Shoreline Height Hearing Tomorrow Evening

Following extensive public review over the past few years, Tacoma City officials hope to move ahead with a proposal to modify Tacoma’s Shoreline Master Program (Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 13.10.110) to allow an alternative development option (tower and podium building form) that would allow buildings with a maximum building height of 180 feet on three development sites (Municipal Dock site, Site 10 and Site 11) located in the southern portion of Zone 1.

A public hearing for this proposal has been set for tomorrow evening as follows:

Date: Wednesday, April 18th
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Place: City Council Chambers, 747 Market Street, First Floor

The City has been working with proponents of the changes to help mitigate concerns--mostly from property owners whose current view may be compromised if the changes are allowed. The proposed maximum height of 180 feet would only be allowed if the majority of the building’s use is residential and only under certain other conditions. Projects would also be required to maintain an average of 100 feet between the towers, which would be restricted in width. Projects would also be required to provide enlarged view/access corridors.

The proposed amendment also clarifies the responsibilities of the Thea Foss Waterway Development Authority (FWDA) for conducting design review on all public properties on the west side of the using the criteria and guidelines in the Thea Foss Waterway Design and Development Plan (Foss Plan).