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<br />B. Three options: <br />All options are measured from grade to the peak, which is the easiest <br />and most accurate way to measure these structures. <br />1. A 15 foot maximum height but not higher than the principal <br />structure. This captures most standard garages and some <br />additional space. A "standard" 24 foot by 24 foot garage is <br />typically 12 to 15 feet high. <br />2. An 18 foot maximum height but NOT higher than the principal <br />structure. This permits a story and a half garage that is still 7 feet <br />shorter than a two story, 25 foot house. <br />Using a different measure, the grade to midpoint between peak <br />and eave measure is about 13 or 14 feet. Most cities surveyed <br />use a 16 foot grade to midpoint between peak and eave so this is <br />consistent. (Attachment 2) <br />There are currently two new garages being constructed at heights <br />of 16 feet 7 inches at 1357 California and 17 feet 4 inches at <br />1804 Tatum. <br />• <br />3. Maintain the existing code of no higher than the principal structure <br />as the maximum height. <br />Note: The zoning code does not permit occupancy of a detached <br />accessory structure. <br />C. Staff recommends that current zoning standards be changed to allow a <br />detached garage height of 18 feet but NOT higher than the principal <br />structure. This would eliminate the possibility of a detached 25 foot <br />high garage, while allowing the 15 foot to 18 foot garages that have <br />been permitted in the past. If the commission feels that 18 feet is <br />excessively high, the number could be reduced to 16 feet. Any number <br />lower than 16 feet will likely result in an increase in the number of <br />variance requests brought before the commission. <br />IV. Maximum detached garage size <br />Proposed addition: <br />Keep the same criteria (40% of the required rear yard) but add that a detached <br />• garage cannot be larger in area than the area of the principal structure. <br />