Item 1: Ordinances on Infill Compatibility Standards Code Amendments

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November 6, 2009 Mayor Piercy and City Councilors Re: Building Height Public Hearing (November 9. 2009) As Mayor and City Councilors you have before you the first land use code standards resulting from two years of study and deliberation by the ICS project. The intention of this enormous amount of work was to meet the goal of: “preventing residential infill that would significantly threaten or diminish the stability, quality, positive character, livability or natural resources of residential neighborhoods...” To this end the Multi Dwelling committee developed building height standards for the R3 andR4 areas in the South University and West University neighborhoods. Given that this very small, limited section of Eugene is a very desirable and appropriate place for students to live the standards produced by ICS were carefully designed to permit properties in these areas to be built to maximum density allowed by zone criteria, and yet, be as minimal as necessary to meet the permitted densities so as to limit the impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. The standards which were determined to successfully balance these two conflicting goals are as follows: th 35' height limit for buildings in the R3 and R4 areas south of 19 Ave th 50' height limit for buildings in the R4 zone for ½ block on the north side of 19 Ave th 65' height limit for buildings in the R4 zone ½ block south of 18 Ave and to the west of the University Extensive data is available to you (please see packets provided to you by ICS members and neighborhood residents) which clearly proves that these height standards are not only adequate but more than enough to offer flexibility to any developer looking to build to maximum density. The argument in support of these standards is strengthened all the more by the fact that the data leads to the same conclusion noted by LUBA (see MiCAP appeal). That is, limiting building height in the manner listed above does not in any way preclude achieving maximum density. On the other hand, it should be noted that there is not data whatsoever to support the necessity of heights greater than 65'. Until such time as design standards are mandated by City Council and incorporated into the code there should be no exceptions made for any buildings taller than 65'. One last thought... As we all consider the details of the ICS proposals, it is worrisome to note that no bold one has raised the bigger question. What if the ICS standards aren't enough? What if maximum density is too much? What if the South University neighborhood can't survive the impact of maximum density? What if this vibrant close in neighborhood which has for so long been able to offer residents one of the best options in the City for a “sustainable” lifestyle is swept away in the absence of real planning and a commitment to a livable city? Carolyn Jacobs ICS and Multi Dwelling Committee member Height Implementation Team member Vice Chairperson SUNA