Commission continues debate on structure-size limits; asks staff to draft refined proposal

The Planning Commission continued a complex discussion about proposed changes to the citys code that would adjust how allowable house size is calculated and when projects require Planning Commission review.

Commissioner concerns centered on a proposed shift from a first/second-floor square-foot table to a footprint-based limit that could, when multiplied by acreage, allow very large single-story homes in theory. Commissioner Steven (role: Commissioner) and others warned the proposed formulas could produce extreme examples (tens of thousands of square feet on large parcels) even though commissioners acknowledged market realities make such builds unlikely. Several commissioners urged tighter "bookends": retain footprint language but add a living-area cap (one proposal discussed a 6,000-square-foot livable-area staff-level cap with additional discretionary bands and Planning Commission review above that).

Planning staff noted that height and setback rules already trigger standards modification in many cases and said the code is structured to route impactful proposals to a more detailed standards-modification process, which includes story poles and neighbor notice. The commission asked staff to prepare a redline draft that preserves a safer ministerial band and adds explicit triggers that require Planning Commission review for larger livable-area totals; commissioners expect that draft for the next meeting.