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Board debates bay windows, balconies and eaves as projections surge
Summary
Members discussed how bay windows, balconies and large cantilevers increase bulk and sunlight obstruction; the board suggested allowing modest eaves and sending larger features to conditional-use review with criteria addressing light, air and fire access.
Committee members raised concern that certain design elements—particularly bay windows and large cantilevered features—substantially increase perceived bulk and can obstruct light to neighboring properties. One member warned that some projections have no functional purpose and said, "It's nothing but status," urging that all larger-than-routine projections be routed to conditional-use review so the board can evaluate impacts.
Staff and members discussed numeric thresholds: the code currently allows ordinary projections (cornices, eaves, gutters, window sills) up to 36 inches; staff and members debated whether to keep that default, lower presumptive encroachment for some elements (examples floated: 12 inches), and require conditional-use review for bay windows, balconies that wrap corners, or projections that approach side property lines. The board asked staff to include objective criteria in any draft to ensure consistency and to address public safety (fire apparatus access) and neighbor impacts before approving exceptions.
