City Council Minutes 2015 10 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes October 6, 2015 Page 10 of 26 COUNCIL COMMENT Mayor Muckle noted this is a problem in Old Town and inquired why the sidewalk or the property line cannot be used to determine grade. Planner II Robinson explained the amendment would apply citywide and not all properties have sidewalks. Also large lots could have significant grade changes as could properties on a hill. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton asked if the requested code change was to correct a foundation poured too high. He stated if someone poured a foundation too high it should be corrected to the proper grade. Planner II Robinson explained currently if the foundation is too high the builder can bring in fill dirt. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton asked if there is an inspection prior to the foundation pour. Planner II Robinson explained there is an inspection on the foundation forms and on the setbacks. Planning and Building Safety Director Russ explained the way the foundation forms are set it is very difficult to determine depth, but easy to determine the setbacks requirements. There are variables in determining the depth because there is nothing to determine grade. Mayor Muckle explained it's the total height that is in question. Council member Lipton stated his interpretation of the ordinance is to determine the measurement points of whether a foundation is too high or the building is too low. He felt the ordinance provides a better definition. Planner II Robinson reviewed the current safeguards on plan reviews to protect height in terms of framing. When an application for a building permit is reviewed the height is established above grade. If it is within 3 feet of the allowed maximum, buildings proposed to be 24' or taller require a letter from a surveyor at framing inspection, stating it meets the height requirements. PUBLIC COMMENT Sherry Sommers, 910 S. Palisade Court, Louisville, CO suggested determining grade might also be based on adjoining properties. COUNCIL COMMENT Council member Stolzmann welcomed the discussion on the definition of height. She did not feel the ordinance would address everything that may come forward. She agreed with Ms. Sommer's comment. She was interested in the Planning Department's comments on averaging to two street comers. She asked why the initial grade before construction could not be used to compare height.