PC 2017-02-21_9a Staff 17-001 Development Code InterpretationMEMORANDUM
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: TERESA McCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: SAM ANDERSON, PLANNING TECHNICIAN
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF STAFF PROJECT 17-001; INTERPRETATION
OF ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE DEFINITION OF STORY;
LOCATION-CITY WIDE; APPLICANT-CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
DATE: FEBRUARY 21,2017
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Planning Commission review the definition of "story" in the
Arroyo Grande Municipal~ Code (AGMC) and adopt a Resolution providing an
interpretation classifying rooftop decks as a separate story.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
None.
BACKGROUND:
Staff has recently been receiving inquiries regarding projects involving rooftop decks. A
recent proposal involving a rooftop deck necessitated the interpretation classifying
decks as a separate story.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The term "story'' is defined in the AGMC as " ... as identified in the Uniform Building
Code, generally means portion of a building included between the upper surface of any
floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall
be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and
the ceiling above." A roof top deck does not have a ceiling or upper floor above to
qualify as a story. However, in previous interpretations of the AGMC, it has been
considered that the construction of a rooftop deck on a garage roof a second story
addition, and required the processing of a Viewshed Review for approval. A rooftop
deck does require 42" of railing, and does create a visual impact beyond what would
typically exist on a flat roof without the deck component.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Planning Commission's consideration:
• Adopt the attached Resolution finding that a rooftop deck does qualify as a
separate story; or
• Provide direction to staff.
PLANNING COMMISSION
CONSIDERATION OF STAFF PROJECT 17·001
FEBRUARY 21, 2017
PAGE2
ADVANTAGES:
Finding that a rooftop deck does qualify as a separate story would allow continued
review of potentially adverse visual impacts created by additional story expansions, and
would allow public notification through the Viewshed Review process in Single Family
zones.
DISADVANTAGES:
Finding that a rooftop deck does qualify as a separate story maintains a layer of City
review that comes at the cost and time of property owners, even in potentially minor
circumstances.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Environmental review is not required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMENT:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City's website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2. No comments have been received.
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE INTERPRETING THAT A ROOFTOP DECK IS TO BE
CLASSIFIED AS A SEPARATE STORY IN SECTION 16.040.070 OF THE
ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, the Development Code is Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code,
was adopted by the City Council on May 14, 1991, and became effective on June 13,
1991;and
WHEREAS, Municipal Code Section 16.04.070 provides for definitions for terms used
throughout Title 16; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has received a request for an interpretation to
classify rooftop decks as a separate story; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has considered the Municipal Code
interpretation at a duly noticed meeting on February 21, 2017.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City of
Arroyo Grande hereby makes the interpretation that rooftop decks shall be considered
separate stories.
On a motion by Commissioner
following roll call vote to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
, seconded by Commissioner
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 21st day of February, 2017.
and by the
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE2
LAN GEORGE, CHAIR
ATTEST:
DEBBIE WEICHINGER
SECRETARY TO THE COMMISSION
AS TO CONTENT:
TERESA McCLISH
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT