Auburn City Planning Commission proposes increase in building height

AUBURN, AL (WTVM) - Building height in downtown has been an issue in the city of Auburn for a number of years. A recent decision by the City Planning Commission will have it in front of the City Council once again.

"Downtown needs to be the heart of Auburn," said Forrest Cotton, Auburn Planning Director.

Ahead of next month's City Council meeting, the Planning Commission will be voting to recommend to the City Council to raise the current building height limit in the College Edge Overlay District from 65 to 75 feet.

"The reason vertical construction is important is because you really need a critical mass of residents living downtown to make sure that the businesses continue to thrive and flourish," said Cotton.

The district defined as properties which front College and Magnolia has seen changes over the years in its height limit, but the current standard is relatively new.

"The building height in both districts had been 75 feet as of 2010," said Cotton. "Then in 2015, when the downtown master plan was adopted, planning staff and our consultants recommended that the current 75 feet be maintained."

The City Council decide, in the end, to make the limit the current 65 feet.

"The best mix is a diverse mix over time we have a good mix of demographics downtown," said Cotton. "Downtown isn't just for students. It is for everyone"

A public hearing is required on the issue that will come before City Council in March.

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