O-2005-1501-FFFF - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Appropriation Agenda Date Requested: Februarv 28. 2005 Requested By: wavne~ Source of Funds: NA Account Number: NA Department: Planninl! Amount Budgeted: NA Report: -X-Resolution: _Ordinance: Exhibits: P&Z Staff Report Ordinance 1501- Amended Commercial and Industrial Tables. SUMMARY On January 10,2005, City Council directed staff to conduct a review of the 45' maximum height requirement for structures as stated in Chapter 106 (Zoning), City Code of Ordinances, and to bring recommended changes back to Council in February 2005. City Council directed the Planning and Zoning Commission to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 106), Section 106-333; Table B., Residential Area Requirements, Section 106-443; Table B., Commercial Area Requirements and Section 106-522; Table B., Industrial Area Requirements to amend, change or modify the maximum allowable height for structures within those zones. After a workshop; public hearing and finally at the November 18, 2004, meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission, by a unanimous vote, forwarded their official position for action by City Council that the maximum height rule of 45' remains in Chapter 106 (Zoning). The current discussion was precipitated by the application of a proposed Hotel, constrained by narrowness of available land for development, to build a fourth story and thereby exceeding the maximum allowable height of 45 feet by a total of 6 feet. Given the economic challenges to development posed by in-fill lots and the reduced dimensions of available land, commercial developers are beginning to seek relief from the height requirement to make their project more economically feasible. Adding additional stories to buildings compensates for the reduction of footprints at the base of the building to allow room for required parking, landscaping and maneuver isles. The LPFD has no issue with fighting fires in taller buildings. While current equipment can reach 100 feet, a good rule of thumb is 7 stories (70 feet) due to having to position the truck to fight the fire. This limitation, however, does not prevent the building from additional stories in excess of 70 feet. LPFD has stated that subject to the structures being built to building and fire codes requirements (e.g. requiring a sprinkler system); they see no limiting factor to height of the building from their perspective.