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Commission debates whether to measure building height from curb or natural grade
Summary
Commissioners discussed moving building-height measurement from top-of-foundation to a consistent reference (back of curb or natural grade) and raised protections for existing homes and teardown/rebuild situations; staff will research approaches used in other cities.
Staff summarized current practice — height measured as 35 feet from top of foundation, with top of foundation allowed up to 2 feet above finished grade — and said that discrepancy can allow buildings to effectively exceed perceived height when lots are regraded. "It's 35 feet from top of foundation, not necessarily from grade," staff noted, and commissioners said that can incentivize grading changes to increase allowable height.
Commissioners discussed options including measuring from back of curb, natural grade, or using the higher of the two for fairness. Several members said any change should account for existing homes and tear-down/rebuild situations so property owners are not unfairly disadvantaged. Staff agreed to survey other cities' approaches and return with options to bring to council.
