I think a pit is out, unfortunately garage height is limited to 13 feet. If your beginning to think, "Holly crap, your city is out of control!" I'd agree, not only do I have these codes to contend with but we also live in a "historic district" which basically means that 7 geriatrics get to decide what you build. I truly love my neighborhood but if I had to do it over again, I'd live somewhere else. It took me a year to pull the permits to build an addition that is only 300 square feet, and a 700 square foot garage.
I'm leaning towards a low height lift from Greg Smith.
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-9KBP
Regards,
Joe Dokes
