Planning Commission Minutes 2006 01 12

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The Downtown Louisville Framework Plan and the Design Handbook for Downtown Louisville was adopted in 1998. The core area of the commercial district as detailed in the Framework Plan recommends a mix of one, two and three-story building adjacent to the street. The transition blocks, those area in close proximity to the adjoining residentially zoned areas within the downtown district, as detailed in the Framework Plan, recommends that building heights would be limited to one and two story structures. Three story buildings are not permitted in the transitional area. The transitional area is to maintain and enhance the historic scale and character of downtown. The building height maximum in the Framework Plan is not a use by right. Authorization for three story construction required compliance with the policies of the Framework Plan and the design standards of Design Handbook. Staff recommends a maximum building height for the downtown district be amended to 45' for the commercial core area and 35' for the transition area. Other considerations include: 1. Building Density, which is referred to as 'Floor Area Ration (FAR). 2. Traffic Generation 3. Parking Capacity Commission Questions of Staff: Loo requested a clarification of the area close to the downtown area that is zoned Commercial Business (CB). Wood provided an explanation of the CB zoning. Sheets asked if staff intents to recommend a change to the FAR for downtown. Wood stated that staff did not intent to recommend a change to the FAR. The discussion ofF AR was strictly for information to aid in the understanding that with the addition of a third floor then the FAR will increase. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes JANUARY 12, 2006 Page 3 of 11 . . . . . . . Deborski inquired how much traffic can Pine and Main handle. Wood explained that it is currently a level 'c' and will continue to be maintained at a level 'C'. Deborski inquired if the city had any solar preservation ordinance. Wood answered that the city does not have such an ordinance. Lipton asked for a clarification of the floor and ceiling ratio. Wood referred to the Staff Report, page 3. Lipton asked how the 3rd floor was determined to be 50% of the 2nd floor. Wood explained that it was approved based on the desire to reduce the bulk and massing of the downtown. Lipton asked if they could be changed.