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Planning Commission 2/4/03 Information ITEM: Letter from Lynnanne Warren requesting review of garage height restrictions. SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Jones, Zoning and Planning Coordinator REVIEWED BY: Heather Worthington, City Administrator EXPLANATION: Summary: In December of 2002, Ms. Lynnanne Warren of 1425 W. California Avenue, contacted City Administrator Heather Worthington to express her concern about the height of garages in her Northome neighborhood. Ms. Worthington suggested that she put her concerns in a letter to the Planning Commission (copy attached). Presently, the Falcon Heights City Code puts the following restrictions on garage height in Section 9-2.04 Subd. 1(3) Subparagraph d: d. No accessory building in a residential district shall exceed the height of the principal building. In addition, no detached garage in a residential district shall exceed: (1) a maximum of 18 feet in height from grade to peak if the roof has a pitch that is 4 foot (horizontal) to 1 foot (vertical) or greater; or (2) a maximum of 12 feet in height from grade to peak if the roof has a pitch that is less than 4 foot (horizontal) to 1 foot (vertical). There are currently many garages in Falcon Heights that are near or close to this allowed maximum height, in all neighborhoods of the city. Last year, Ms. Warren brought a similar concern to the Planning Commission which resulted in a 10 month study of lot coverage in the R-1 zone, the hiring of a consultant, and the preparation of an amendment to the City Code which was recently passed by the Council. The cost of this endeavor included $3,230.00 in consulting fees, approximately $2550 in staff time, plus administrative costs including copying, supplies, etc. The new lot coverage ordinance resolved a problematic "gap" in the code that theoretically would have a allowed coverage up to 75% in residential neighborhoods, a degree of density that was determined to be excessive for a city like Falcon Heights. The amended code recognized existing neighborhood character while making less than 20 properties non-conforming. It brought the • city into line with coverage limits in similar cities, allowed most residents reasonable room to expand, and gave clear direction to the City staff in reviewing future building permits.