Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Coverage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission debates removing maximum building-coverage caps in higher-density zones
Summary
Commission members debated whether to remove maximum building-coverage percentages from several higher-density zones (WBR, 5‑Corners, IT/Technology Campus), with many arguing stormwater and other regulations will control impervious cover while others warned about small-lot consequences; no final numeric decision was made.
Commissioners spent substantial time weighing whether to retain or remove maximum building-coverage limits in several higher‑density zones. Some members argued that coverage limits (examples cited in the discussion: 50%, 80%, 90%) are outdated in urban contexts and that other regulatory processes — stormwater management, setbacks, and design standards — will control impervious surfaces and environmental impacts. "If we specify, like, 80 or 90%... it wouldn't trump the other restrictions," one member said in support of removing the numeric cap.
Opponents warned that removing coverage caps could produce undesirable outcomes on small lots and exacerbate stormwater runoff if not coupled with strong stormwater requirements. The commission discussed technical mitigation (retention cells under parking, living roofs) and the need to coordinate with stormwater rules and engineering review; the conversation concluded with staff and commissioners agreeing to remove coverage maxima in some zones (pending drafting) while ensuring stormwater and impervious-surface processes remain robust.
