pages: PlanningBoard/2016-10-10.pdf, 2
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PlanningBoard | 2016-10-10 | 2 | President Knox White asked why townhomes only required 10% compared with 30% for other types of construction. Staff Member Thomas said every new unit needs to be visitable, but the ratios applied to full living accessibility. He said townhomes presented a special challenge for full accessibility. President Knox White opened the public hearing. Erick Mikiten, architect, said he is an advocate of universal design. He said the City has a big opportunity to send a message with its ordinance. He said the ordinance should apply to work/live units. He said universal design has many positive green building features, largely by reducing waste. He said the "five or more" threshold could be lowered to three to match up with Measure A. President Knox White closed the public hearing. Board Member Sullivan asked Mr. Mikiten to provide his written suggestions to Staff Member Thomas. Board Member Zuppan suggested that where they had a lower threshold such as with the townhomes, they require the balance of units to be readily adaptable. Staff Member Thomas said they are looking at such items in the ordinance, including adaptable staircases and entrances. Board Member Mitchell said he would like to proceed with the low cost and no cost solutions. He said he is concerned about adding costs. He said he is comfortable with staff's ratios. Board Member Köster said we should consider several items that he has seen and dealt with in other ordinances: flooring types, rocker light switches, door handles, and conduit for assistive technologies. Staff Member Thomas said that other cities have these options for buyers of spec houses, but that they are not mandatory. He said we are requiring these features in 30% of all new housing stock. Board Member Köster asked if the new requirements that apply to 100% of units would apply to someone rebuilding a house that burned down. Staff Member Thomas said they would need to address that question and it raises an interesting policy question. Approved Minutes Page 2 of 10 Planning Board Meeting October 10, 2016 | PlanningBoard/2016-10-10.pdf |