The East Lansing City Council will discuss a revision of an ordinance that could change the maximum height allowed for city buildings at tonight’s work session.

Height limits for buildings in the downtown are eight stories, or 14 with a city permit.

Changes to the ordinance would lower height limits in the entire city.

The Planning Commission and Downtown Management Board unanimously recommend a downsizing of the limits, allowing the maximum downtown height to be four stories, or eight with a permit.

The East Lansing Downtown Development Authority disagrees with the proposal, arguing that such a change could limit future options for development in the downtown area.

Instead, the development authority recommends adding a clause to the proposal that would allow the city council to waive height limits for projects it feels are necessary.

Councilmember Sam Singh said he believes there should be specific guidelines in place to limit building heights, but he does not want to limit development in the city.

The final decision about the issue will likely be addressed at a council meeting later this month.

“It’s good to give a number, but it’s good to allow the city council to decide,” Singh said. “I’m really uncomfortable with any binding decisions.

“We shouldn’t just pick a number right now because it’s good right now - things change.”

There are no downtown buildings that will not conform to the proposed changes to the code. The highest building, the Marriott hotel at University Place, 300 M.A.C Ave., only reaches seven stories.

Community Development Administrator Bob Owen said although the changes would not affect any residential complexes in the city, they could affect some apartments that are in commercial districts.

The commission has been working on the proposed ordinance for more than a year.

Owen said he believes city officials will open the issue up to public hearings soon.

“The (development authority) is concerned if we’re trying to develop something brand new and substantial, they would have to make it 12 stories,” Owen said. “They don’t want us to make it too constrictive.”

Other issues for discussion include a presentation of the plans for the Grand River Welcome Park.

The park will include landscaping, seating and a sign welcoming people to East Lansing. This will be the first formal presentation the council receives about the project.

“The goal of this park is to serve as it’s titled, a welcome park. We want it to serve as kind of a gateway into the community,” Community Development Planner Wendy Wilmers Longpre said.

The city council also will discuss a way to inform residents about the placement of cellular phone towers on community property.

Following resident complaints about the placement of cellular towers near Patriarche Park, the council is considering allowing a public hearing for residents to share their opinions about future towers before they are placed.