ATTACHMENT III – STANDARDS FOR GROUND LEVEL PATIOS AND PATIO ENCLOSURES
The purpose of this document is to provide clarification of guidelines for patios, terraces and decks. These guidelines apply to patios, terraces and decks on both golf course and non-golf course lots.
Ground level patios are solid surface areas at the rear of the home made of concrete, brick, flagstones or other similar materials. Patio sizes may vary at the homeowner’s discretion but must be within the extended sidelines of the home and not exceed the impervious surface limitations of the lot.
A patio enclosure generally offers a means to enhance the appearance of the patio and serves as a landscaping feature to the back yard. A patio may not be enclosed with a fence. So as to differentiate patio enclosures from fences, enclosures should have an open portion providing unobstructed entry and egress to the patio. Enclosures should be no more than “seating wall” in height—approximately 24 to 30 inches and limited to the dimensions of the patio. Enclosures should be either brick, matching the brick of the home; or wood, natural in color or painted to match the trim of the home. Plant materials may be used in lieu of brick and wood to form an enclosure.
Terraces and decks, for the purpose of these guidelines are raised solid or wood surfaces usually 30 inches above ground or equal to the level of the first floor of homes having crawl spaces. City of New Bern ordinances require an enclosure or railing be placed on surfaces 30 inches or more above ground level. Terrace and deck sizes may vary at the homeowner’s discretion but must be at the rear of the home within the extended sidelines of the home and, if solid, not exceed the impervious surface limitations of the lot. The area from ground level to terrace or deck level shall be screened.
A patio, terrace or deck will only be approved if it is aesthetically pleasing, does not detract from the reasonable value of any lot or property and does not impede the view of a water course or other attractive feature from any other property.
10/01/03