PC 111214 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Schmitt replied that they mainly came and met with staff and went over what was done. He indicated that the only discussion he had with Ms. Bengtson was when he told her they were modifying the plans to increase her view. He stated that he did not think it was fair for him and his family to have to sit down with neighbors and discuss the plans on his house. He indicated that he wanted it to look the way he wanted it to look, and while other people's opinions matter, there are several opinions in the neighborhood that want the addition; only those who are opposed to it are here tonight. He added that it would be ridiculous to get into a match where everyone brings who is in favor of and who is opposed to the proposal. He pointed to the Commission as the body that is supposed to make the decisions, the reason why the Commission exists. Commissioner Ritter asked Mr. Schmitt if any of the neighbors proposed what they think a second story should look like on his house. Mr. Schmitt said no. He stated that the neighbor where the new balcony faces actually drew up a new remodeled plan, but that was about it. He added that no one has come over, and he thinks most of the neighbors, but not all, have said they do not want the second floor. He pointed out once more that there are six people present tonight, and there are 53 houses in the original neighborhood, and that does not include what he considers to be the neighborhood now. Commissioner Balch asked Mr. Schmitt which of the two plans was his preferred plan. Mr. Schmitt replied that the layout inside the house, the stairs, and everything else would work better in the second plan; but the first plan would look better aesthetically on the outside. Commissioner Allen asked Mr. Schmitt if he has the square footage to build a single -story addition of the same square feet if he were forced to do that. Mr. Schmitt replied that he did not know for sure. He stated that it would probably be close, but they would be infringing on the boundary lines as his is a split -level backyard. He noted that if he started getting up in to the top half, then he would have to grade it out, and it becomes a much bigger issue. He indicated that he cannot speak to that and would have to ask his architect. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Commissioner Balch asked staff to display the slide of the GIS map that shows the notification area for the postcard notice so Ms. Steiner's comment that she was not sent a notice could be addressed. Ms. Wallis explained that the original application was for an Administrative Design Review approval, and the City of Pleasanton requires notice of only the directly adjacent neighbors that would be affected by the addition. She noted that typically, if there were no concerns from the neighbors, the Zoning Administrator would make the decision to either approve or deny the proposal. She continued that in this case, because of the specific concerns brought up by the neighbor, staff decided to move the proposal up to the Planning Commission level, which would entail sending a notice to all property PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 12, 2014 Page 15 of 35