El Segundo planning commission directs staff to draft rooftop-deck rules as part of Title 15 zoning cleanup

The El Segundo Planning Commission on April 23 continued a public hearing on a proposed cleanup of Title 15 of the municipal code and directed staff to draft specific language to clarify where and how rooftop decks may be allowed in residential zones.

City planner Paul Samaras opened the staff presentation by saying the cleanup ordinance is intended to "continuously look to improve the zoning code" by clarifying definitions, permitted uses and development standards to make the code easier for residents, developers and staff to use. The draft ordinance updates several definitions (including accessory structures and junior ADUs to reflect state 'livable space' rules), adds small‑studio uses to commercial zones, and proposes targeted parking and setback clarifications.

But the meeting focused most of the evening on rooftop decks. Samaras told commissioners that the municipal code contains only a few explicit references to rooftop decks — notably an allowance for certain nonpermanent rooftop accessories to extend up to eight feet above height limits and a R1 provision that permits decks atop single‑story detached accessory structures on lots wider than 25 feet with a required railing setback. "Given these references, the code as written would narrowly permit rooftop decks in a very limited set of circumstances," Samaras said, and staff has sometimes permitted decks more broadly in practice.

Commissioners discussed competing priorities: residents' desire for additional private outdoor space on narrow lots or multifamily projects, privacy and neighborhood design concerns in single‑family areas, and building‑safety issues such as guardrails, permanent access and structural engineering. A written public comment from a property owner with a 25‑foot lot asked that first‑story rooftop decks be allowed on narrow lots; commissioners noted that request differed from staff's draft but warranted consideration.

After extended discussion, commissioners gave staff clear direction: to draft ordinance language that adds rooftop decks as an accessory use in R1, R2 and R3 zones; permits rooftop decks on narrow (25‑foot) and wider lots; allows rooftop decks on both primary and detached accessory structures with appropriate limitations; carries the accessory‑structure railing setback standard to other applicable zones; and treats second‑story rooftop decks more narrowly (staff recommended allowing second‑story rooftop decks on 25‑foot R1 lots and continuing the current practice in R2/R3 and condominium projects). One commissioner summarized a priority as "consistency" when deciding which lots should be eligible.

The commission voted to continue the public hearing and asked staff to return with the amended ordinance language for review. The motion to continue passed on a 4–0 roll call (Commissioner Taylor, Commissioner McAverdy, Commissioner Christian and Vice Chair Eningga voted yes; the chair had left earlier in the meeting). Staff indicated it would bring specific draft code text back at the next meeting.

The item sits as a continued public hearing; the next procedural step is review of the revised ordinance language and any additional public comment before the commission forwards a recommendation to the City Council.