Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/02/2017

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Heights by district. The proposed rules use a graduated scale for structure height that varies by district depending on the district's character and values intended to be protected: • CA-ROS: The "rural and open space" district has the lowest level of development of all of the proposed districts within the MRCCA. To preserve the rural and open space characteristics of this district and its unique recreational value, a structure height of 35' is proposed for this district. This district includes agricultural and rural residential areas, parkland and natural areas adjacent to the river. This height is intended to keep structures at or below the level of the treeline and is consistent with height restrictions in most of the local zoning standards that apply in these areas. • CA -RN: A 35-foot height limit is proposed for the predominantly residential "river neighborhood" district. The height limit is intended to allow a two-story single-family dwelling without breaking the top of the treeline. This height restriction is consistent with existing structure heights in residentially zoned neighborhoods and height restrictions in most of the local zoning standards that apply in these areas. • CA -RTC: The "river towns and crossings" district includes existing historic commercial areas, commercial nodes at bridge crossings, and existing institutional campuses that predate the establishment of the MRCCA. In this district, a maximum 48-foot height limit is proposed, with tiering of structures away from the river and blufflines to protect public river corridor views. Taller buildings may be allowed by conditional use permit, using the criteria set out in this subpart. The use of conditional use permits to deviate from established height requirements in this district provides an additional level of flexibility for local governments as well as opportunities for public review. The height limit was chosen for consistency with existing structures within the proposed districts in order to prevent or minimize nonconformities. This height would allow a three - to -four story commercial, mixed use or residential building. This standard is generally consistent with local plans and ordinances • CA -SR: The "separated from river" district includes non -riparian land that is separated from the Mississippi River by distance, development, or transportation infrastructure. Because of this separation, underlying zoning standards govern height, with the stipulation that structure height must be compatible with the existing treeline, where present, and surrounding development. • CA -UM: The "urban mixed" district includes many industrial, commercial, and mixed use areas, as well as areas in transition to a more urbanized and mixed use character. Structures of up to 65 feet in height are proposed in this district, compatible with existing and planned development. As with the "river towns and crossings" district, tiering of structures away from the river and blufflines is required to minimize interference with public river corridor views, and taller buildings may be allowed by conditional use permit provided they meet the criteria set out in this subpart. 46