26 - Laserfiche WebLink

Item 3—Redlined Plan, Part 2 (4) deleting subsection A of municipal code section 18.84.150, which relates to certain allowed exceptions for height limits in the C-C, I-G, or Q districts. This section has not been used to staffs knowledge, and thus staff proposes to delete it. Of these amendments, staff proposes to proceed with all except item (1) in the above list (alternative measurement of building height), based on the rationale that modifying the point to which height is measured does not appear to result in more certainty for project developers and residents, since an additional height allotment for the sloped roof would need to be provided, and it creates uncertainty in that existing structures (including in areas outside of downtown since this section of the municipal code applies citywide) could become non-conforming with respect to their height if this alternative way to measure height is implemented. Therefore, staff proposes to retain measuring height as is currently prescribed in the code, with modifications only to include parapets in the overall height, clarifying that the measurement should occur from the lower or natural or finished grade, and reducing the additional height by which architectural features and certain appurtenances may exceed the building height. The draft code amendment is Attachment 4 to this memo. Figure 2: Height Measurement • 4Midpoint *e144 Height Height • Current Method of Height Measurement, Alternative Method of Height Measurement, Principal Structures Principal Structures (Not proposed to change) Community Benefits and Height The Task Force had previously begun to discuss the concept of community benefits, where new development is given a "bonus" (e.g., height) in exchange for providing a benefit to the community. Examples of benefits that have been discussed include affordable housing, public open space, and public art. At its November 28, 2017, Prepared for the April 24, 2018 Downtown Specific Plan Update Task Force Meeting Page 4 of 13