Laserfiche WebLink
not have a problem with an exterior stairway, but he assumed it would have to be an <br />interior stairway if it was to have the "Pleasanton look." He added, though, that this is <br />not a game stopper for him. <br />Commissioner Ritter stated that he likes the two -story as well as the open look of the <br />staircase. <br />Commissioner Piper agreed. She indicated that she is very much in favor of two stories <br />and finds the exterior staircase to be a pretty neat look as well, but expressed concern <br />about when it rains. She stated that the majority of people will probably use this <br />staircase since it is only a two -story building and cannot imagine that many people <br />using the elevator. <br />Commissioner Balch stated that he generally does not have a problem with two stories, <br />noting that the earlier conversation about setbacks factors into it. He indicated that he <br />has a slight issue with Building A being a two -story and the parking directly adjacent to <br />Building A and would prefer more of a building, such as Building D, that has better <br />ample parking, and some particular section that has the same floor plan as Building A, <br />and then make Building A a single -story. He stated that he understands that <br />Buildings A and B may be together probably for symmetry. <br />Commissioner Balch stated that the applicant's statement that they are doing this <br />quasi -office changed his view of the staircases. He indicated that he was initially fine <br />with the staircases, thinking it was pure office, because the number of trips up and down <br />the staircase would probably be used by the same people and minimized to twice a day; <br />however, as a quasi -office retail, it will have a traffic load, and people will probably be <br />taking the staircase. He noted that the architect mentioned the tightness of the site and <br />the parking ratio, but with 11.5 acres and a parking ratio of 4.8 per thousand, the <br />applicant should be able to tuck in the staircases. <br />Commissioner Allen stated that she was fine with a two -story building and liked the look <br />of the outdoor staircase, given this design. She agreed that if it is a traditional design, <br />the staircase should probably be indoor and people may prefer indoor given that they <br />are going to be using it during the winter season. <br />D. Does the Planning Commission have any comments on the proposed <br />landscaping plans, including the vineyard buffer along El Charro Road? <br />Commissioner Ritter stated that he likes the vineyard idea as long as it has a bike path <br />and a walkway so people can get there by walking or biking. He added that although it <br />was not discussed, he assumes that there will be a connection to the park on both sides <br />of the layout. He indicated that he wants to make sure the buildings are looking nice <br />and that there are trees there so it integrates with the park nicely on the west and south <br />sides, and maybe have the vineyards go all the way around. <br />Commissioner Piper stated that she thinks the vineyard is a little bit strange and she <br />finds it hard to visualize it even if it is drawn on the plans. She added that other than <br />that, she does not have any comments on the landscaping and thinks it all looks pretty <br />good. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, October 22, 2014 Page 24 of 30 <br />