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Committee approves Sunset Harbor overlay tweaks to attract Class‑A office: height, sidewalk and rooftop changes OK'd
Summary
The committee approved code amendments to the Sunset Harbor overlay to increase permitted height along Alton Road from 50 to 75 feet, lock a 10‑foot sidewalk width, and allow rooftop elements up to 16 feet, with neighborhood support and a covenant restricting a top unit from short‑term rentals.
The Land Use and Sustainability Committee approved changes to the Sunset Harbor overlay aimed at attracting Class‑A office and mixed‑use redevelopment along Alton Road.
The ordinance amendments adopted by the committee increase allowable building height along the Alton Road edge of the Sunset Harbor district from 50 feet to 75 feet, require a minimum 10‑foot‑wide pedestrian path (the DRB had previously been able to reduce it to five feet), and allow rooftop elements to reach 16 feet above the roof where the current limit is 10 feet. The developer proffered a covenant that the topmost residential unit would not be used as a short‑term rental; the Sunset Harbor Neighborhood Association provided a letter of support recorded in the committee packet. The amendment was approved by the committee by recorded voice vote (3‑0 in committee roll call).
Why it matters: City staff and the neighborhood said the adjustments would enable a Class‑A office building in a corridor where the city wants professional and office activity to complement nearby retail and the park. Supporters said the regulations preserve neighborhood priorities (sidewalk width and setbacks) while allowing modest height increases to promote higher‑quality development.
Developer and neighborhood comments: Developer representatives showed concept images and noted the rooftop feature and increased height along Alton were negotiated with the neighborhood. Sarah de los Reyes, Sunset Harbor Neighborhood Association president, confirmed the association’s support and said the rooftop structure would be 16 feet, only about one foot higher than what can be built today in the overlay.
Outcome and next steps: The committee moved the ordinance forward with a favorable recommendation. The modification will proceed through normal referral and adoption steps for LDR changes.
