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immediate area, and he feels the City should allow people to continue to improve their properties. Michael O'Callaghan, Downtown business owner, 25-year builder of many homes in the Tri-Valley, and former member of the Downtown Association Design Committee for seven years, stated that he supports the proposal as well as the comments made by Mr. Harvey about the City not having a historic district. He indicated that the height, setbacks and mass of the house are in general conformance with the neighborhood. He suggested that the Commission determine what makes the most sense for the property and the neighborhood to arrive at a viable solution. Mr. Cunningham referred to issues regarding shadowing and privacy and stated that because the sun is on the southern side of the house, it is physically impossible that the home would shadow the Bourgs' home. He noted that the story pole is deceiving and the height depends upon what angle it is seen from. He noted that the roof structure is only about 20 feet high, with the ridge line going down the center of the roof as the only area at 25 feet. Regarding new structures not fitting in with old structures, he stated that most major cities such as Los Gatos and Palo Alto have new homes scattered with historic homes in their Downtowns, and if built correctly, these new homes enhance the area and do not take away from the area's history. With respect to privacy issues, he noted that there is one bathroom window on the second floor which is above eye level, and they can opaque the window to provide privacy. As to parking, he indicated that the property currently has tandem parking which they are proposing to be maintained, and a garage which will add to the parking requirements. He stated that he wants to make the home into something the City is proud of and that he is not proposing a lot split. Commissioner Pentin referred to massing and size and asked Mr. Cunningham whether 1,800 square feet will suit their needs. Mr. Cunningham stated that the proposed house is a 1,862-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath home; the other house was at 1,200 square feet with one bedroom. He indicated that they have a son, and a daughter and grandson who will visit, and he wants to be able to use at least one bedroom and a pull out couch when they visit. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Commissioner Pearce referred to the points made about the purpose of the FAR and she asked Mr. Dolan to speak to the purpose of an FAR. Mr. Dolan explained that FAR is a crude measurement of building intensity and mass, and there is a tendency to rely on it probably too much. He stated that it gives some indication of the mass of the building space relative to the land area, and it is also a reflection of the intensity of a use on a site. He noted that sometimes it has limited usefulness; for example, garage space is exempted from FAR which sometimes defeats its purpose. He noted that that one could have the same FAR on a piece of property designed one way and would have a completely different look in terms of mass if designed another way. EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, APRIL 13, 2011 Page 7 of 15