The Challenges of Creating a New Roof Deck in San Francisco

With Fleet Week approaching and eyes turning skyward, it's easy to daydream about the perfect spot to catch the air show, and few things beat the view from a rooftop deck. Around this time of year, we hear from plenty of property owners looking to create that perfect top-floor escape with panoramic views.

Blue Angels flying during Fleet Week

There’s no question: roof decks are a highly desirable feature. But in San Francisco, they’re also one of the most difficult projects to get approved.

Here are a few of the biggest hurdles:

Under Building and Fire Code, a roof deck = another story

Even without walls or a roof, a deck is treated like a vertical addition. For buildings that are 1–2 stories, the process is relatively manageable. But once you cross into 3+ story territory, you’re looking at major requirements: full-building sprinklers, upgraded fire-rated assemblies, and often a second stair to the roof. (Spoiler: fire escapes usually don’t qualify.)

No more “doghouses.”

The Planning Department no longer allows stair penthouses to extend above the roofline—thanks to concerns over privacy, noise, and light pollution. Instead, you’re required to install a large skylight at the top of your existing stairs to access the deck. It’s not only less functional, but also difficult (and expensive) to source. One recent project required a custom skylight from Philadelphia that cost $60K.

500 square feet max.

Unless the entire roof assembly is fire-rated, your roof deck can’t exceed 500 square feet. That includes the combined total of all decks, which means no stacking the roof with multiple 500-sf decks to work around the rules.

So…is it even worth trying?

Yes, but with caveats. Projects are still getting approved; they just require the right setup and team.

• Decks on 1–2 story buildings have a much higher chance of approval

• Private roof decks connected to a single unit (not shared among tenants) are generally simpler to get through the approval process

• A knowledgeable architect or structural engineer can help you navigate the code and avoid dead ends

Roof Deck

If you're considering adding a roof deck, make sure you’ve got the right professional on board. We’ve curated a list of experienced architects and engineers who know the ins and outs of the SF permitting process and can help you get your project across the finish line.

Check Out Our Pre-Qualified Vendors

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