This new Affordable Housing Ordinance applies to the existing GC, RM, RD, RDM, LI and RC zones. The GC and RC zones currently have maximum building height of 35 ft, the LI zone a maximum of 30 ft and the RM, RD and RDM zones a maximum of 28 ft. This new ordinance will allow a 45 ft high structure plus an additional 5 ft for chimneys, mechanicals, etc to be placed adjacent to a much smaller residence or building. These zones include Thaynes, Payday, Empire, Woodside, Kearns, Monitor, Lucky John and Little Kate to name a few. The suggestion that existing residents may apply for a building height exception during a remodel or rebuild of 5 ft and reduce the impact is absurd. The variance between the current zone height limits and the Affordable limit will be at least 10 ft and could be as much as 22 ft. In addition, the measurement process recommended by Planning does NOT take into account the slope of the land meaning it could actually tower much more over a neighboring structure. This is in direct conflict with ensuring new development has no visual impact to the adjacent or neighboring properties and is compatible with the surrounding community. And, as written, the Planning Commission would have no discretion to reduce the building height based on the neighboring properties. The issue of reducing parking further for Affordable also seems unrealistic. Just take a walk down Woodside; the street is completely parked up with residential vehicles. The report by the City's consultant Cascadia reported 48% of residents in Affordable Housing have two or more cars. Street parking is already an issue and by further reducing requirements on-site, this problem will be exacerbated. This also assumes no one ever comes to visit the owner/renter in the affordable residence except via transit and the owner/renter never has to go anywhere outside of or far from transit. In summary, this Ordinance significantly benefits the developer over the community and needs further review.
This new Affordable Housing Ordinance applies to the existing GC, RM, RD, RDM, LI and RC zones. The GC and RC zones currently have maximum building height of 35 ft, the LI zone a maximum of 30 ft and the RM, RD and RDM zones a maximum of 28 ft. This new ordinance will allow a 45 ft high structure plus an additional 5 ft for chimneys, mechanicals, etc to be placed adjacent to a much smaller residence or building. These zones include Thaynes, Payday, Empire, Woodside, Kearns, Monitor, Lucky John and Little Kate to name a few. The suggestion that existing residents may apply for a building height exception during a remodel or rebuild of 5 ft and reduce the impact is absurd. The variance between the current zone height limits and the Affordable limit will be at least 10 ft and could be as much as 22 ft. In addition, the measurement process recommended by Planning does NOT take into account the slope of the land meaning it could actually tower much more over a neighboring structure. This is in direct conflict with ensuring new development has no visual impact to the adjacent or neighboring properties and is compatible with the surrounding community. And, as written, the Planning Commission would have no discretion to reduce the building height based on the neighboring properties. The issue of reducing parking further for Affordable also seems unrealistic. Just take a walk down Woodside; the street is completely parked up with residential vehicles. The report by the City's consultant Cascadia reported 48% of residents in Affordable Housing have two or more cars. Street parking is already an issue and by further reducing requirements on-site, this problem will be exacerbated. This also assumes no one ever comes to visit the owner/renter in the affordable residence except via transit and the owner/renter never has to go anywhere outside of or far from transit. In summary, this Ordinance significantly benefits the developer over the community and needs further review.