AgdaPkt 2015-09-28 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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Accordingly, the Project is consistent with all historic resource provisions of the DTPP, including those applicable to (1) historic resources and (2) non-historic sites near historic resources. ii. The Project Complies with Height and Architectural Style Regulations. Appellants’ Contention: The City has not considered height reductions to preserve historic resources and preserve the character of City streets and should apply the four- story stepdown requirement, even though it does not actually apply in this 12-story zone, because the Project is adjacent to historic resources. (See, e.g., Carr Appeal, pp. 3-4; Keyes Appeal, pp. 3-4.) City’s Response: As discussed in the Planning Commission staff report and other sections of this report, the subject site is in a 12-story height zone. When the City adopted the original DTPP, maximum permitted building heights were similar to the current DTPP, but did not include any step-downs near historic resources or key public open spaces. (DTPP, p. 17.) When the City Council adopted the 2011 DTPP, it imposed a targeted 3-story limit within precise areas of downtown. First, the frontages of the lots immediately to the east and west of the historic courthouse, along Hamilton Street and Middlefield Road, have 3-story limits, as do the frontages along Broadway and Main Street. (DTPP, p. 86.) Second, the frontage of 621 Middlefield Road, one of Applicant’s parcels which is adjacent to the historic resource at 611 Middlefield Road, has a 3-story limit along its frontage. Thus, the DTPP has already mitigated impacts to the adjacent, and in fact all historic resources by limiting the heights of certain parcels to three stories, in order to avoid impacts. In addition, the City has taken action to reduce the Project from its original 11 story/136’ proposal. Throughout the City’s review and public hearing process, input by staff, Advisory Committees and the public influenced the Applicant to reduce the project by two stories and 24’ (below the height of the historic courthouse dome.) The Planning Commission’s approval of the 9 story/112’ Project reflects those efforts. The DTPP recognizes that the North of Marshall District (which includes the subject site) includes an eclectic mix of office, government and other buildings that reflect a range of historic and contemporary designs. (DTPP, pp. 9.) Indeed, the DTPP allows large office buildings and further urbanization in this North of Marshall neighborhood. (DTPP, pp. 17, 22.) The DTPP actually anticipates that buildings up to 12 stories high in this zone will have a range of styles (e.g., neoclassical structures like the Project) and will be adjacent to historic structures, such as the three historic resources at issue here. 7.A. - Page 11