2017-073 Downtown Building HeightsDate: October 6, 2017 Report No. 2017-073
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
At the September 12th meeting, Council asked for information on whether building height
restrictions could be implemented around the Square.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Building height is addressed in t he Downtown Master Plan and the Downtown Implementation
Plan. The Denton Development Plan states that the DC-G District permits a maximum building
height of 100 feet with Limitation 33, which states, “Additional height may be allowed with an
SUP and a view shed study, which illustrates that any views of the Historic Courthouse are not
blocked by the new structure(s) additional height.”
BACKGROUND:
Downtown building height, in proximity to the Courthouse-on-the-Square, has been an on-going
subject. The la st two plans for downtown have addressed this:
Downtown Master Plan (2002): “Downtown should be attractive and well designed. New
developments should increase the overall quality of downtown. In particular, buildings should be
durable, compatible with historic structures, and reflect the local community.” (Page 4)
Downtown Implementation Plan (2010) Building Height: New buildings should be at least two
stories in height and a maximum of four stories, with two exceptions. Proximity to the
DCTA transit center (the TOD Area) and to Quakertown Park (the Residential Area) are
locations that could benefit from greater height for density and views without impacting
visibility of the Courthouse from primary approaches into downtown. The height in these areas
should not exceed seven stories.” (Chapter Four, page 53)
In the Denton Development Code, the DC-G District permits a maximum building height of 100
feet with Limitation 33, which states, “Additional height may be allowed with an SUP and a
view shed study, which illustrates that any views of the Historic Courthouse are not blocked by
the new structure(s) additional height.”
CONCLUSION:
Downtown building height is addressed in the Denton Development Code.
STAFF CONTACT:
Julie Glover
940-349-7732
Julie.glover@cityofdenton.com