Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Main Street South Gateway topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission recommends zoning change to ease townhome construction on Main Street South
Summary
Planning staff proposed removing minimum floor-to-ceiling height requirements for townhomes in the Main Street South Gateway and instead requiring finished floors at least 18 inches above the sidewalk; commissioners recommended the amendment, noting accessibility and constructability issues.
Planning staff presented an amendment to the Main Street South Gateway zoning that would remove a minimum clear floor-to-ceiling height for townhomes and instead require all townhomes in that zone to set finished floors at a minimum of 18 inches above sidewalk grade. After questions and discussion about constructability and accessibility, the commission voted to recommend the amendment to the City Council.
The staff presenter explained the rule was originally intended to preserve downtown building proportions but has proved difficult for townhome construction. "What we're proposing tonight is that we get rid of the floor to ceiling clear heights for the building, but require all townhomes to be built at, 18 inches above sidewalk grade," the planning staff member said.
Staff cited precedent in Westfield Central, where an 18-inch finished-floor approach is already used for similar townhome products. Commissioners and staff discussed tradeoffs: raising finished floors helps establish separation between the public sidewalk and private porches, but it can complicate accessibility for residents with mobility impairments. Planning staff noted options such as grading, alternate entries, or garage-area ramps and said some situations may require variances.
Commissioners asked whether the change would affect other housing types; staff said it applies only to townhomes in the Main Street South Gateway zone. Staff also discussed how existing maximum building height rules interact with floor-to-ceiling minima, noting that strict ceiling minima can unintentionally limit allowable story counts or require costly structural changes.
After discussion, an unidentified commissioner moved to recommend approval of an amendment described in the meeting as Springville City code 11-4-7084 to eliminate the minimum clear floor-to-ceiling height and adopt a minimum finished floor elevation for townhomes in the Main Street South Gateway. Commissioners voted in favor and the recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for formal action.
