Apparantly, they have reivised the zoning rules when it comes to adding on top of a garage. Too many people illegally renting them out and not bringing them up to code. I also think that aesthetically, alot of people go for the cheapest option, thus creating an eyesore neighbors are quick to complain about. I'm not sure I can afford the legal hassle of presenting it to the zoning board and then getting it shot down, because it's alot easier for them to say 'no' than to try and accomodate some jc artist who wants a place to work that is not in their bedroom...So, alas, we are going to try out this green roof option, not that I am sad about it, I think that it's a really cool thing that could have a positive impact.... and GROVEPATH, nice pic, where is that place located? That look's awesome!!!!! Is this something you have the space for as well?

Dunno how they got it approved, but look behind 234 Fourth St. (btwn Erie and Jersey). A couple of years ago there was a two story masonary structure with apparently full utilities constructed on what may have existed (or at sometime existed) a 7' back shack. The building abutts the rear and side property lines and is visible from the street in the Historic District.

Maybe you could use the approvals given that structure as precedence for your garage.

Otherwise, great idea to go green roof, as you learn more please share.

I really like this idea! I'm reading up on it

Yeah, you start by putting down a rubberized roof that is acid-proof, some people have even used pool/pond liners over their existing asphalt roof. Then, depending on what your roof can handle, you can put down pumice/lava rock, pebbles or rock wool which serves as your drainage material, chicken wire over that, and then, finally, some light weight soil mixture to plant on. Some places sell "tiles" that include everything except the rubberized roof material. It seems like a pretty do-able thing, but I am a little skeptical of how easy it is to maintain....

That sounds great -- how about drainage -- how is that handled? Also do you start with putting down good rubber roofing?

I mean a roof that is covered with grass/sedum. It's something you see in Europe, but it's catching on in Seattle and Chicago and other cities where land is at a premium. It's a nice concept because you replace the space that is used up by concrete/asphalt with something that is living, thus helping to cut down on pollution.

Ok -- I'm not sure what you mean by "green roof"

So, we have a detached flat roof garage that we are looking to put a green roof on. We originally wanted to put up a second story that would serve as an artist studio, but we got shot down by the zoning board, so we are looking at other ways to use this space.
Has anyone ever heard any one doing this in Jersey City? As far as load capacity goes, it looks like as long as we replaced the roof up there, it can definately support the weight. Any thoughts would be appreciated.