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<br />Planning & Zoning Commission <br />April 17, 2008 <br />Maximum Height Restrictions <br />Zoning Ordinance Amendment <br />Page 4 of 4 <br /> <br />Recommended Requirements: <br /> <br />· Since family/residential structures are habitually not sprinklered, Staff, at this <br />point, recommends residential use requirements as currently presented in the <br />Code of Ordinances regarding maximum allowable heights remain intact. <br /> <br />· Commercial/Industrial maximum height requirements are not applicable. <br /> <br />· Maximum height restrictions of 45'or whichever appropriate shall be reinstated <br />for commercial developments when adjacent to residential zoning districts. <br /> <br />Conclusions: <br /> <br />The footprint of remaining land in the commercial and industrial zones of the City, due to <br />shape and size, is becoming more restrictive to development. Economic development is <br />one of the highest priorities. The factors promoting economic development, however, <br />must be balanced with factors of 'safe' development. <br /> <br />Given that the LPFD has no issues with maximum heights of building (with building and <br />fire codes remaining current and updates approved); and since the Fire Code and the <br />International Building Codes are both restrictive on the heights of buildings in light of <br />other considerations on a case-by-case basis, the City Staff feels that it is in the best <br />interests of the City of La Porte to retain the stated height restrictions for residential and <br />no height restrictions for commercial/industrial properties. In addition, the maximum <br />height restriction of 45 feet, for commercial developments, when adjacent to residential <br />zoning districts, may be reinstated. Staff believes that this measure represents an <br />equitable balance between economics, safety, and welfare of the community. <br /> <br />Actions available to the Commission are as follows: <br /> <br />· Recommend to Council approval for proposed amendment to the Zoning <br />Ordinance pertaining to the maximum height restrictions for commercial <br />developments adjacent to residential zoning districts as stated above. <br />· Recommend to Council approval of a revised version of the above. <br />· Recommend to Council denial for the above amendment. <br />· Table this item for further consideration by the Commission. <br />