23.60A.446

A. Maximum height. The maximum heights in the UH Environment are as follows, as modified in subsections 23.60A.446.B through 23.60A.446.F: 1. The maximum height is 50 feet in all locations except those listed in subsections 23.60A.446.A.2 and 23.60A.446.A.3; 2. The maximum height on waterfront lots in the Central Waterfront Landmark Designated Area is 50 feet as measured from Alaskan Way; 3. The maximum height on upland lots is as determined by the underlying zone or special district. B. Height exceptions for water-dependent uses. Cranes, gantries, mobile conveyors, light standards, and similar equipment necessary for the functions of water-dependent uses or the servicing of vessels may extend above the applicable maximum height limit, provided such structures shall be designed to minimize view obstruction. C. Height exception for public open space structures. To allow a public open space and viewing areas on a structure located on dry land, the Director may allow an increase in height above 50 feet, up to a maximum of 65 feet, provided that no height above 50 feet is allowed within 100 feet of the OHW mark. The additional height shall be used to provide viewing areas and uses accessory to the open spaces, such as retail pavilions, shelters, exhibition space, and other permitted uses that complement the open space. The Director's decision to allow the increase in height shall, in part, be based on the review of the proposal as a public facility by the Seattle Design Commission, and a subsequent determination that the proposed departures will accomplish the following design objectives: 1. Better integration of upland areas and the waterfront, with improved public access for the general public between the two areas; 2. A unique viewing environment for observing harborfront activity, Elliott Bay, the city, and surrounding natural features; 3. Open space at varied elevations that relates to existing topographic conditions and minimize the appearance of bulk; 4. Additional uses and features that will attract the public, enliven public areas, and add to the comfort and safety of public spaces; and 5. A more environmentally sustainable design. D. Rooftop features. 1. Radio and television receiving antennas, flagpoles, smokestacks, chimneys, religious symbols for religious institutions and architectural elements that are not occupied by a use, such as clock towers and spires, and that are accessory to public water-dependent passenger terminals may extend up to 50 feet above the maximum height limit in this Section 23.60A.446 , provided: a. The feature is a minimum of 10 feet from all lot lines and allowed in the underlying zone or special district; and b. The width of the feature does not obstruct the view of the shoreline from a substantial number of residences within or adjoining the Shoreline District. 2. Clerestories, communication and accessory communication devices, firewalls, green roofs, greenhouses, monitors, open railings, parapets, planters, skylights and solar collectors may extend up to 4 feet above the maximum height limit with unlimited rooftop coverage, where allowed in the underlying zone or special district, except where the width of such features obstructs the view of the shoreline from a substantial number of residences within or adjoining the Shoreline District, in which case the Director may reduce the height allowed. 3. Stair and elevator penthouses, mechanical equipment, play equipment and open-mesh fencing that encloses it, if located at least 15 feet from the roof edge may extend 10 feet above the maximum height if: a. The combined total coverage of all features does not exceed 20 percent of the roof area or 25 percent of the roof area if the total includes screened mechanical equipment; b. Allowed in the underlying zone or special district; and c. The width of such features does not obstruct the view of the shoreline from a substantial number of residences within or adjoining the Shoreline District, in which case the Director may reduce the height allowed. 4. Structures may extend 18 inches above the maximum height limit if the roof insulation exceeds the energy code requirements in effect when the structure is constructed. E. Bridges. Bridges may exceed maximum height limits. F. Maximum height for rooftop features on upland lots between Bay St. and Yesler Way that require view corridor setbacks pursuant to Section 23.49.024 is determined by the underlying zone or special district, if height does not obstruct the view of the shoreline from a substantial number of residences within or adjoining the Shoreline District, in which case the Director may reduce the height allowed. (Ord. 124750 , § 43, 2015; Ord. 124105 , § 3, 2013.)