Permitting 2nd Story Deck or Enclosed storage in San Diego?
I need to repair a "Y-design" staircase that feeds two apartments over garages, within City of San Diego. I am considering a variation on the staircase design to allow for larger landings = front patio/deck, and just one set of steps. This would require expanding the 2nd story deck-landing in the "middle" area. The alternative I'm considering is to enclose the area underneath to provide storage and then it would be more like a "rooftop" deck. The area is about 8-10 x 30 feet. I think the latter would be considered a non-habitable addition, and I'm well within setbacks, FAR, etc to allow it. Here are my questions:
- If you've done a 2nd story deck permit with the City was the process easy? Do I need to submit plans from an architect/engineer or is City ok with owner-drawn plans?
- How much more difficult is the permitting process to build the storage below and put the deck on the roof?
- Any other ideas/experience to guide me? Someone said it's not allowed to attach a header board to a structure for decking (said that instead the joists of deck need to weave in and connect with the joists of the home ceiling) I haven't done anything with 2-story decks so I am not versed in current code but something like that might make the expense for the deck not much less than the addition.
- Also, if I build the rooftop deck over the storage is that exempt from the new Balcony Law since it's not extending beyond the exterior walls (or would it still apply do to railings, etc)???