Rocklin draft revises height, setbacks and lot coverage rules to reduce need for special development plans
Summary
The draft code standardizes height and setback rules (e.g., medium‑high density heights proposed to change from 30 to 35 feet), removes redundant 'stories' and lot coverage limits in favor of height/setback controls, and shifts some approvals from conditional use permits to design review to improve consistency.
Consultants explained several technical changes to development standards intended to reduce the number of general development plans and streamline review. In medium‑high residential zones, the draft raises the maximum height from 30 to 35 feet while preserving opportunities for additional height through design review with written justification.
Martha Miller described the removal of story‑based limits as a simplification: in many cases the existing story limit duplicated the maximum height standard and produced inconsistent outcomes on sloped lots. Staff also recommended eliminating lot coverage caps that are redundant with setbacks and parking requirements to allow modest additions such as accessory dwelling units without triggering unusual nonconformity issues.
For projects that seek additional height in commercial and mixed‑use zones, staff proposed changing the discretionary review path from conditional use permit to design review to create a consistent procedure citywide. Staff said the change is procedural and that projects will still require public review and findings where appropriate.
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