PC 032311 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chair Narum noted that the table on page 9 of the staff report states that the setback is five feet from the rear property line, and the second -floor deck is approximately five feet by ten feet. She inquired if this deck would be extending to the property line. Ms. Bonn clarified that the five -foot setback is measured to the property line to the north, and both the second -floor and third -floor decks are proposed on the southern facade and face the middle of the lot. Commissioner Pentin read a portion of the Downtown Specific Plan (DTSP) section quoted at the bottom of page 4 of the staff report: "This height establishes a scale of development which should be generally followed throughout the Downtown Commercial area." He inquired if this is something that needs to be adhered to or is a "should" vs. "shall" issue. Ms. Stern replied that this is part of the DTSP and the Downtown Design Guidelines (DTDG) and as such, they are guidelines. She added that the Commission has the latitude to review this on a case -by -case basis. Commissioner Pentin requested clarification that Criteria A and B do not conform to the guidelines but are not necessarily out of Code. Ms. Stern said yes. Commissioner Olson inquired what "pedestrian scale" means. Ms. Stern replied that this is somewhat puzzling in this case due to the location of the building. She stated that she believed this section was written with Main Street in mind more than Spring Street or other side streets and backs of buildings. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Mark Kearns, property owner, stated that he has a business, Specialty Inspections, which provides termite and home inspection as well as repair work. He indicated that in 1992, he came to Pleasanton and opened his own company in a leased space on Railroad Avenue. He stated that he has always wanted to be on Spring Street and found a very depressed building with its roof off of the building for 15 years and a tree growing through the middle. He noted that the building already had a demolition permit issued on it, and the City allowed him to bring in his business as a termite inspector. He added that he did some foundation work on the building and planned to rebuild it and bring it back to its original state even if a demolition permit had already been issued. Mr. Kearns stated that he feels it is crucial and a great opportunity that he is in the Downtown; however, his business is growing and he is outgrowing his space. He described his proposed plan and explained that it will allow him to have some storage space at the back for his files as well as some materials he still stores in a partial space PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 23, 2011 Page 3 of 21