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B. The proposed additional setback for buildings over 25' in height (in single family <br />areas) should be lessened for lots 60' or less in width. (NOTE: this recommended <br />change is NOT included in the proposed ordinance). <br />At its June 22, 2000 meeting, the PZC voted 6-0 to recommend that the Board adopt the <br />ordinance proposed by staff, with a minor wording change regarding parapet walls (see attachment <br />#9). The proposed ordinance contains that recommended wording change. <br />ANALYSIS & ALTERNATIVES <br />There are numerous ways to apply height limitations (see attachment #2). For example, the county's <br />existing regulations allow portions of sloped roofs and certain architectural embellishments and roof- <br />top structures to project above the county's 35' and 45' building height limitations. Such projections <br />accommodate good architectural designs, and building articulation and can be allowed in a manner <br />that does not compromise the intent of the building height limitation. It should be noted that some <br />absolute height limitation for sloped roofs should be specified in the county's regulations since the <br />current county budding height regulations could potentially allow for an "A -frame" building that has <br />a roof peak 70' above ground level that technically meets the 35' height limitation. <br />For comparison purposes, the City of Vero Beach's height definition is attached (see attachment #1). <br />The city and county definitions are the same in regard to the starting (low) point of where to measure <br />building height from. These starting points (average natural grade or required minimum flood <br />elevation, whichever is higher) are fair and rational, are site specific, and should not be changed. <br />Unlike the existing county regulations, the city's definition establishes the high point of the building <br />height measurement at the "...inside ceiling of the highest useable space...", and establishes an <br />absolute roof peak limit by allowing sloped roof and roof -top structures to project up to 15' beyond <br />the city's building height limitations. The city's definition has proved workable by providing <br />absolute limits while allowing more flexibility for three story designs and some flexibility for sloped <br />roofs and roof -top architectural embellishments such as dormers and cupolas (see attachment #2). <br />■ Proposed Building Height Definition <br />County staff has incorporated a modified version of the city's definition into the proposed LDR <br />amendment. Certain types of roof -top structures not referenced in the city's definition (roof -top <br />enclosures for equipment and stairways) have been incorporated into the proposed LDR amendment. <br />Although no local architects were able to attend the May 181° workshop, staff again coordinated with <br />the local American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapter via its president Peter Jones. The AIA has <br />discussed the proposed building height regulations and is in agreement with the use of the city's <br />definition and has affirmed the need for the definition's 15' allowance for roof -top equipment and <br />enclosures such as is still needed for elevator equipment and enclosures (see attachment #7). <br />At the June 15, 2000 PSAC meeting, there was considerable discussion regarding the proposed <br />definition's requirement to measure building height to the "...inside ceiling of the highest useable <br />space...". Specifically, questions were raised about the term "useable space" and if attic storage <br />would be considered `wseable space". Questions were also raised about applying the proposed <br />definition to structures such as atriums and skylights that do not seem to have finished ceilings. In <br />an attempt to address these issues, the PSAC voted 7-1 to recommend that the Board adopt the <br />proposed definition but change the term "...inside ceiling of the highest useable space..." to "...inside <br />intersection of the vertical wall and highest finished ceiling...". The proposed amendment (see <br />attachment #8) does not incorporate the PSAC's suggested modifications. <br />July 18, 2000 <br />FA <br />