DECKS, BALCONIES AND ATTACHED PATIOS Information and Requirments Planning Division Economic and Community Development 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road Union City, CA 94578 510-675-5379 – [email protected]
Decks, balconies, attached patios, and similar structures requirements are summarized below. For more information, see Chapter 18.32 Residential Districts of the Municipal Code, which can be accessed online at http://qcode.us/codes/unioncity.
SECTION 1 – REQUIRED REVIEW PROCESSES
No permit is required for decks and balconies under 120 square feet and under 18 inches in height as measured from grade.
A building permit is required for decks and balconies over 120 square feet and/or over 18 inches but less than 48 inches in height as measured from grade. A building permit is required for all attached patios.
A Planning and Building permit is required for decks and balconies of any size that is over 48 inches in height as measured from grade.
SECTION 2 – REQUIREMENTS
LOCATION: Decks, balconies, and attached patios may be located anywhere on the lot, subject to the required setbacks.
COVERAGE: Attached patios shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage of the zoning district.
SETBACKS: • Decks and balconies over 120 square feet and/or over 18 inches but less than 48 inches in height must meet the same setbacks as those required for the primary structure. • Decks and balconies of any size that is over 48 inches in height must meet the same setbacks as those required for the primary structure. However, at no point can they be closer than 15 feet to a property line. • Attached patios must meet the same setbacks as those required for the primary structure. However, they may be set back 10’ feet from the rear property line if no other structures exist in the rear setback area
OTHER REGULATIONS: • If the primary structure is sprinklered, then any attached patio enclosure must also be sprinklered. • Attached patio enclosures shall not be used for additional living or sleeping purposes. • A solid end wall or obscure screen may be required when the structure overlooks an adjoining side yard
SECTION 3 – EXAMPLE DIAGRAM
FIGURE 1 – Patio Height and Rear Setback Requirements
FIGURE 2 – Deck, Balcony, and Attached Patio Setback Requirements
Rear Yard 10’
Rear Yard 15’
ATTAHCED DECK/BALCONY
PATIO OVER 48 INCHES 15’
Same as House Sameas
HOUSE HOUSE Street
HOUSE
Front Yard Front Yard
Street Street
REVISED | July 2021