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Commission considers rule that keeps buildings architecturally separate above ground; underground connections remain allowed
Summary
Staff reminded commissioners that the LDR currently counts adjacent buildings separately for the large-building limit and bans above-ground internal connections; commissioners debated limited exceptions for non–street-facing or small-scale exterior connections for design and winter-weather convenience while preserving the code’s intent to avoid single massive masses.
Tyler Valentine reviewed the LDR rule that treats 'individual buildings' separately for the downtown size limit: buildings can share underground parking or mechanical space but should not have above-ground internal connections. "What we said is there could be no above ground internal connections," he said, noting the rule was intended to create separate building masses rather than one continuous above-ground complex.
Commissioners worried a blanket ban might impede good design on smaller projects or create unintended constraints for phased development. Several recommended distinguishing by project scale and visibility — for example, allowing limited exterior connections that are not street-facing, or allowing exceptions for projects under a square-foot threshold. Staff suggested design guidelines and a DRC workshop might be useful to craft nuanced standards rather than a one-size-fits-all code prohibition.
