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Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2019-03 — Transit Zoning Code Amendments July 2, 2019 Page 8 The TZC also specifies the minimum lot dimensions in multiple sections. The proposed text amendments would modify each building type's subsection to refer to the lot width and depth standards in Table BT-1, Permitted Building Types and Lot Depth and all other references to minimum lot depth throughout the document. This change would ultimately reduce opportunity for inconsistencies among multiple pages and code sections. Open Space Standards Sub -district Impacted: All Buildings Impacted: Flex Block, Lined Block, and Stacked Dwellings Proposed Change: Allows opens space areas to be located in the front, side or rear yard areas. The TZC specifies that required open space areas for certain building types may only be located in the rear or side yard areas. The proposed amendment would modify the development standard to allow construction of open space areas on any side of the building, including the front. This amendment would allow development of open space areas along the front of buildings and would provide greater public benefit, visibility, and security of open space areas when located at the front of a building. Massing Standards Sub -district Impacted: Downtown (DT) Buildings Impacted: All Buildings Proposed Change: Allows opens space areas to be located in the front, side or rear yard areas. The TZC requires that Flex Block, Lined Block, and Stacked Dwelling buildings become increasingly smaller in area as they become taller in height. Between 3 and 5 stories the buildings may only be 75-80 percent of the ground floor's volume; and portions above 6 stories may only be 30-40 percent of the ground floor's volume. This requirement results in buildings with a bulky base that steps back progressively with height, similar to an Aztec pyramid. The proposed amendments would modify the development standard to allow massing of 85 percent of the ground floor's volumes for buildings containing 3 or more stories. This amendment would create more realistic development standards that take into account the downtown area's smaller -than -average lot depths. In addition, the amendment would account for engineering and design challenges of buildings when step -backs are required on upper levels. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the proposed project is exempt from further review per Section 15061(b)(3). Environmental Review No. 2019-35 will be filed for this project. This exemption applies to projects covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment; where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The activity would be consistent with Final EIR No. 2006, 75A-8