Title
An Ordinance to Amend Sections 5.18, 5.22, 5.29 and 5.37 of Chapter 55 (Unified Development Code) of Title V of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (Height Exceptions, Stormwater Reviews, Development Approvals, Finished Grade) CPC Recommendation: Approval (8 yes, 0 no) (ORD-24-20)
Memorandum
Approval of this ordinance will amend the Unified Development Code (Chapter 55) to allow some exceptions to building height, change stormwater review responsibilities, exempt interior work from site plan approval, and clarify how finished grade is determined.
Staff propose a group of amendments which generally improve clarity and efficiency of procedures.
Exceptions to Height Limits - Section 5.18.4 - An amendment is proposed to allow enclosures for elevators, escalators, and stairwells to exceed height limits by up to 12 feet in mixed-use and nonresidential/special purpose zoning districts and reorganize the section for clarity.
Stormwater Reviews - Section 5.22 - An amendment is proposed to adjust stormwater management systems reviews responsibility between the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner and the City of Ann Arbor to match their geographical boundaries, allowing the City to delegate back to WCWRC depending on circumstances. Additional headings are also proposed for easier navigation between stormwater management and soil erosion regulations, both of which are provided in this section.
Development Activity Approvals - Section 5.29.6, Table 5.29-1 - An amendment is proposed to exempt construction solely on the interior of a building from site plan approval, as was historically allowed but not currently due to a recent amendment to provide development activity approvals in a table.
Finished Grade Definition - Section 5.37 - An amendment is proposed to clarify how to determine finished grade for purposes of regulating height, now providing step by step guidance, as well as change the distance measured from five feet to six feet from exterior walls of a structure to be consistent with the methodology required in the building code.
Attachments: Ordinance (Height Exceptions, Stormwater Reviews, Development Approvals, Finished Grade)
July 16, 2024 Planning Staff Report
July 16, 2024 Presentation Slides
July 16, 2024 Planning Commission Minutes
Staff
Prepared by: Alexis DiLeo, Principal Planner
Reviewed by: Brett Lenart, Planning Manager
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
(See Attached Ordinance)