09 - Laserfiche WebLink

size requirements and others do not. He pointed out that Mr. Browne mentioned that some have beehives in apartments, and he indicated that his first thought when he read through this was that it would not be allowed in a high-density or multi-family environment, as it would be difficult to know how to control them. Chair O'Connor stated that he would like to see what these other cities are doing to correct some of the things that they did not anticipate. He noted that if all the data in the document are current, there obviously is a very large discrepancy between cities in terms of what they allow, their sizes, and where they are permitted. He added that he would also want to know what staff thinks about noticing and whether this would be a Conditional Use Permit. He indicated that there should be some kind of noticing requirement because there may be a neighbor who is allergic to beestings, and the City would certainly not want to do anything that would jeopardize the health and safety of the community. Commissioner Ritter stated that he has heard that local honey is a positive for beekeeping and that putting locally grown honey in food can make allergies go away. He indicated that he does not know what that really entails and would like to know the positives of beekeeping as he does have allergies. Commissioner Balch stated that he realizes that the survey was from the City of Laguna Beach and not Pleasanton. He indicated that he would like to know what lessons were learned and what Pleasanton can gain from that year of experience. He noted that the document shows different factors used to evaluate, such as direction, how restrictive, lot size, and number of beehives. He added that Pleasanton should definitely not recreate the wheel when it can look into what other cities have had, and then modify them accordingly. Commissioner Balch also pointed out that the number of years of implementation should also be considered, such that a recent implementation might not necessarily be a good data source, versus one with a much longer experience. He indicated that he does not what it to be one of those things where everyone makes a big fuss in the beginning, but once implemented, would not be a big deal. He stated that he strongly feels that this is something the City should consider. Chair O'Connor asked staff if they have enough information. Ms. Amos said yes. She stated that this is a good starting point for staff to look into, including some of the questions that were raised. Commissioner Balch inquired how this would move from here and if there were a timeline or some sort of road map. Ms. Amos replied that whatever information staff has gathered tonight will definitely be added to what staff is already looking into, including what other cities have in effect, what they are doing, and how they process. She indicated that some cities handle it through different divisions and departments, as opposed to Planning or Community Development. She added that staff is evaluating what is similar to the characteristics of Pleasanton, look into what these other cities have done, and modify them to what may be best for the residents in Pleasanton in terms of minimum lot sizes, certain densities, buffer zones, and noticing. She indicated that once staff has established these well, possibly within a couple of months, staff will move forward and present a draft of the proposed Code amendment to the Commission for its review. EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, October 8, 2014 Page 3 of 4