pages: CityCouncil/2013-04-02.pdf, 15
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2013-04-02 | 15 | (13-142) Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft moved approval of considering the recommendation to implement the Biological Opinion [paragraph no. 13-144 after 10:30 p.m. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. * Encouraged including a green area and the height limit be set at 40 foot with an exception to go higher: Trish Spencer, Alameda. Urged Island High be designated for green space: Joe DiDonato, Alameda. Mayor Gilmore stated there is a lot of concern about the 60 foot height limit being allowed as a right; requested an explanation of the interplay between having a 60 foot height limit as a right and design review; inquired what prevents the City from getting a square block building. The City Planner responded the concept of by right is not being used correctly; stated technically, the City does not have anything by right because every building has to go through a discretionary design review process; the issue arises all the time with residential construction; the City has a 30 foot height limit; large, unsightly designs come in and people argue meeting the 30 foot height limit requires approval; staff explains design review approval is needed, that findings must be made that the design is appropriate for the site, creates good transitions for the neighboring buildings and the house needs to be 25 feet to make the findings for design review even though the height limit is 30 feet; staff would have to make findings to approve a 60 foot building; somebody cannot just build a box because it meets the height limit. Mayor Gilmore inquired whether people might not come in with a 60 foot building proposal due to not wanting to waste time by being at the height limit. The City Planner responded in the affirmative; stated currently, developers come in and ask what the City will approve; developers do not want to spend time and money going after a wild goose chase if the project is not going to be approved; setting the height limit at 40 feet sends the message that the City is not interested in any building over said height even if the project is beautifully designed. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the objective of sending a message would be better realized by having guidelines in writing similar to Santa Cruz, which outline the criteria to go beyond perhaps a 50 foot height limit; stated the counter staff are individuals; there are variations; from her time on the Planning Board, she understood people who do not hear what they want from one Planner, come back another day and ask for another Planner. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 15 April 2, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-04-02.pdf |