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Resident urges fixed height standard; commission vows clearer language on hillside measurements
Summary
Don Spalding, a 15th Street resident, told the commission the draft’s proposed average‑grade method for measuring building height will 'block people's view' and urged a return to a fixed numeric height standard; staff said they will clarify the definition and preserve hillside protections.
A member of the public raised concerns about the draft's building‑height definition, arguing the average‑grade measure disadvantages hillside property owners and asking the commission to restore a firm numeric cap.
"My name is Don Spalding. I live on 15th Street... This is an average between high and low... Now, if you take the high and low, you start blocking people's view," the resident said, urging a more definite standard. He referenced a prior 35‑foot standard and warned that the draft approach will be perceived as less definite by neighbors.
Staff acknowledged the definition of building height is currently located in the definitions section and called it "a jumbled up mess" that has led to interpretative difficulties on hillside lots. Brian Steffen said staff will tighten the language and ensure existing hillside regulations carry forward into the updated code.
