What to consider for a rooftop deck with access from an enclosed porch?

Chicago, Illinois
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What to consider for a rooftop deck with access from an enclosed porch?

Account Closed
Member since 2023 · 12 posts · 7 votes

Building: 3 flat with an enclosed Chicago porch where the flat (sloped) roof extends over it. Hatch for roof access.

The landing on the third floor could (technically) easily be extended onto the roof - but realize there are code/safety considerations around that.

Does anyone have experience with this? I'm looking across the street right now and see a neighboring three flat with an enclosed porch and door leading to the roof leading me to believe... it's possible. But with how much money/effort?

Could a hatch suffice? can the deck be suspended from the parapet walls or have to be resting on the roof?

Long story short - what are viable paths here without the city saying "you need to bring your porch up to code" to do this? I realize speaking to an architect will probably be another step, but wanted to start here. 

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Paul De Luca
Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y

@Samuel Pavlovcik @Jonathan Klemm

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  • Paul De Luca
    Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    @Samuel Pavlovcik @Jonathan Klemm

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  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    2y

    My first thought is - I doubt the city will allow a ladder/hatch combo. Too dangerous and does not conform to recent codes...

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  • Jonathan KlemmBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Contractor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    Hey @Account Closed - The fact is your porch is likely not code compliant (which most old Chicago porches aren't).  If you put it on the city's radar you will need to bring it into compliance.

    I am not 100% sure I understand your overall question though...Are you wanting to put a rooftop deck on your roof and create a hatch in the enclosed porch to get to the roof top deck?

    The truth is that likely you should NOT install a rooftop deck if the calculations weren't done to support that type of load.  You'd need to connect with an architect like Samuel or a structural engineer.

    You can of course install a hatch, but make sure someone who knows what they are doing from a roof standpoint does it.

    Happy to chat in more detail if that would help.

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