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that he realizes a 15,000-square-foot building is not that large and inquired why it would not start at 10,000 square feet. Mrs. Rondash replied that the City’s current ordinance specifies 20,000 square feet. She explained that when the ordinance was approved in 2002, it was understood that this was the break-even point where it would not be cost-prohibitive to incorporate these measures into that construction process. Commissioner Blank inquired if this was something staff could propose as a take-away because a lot of technology changes have occurred between 2002 and today, especially in the field of green building. He indicated that he would not be surprised if there were new measures and new construction techniques. He added that he cannot imagine that given construction costs today, a 15,000-square-foot building would be economically infeasible. Ms. Stern stated that staff would be applying basic CALGreen to all structures. Mr. Dolan added that this would require a different exercise that what is on the table. He stated that at this point, staff is confronted with the new State law and would like to transition smoothly into the new system. Commissioner Blank indicated that he would bring this up under Matters Initiated by Commission Members. Commissioner Pentin stated that he also was not present at the Special Commission meeting. He requested clarification on Recommendation No. 3 on page 5, which reads: “Amend the Pleasanton Municipal Code to adopt a modified CALGreen, as appropriate, to incorporate current regulations and additions, and to continue the exempt historic structures.” He noted that further down, it states:“Additions are exempt from CALGreen, whereas larger additions (e.g., residential additions greater than 2,000 square feet in size and or commercial additions larger than 20,000 square feet in size) are subject to Pleasanton’s Green Building Ordinance.” He inquired what was being changed. Ms. Stern replied that staff is recognizing that the City’s current Green Building Ordinance does require green building for residential additions greater than 2,000 square feet and commercial additions greater than 20,000 square feet, and staff would like to amend the CALGreen to require the same. Commissioner Pentin noted that this refers to residential additions exceeding 2,000 square feet rather than to the entire residential square footage. He inquired how this would affect a 17,000-square-foot commercial building that adds 4,000 square feet. Mrs. Rondash replied that as currently implemented, the total construction area would have to be 20,000 square feet or more. She explained that in situations where there are multiple projects of less than 20,000 square feet, conditions of approval are put in place PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, September 29, 2010 Page 12 of 21