PC 111313 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Dolan stated that another issue discussed by the Task Force that is found only in the Design Guidelines is the use of metal roofs: here it still says "discourage metal roofs" but it also acknowledges that metal shingles that resemble shake or tile with a dull finish may be approved. He indicated that there was some controversy about a particular application that used that particular approach, and there was fear it was going to be a big negative. He stated that that is not necessarily the case and can be something that is acceptable. Mr. Dolan stated that another issue that comes up a lot, again maybe more often than not at the staff level, is that a true blue historic preservationist always wants the windows in these homes to be wooden. He noted that people argue whether or not it costs more to replace them with wood windows, but the reality is the replacement windows that are being created now look a lot better than they used to. He further noted that from a distance, it is pretty difficult to determine if something is actually wood in some of these products. He indicated that the replacement of existing wood windows is being allowed for better heat efficiency; or if the windows are just in bad repair, they can be replaced with a window made out of a different material other than wood as long as they have been designed to look like the original windows regarding the operation, profile, the height, glazing, and pattern. He noted that the replacement may sometimes not be exactly to the inch, but one that is pretty close is acceptable. Mr. Dolan stated that there is one minor General Plan amendment, a clean -up item, that needs to be made: The General Plan states that the implementation of all these policies would be through the adoption of a Historic Preservation Ordinance; however, as mentioned earlier, none of the changes will create a Historic Preservation Ordinance. Finally, Mr. Dolan addressed the two Pleasanton Municipal Code amendments mentioned earlier: (1) Story Poles, which are not currently addressed, and the Task Force is proposing an amendment that requires staff to allow them as they are very useful in the application review; and (2) Demolition by Neglect, which are addressed only for non - single - family homes in the Downtown Revitalization District, and this amendment would make the current ordinance apply to all structures within the Downtown Specific Plan Area. Mr. Dolan concluded his presentation, indicating that that is the package of recommendations that the Task Force would like the Council to adopt and which is being presented to the Commission for its review and, hopefully, recommendation. He indicated that staff concurs with the Task Force recommendations, with the one issue on the lot width regarding requiring the garage to go in the back. The Commission took a break at 8:31 p.m. and resumed at 8:39 p.m. Commissioner Ritter noted that the Task Force is recommending deleting the Federal opportunity. He inquired if there are any tax incentives or government incentives to help in restoration efforts for historic preservation. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 13, 2013 Page 21 of 50