CCMIN031814 - Laserfiche WebLink

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