§ 16.48.180. Rooftop decks.

A.

Purpose and Intent. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that new rooftop decks constructed in the city conform to the scale and character of the neighborhood in which they are located and do not unnecessarily or unreasonably infringe upon the privacy of adjacent properties.

B.

Definition. Any deck supported by a structure, with no portion cantilevered past the exterior walls of the structure it exists upon.

C.

Applicability. All rooftop decks shall comply with the design standards listed in subsection (D). Rooftop decks constructed above a second story may be permitted only with the approval of a minor use permit - viewshed review. Rooftop decks constructed above a single story are exempt from the minor use permit - viewshed review requirement.

D.

Design Standards for Rooftop Decks.

1.

Side Yard Setback. If constructed above a second story, the rooftop deck shall be setback an additional minimum of five feet from applicable side yard setbacks.

2.

Front and Rear Yard Setback. If constructed above a second story, the rooftop deck shall be setback an additional minimum of five feet from applicable front and rear yard setbacks.

3.

Rooftop Deck Access. Access to the rooftop deck shall be architecturally integrated into the structure and shall be located in such a way to minimize visual impact to neighboring properties. Interior access or concealed exterior access is encouraged.

4.

Maximum Height. Guards or guardrails as defined in the building code shall be required of all rooftop decks and shall count towards the maximum height of a structure. Furniture and other accessory items shall also count towards the maximum height of a structure. Rooftop deck guards and associated accessory items shall not exceed the maximum height identified in development standards of the underlying zoning district.

5.

Lighting. Lighting shall be designed to prevent unnecessary or excessive lighting impacts onto neighboring properties. Rooftop decks with proposed lighting shall include a lighting plan in submittals demonstrating conformance with this standard.

(Ord. No. 688, § 3, 10-24-2017)