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

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Planning & Zoning Com~n October 21, 2004 Maximum Height Zoning Ordinance Amendment Page 4 of 4 Recommended Requirements: • Since family/residential structures are habitually not sprinklered, Staff, at this point, recommends residential use requirements as currently presented in the Zoning Ordinance regarding maximum allowable heights remain intact. • CommerciaUIndustrial maximum height requirements are removed. Conclusions• The footprint of remaining land in the commercial and industrial zones of the City, due to shape and size, is becoming more restrictive~to development. Economic development is one of the highest Council priorities. The factors promoting economic development, however, must be balanced with factors of `safe' development. Given that the LPFD has no issues with maximum heights of building (with building and fire codes remaining current and updates approved); and since the Fire Code and the IBC are both restrictive on the heights of buildings in light of other considerations on a case- by-case basis, the City Staff feels that it is in the best interests of the City of La Porte to eliminate the stated height restrictions for commerciaUindustrial properties. In lieu of the current restriction of 45 feet, each project would be reviewed by Staff on its own merits and in relation to the existing Fire Code and IBC to determine supportability. In addition, the Planning Department would assume the flow testing duties to ensure appropriate fire suppression capabilities in relation to the height of the proposed structure. We believe that this measure represents an equitable balance between economics and safety. As an additional requirement, to avoid approvals of projects that might conflict with our municipal airport, a footnote must be added. to the Commercial and Industrial tables to direct developers and Staff to .the City's Part 77, Airspace Plane. This Plan identifies height restrictions with Airport Approach Zones.