The purpose of this height restriction area is to establish standards for those properties located inside the Gig Harbor view basin where decreased building height shall be required. This is intended to be a limitation on height so as not to restrict views from adjacent properties. (Ord. 710 § 59, 1996; Ord. 537 § 1, 1988).

The standards of this chapter shall be imposed as an overlay zone shown on the city’s official zoning map, which depicts the property subject to the height restrictions. The boundary for the height restriction area overlay shall be that which was published on the city’s former height restriction area map last updated on October 4, 2016¹. The process for amending the city’s zoning map is set forth in Chapter 17.100 GHMC. The standards of this chapter are supplementary to the regulations contained in the underlying zones. (Ord. 1522 § 2, 2024; Ord. 710 § 60, 1996; Ord. 537 § 1, 1988).

The maximum height for structures shall be 16 feet, except that in the historic district defined in Chapter 17.99 GHMC, structures shall not exceed the height limits defined in GHMC 17.99.510(A)(2) and 17.99.510(B), and except as otherwise may be provided in a planned unit development or a planned residential development. (Ord. 975 § 66, 2004; Ord. 710 § 61, 1996; Ord. 537 § 1, 1988).

Variances from the standards of this section shall be project specific and subject to the complete application requirements, permit application procedures, required findings and duration of approval requirements set forth in Chapter 17.66 GHMC for general variances. In addition, the hearing examiner shall make findings of fact setting forth and demonstrating that the following circumstances exist: