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Mr. Dolan replied that this was quite early on in the process, shortly after Measure PP was passed. He indicated that staff asked the applicant actually to run it and it did not change that much; and staff did not go even cruder using a ten -foot contour line because the community would not accept it. Commissioner Nagler asked if this is a two -foot contour and if it can be determined at any single point if the slope is greater than 25 percent. Mr. Dolan said yes. He explained that it does not include every molehill, but it is a natural technique of smoothing that a topography map does not provide. Chair Allen stated that she does not know anything about the slope numbers and inquired if there are precedents from other cities, such as Lafayette, that have a hillside ordinance indicating what is typically used. Mr. Dolan stated that there are some cities that use the averaging technique, which is far cruder. He added that there are formulas some cities use where the average slope of a certain sized area, where there may be some flat and some very steep slopes, is taken and then have that entire area represented by that number. He indicated that this is fine for a big area, but staff is usually asked to be very precise in this community. Commissioner Balch stated that measuring a slope every two feet over a significant distance is not what he had in mind initially. He indicated that he is not one to say whether it is correct or not, but he thinks it sounds like staff looked at other distances or measurement methods and they are comfortable with it, so he does not disagree with it. Chair Allen stated that if it does not entail a lot of work, it might not hurt to have some benchmarks from other cities in the area that have hillside ordinances. She noted that the City use those as references or to provide perspective on why the method the City picked appears to be the best for Pleasanton. Commissioner Balch suggested the City of Fremont which implemented an easement for hillsides a few years ago based on the toe of the hill. He added that Orinda and other cities in the Tri- Valley area might also be possibilities. Mr. Dolan stated that staff will look at a few • Identifying Ridges Commissioner Balch stated that the way staff did it appears reasonable and that he has no problem with it. Commissioners Ritter and Nagler, as well as Chair Allen, stated that they agreed with staff's report as well. Commissioner Piper stated that she had no comment. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, February 25, 2015 Page 39 of 46