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areas." He pointed out that access drives are actually entryways into those parking lots <br /> and such. <br /> Mr. O'Connor stated that California Statute 65927 also defines "structure," and it <br /> actually uses the word "road" in its definition: "As used in this section, structure includes <br /> but is not limited to any building, road, height, flume, etc." He continued that Webster's <br /> Dictionary also says: "Structure is the action of building, construction, or something that <br /> is constructed." He indicated that he thinks it is clear from those definiticns that roads <br /> are indeed structures. He added that public and private roads require engineering and <br /> construction, and they certainly require a location on the ground. <br /> Mr. O'Connor stated that Measure PP absolutely did intend to include roads in its <br /> grading restrictions, roads such as those through Oak Grove and up Santos Ranch. He <br /> noted that the Commission received a letter from Ms. Anne Fox, one of the authors of <br /> Measure PP who actually wrote this section, and which says that roads were definitely <br /> planned to be covered by Measure PP. He then referred back to the General Plan <br /> going back many years where it cautions not to build roads on slopes greater than <br /> 15 percent. He added that in the November 29, 2005 Land Use Joint Workshop, then <br /> Planning Director Jerry Iserson clarified the City policy on road construction and said <br /> that public streets are not allowed to be built in Pleasanton on anything greater than a <br /> 15-percent slope; yet, tonight, there is talk about the possibility of building on slopes that <br /> are greater than 25 percent, slopes that are approaching almost twice what was <br /> supposed to be the limit where Pleasanton could build a road. He noted that the <br /> Planning Commission and the Council previously voted unanimously and determined <br /> that streets and roads are structures; and additionally, Pleasanton voters have <br /> successfully referended more than once, Council decisions that they felt were <br /> unacceptable, such as Oak Grove. He stated that Measure PP was actually perceived <br /> to be the fix to that problem so that the City will not have to go back and have more <br /> lawsuits and referendums. <br /> Mr. O'Connor stated that he thinks it is time that Measure PP and what voters have put <br /> in place be supported. He added that the Commission should direct staff to put back <br /> the deleted wording in paragraph C: "Grading to construct the above referenced <br /> residential or commercial structures is prohibited and grading to construct public and <br /> private streets for these developments is also prohibited on slopes of 25 percent or <br /> greater or within 100 vertical feet of a ridgeline." He concluded that once this language <br /> is restored, then the Commission should recommend approval of the Draft <br /> Chapter 18.70 to the Council. <br /> Phyllis Lee displayed a text from Chapter 18.88.040 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code <br /> and stated that she represented the Bridle Creek and Sycamore Heights <br /> neighborhoods. She reiterated what Ms. McGovern and Mr. O'Connor stated that roads <br /> are indeed structures. She pointed out that there is a clear distinction between streets <br /> and access drives, which are listed separately in bullet point H of Section 18.88.040 of <br /> the Pleasanton Municipal Code: "The parking spaces, aisles, and access drives shall <br /> be paved as to provide a durable dustless surface and shall be so graded and drain as <br /> PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 13, 2013 Page 13 of 35 <br />