HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated May 24, 1994 ITEM #: J�u
DATE: 05/24/94
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT:
Motion to Direct Staff to Prepare Ordinance Amendments to Chapter 29, Zoning, of
the Municipal Code to Adopt Vertical Development Regulations for the H-M (Hospital-
Medical) Zoning District.
ACTION FORM SUMMARY: The Planning and Zoning Commission proposes the
adoption of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would establish vertical
development regulations in the H-M district.
City staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to prepare
ordinances to adopt the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation.
BACKGROUND:
The Planning and Zoning Commission has studied building height regulations for the
H-M zoning district. The Commission's recommendations for vertical development
regulations were presented to the City Council on October 26, 1993.
At this time, City staff request that the City Council decide if they wish to proceed with
regulations for vertical development. If Council decides to proceed, City staff should
be directed to prepare ordinance amendments for consideration by City Council.
ANALYSIS:
Land Use Policy Plan.
The H-M (Hospital-Medical) Policy adopted by City Council on April 14, 1992
addresses the need for vertical development regulations.
Specifically, the H-M Policy states that implementation should include:
Emphasis on vertical redevelopment/development.
Existing Building Height Restrictions.
The Zoning Ordinance restricts "maximum" building height, as follows:
Maximum Height-
Residential Uses : 4 stories or 50 feet
All Other Permitted Uses : 9 stories or 100 feet
Note: There are no "minimum" building height restrictions.
Proposed Building Height Restrictions.
The following building height restrictions are proposed:
A minimum building height of two (2) stories, above ground, is required for
all principal buildings constructed in the H-M district.
Single-story principal buildings, constructed prior to the effective date of the
ordinance that requires multi-story buildings, shall be considered to be
conforming structures.
Whenever a building, existing prior to the effective date of this ordinance, is
enlarged to the extent of fifty percent (50%) or more in floor area through a
single expansion or through successive expansions, said building addition
shall comply with the requirement for a minimum of two (2) stories above
ground.
STAFF COMMENTS:
The H-M land use policy in the LUPP encourages redevelopment of the H-M area to
result in more efficient use of the land. Since it is unrealistic to expect demolition of
existing office buildings, the proposed regulations account for the existing buildings by
classifying these as conforming structures. If the existing buildings were damaged or
destroyed, they could be rebuilt as single-story building.
Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended ordinance amendments to
Chapter 29, Zoning. of the Municipal Code to adopt the vertical development
regulations for the H-M (Hospital-Medical) zoning district, as described above.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can direct City staff to prepare ordinance amendments to
Chapter 29, Zoning, of the Municipal Code to adopt vertical development
regulations for the H-M (Hospital-Medical) zoning district, as recommended by
the Planning and Zoning Commission.
2
2. The City Council can choose not to take action on the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommendations to adopt vertical development regulations for the
H-M (Hospital-Medical) zoning district.
3. The City Council can modify the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommendation to direct City staff to prepare ordinance amendments to adopt
vertical development regulations for the H-M (Hospital-Medical) zoning district.
4. The City Council can refer this item back to City staff and/or the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
#1. This action will direct City staff to prepare ordinance amendments to Chapter 29,
Zoning, of the Municipal Code to adopt vertical development regulations for the H-M
(Hospital-Medical) zoning district.
COUNCIL ACTION:
3