Planning commission backs 'option B' for building-height measurement

The Lindstrom Planning Commission voted to recommend option B to the city council on proposed building-height language, adopting a definition that measures height from a street-facing foundation but applies a 10-foot adjustment on lots that drop steeply toward water.

Jason, a city planner, told the commission the issue was sent back by the council after technical debate. "For the purposes of calculating building height, the lowest ground level on the lakeside is included in that average with any street sides," Jason said, explaining how the alternatives would change measured height on steep lots and along riparian edges.

The planner described three approaches: A, which measures from the building foundation on the street-facing side; B, a compromise that uses the street side but, if the lot drops more than 10 feet, measures from a point 10 feet above the lower level; and C, which averages the street and lakeside elevations and is most restrictive from the lakeside. Jason said staff was comfortable recommending any of the options, but noted C would limit height most where topography is greatest.

Several commissioners supported keeping flexibility on the street side while limiting visually intrusive lakeside massing. "I think I was always a fan of A. We can't be afraid of height," Commissioner Steve Dunne said, adding he would accept B as a compromise. Following that discussion Commissioner Dunne moved to forward option B as the commission's recommendation; the motion carried on a voice vote.

The planning commission's recommendation will go to the city council for a final decision. The commission chair noted that council members debated the technical definition at their meeting and asked the planning commission to vet the language further before council action.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote; no additional procedural conditions or amendments to the B recommendation were recorded during the meeting.