Commission asks staff to workshop Cannery Center 0‑lot‑line buffer proposal

Sean Maynard, representing the Cannery Center, presented a proposed zoning text amendment that would permit commercial buildings to sit on a 0‑lot line adjacent to residential lots if neighbors record easements and the commercial property constructs a stepped buffer: a finished rated wall at the property line plus a building set back and limited intermediate heights so residences see a landscaped buffer rather than equipment yards. Maynard said the approach could allow developers to use narrow slivers of property more productively while delivering a higher quality wall and landscaping for adjacent neighbors.

Commissioners and staff raised technical and legal considerations including building‑code fire separation for 0‑lot‑line walls, the challenge of occupied roof decks, design variation requirements on long facades, maintenance and access for long 0‑lot‑line buildings, and the legal difficulty of conditioning the allowance on neighbor's signed permission (a Utah case history was referenced). Several commissioners suggested staff workshop proposed language with the applicant and city attorney to craft a narrowly tailored overlay or ordinance with safeguards (design variation, no occupied roofs, maintenance/access requirements) before sending a formal recommendation to council. The commission voted to postpone and asked staff to return with draft ordinance language.