HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOW 2007-04-09 Item 4F - Discussion - Building Height Issue COUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS
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ITEM INFORMATION
CAS NUMBER: 07-046 ORIGIhi IAL AGENDA DATE: 04 /09/07
AGENDAITEMTITLE Building height issue.
CATEGORY Discussion Motion Resolution Ordinance Bid Award Public Hearing Other
iVltg Date 04/09/07 Kit Date Mtg Date tbltg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date tlItg Date
SPONSOR Council Mayor Adm Svcs DCD Finance Fire Legal P&R Police Ply
SPONSOR'S Residents residing in the 4400 block of S. 158 have expressed concern over the way
SUMMARY Tukwila regulates building height in residential areas. They presented their concerns to
the CAP Committee on March 27. The Committee referred the matter to the COW.
REVIEWED BY COW Mtg. CA &P Cmte F &S Cmte Transportation Cmte
Utilities Cmte Arts Comm. El Parks Comm. Planning Comm.
DATE: 03/27/07
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SPONSOR /ADMEN. No action.
COML\Irt r1E No recommendation
COST IMPACT FUND SOURCE
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED AMOUNT BUDGETED APPROPRIATION REQUIRED
$NA $NA $NA
Fund Source:
Comments:
MTG. DATE 1 RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
04/09/07 1
MTG. DATE ATTACHMENTS
04/09/07 Memo to CAP dated March 15, 2007, with attachments.
CAP minutes, March 27, 2007
1
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CITY OF TUKWILA
MEMORANDUM
TO: Community and Parks Committee
FROM: Steve Lancaster X
DATE: March 15, 2007
SUBJECT: Building Height
ISSUE
Should the City change the way building heights are regulated?
BACKGROUND
I I
Sandra Kruize addressed the City Council on March 5 regarding her concerns about building
heights. She submitted a letter to the Council at that time, a copy of which is attached.
Specifically, Ms. Kruize is concerned about a home being built at 15815 47 Avenue South (Ms.
Kruize lives at 4457 S. 158 St see attached aerial photograph).
Tukwila's Zoning Code establishes a maximum building height of 30 feet in the LDR Low
Density Residential district (TMC 18.10.060). The Code specifies that "building height" is to be
"calculated by the method in the Washington State Building Code" (TMC 18.06.100).
The State Building Code defines "building height" as "the vertical distance from grade plane to
the average height of the highest roof surface" (IBC Section 502.1). The term "grade plane" is
defined as follows:
A reference plane representing the average of finished ground level adjoining the
building at exterior walls. Where the fmished ground surface slopes away from the
exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by the lowest points within the
area between the building and the lot line or, where the lot line is more than 6 feet (1829
mm) from the building, between the building and a point 6 feet (1829 min) from the
building.
The attached figure provides a graphic representation of how this calculation is made under
varying grade circumstances. It also provides information on how our neighboring jurisdictions
regulate building height.
Q: \CODE_REV\height.doc -sjl- Created on 03/15/2007 9:50:00 AM
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ALTERNATIVES
1. No change.
2. Reduce residential height standard from 30 feet to something lower.
3. Measure residential building height from lowest grade rather than average grade.
RECOMMENDATION
Tukwila's single family height regulations are similar to those of nearby, similarly situated
communities. No action recommended.
Attachments:
March 5, 2007 from Sandra Kruize.
GIS map /photo of Kruize neighborhood.
Comparison of Maximum Building Height Standards.
Q: \CODE_REV\height.doc -sjl- Created on 03/15/2007 9:50:00 AM
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City of Tukwila
s Community Affairs Parks Committee
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COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND PARKS COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
March 27, 2007- 7:00 p.m. (Special meeting time, this meeting only)
PRESENT
Councilmembers: Pam Linder, Chair; Pam Carter and Verna Griffin
Staff: Evelyn Boykan, Robert Eaton, Bruce Fletcher, Marty O'Brien, Steve Lancaster, Malcolm
Neely and Rick Still
Guests: Roy Anderson, 4460 S. 158 St.; Carey Binford, 4454 S. 158 St.; and
Sandra Kruize, 4457 S. 158 St.
CALL TO ORDER: Committee Chair Linder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
I. PRESENTATIONS
No presentations.
II. BUSINESS AGENDA
A. Update on Interurban Court Proiect
Evelyn Boykan reported that the proposal by the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) to renovate
the Towne and Country motel to house homeless veterans and other mentally ill homeless persons has
been abandoned. The property owner's asking price exceeded the appraised value of the property, and
therefore LIHI could not proceed. INFORMATION ONLY.
B. Ten -Year Plan to End Homelessness
Evelyn Boykan presented a proposed resolution endorsing the Ten -Year Plan to End Homelessness in
King County. She explained that endorsing the Plan will show Tukwila's support for the plan and
willingness to work with others to end homelessness, but carries no specific financial obligations.
Committee Chair Linder asked Ms. Boykan to discuss the significance of the five key strategies of the
Plan, which she did. Councilmember Griffin reported that there is Legislation pending before the State
regarding homeless funding. She and CounciImember Carter voiced support for the resolution and
Plan. Committee Chair Linder also voiced support, especially with regard to the emphasis on
prevention. Chuck Parish asked whether the funding Tukwila had discussed regarding the Interurban
Court proposal might now be available for other homelessness initiatives. Ms. Boykan indicated her
expectation that other proposals will be forthcoming. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD
TO APRIL 9 COW.
C. Building Height Issue
Steve Lancaster, Director of DCD, referred to comments made by Sandra Kruize at a recent City
Council meeting, and to her letter included as page 9 of the meeting packet. In response to Ms.
Kruize's concerns over the height of a new home under construction in her neighborhood (15815 47
Ave. S.) staff has reviewed the plans for the new home and has confirmed that the plans and the
construction meet the City's adopted height regulations. Staff has also reviewed the height regulations
for single family homes in adjacent cities and prepared a chart and diagram comparing those
regulations to Tukwila's (page 10 of the meeting packet). Staff is not recommending a change at this
time.
Committee Chair Linder made a comment that any changes to this specific neighborhood would need
to be consistent for the entire City.
Community Affairs Parks Committee Minutes March 27, 2007 Pape 2
Councilmember Carter asked if the City changed the way we measured from the past. Mr. Lancaster
explained that the City has measured from "average grade" for many years, but a few years ago
adopted the International Building Code methodology for determining average grade because it is
clear and specific.
Committee Chair Linder invited Ms. Kruize to address the Committee on this issue. Also speaking to
the issue were neighbors Roy Anderson and Carey Binford. They expressed concern that such a large
home invades the privacy and reduces the quality of life for the neighborhood. They asked if the City
would reconsider the code and come up with a formula that would have limitations of the footprint
and square footage of new houses relative to lot size. Other suggestions included notification to
neighbors when a new home is being proposed in their neighborhood. The neighbors wanted the City
to make changes to the code so this will not happen to other neighborhoods. Mr. Binford asked that
DCD staff provide specific information of how the measurements were taken at this site. Mr.
Lancaster invited him to meet with Building Official Bob Benedicto to review the measurement
process.
Councilmember Griffin noted that whatever the outcome, we must make sure the City respects the
legal rights of all Tukwila residents and property owners.
The Committee agreed to take the issue back to the next COW to inquire if the full Council would
like to consider changes to our current single family height regulations. FORWARD TO APRIL 9
COW.
D. Consultant Selection for Tukwila Pond Park
Rick Still, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, reminded the Committee of the Tukwila Pond
Park charrette to develop a conceptual design led by DCD. The current 2007 CEP has allocated funds
for park design and a water quality feasibility study. The Parks Department is recommending a two
phase study. Phase I is for the scope of work to provide wetland delineation, boundary and design
survey, concept plan and project cost estimate with enough detail drawings to obtain the required
permits. Phase II would include construction drawings and construction observation.
Three firms were short- listed from the City's consultant roster and Robert W. Droll, Landscape
Architect, P.S. was selected as the most qualified firm. The Parks and Recreation Department
recommends the approval for the design consultant and to authorize the Mayor to execute a contract
in the amount of $90,820.00. It was noted that that this project is in the current CIF and is within
budget. FORWARD TO APRIL 9 COW.
E. Performance -based Contract Process
Staff has investigated Chapter 39.35A of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) with the City
Attorney's office and the Finance Department that allows a performance based contract for energy
equipment. This is a new process for the City and the Parks Department will be conducting a request
for qualification (RFQ) to select the most qualified Energy Services Company (ESCO) for the
Tukwila swimming pool HVAC system.
The process will include 1) the HVAC system to be audited to seek energy efficiencies and repair
items 2) a list of projects will be provided from the audit that the city may choose from to make
repairs based on a cost benefit analysis approach and 3) conduct an energy performance and
construction installation cost that are guaranteed.
Parks Deputy Director Rick Still explained that this will be more of a design build project that will
guarantee price and energy savings with a monitoring process. Once the energy audit is conducted, a
preferred action will be recommended to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee.