Maximum Building Height

Building height impacts the overall quality of the buildings in the Town Center and the ground floor retail and upper floor residential uses, in particular. Height impacts not only the general identity and character of the Town Center, but also “blue water” views from upland residential areas.

The Town Center Plan limits the height of buildings to 40 feet and three stories which would allow for an 18-foot ground floor height (measured floor to floor) that would improve store frontages and benefit retailers as depicted to the right and below.

MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT • Maximum Height 40 feet 3 stories (1)(2) • Building Height Measurement Measure building height from the level of the sidewalk at the midpoint of the front property line. Count 2 stories of above-grade structured parking as a single story when fronted by single story of usable ground floor space, such as a shop front.

(1) Count two levels of above-grade parking as a single story when fronted by a single story of retail space not exceeding 20 feet in height (measured from floor to floor).

(2) Additional height permitted for encroachments with a Conditional Use Permit.

Permitted Encroachments into Maximum Building Height and Roof Decks

Encroachments beyond the maximum height limit shall be reviewed as part of the Site Development and Conditional Use Permit process. Limited encroachments for such items as mechanical equipment and chimneys require a Site Development Permit. Roof decks require a Conditional Use Permit and are only allowed within the inner portion of the Town Center couplet as depicted below. In addition to the required findings as set forth in the Municipal Code, any CUP for roof top decks in the Town Center shall require the following two findings:

1. The approval will not result in an undue impact on the quiet use, enjoyment or privacy of surrounding properties.

2. The approval will not result in undue adverse impacts on ocean views from surrounding properties

PERMITTED ENCROACHMENTS INTO BUILDING HEIGHT LIMIT

All roof decks above the upper fl oor shall be subject to a Conditional Use Permit. Encroachments beyond
the maximum building height limit shall be reviewed as part of the Site Development Permit process.
All new development and additions which result in additional building height shall be staked with story
poles as part of the review process, and abide by the following regulations. All encroachments beyond the
maximum building height shall be included in the staking

• Mechanical Equipment Screening & Chimneys
Up to 42” above maximum height if setback 5 feet
from face of building and not exceeding 5 percent of
horizontal roof area.

• Elevators Not Providing Access to Roof Decks
Up to 42” above maximum height if setback
minimum of 5 feet from face of building and not
exceeding 5 percent of horizontal roof area.
ROOF DECKS – Conditionally permitted only within the interior portion of the couplet
(within PCH and Del Prado)

• Guardrail
42” guardrail required in accordance with Uniform
Building Code; conditionally permitted to exceed
maximum building height if setback 5 feet from
roof edge.
Roof decks require a Conditional Use Permit

• Stairwells and Elevators Providing
Access to Roof Decks
Conditionally permitted if setback minimum of 5
feet from face of building