must be in the rear yard. The deck cannot be in the front or side yards under that standard.
The EZ standard also includes deck size limits, rear-property-line clearance, support-column clearance, garage-access protection, and height limitations. These details are important because they affect how the deck is drawn and located on the site plan.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – EZ Permit Standards: Deck
If the proposed deck does not fit the EZ standard, the project may still be possible, but it may need a standard permit application and submitted plans.
What Should a Philadelphia Deck Site Plan Include?
A permit-ready deck site plan should be clear, scaled, and specific to the property. It should show the real lot and the real proposed deck, not a generic example.
1. Property Lines
The site plan should show the front, side, and rear property lines. These boundaries help reviewers understand where the deck sits and whether it respects the required yard and setback areas.
If the deck is close to a fence, remember that the fence may not be the exact property line. A survey may be needed if the boundary is uncertain.
2. Existing House
The existing house should be shown and labeled. Since most backyard decks are attached to the rear of the house, the site plan should show the rear wall, door location, and deck connection area.
3. Proposed Deck Footprint
The proposed deck should be clearly labeled. The plan should show the deck length, width, and shape.
For example, a deck may be 10 feet by 12 feet, 12 feet by 16 feet, or another size based on the project. The dimensions on the site plan should match the construction drawings and permit application.
4. Deck Setbacks
The plan should show the distance from the deck to the rear and side property lines. Philadelphia’s EZ Deck Permit Standard includes specific clearances for qualifying decks, so these dimensions are important.
For non-EZ decks, setbacks and yard requirements may still be reviewed through zoning.
5. Stairs and Landings
If the deck includes stairs, the stairs should be shown on the site plan. The plan should also show landings, direction of travel, and where the stairs touch the ground.
Stairs can affect setbacks, access paths, door locations, and yard layout, so they should not be left off the drawing.
6. Railings and Guards
The site plan can identify guardrails or railings when applicable. The detailed railing height and construction may be shown on elevation or construction drawings, but the site plan can still note where railings are expected.
7. Support Post Locations
Support posts should be shown when possible. This is especially useful because Philadelphia’s EZ Deck Permit Standard includes clearance requirements for support columns and states that deck supports may not prevent vehicular access to a garage.
If the deck is near a driveway, garage, or alley, post locations can be a major review detail.
8. Garage, Driveway, or Alley Access
If the property has a garage, driveway, or rear alley, the site plan should show it clearly. Deck stairs or support posts should not block practical access to a garage or parking area.
Show:
- garage location;
- garage door direction;
- driveway location;
- rear alley or common driveway;
- vehicle access path;
- distance between deck supports and vehicle access areas.
9. Nearby Structures and Features
The site plan should show nearby structures and site features that may affect the deck layout, such as:
- sheds;
- fences;
- patios;
- retaining walls;
- trees;
- walkways;
- basement doors;
- utility meters;
- neighboring structures if very close.
10. North Arrow and Scale
A north arrow and scale make the drawing easier to understand. They also make the site plan look more professional and permit-ready.
Backyard Deck vs. Roof Deck
This article focuses on backyard deck projects. A backyard deck is usually attached to the rear of a home and located above the rear yard. A roof deck is different because it sits on top of a building or structure.
Roof decks can involve different zoning, structural, access, guardrail, and review requirements. Philadelphia’s zoning code has specific roof deck provisions, and roof decks should not be treated like simple backyard decks.
If you are planning a roof deck, prepare a project-specific site plan and construction plan package for that type of work.
Deck Attached to the House
Most residential backyard decks are attached to the existing house. The site plan should show the attachment location at the rear of the building.
Important details include:
- rear wall of the house;
- door location;
- deck width along the house;
- projection into the yard;
- stairs and landing location;
- distance to rear property line;
- support posts and beam line if known.
Deck attachment details may also be shown on framing or construction drawings.
Deck Near a Rear Property Line
Many Philadelphia lots have small rear yards. That means a backyard deck can quickly get close to the rear property line, alley, or common driveway.
If the deck is near the rear of the lot, show:
- rear property line;
- distance from deck to rear property line;
- distance from stairs to rear property line;
- alley or common driveway location;
- garage or shed location;
- fence or gate location;
- support post locations.
Clear rear-yard dimensions can help avoid corrections.
Deck Near a Garage or Driveway
If a deck is located near a garage or driveway, the site plan should show vehicle access clearly. Philadelphia’s EZ Deck Permit Standard states that deck supports may not prevent vehicular access to a garage, regardless of the garage’s use.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – EZ Permit Standards: Deck
That means the plan should not only show the deck surface. It should show posts, stairs, garage location, driveway, alley, and access path when they are relevant.
Deck Stairs and Landings
Deck stairs are often one of the most important parts of the layout. They affect how people move from the deck to the yard and can also affect setback distances.
A good site plan should show:
- stair location;
- stair direction;
- bottom landing location;
- distance from stairs to property lines;
- distance from stairs to fence, garage, or walkway;
- connection to patio or yard area.
Stair details may also be required in the construction drawings, especially for elevated decks.
Deck Height and Elevation Drawings
A site plan shows the deck from above. It usually does not fully explain deck height, railings, stairs, footings, beams, joists, or guard details.
For many deck projects, additional drawings may be needed, such as:
- deck floor plan;
- deck framing plan;
- front or side elevation;
- stair detail;
- guardrail detail;
- ledger attachment detail;
- post and footing detail;
- beam and joist layout.
If the deck does not qualify under the EZ Deck Permit Standard, submitted plans may be required.
Deck Surface, Drainage, and Yard Use
Decks can affect how the rear yard is used and how water moves around the house. A raised deck may not create the same hard surface as a concrete patio, but it can still affect stairs, landing areas, drainage, and access.
The site plan should show:
- deck surface footprint;
- stairs and landing area;
- patio or hardscape below if present;
- downspouts near the deck;
- yard slope if relevant;
- walkways or gates;
- relationship to basement doors or windows.
If the deck includes a patio, concrete pad, drainage work, or large hardscape area, include those details on the site plan.
Other Drawings That May Be Needed
A deck site plan may be only one part of the permit package. Depending on the project, Philadelphia L&I may require other documents.
The City provides L&I plan requirement resources for zoning, building, trade, and administrative submissions.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – L&I Plan Requirements
Possible supporting documents include:
- zoning plan;
- building plans;
- deck framing details;
- stair and railing details;
- structural calculations if required;
- manufacturer information for special materials;
- photos of existing conditions;
- contractor information.
EZ Deck Permit vs. Standard Deck Permit
Philadelphia’s EZ Permit Standards are designed for certain construction projects that can be permitted without submitting plans. The City says some projects can use an EZ permit, which does not require plans and can often be issued over the counter.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – EZ Permit Standards
For decks, the EZ option is limited to projects that meet the deck standard. If your deck is too large, not in the rear yard, above the first floor, not attached to an existing one-family dwelling, too close to required lines, or otherwise outside the standard, you may need a standard permit application with plans.
A site plan is especially useful when the project does not clearly fit the EZ standard or when the homeowner wants a complete layout before applying.
Historic Properties and Special Review
If the property is historically designated or located in a special review area, the permit path may be different. Philadelphia’s building permit page notes that some permit exemptions may not apply if the property is on the Philadelphia Historic Registry.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – Get a Building Permit
For historic properties, visible exterior changes, rear additions, elevated decks, or unusual structures, homeowners should confirm requirements before finalizing plans.
Common Philadelphia Deck Site Plan Mistakes
Many deck permit delays come from unclear or incomplete layout information. Avoid these common mistakes:
- property lines not shown;
- deck footprint not dimensioned;
- rear property line distance missing;
- side property line distance missing;
- stairs not shown;
- support posts not shown when they affect access;
- garage, driveway, alley, or common driveway missing;
- deck size does not match the permit application;
- deck is shown in the wrong yard area;
- nearby fence, shed, or patio missing;
- no north arrow or scale;
- using a rough sketch that is hard to read.
A good deck site plan should show the deck, the yard, and the access conditions around it.
Deck Site Plan vs. Survey
A deck site plan is not the same as a survey.
A survey is prepared by a licensed surveyor and identifies legal property boundaries, existing structures, and other boundary-related information. A site plan is a project drawing that shows the proposed deck layout on the property.
For a deck close to a property line, alley, common driveway, or garage access, a survey can be very helpful. If you already have a survey, it can be used as a strong starting point for the site plan.
What to Gather Before Preparing a Philadelphia Deck Site Plan
Before preparing the drawing, gather the basic project and property information.
Helpful items include:
- property address;
- existing survey if available;
- lot width and lot depth;
- existing house footprint;
- proposed deck length and width;
- deck height above grade;
- stair location and direction;
- landing location;
- distance from deck to rear property line;
- distance from deck to side property lines;
- garage, driveway, alley, or common driveway location;
- fence, shed, patio, tree, or retaining wall locations;
- photos of the rear yard;
- whether the property is historic or in a special review area;
- zoning district if known.
The more accurate the starting information, the cleaner the site plan will be.
How to Apply for Philadelphia Permits Online
Philadelphia uses eCLIPSE for online permit and license applications. Applicants can log in, apply for permits, upload required documents, and pay filing fees online.
Official source: City of Philadelphia – Get a Building Permit
Before submitting, make sure the deck site plan matches the rest of the permit package. The deck dimensions, stair location, setbacks, construction drawings, and project description should all be consistent.
When a Deck Site Plan Is Especially Helpful
A detailed deck site plan is especially useful when:
- the deck is close to the rear property line;
- the deck is close to side property lines;
- the lot has a rear alley or common driveway;
- the deck is near a garage or driveway;
- stairs extend into the yard;
- the deck has multiple levels;
- the deck does not clearly fit the EZ permit standard;
- the property is historic or has special review conditions;
- the homeowner wants a cleaner permit package.
In these situations, a simple sketch is usually not enough. A scaled, labeled site plan can make the project easier to understand and easier to review.
Final Thoughts
A Philadelphia deck site plan is an important drawing for backyard deck projects. It shows the proposed deck footprint, property lines, setbacks, stairs, support posts, garage or alley access, existing house, nearby structures, and important dimensions.
Philadelphia has an EZ Deck Permit Standard for certain qualifying decks attached to existing one-family dwellings, but not every deck qualifies. Larger decks, non-standard layouts, elevated decks, roof decks, historic properties, and projects with unusual site conditions may require a more detailed permit package.
Before building a deck, verify the property layout, confirm the deck size and location, check rear-yard and property-line clearances, and prepare a clear site plan that shows exactly how the deck fits on the lot.