HomeMy WebLinkAbout2 - Discussion Item Rooftop Deck FeaturesAugust 1, 2012
STAFF REPORT
To: Honorable Chairwoman and Members of the Planning Commission
From: Greg Hastings— Interim Director, Community Development Dept.
Subject: ROOFTOP DECK FEATURES /ITEMS
BACKGROUND
At their July 9, 2012 City Council meeting, the Council directed the Planning
Commission to develop criteria for determining what features and items should
be allowed on residential rooftop decks.
DISCUSSION
Roof decks are permitted in all residential zones in the City, with the exception of
the RLD -15 (Bridgeport) zone.
The maximum height for roof decks is determined by the required railing that
would surround the deck. The zoning code requires that roof deck railings
required by the California Building Code not extend above the maximum height
limit for that zone (25 feet for the RLD -9, RLD -15 and RHD -20 zones and 35 feet
for the RHD -33 and RHD -46 zones and Surfside).
Below is a list of features /items that the Planning Commission may wish to
consider regulating:
➢ Furniture, such as tables, chairs and lounges
➢ Fireplaces
➢ Fire pits
➢ Spa tubs
➢ Portable heaters
➢ Tarps and "e -z -ups"
➢ Trellises used for shade and for climbing vegetation
➢ Umbrellas
➢ Barbecues
➢ Sheds
➢ Patio covers
➢ Lighting fixtures
➢ Fencing panels, transparent and obscure
➢ Planters
➢ Air conditioner condenser units
Given this list, the Commission may also wish to consider such factors as
maximum height of features /items above the structural height limit, temporary
vs. permanent, detached vs. attached and the amount of overall deck coverage
that may be allowed. It may also be beneficial to determine if certain
grandfathering rights should be considered.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission consider the above information and direct staff to
prepare a draft ordinance for further Planning Commission review and
recommendation to the City Council.
Greg Hastings
Interim Community Development Director