Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2021 06 24

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Planning Commission Staff Report June 24, 2021 Downtown are 35-36' in height, consistent with the overall height of the proposed row homes. Up to 45' in height may be permitted in the Core Area of Downtown is a two- story building mass from the street pedestrian scale is maintained. LMC Sec. 17.12.040: "as designated in the Design Handbook for Downtown Louisville, the maximum building height for principal uses shall be 45 feet with no more than three stories...the city council may require a lower maximum building height within such commercial Core Area or Transition Area of Downtown Louisville based on application of criteria set forth in titles 16 and 17 and the Design Handbook for Downtown Louisville, and in order to ensure varied building heights and the appearance of a two- story building mass from the street pedestrian scale." Staff finds that the design and overall building height of 36' is consistent with the intent of this policy. C7. Rectangular forms should be dominant on Core Area facades. 1) The facade should appear as predominantly flat, with any decorative elements and projecting or setback "articulations" appearing to be subordinate to the dominant form. The building is predominately rectangular in form. C9. Use a flat roof line as the dominant roof form. 1) Historically, commercial roof forms were flat, sloped or gabled, but each had a false front that gave the appearance of a flat roof as seen from the street. 2) False fronts and parapets should be considered for new buildings with gabled roof forms. 3) Parapets on side facades should step down towards the rear of the building. The dominate roof form is flat. Waiver Criteria One waiver is requested, which is to allow sign for the three row home for potential home occupations. Under LMC Sec. 17.28.110, City Council may grant a waiver from any zoning standard through a PUD process if Council finds that: "the development plan contains areas allocated for usable open space in common park area in excess of public use dedication requirements or that the modification or waiver is warranted by the design and amenities incorporated in the development plan, and the needs of residents for usable or functional open space and buffer areas can be met." Staff finds that the limitation on signs for home occupations is most appropriate for the neighborhoods that are primarily residential in character. In the core commercial area of Downtown, having well designed signs will complement the character of Downtown. Staff finds the intent of the waiver criteria is met and recommends approval. 14