Commissioners debate how Keizer code measures accessory‑structure height; staff favors peak‑to‑peak interpretation

Commissioners and staff spent significant time debating how to measure accessory‑structure height under Keizer Development Code section 2.313, with the planning director and staff saying the controlling definition compares building height from finished grade to the highest point of the structure and that an accessory structure’s roofline should not exceed the primary building’s roofline.

Shane Witham summarized the code framework and findings: “the accessory structure shall not exceed the height of the primary building,” and the staff report warned that “even a relatively small numerical increase may affect the structure’s visual prominence when its roof line extends above that of the primary building.” Commissioners asked technical questions about average finished‑grade calculations, slab thickness and whether lowering pitch, lowering wall heights or regrading could achieve compliance without setting a precedent. Staff said alternatives exist, but that the height request in this application did not meet staff’s minimum‑necessary finding.