The Port Townsend City Council has again extended interim rules pertaining to historic preservation of residential structures and limits on the size of new homes.
The Feb. 17 vote of 6-0, with Catharine Robinson absent and excused, extends the interim rules for another six months while an ad hoc task force continues to refine the ordinances.
No residents spoke at the public hearing Tuesday night.
The interim rules are spelled out in three ordinances. Ordinance 3002 expands the number of historic structures protected from demolition and/or subject to design review. Currently, only certain commercial buildings - not homes - in the downtown area are protected from demolition or significant alteration. Depending on its final adoption, the new rules could substantially widen the number of properties subject to design review and historic preservation requirements.
Ordinance 3003 is intended to prevent "McMansions," large homes which some people find objectionable because they can tower over adjoining properties. In adopting the extension of the interim rules this week, the council modified the floor-area ratio (FAR) that would be allowed based on lot size.
A 5,000 square foot lot would be allowed a 2,500 square foot home (FAR of 50 percent). A 14,200 square foot lot would get a 38.5 percent FAR, allowing a home of 5,467 square feet. Lots of 14,600 square feet and larger would be allotted the maximum 5,500 square foot house. Setbacks and other rules may reduce the maximum building area.
Also, the council agreed that basement area would not be counted in FAR calculations as long as the basement is substantially underground, defined as no more than 3 feet of the basement being above the natural grade of the lot. Also, garages of up to 400 square feet (a standard two-car garage) would not be counted in FAR.
Ordinance 3004 reduces the allowable housing density in the National Register Historic District. Properties currently zoned R-III in that district would now be designated R-II. It is felt that a lower density would reduce the economic incentive to raze historic buildings.
The ad hoc committee continues to meet; see schedule posted at www.cityofpt.us/CityCouncil/Meetings.asp. No date has been set for a final public hearing and disposition of the interim ordinances by the City Council.
