The Haines Borough Planning Commission last week backed off a plan to raise a 30-foot height restriction after hearing from firefighters that they couldn’t fight a blaze in a three-story building.

Instead, the commission will recommend lowering the height restrictions along Lutak and Mud Bay roads and in General Use zones to match the 30-foot limit throughout the borough.

A proposed ordinance discussed at the Feb. 9 meeting would have increased building height limits to 35, 40 or 50 feet in some zoning districts.

“It became immediately clear to me 30 feet makes sense,” said commission chair Rob Goldberg, referring to letters from Haines fire chief Brian Clay and state fire marshal David Tyler that said taller buildings would put Haines residents at a greater risk during fires.

Clay said in his letter the department’s ladders are only 24 feet long. Taller structures would require the department to purchase an “aerial apparatus crew” or a ladder truck, which would each cost “thousands of dollars in annual certification and training.”

Clay added that a new truck would be too large to fit inside the current firehall. The cost of new equipment and manpower “could add financial burden to the borough,” Clay said.

The department’s insurance fees also would increase if firefighters are unable to successfully or safely put out a blaze. Owners of tall buildings might also have to comply with stricter fire code requirements or install indoor sprinkler systems.

Although commissioners seemed to agree that the height limit should be 30 feet across the board, some members argued residents should have an opportunity to file for a conditional use permit.

“I don’t agree it should be 30 and that’s it,” said commissioner Jeremy Stephens. “I feel like that doesn’t fit every situation,” saying that a builder or development who wants to build higher than 30 feet should be able to apply for a permit.

But commissioners Rob Miller and Lee Heinmiller said it could be a liability if the borough allows anyone to build at a height that is out of the capabilities of the borough’s own fire service.

Commissioners also questioned if the community was really pushing for a change in the restrictions.

“I’ve never had anyone tell me 30 feet was too low,” said commissioner Donnie Turner. “I don’t see the push…I think we should leave it alone.”

The topic will be discussed again in public hearing at a future commission meeting.

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