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Commissioner O'Connor stated that with respect to carports, he is torn because he understands the next -door neighbors and their view and what they are looking at, but he also would really like to have seen the apartment complex have the carport as opposed to open parking because it makes it a more desirable complex. He added that he certainly know what it is like to leave a car outside and get dust all over it all the time. He noted that there have been other variances that the Commission has granted and have had no objections to, and this is the only one which seems to have an objection. Chair Olson questioned if that item is still under discussion with that property owner. Commissioner O'Connor stated that the other property owner spoke tonight. Commissioner Posson stated that he is of the same opinion and understand both points of view. He indicated that from the tenants' standpoint and from the developer's standpoint, it is more attractive to have carports, but he understands the adjacent property owner's concerns as well. He added that he would hope both parties would continue to look at different options, and the Commission can then decide where it wants to go when the project comes back. Commissioner Posson noted that someone mentioned the large area of grass, and that from an amenity standpoint, a grassy area is nice for residents to have as a recreational area. He pointed out, however, that as everyone present may know, there is a water shortage, and the Governor declared a drought. He addressed the applicant and stated that they may want to look for alternatives to natural turf, maybe some type of artificial turf to reduce the burden on irrigation. Commissioner O'Connor noted that the open area has been discussed and that he believes that is where the barbecues would be located and maybe serve as a gathering area as well. He stated that children may want to throw or kick a ball around, but maybe it does not necessarily have to be all turf, some of it could be hardscape. Zacky Abed, Project Landscape Architect from Van Dorn Abed Landscape Architects, Inc., stated that there are barbecues on the south end of the pool and on the north end of the green area which also has trellises and picnic benches. He indicated that the Statewide ordinance allows high water use landscaping for 25 percent of the site, and that is what the open area encompasses; everything else is low water use. Commissioner O'Connor stated that because water is covered by the owners, synthetic turf is certainly an option if they want to save on their water bill. No action was taken. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, January 22, 2014 Page 18 of 22