When new construction projects are in the design review process, story poles may be erected to assist decision-makers and the public in fully understanding what is being proposed. Story Poles are most commonly requested on a case-by-case basis, the installation of story poles will emphasize the proposed scale, neighborhood compatibility and the possibility of obstruction of views.

Story poles usually consist of 2x lumber (sometimes PVC is permitted) and are braced for support. The tops of the poles are spray painted bright orange, and sometimes 12" orange construction netting is spread from pole to pole to accurately depict roof lines and ridge lines. The installation of story poles is certified accurate by a licensed professional such as a surveyor, architect or contractor.

Take for example, the story poles in my photo below. Once completed, the story poles (with possible netting) create a silhouette of the proposed structure with indication of size and mass. This new construction is being proposed in a neighborhood of existing homes on an ocean view lot. As you can see, any obstruction of existing VIEWS will be of major concern.

 

story poles erected on an ocean view lot

 

Once the story poles have been certified, the design review committee will hold a public hearing to take into consideration any concerns or objections from the surrounding property owners. At times, just rotating a proposed new home a few degrees will make a big difference to the neighbor along side or behind you when it comes to that coveted ocean view.

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Copyright © 2010 - 2013 All Rights Reserved

Cynthia Larsen
Broker/Owner - Safe Haven Realty
Sonoma County, California, USA
(707) 332-2560

 cynthia@safehavenrealty.com

 www.safehavenrealty.com



 
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14 Comments on Story Poles ... The Poles Tell The Story

SEP
26
2010
1,062,814 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Cynthia, I haven't seen them used here, but in a view situation like this lot, I can see the value of them!
8:11pm • #1
1,051,017 Points 285 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Cynthia, Interesting... never heard of them before, but can see why they'd be critical when you're selling views like that!
8:34pm • #2
257,100 Points 30 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cynthia. Great post. I know little about new construction. This is a very cool way of envisioning the impact of the building. I'm smarter now than I was just a few minutes ago. lol. Thank you.
9:06pm • #3
2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Thanks for the information.  I haven't seen this in place around me, but I could see in hillside communities where this could be vital information for the neighbors.
10:04pm • #4
135,951 Points Called Shot Master

Cynthia, story poles were foreign to me, but I can sure see the value.  Thanks for the new knowledge.
10:24pm • #5
376,710 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cynthia - So that's what these are?!  I used to walk by these in Caspar and Mendo when walking to coves to dive for abalone and never knew what they were.  Thanks for sharing because now I know!
11:34pm • #6
SEP
27
2010
979,163 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good explanation.  We don't see them much here.  Makes sense they do this.  And that pretty view would be a little obstructed. 
12:47am • #7
311,248 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

we've started to see these around Seattle. Very helpful.
1:18am • #8
483,284 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hey everyone, thanks for stopping by, I've been seeing these more and more where new homes are being built either in or next to existing neighborhoods.

I've wondered if the name Story Pole means that they tell you how many stories the building will be or if it means that the poles tell the story.
2:10am • #9
1,523,847 Points 163 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Interesting.  We have plenty of survey markers but I don't think I've seen story poles. 
6:20am • #10
397,895 Points 45 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Cynthia,  I've never seen that here on our coast.  What a wonderful idea.  I wish I had had the chance to ask for a slight move of the house currently being built next to me.  It totally blocks my view from that side and could have been much more neighbor friendly with a little change.  Oh, well.
7:08am • #11
447,681 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Cynthia, I have never heard of them before, but I think it's important to get a good idea of what the structure might get in the way of, and how it will affect the landscape.
10:34am • #12
483,284 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

These story poles work really well to help envision the size and orientation of a new structure before final approval.
6:27pm • #13
361,997 Points 60 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Cynthia ~ Very informative and especially helpful when doing construction in a waterfront development.
11:28pm • #14

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Cynthia Larsen - Sonoma County Real Estate Broker

Cotati, CA

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707-332-2560 www.safehavenrealty.com

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