PC 091113 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Ebrahimi stated that there is a map on the Hacienda Business Park website that shows the community, and he pulled out one that said a little bit about the height of the buildings along the Arroyo. He noted that that there is a varying height of commercial buildings in the area, some in the same range as the proposed buildings at 22 feet to 26 feet tall, and others that are much taller. He pointed out that that the building right next the project to the left on West Las Positas Boulevard, the Arroyo Center, is up to 40 feet in height, which is also the height seen in the back and backing up to the arroyo; the two buildings to the west of the project site, Simpson Manufacturing, are also up to 40 feet tall, and an existing commercial building across the street, Hacienda West, is up to 50 feet tall. Commissioner Olson inquired what the distance is from the back of the existing building on the site to the edge of the Arroyo, and what the distance will be with the new building, and if it will be reduced, by how much. Ms. Stern stated that staff looked into that and indicated that the current building is 60 feet back from the rear property line, and the closest proposed building would be between 54 and 55 feet, approximately five feet closer to the rear property line. Commissioner Allen asked what the height of the three -story building on the backside would be, compared to a thirty -five foot tall tree. Mr. Ebrahimi replied that it would be approximately 38 feet high at three stories. He added that the two -story component would be 24 feet high. Commissioner Ritter inquired if the buildings along the Arroyo Mocho would have balconies that face out on the Arroyo or back towards the poolside. Mr. Ebrahimi replied that they have not gotten to the actual design component and that they have not even designed that building yet. Commissioner Ritter suggested that might be something to consider when they get there. Commissioner Posson noted that they have talked a lot about the design standards for the external portions of the building and inquired how they would approach the inside for the tenants as it relates to energy efficiency and energy self- sufficiency for the project. Mr. Ebrahimi replied that they have an internal task force that looks at what features can be incorporated into each community they build. He indicated that the task force starts its work once a site layout is designated. He added that hopefully, with the comments that they have receive from the Commission tonight, they will know the site plan that is going to work for this site, after which they will engage with that task force. He indicated that they can come back to the Commission with all the recommendations of the things they can provide for this community. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 11, 2013 Page 17 of 27