HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2015-05-11 #G AGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 11, 2015
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Jill R. Ingram, City Manager
FROM: Jim Basham, Director of Community Development
SUBJECT: A REQUEST TO AMEND THE SEAL BEACH
MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
That the City Council determine whether to initiate an amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance to amend residential development standards to clarify that residential
construction in the RHD-20 zone in Old Town is limited to two stories.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS:
When the previous California Building Codes were enacted, a provision
pertaining to residential ceiling height was amended from 7 feet 6 inches to 7
feet. This reduction in ceiling height enables designers to submit construction
drawings of new homes at three stories. Currently, staff is experiencing the
impact in the Old Town area where lots are zoned RHD-20 (Residential High
Density — 20). Additionally, staff received several calls in regards to homes listed
for sale and the ability to demolish existing homes and construct three story
single-family dwellings.
The City's Zoning Ordinance currently establishes a maximum height limit of 25
feet for homes in the RHD-20 zoning classification in Old Town, but designers
are able to engineer plans that meet this requirement and construct three story
homes within the 25-foot height limit. Therefore, staff is requesting that City
Council direct staff to prepare an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance section
pertaining to residential development standards and insert the provision "not to
exceed two stories". This provision will be in addition to the existing height
restriction in place which states maximum 25 feet for homes in the RHD-20
zoning district in Old Town.
Agenda Item G
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
The review of current provisions relating to residential developments does not
constitute a project and therefore is exempt from the State of California
Environmental Quality Action (CEQA).
LEGAL ANALYSIS:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and approved it as to form.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact with the review of current provisions pertaining to
residential development standards.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council determine whether to initiate an amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance to amend residential development standards to clarify that residential
construction in the RHD-20 zone in Old Town is limited to two stories.
Sly l" ITTED BY: NOTED AND APPROVED;
J' has m ill a Ingram, Ciiy M n ger
Director o Community Development/Services
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