Davenport Permitted Uses of Green, Blue, White, and Solar Panel Roofs

Davenport’s municipal code defines several key terms relating to smart surfaces:
– Green roofs are defined as a building roof partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems.
– Blue roofs are designed to store water and discharge rainfall.
– White roofs are designed to deliver high solar reflectance, reducing heat transfer to the building and the ability to radiate absorbed, or non-reflected solar energy.
(Municipal code 17.02.030)
The city has also adopted design standards for commercial and industrial districts establishing that green roof, blue roof, and white roof designs are encouraged. Reflective roof surfaces that produce glare are prohibited, except for solar panels or white roofs intended to radiate absorbed or non-reflected solar energy and reduce heat transfer to the building.
(Municipal code 17.05.040; 17.06.040)

Finally, the code also provides that that accessory rooftop features of a flat roof, such as green roofs, rooftop decks, rooftop gardens, and stormwater management systems are permitted below the parapet of any flat roof building, and are excluded from the calculation of maximum building height. Flat roof features must meet the following standards: “for green roofs, rooftop gardens, and similar features, documentation must be submitted demonstrating that the roof can support the additional load of plants, soil, and retained water.” (Municipal code 17.09.030)