Engineers say drainage sized for 100-year event; commission discusses height cap and code allowances

During the site plan review for Reserves at Meadows 25, the project's engineering representative described stormwater design and grading measures, and commissioners discussed how building-code allowances may differ from local zoning height limits.

An MKC Engineering representative explained that "the storm has been sized to take the 100-year event" for roughly 80% of the site and described inlet and overflow elevations along the roadway and the detention pond scheme to accept runoff. The engineer also noted sidewalk grades would require a meandering sidewalk to meet accessibility requirements (slopes under 5%).

Separately, commissioners and staff discussed the project's height issue. Staff reported the design height of 66 feet 10 inches exceeds the general business district maximum of 62.5 feet; an architect (referenced in the meeting) suggested that, because the building will be sprinklered, the International Building Code could allow taller buildings (participants said the IBC could allow up to 70 feet for sprinklered buildings). One commissioner proposed the city consider amending zoning to better reflect code allowances later in April.

The commission's conditional approval of the site plan allows engineering plan review and administrative permitting to proceed while those code and variance issues are resolved at the upcoming variance hearing.