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She asked whether the Council has the ability to modify which components are included as a part of the FAR calculation. Mr. Dolan explained that doing so would require that they restart the public hearing process in full and cautioned that something with such a far reaching impact would likely spark significant dialogue. He confirmed for Councilmember Brown that basement storage does not count toward floor area. Councilmember Cook-Kallio said she recently learned that some applicants provide photo-shopped images for a project. She said this can be misleading in its indication of true mass and asked whether the Council could request that edited photos be labeled in that manner. Mr. Dolan confirmed that staff often requests photo simulations. He acknowledged that they are artificial depictions of a project: but said that staff uses its best judgment to ensure their accuracy. Councilmember Pentin said he could support this as one of several tools to help in determining appropriate mass and bulk but that he was not willing to amend the current FAR standard. MOTION: It was m/s by Cook-Kallio/Thorne to retain the current more general policy language regarding compatibility, per the Planning Commission, but to use the proposed formula as one of several tools in determining the compatibility of mass and bulk with the surrounding neighborhood. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Brown, Cook-Kallio, Narum, Pentin, Mayor Thorne Noes: None Absent: None Amend Specific Plan Policies to require detached garages for homes on lots exceeding 60 feet in width Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked to what extent this would affect properties currently using an easement for vehicular access. Mr. Dolan explained that the proposed language does acknowledge instances where the requirement would be unsuitable and provides a process to make the determination that an exception is appropriate. Such instances could include a shallow lot, heritage tree locations or various topographic features. As a legal restriction, an easement would actually carry greater weight than interference with a heritage tree. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked whether this would require homes without an existing garage to add one as part of a remodel, assuming the lot is 60 feet in width. Mr. Dolan said "no." Councilmember Narum asked whether the language provides for exceptions in the case of undue hardship on adjoining properties or rear yard usage. Mr. Dolan confirmed, noting that the text includes two examples and is flexible enough to accommodate other situations. MOTION: It was m/s by Cook-Kallio/Brown to amend Specific Plan Policies to require detached garages for homes on lots exceeding 60 feet in width. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Brown, Cook-Kallio, Pentin, Mayor Thorne Noes: Councilmember Narum Absent: None City Council Minutes Page 9 of 14 January 21,2014