23.50.020

A. Rooftop features. Where a height limit applies to a structure, except as provided in subsections 23.50.024.C.4, 23.50.024.D.4, 23.50.024.E.4, and 23.50.024.F.3, the provisions in this subsection 23.50.020.A apply to rooftop features: 1. In all industrial zones, smokestacks, chimneys and flagpoles, and religious symbols for religious institutions are exempt from height limits, except as regulated in Chapter 23.64 , provided they are a minimum of 10 feet from any side or rear lot line. 2. In all industrial zones, open railings, planters, skylights, clerestories, greenhouses, solariums, parapets, and firewalls may extend 4 feet above the applicable height limit with unlimited rooftop coverage. Insulation material, rooftop decks and other similar features, or soil for landscaping located above the structural roof surface, may exceed the maximum height limit by up to 2 feet if enclosed by parapets or walls that comply with this subsection 23.50.020.A.2. 3. In all industrial zones, solar collectors may extend up to 7 feet above the applicable height limit, with unlimited rooftop coverage. 4. Additional height is permitted for specified rooftop features according to this subsection 23.50.020.A.4. a. The following rooftop features may extend up to 15 feet above the applicable height limit in all industrial zones, subject to subsection 23.50.020.A.4.c: 1) Solar collectors that exceed heights indicated by subsection 23.50.020.A.3; 2) Stair and elevator penthouses; 3) Greenhouses and solariums; 4) Mechanical equipment; and 5) Minor communication utilities and accessory communication devices, except that height is regulated according to Section 23.57.015 . b. The combined total coverage of all features listed in subsection 23.50.020.A.4 is limited to 35 percent of the roof area, or 60 percent of the roof area if the total includes greenhouses. 5. Greenhouses shall be located at least 10 feet from the north lot line unless a shadow diagram is provided that demonstrates that locating such features within 10 feet of the north lot line would not shade property to the north on January 21 at noon more than would a structure built to maximum permitted height and FAR. B. Structures existing prior to October 8, 1987, that exceed the height limit of the zone may add the rooftop features listed as conditioned in subsection 23.50.020.A. The existing roof elevation of the structure is considered the applicable height limit for the purpose of adding rooftop features. (Ord. 126864 , § 4, 2023; Ord. 126600 , § 14, 2022; Ord. 125791 , § 79, 2019; Ord. 125291 , § 28, 2017; Ord. 125272 , § 44, 2017; Ord. 124843 , § 45, 2015; Ord. 123589, § 56, 2011; Ord. 123378, § 22, 2010; Ord. 122611 , § 5, 2007; Ord. 121359, § 4, 2003; Ord. 120928, § 23, 2002; Ord. 120117, § 40, 2000; Ord. 119370, § 13, 1999; Ord. 116596 , § 4, 1993; Ord. 116295 , § 22, 1992; Ord. 113658, § 4, 1987.)