09-16-2004 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing, and Workshop Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning & Zoning Comm~n • October 21, 2004 Maximum Height Zoning Ordinance Amendment Page 2 of 4 Background • As previously explained, the exact reason for establishing the maximum height for buildings within the City at 45 feet is not known. Discussion of fire protection and the general blocking of view were offered as possible reasons. • 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 stories to buildings compensates for the reduction of footprints at the base of the building to allow room for required pazking, landscaping and maneuver isles. Viewing economic development as a priority, City Council is requesting a review of the issue. • As was briefed at previous Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Boazd of Adjustment meetings, 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 adding stories in excess of 70 feet. LPFD has stated that subject to the structures being built to building and fire codes (e.g. requiring a sprinkler system); they see no limiting factor to height of the building from their perspective. The fire Code, with amendments, states: 603.15.9 Additional Required Automatic Sprinkler Systems In addition to any other fire and/or building code requirements the following occupancies shall be totally equipped with a sprinkler system. 1. ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCIES (A) All Class A assembly occupancies. (B) When a Class B assembly occupancy is located in a building above the level of exit dischazge, the entire building shall be equipped with a sprinkler system.