THE TOWN OF MOUNTAIN VIEW
TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP “STUDY SESSION”
JUNE 12, 2019
CALL THE WORKSHOP “STUDY SESSION” OF THE TOWN OF MOUNTAIN VIEW TOWN COUNCIL TO ORDER AT THE TOWN HALL, 4176 BENTON STREET/ROLL CALL (Any Council member with any potential conflicts of interest regarding any agenda matters will declare them after Roll Call)
6:30 PM
DISCUSSION REGARDING DESIGN STANDARDS – TRAVIS REYNOLDS, TOWN PLANNER Development Standards (See below “Better Development”)
6:35 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING CURRENT AGENDA/DESIGN STANDARDS – LIMITED TO 3 MINUTES PER SPEAKER
7:00 PM
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS, INCLUDING A DISCUSSION OF UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS AND OTHER TOPICS OF IMPORTANCE TO THE TOWN
7:45 PM
MEETING TO ADJOURN
7:55 PM
“Better Development” – Updating the Town of Mountain View Development Standards
What/Why
Metro region grew by 11% (470,000+ residents) from 2010-2017. In light of intense development pressures, now is the time to update Mountain View’s Town Code to ensure all regulations reflect peer communities and current best practices, and that all new construction positively benefits and enhances our community. All updated standards only apply to new construction, and only after this ordinance is passed by Town Council.
When Residential Development Standards (R-2 and R-3 Zone Districts)
| R-2 Development Standards (Proposed) | Single-Family Existing | Single-Family Proposed | Two-Family Existing | Two-Family Proposed |
| Max Height (ft) | 30 | 34 | 30 | 34 |
| Max Height (stories) | NA | 2.5 | NA | 2.5 |
| Bulk Plane Vertical Height at Side Lot Line (ft) | NA | 15 | NA | 17 |
| Bulk Plane Slope from Side Lot Line (°) | NA | 45 | NA | 45 |
| Max Lot Coverage (%) | NA | 40% | NA | 40% |
| Min Lot Size (sf)* | 5500 | 5500 | 9375 | 9375 |
| Min Front Setback (ft) | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Min Side Setback (ft) |
2 one side/ 10 combined |
3 one side/ 10 combined |
2 one side/ 10 combined |
3 one side/ 10 combined |
| Min Side Street Setback (ft) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Min Side Setback for Half Story above two stories (ft) | NA | 15 | NA | 15 |
| Min Rear Setback | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
*Updated standards in blue
In addition to the standards above, updates have been to protect the character of Mountain View, reducing “bulk” and building massing on residential lots, and protecting privacy through lot coverage standards. Exemptions and allowances exist to ensure sufficient flexibility and individuality of each property.
Commercial Development Standards (C-1 Zone District)
As new commercial development is built along 44th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard, we want to ensure all construction complements the Town in positive ways. New standards allow for minor height increases, while also requiring new architectural and building design elements to enhance the aesthetic quality of our commercial district. Furthermore, landscaping, lighting and screening/fencing code updates will help protect neighboring residential properties from commercial spillover into the neighborhood.
What We Want to Encourage
New standards have been created to encourage certain lot and building design elements:
- Alley-loaded Garages – To preserve the walkability of residential streets and publicly visible property aesthetics, lot coverage allowances will be provided for new homes that use rear alley-access detached garages.
- Front Porches – To encourage front porches on residential properties and promote neighborhood character, front setback encroachments of 8’ will be allowed for newly built front porches.
- Accessory Dwelling Units – To promote housing affordability and lot flexibility, new standards have been added to regulate Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), establishing maximum size and height requirements, along with lot coverage allowances to encourage new ADU construction.
- Improved Landscaping – To improve the aesthetic quality of all new construction, enhanced landscaping standards have been added for new residential and commercial buildings and lots.