PC 11/10/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Maas noted she was in support of Item Nos. 1 and 2 as recommended by staff in the report; however, she voted no because she could not support the design review application. AP-99-09, (UP-99-01), Badieh Varasteh Appeal of the Zoning Administrator's denial of a conditional use permit to operate a large- family day care facility for 12 children (currently approved for 8 children) at an existing residence located at 4350 First Street. Zoning for the property is RM-4,000 (Multi-Family Residential) District. Mr. Plucker referenced a staff report dated November 10, 1999 and highlighted key areas contained in the report including background information, project description, and traffic circulation. In conclusion, Mr. Plucker noted that staff's recommendation is that the Commission deny Case AP-99-09. However, he noted that if the Commission believes that the required conditional use permit findings can be made, the Planning Commission approve Case-AP-99-09 by making the required conditional use permit findings and approve Case AP-99-09, subject to the modified conditions of approval listed in Exhibit Discussion ensued relating to the conditions contained in the original application, the number of cars able to park in the driveway, clarification of photographs submitted by staff, and the possibility of designating a loading and unloading zone. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Badieh Varasteh, the applicant, noted that the City of Pleasanton has a 17 percent shortage of childcare for children under the age of three. Further, she noted that she was requested by Childcare Link to apply for a permit to allow additional children in her daycare. She noted that the Fire Department inspected her business at no charge and that there were no problems with the inspection. She expressed concern with parking in the driveway in the case of emergency and the need to quickly transport the children. Further, she stated that the City has approved parking across the street. She commented on the renovations that have been made to the property to comply with childcare regulations and she noted that none of the neighbors have any complaints. She provided a form to the Commission that the parents have signed noting they will not make a "U-turn" into the business and she noted the importance of providing quality child care for parents. Discussion ensued relating to the number of children the applicant will care for, the inspections that were provided on the property, the age of children cared for at the facility, and the safety precautions taken for the children. Michael Smith, 4029 Moselle Court, expressed appreciation to the Commission for their concern with safety issues and he noted that he felt his child's safety was adequately provided for at this facility, even with the facility being on First Street. He commented on the quality of daycare that the applicant provides and the shortage of daycare for the residents of Pleasanton. He expressed reluctance to concur with the staff report that four more cars and eight more trips a day will add significantly to the traffic and hazards on First Street. He stated that he does not attempt to back into parallel parking spaces at the daycare but rather pulls into the parking spots at curbside. Further, he noted that he has not had a PLANN1NG COMMISSION MINUTES Page 7 November 10, 1999