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Chair Narum inquired if there were adequate standards for the aesthetics of the parking <br /> garage. She indicated that she did not want to see something similar to the parking <br /> garage across the freeway. <br /> Mr. Williams stated that the key thing with parking structures is to allow them to be <br /> parking structures and, in this particular instance, keeping them relatively simple. He <br /> indicated that everybody has unanimously suggested that the one they like the most is <br /> one seen the least, at least from Owens Drive; the City would then have the ability to do <br /> a sedate building in a parking structure. He added that what the guidelines say is to <br /> have it look more like an office building, keep it simple, and try not to create articulation <br /> that ends up being value-engineered-out in a poor way. He noted that the simpler they <br /> are, the more elegant they end up looking. He noted that everyone will be much <br /> happier if the spirit is to make it look like the other buildings in the area on Pleasanton's <br /> side of the freeway. He confirmed that these standards are in the guidelines, <br /> specifically on parking structures. <br /> Chair Narum asked Mr. Dolan if the Commission should address height as part of this <br /> question. <br /> Mr. Dolan replied that if the Commission considers it a concern, staff would like to hear <br /> about it. <br /> Commissioner Blank noted that it is so early on in the process, and anything that returns <br /> will have to be seen by the Planning Commission. He noted that it may very well be a <br /> new Commission, and while he did not think any Commission would like to have a <br /> 200-foot tower structure built, a developer may come along with a dynamic 85-foot <br /> building corner that the future Commission and staff will look at and like. <br /> Chair Narum noted that 85 feet is the maximum height allowed in the Hacienda PUD. <br /> She added, however, that a developer may want to build a 10-15-story hotel, which <br /> would be well above the 85 feet, and while she would not want to preclude this option, <br /> she did not want any developers to think that they could do that and then have it <br /> approved. She indicated that this would be a major change from the standard <br /> guidelines. <br /> Commissioner Blank stated that it would be way beyond the guidelines, and the <br /> developers would have to make a very compelling case. <br /> Mr. Fleissig explained that they tried to at least give that option without changing the <br /> guidelines, noting that the maximum height in Hacienda is 85 feet and would require a <br /> recommendation by the Planning Commission to the City Council for approval or denial <br /> at public hearings. He indicated that they are specific about the mixed-use hotel <br /> buildings being the use and not necessarily having a taller office building. <br /> Commissioner Pearce stated that she liked the flexibility of the language. <br /> Chair Narum agreed and indicated that this is what she is looking for. <br /> EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, MAY 25, 2011 Page 16 of 18 <br />