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Page 2 <br /> new B-3 height regulations created a "wedding cake" effect where buildings located in <br /> the center of the downtown could have the tallest building height. The difference in the <br /> height standards was to preserve some view opportunities for buildings that would be <br /> located in the core toward the water. <br /> Commissioner Dutton asked about the difference in zoning standards along the west <br /> and east sides of Rucker. Mr. Giffen responded that at the corner of Hewitt and Rucker <br /> on both the north and the south sides of Hewitt, the area had been zoned B-3 since the <br /> 1950's; however, the rest of the area within that corridor was currently zoned C-1 . <br /> Commissioner Trautman asked about parking standards and the exception for <br /> residential uses. Mr. Koenig responded that the parking standards for residential would <br /> not change between the B-3 and C-1 zones; however, the standards were different for <br /> office space in the B-3 zone. In the B-3 and C-1 zones, the parking standard is based <br /> on the building's square footage, which is different between the B-3 and C-1 zones. In <br /> the C-1 zone if a warehouse is converted to office space, the parking standards for <br /> office space apply. In the B-3 zone, buildings can be reused without additional parking <br /> no matter what the use. <br /> Citizen Comments <br /> Bill Belshaw, 2111 Rucker, asked if the applicant could provide further information <br /> regarding their intent for the property and to explain why the proposal could not be met <br /> with C-1 zoning. Mr. Belshaw was concerned that the change in height standards <br /> would the start of something that could spread north of Everett Avenue. He suggested <br /> that along with the proposed height change, the City should consider design standards <br /> and design review processes as suggested by the developer's forum to get quality <br /> construction downtown and that the public should be involved in that. He restated that <br /> he would still like to hear from the property owners who are proposing the change. <br /> Dave Mascarenas, 517 Laurel Drive, stated that he was concerned that the proposed <br /> change would drastically change a large section of the downtown area and why this <br /> rezone request was not introduced during the Comprehensive Plan docketing period <br /> that had already ended. Mr. Giffen responded that the B-3 and C-1 zones were both <br /> consistent with Everett's comprehensive plan and that docketing is only necessary <br /> when a comprehensive plan change is required. In the Land Use Element of the <br /> comprehensive plan, there are about four different zones including the B-3 zone that are <br /> consistent with the central city land use designation. As far as initiating a rezone, the <br /> City was approached and the Mayor was agreeable to look at the potential change in <br /> height regulations for this part of Rucker Avenue. Currently, there is not a <br /> recommendation by the City for any of the rezone alternatives. The purpose of the <br /> workshop is merely to introduce the matter to the Commission and the public. <br /> Dave Mascarenas asked Mr. Giffen if the comprehensive plan regulated heights. Mr. <br /> Giffen responded that the Comprehensive Plan encourages the most intensive and <br /> tallest development within the downtown and the zoning code regulates building height. <br /> Dave Mascarenas asked if any property owner from Everett to Pacific Avenues could <br /> submit a letter with a similar request and have it considered by the Planning <br />