Traverse City commissioners approved new rules Monday that will change the allowed heights and setbacks for buildings along Eighth Street, among a handful of other city neighborhoods.

The affected districts include the Ironworks/Midtown area (D-1) along Eight Street, Lake Avenue, and Cass Street, the “Depot” section of Eighth Street on the road’s south side between Boardman Avenue and Railroad Avenue (D-2), and the so-called “Red Mill” area along Hall Street bordered by Front Street, Gillis Street, and Grandview Parkway (D-3). Previously, city rules banned buildings taller than 45 feet along most of Eighth Street if they were within 100 feet of the roadway. The new proposed ordinance increases that allowed building height to 60 feet, or a maximum of five stories.

But the new rules also change the setback depth of buildings to make them feel less oppressive: The part of the building over 45 feet tall will have to be set back at least 20 feet from the front façade, a change from the previous setback of 10 feet. That deeper setback will help buildings feel less monolithic and imposing to passersby, according to city staff.

Under the new rules, buildings along Grandview Parkway are still limited to 45 feet tall within 100 feet of the road to protect views along Grand Traverse Bay. But buildings in all three districts can go as high 75 feet if they are at least 100 feet from the road, approved by city voters as required under Proposal 3, have a special land use permit, and are at least 25 percent dedicated to residential uses. The rule changes go into effect November 15.

City commissioners Monday also approved joining a class-action lawsuit against companies accused of price fixing on liquid aluminum sulfate, gave approval to Up North Pride to hold a public celebration in the Open Space on Saturday, June 22, 2019 as part of Pride Week, and approved a $23,475 contract with an electrical company to complete last-minute site improvements at Hickory Hills Ski Area in order to keep the park project on track.