Title
Building Heights in High Density Corridor Zones - Public Hearing
Staff Recommended Action
Following staff briefing, open public hearing and receive comment noting that written comments will be accepted until at least 5 p.m., Friday, October 23.
Report
Issue:
Olympia's land use zoning regulations state that building heights in the 'HDC-1' zone within 100 feet of low-density residential zones are limited to 35 feet, but also suggest that 'bonus' residential floor are available. City staff proposes an amendment stating that such bonuses are not available within 100 feet of historic districts. Following a public hearing, the Commission is to make a recommendation to the City Council on this issue.
Staff Contact:
Todd Stamm, Principal Planner, Community Planning and Development Department, 360.753.8597
Presenter:
Todd Stamm, Principal Planner
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Development Code, also known as the zoning code, provides that in the four 'High Density Corridor' zones any new building within 100 feet of a residential zone with a maximum density of 14 units or less per acre shall not exceed 35 feet in height. The code also provides that buildings within 50 feet of higher density residential and mixed use zones shall be limited to the lesser of the height allowed in the adjacent zone or the maximum height of the High Density Corridor zone.
However, the code also states with respect to the 'HDC-1' and 'HDC-2' zones, "Provided that one additional story may be built for residential development only." Additional provisions related to this 'bonus floor' are set forth in Olympia Municipal Code 18.06.100.A.6. However, the code does not indicate whether this bonus floor is available in the areas where heights are restricted near other zones.
The version of the Olympia Comprehensive Plan adopted in December of 2014 includes Land Use and Urban Design policy 13.7, applicable to the areas zoned as HDC-1 and HDC-2. That policy...
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