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Commission resumes review of Article 4 design standards, discusses carports, dormers and half‑story rules
Summary
Town staff returned Article 4 (architectural design guidelines) to the Planning Commission for review, presenting new dormer language, options for treating carports similar to garages in CD‑4 districts, and a proposal to allow a 2.5‑story 'half story' in some residential typologies. Commissioners asked for clearer measurement rules and percent‑of‑floor limits for usable attic area.
Town staff returned to the Planning Commission on Jan. 13 with revisions to Article 4 of the draft zoning ordinance, focusing on architectural design standards that cover dormers, carports, garage proportions and potential changes to how building height and ‘‘half stories’’ are measured.
Staff described proposed dormer guidance tied to architectural proportion and cladding, suggested treating carports like garages in CD‑4 (but not CD‑2/CD‑3) with design compatibility requirements, and presented examples of how other jurisdictions define and handle carports and accessory structures. Commissioners asked how carports would be limited (size, RV storage, whether facing a road), whether carports for multi‑unit buildings should be rear/side loaded, and how enforcement would interact with private covenants. Staff said they would return with more specific language and examples.
On building height, staff proposed allowing a buildable 'half story' (2.5 stories) in some typologies to permit occupiable attic space without increasing counted stories; examples cited measurement methods and possible limits (examples ranged 50–70% of the floor area beneath). Commissioners supported exploring a half‑story allowance but asked staff to provide clearer measurement methodology and recommended caps to avoid unintended increases in building massing. Staff said they will circulate red‑lined drafts for Article 4.3 and related sections via email prior to the next meeting.
