Planning Department presents draft residential roof-deck policy; Board debates size limits and setbacks

Scott Sanchez of the Planning Department and staff architects presented an informational briefing on Oct. 17 about a draft residential roof-deck policy aimed at making review of roof decks more consistent across over-the-counter permits and discretionary review.

David Winslow (staff architect) and Louise Baratta (senior urban designer) told the Board the policy seeks a balance between providing rooftop open space and protecting adjacent neighbors from privacy, noise and glare impacts. Recommendations included limiting roof-deck area to one-third of total roof area (cumulative across multiple decks), requiring 5-foot setbacks from shared side lot lines and light wells, and establishing a hierarchy of access that favors internalized stair access or roof hatches over external stair penthouses.

Commissioners probed several issues: whether landscaped or green roofs should count toward the deck cap, how windscreens (opaque vs. glass) and guardrails should be treated, and whether the one-third threshold should be lowered (some members suggested 25%). Commissioners also asked how the policy intersects with existing open-space requirements per unit and how the Building Department might regulate ancillary utilities (gas lines, electrical service) and uses (barbecues, lighting). Planning staff said the draft white paper and website have more detail and that the department aims to focus regulation on size, setbacks and access while remaining cautious about regulating behavior or equipment that other departments enforce.

Next steps: Planning staff will take Board feedback into account while developing a final policy and indicated the draft white paper is posted on the department website for more detailed review.