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Planning Commission asks staff for more analysis on floor-area-ratio rules for steep lots
Summary
Commissioners discussed recurring FAR exceptions and requested staff research how slope and lot-size adjustments are handled in peer cities before bringing specific code-change options back to a future meeting.
At its Feb. 11 meeting the Larkspur Planning Commission discussed whether the city’s existing floor-area-ratio (FAR) rules and exceptions are producing excess exceptions for small and steep lots and asked staff for further analysis.
Commissioners said they want staff to compile comparable rules from other jurisdictions, examine slope-adjusted FAR approaches, and provide options that would reduce the frequency of exceptions while still allowing reasonable-sized homes on small parcels. Several commissioners noted past intent behind slope-based FAR rules — including wildfire and slope stability concerns — and asked staff to clarify whether other cities apply slope-based FAR adjustments or use alternative approaches such as step-backs, daylighting rules or graduated FAR based on lot size and slope.
Staff said the compilation of development standards is out of date and that a fresh survey of peer cities and a summary of recent FAR exceptions in Larkspur would be necessary before drafting code amendments. Commissioners agreed to table substantive code changes for a future meeting after staff returns with comparative research and suggested metrics that could be used to modify Larkspur’s standards.
Why this matters: FAR rules shape how much building area can be placed on a lot and influence neighborhood scale, tree protection, and slope stability. Commissioners signaled they prefer a data-driven approach rather than immediate ad hoc code changes.
