Laserfiche WebLink
acre site, yielding the 30 unit per acre density required by its zoning. Building heights are predominately <br /> two and three stories, with a subsection of four story elements, and comply with the requirements set <br /> forth in the Housing Site Development Standards. The project includes 304 parking spaces for <br /> residents and guests, 72% of which are covered by either garage or carport structures, as well as <br /> amenities such as a fitness facility, community lounge, pool and spa, seating areas, barbeque area, <br /> children's play area and a common use open green. In addition to the PUD, the developer has <br /> submitted applications for a Development Agreement, Affordable Housing Agreement and Growth <br /> Management Agreement. <br /> Mr. Dolan stated that the project design has evolved considerably in response to comments from staff, <br /> The Planning Commission, the neighboring Chamberlain building, and residents of the Parkside <br /> neighborhood to the south. The applicant made an extensive effort to respond to the Planning <br /> Commission's request for more architectural details and subsequently incorporated features such as <br /> wooden gates, additional awnings, rafter tails, sconces, recessed windows and a more muted color <br /> palette into the overall design. The applicant substantially redesigned Building A, which is visible from <br /> West Las Positas, to provide more visual interest and detail at key locations. In response to express <br /> concerns of the Parkside neighborhood, Buildings C and D were redesigned to relocate the third floor <br /> units facing the Arroyo to the interior of the site. The applicant moved the swimming pool further from <br /> the Arroyo and towards the interior of the site, added a layer of fast growing shrubs, second row of <br /> trees, and a 6-foot sound wall along the rear property line. The applicant also added internal wall just <br /> south of the proposed tot lot, relocated the dog wash area from the rear of the site, and amended the <br /> refuse collection route to further minimize noise impacts to nearby residents. <br /> Mr. Dolan reviewed the site plan and elevations, noting the changes made by the applicant and calling <br /> attention to the architectural details designed to enhance the view from the Arroyo and neighboring <br /> Parkside community. He reviewed the project setbacks, noting one exception to current setback <br /> requirements that relates to the carport structures. He called the Council's attention to site elevations <br /> depicting the view from the south side of the Arroyo Trail, noting that in some locations a very small <br /> portion of the project's four story elements are visible. <br /> He reviewed the landscape plan, stating that one element of the project that staff particularly liked was <br /> the prominent central green adjoining the pool and other recreational facilities. Most of the effort and <br /> dialogue regarding landscaping focused on the rear of the project, where the applicant is now <br /> proposing to add a second row of trees and fast growing shrubs to boost the screening effect of the <br /> existing deciduous trees. The applicant is also proposing landscaping between parking spaces, along <br /> garage doors and the backs of Buildings C and D. The proposed sound wall will be accented with vines <br /> planted on the north side, which will eventually grow to cascade down the outside portion facing the <br /> Parkside neighborhood. He showed existing views as well as three and ten year growth patterns of the <br /> proposed landscaping. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked if the proposed roofing material is at all reflective. <br /> Mr. Dolan said "no," it is a rather dull surfaced multi-colored blend of tiles. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked and Mr. Dolan confirmed that the tree plantings along the sound wall are <br /> evergreen. He lasted identified the proposed plantings as African Sumac and Southern Live Oak, both <br /> of which were reviewed by the city's landscape architect and deemed consistent with the Hacienda tree <br /> planting palette. <br /> Mr. Dolan continued his presentation, reviewing the proposed exceptions to the Housing Site <br /> Development Standards. The applicant's proposal to install carports along the property line shared with <br /> Chamberlain Associates would require an exception to the 50-foot setback. While staff agreed that the <br /> carports are a desirable component, Chamberlain indicated it preferred a view of the building's <br /> architecture over that of carports. After considerable dialogue, Chamberlain has agreed to not oppose a <br /> City Council Minutes Page 3 of 18 March 18,2014 <br />