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Wellington ARB signs off on zoning-text changes to allow small accessory shade structures to be approved administratively
Summary
The Architectural Review Board approved ARB-391 language to let screened, detached shade structures and pergolas meeting setbacks be reviewed administratively rather than by ARB, with a proposed 12-foot maximum height and a 30% flat-roof area cap; the amendment will go to PZA in May.
The Wellington Architectural Review Board on April 22 approved draft language (ARB-391 version 1) that would let certain detached accessory shade structures and pergolas be approved administratively when they meet specified conditions.
A staff member told the board that the proposal mirrors what the ARB has already been approving and would permit administrative approval when a detached structure meets the principal-structure setbacks, is fully screened from the right of way, and does not exceed a proposed maximum height of 12 feet. The underlying text also restates that attached and detached flat-roof structures cannot exceed 30% of the principal structure’s roof area. Staff noted the ARB has reviewed and approved 13 pergolas since 2023 and that most are 9 to 10 feet tall on average.
Board members asked whether footings or permanence should change the review standard and whether larger or taller structures would still require ARB review; staff answered that building-permit and footing requirements are separate from zoning and that larger or taller structures would continue to come before ARB. One member asked whether detached pergolas with footings would be treated differently; staff said footings drive building-permit requirements but not the zoning administrative-approval threshold.
A member moved to approve ARB-391 with staff recommendations so staff could finalize language and forward it to PZA (scheduled for May). The motion was seconded and the chair announced the motion carries. Staff said the language will be finalized for council review.
