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Commissioners reject proposal to lower lakeshore maximum structure height from 35 to 25 feet
Summary
An amendment to the county shoreland ordinance proposing a 25-foot maximum structure height was rejected; the planning commission had recommended keeping the existing 35-foot limit because modern construction methods make 25 feet impractical for two-story homes.
Hubbard County commissioners voted to retain the existing 35-foot maximum structure height in the county shoreland ordinance after considering an application to reduce the limit to 25 feet.
Planning staff presented the ordinance amendment application, noting neighboring counties have lower maximum heights. The planning commission reviewed the proposal at its August meeting and recommended that the County keep the 35-foot standard, citing current building practices such as 9-foot side walls and deeper floor-joist systems that make a 25-foot cap difficult to achieve for two-story homes.
A commissioner who attended the planning commission meeting summarized the commission’s reasoning and moved to leave the height at 35 feet. After a second, the board voted in favor. Board discussion referenced walkout basements and how height is measured "from the point of highest ground contact to the peak of the roof," which can make lakeside structures appear taller without violating the ordinance.
No amendments to the ordinance were adopted; the 35-foot limit remains in place.
Ending: The planning commission’s recommendation to retain the 35-foot height limit was upheld by the board; staff may continue to process permits under the existing shoreland ordinance language.
