PC 032515 - Laserfiche WebLink

the swing drive off of Sycamore Road to access the second unit. He added that Ms. Connors also noted that the applicant request a variance for a second driveway which would be off of Sycamore Road. Mr. Townsend explained that this suggestion, unfortunately, does not take into consideration the setbacks adjacent to Sycamore Road, the open space, the increase of impervious surface which would be required for the continuity of the vineyard. He indicated that carving out the vineyard and extending driveways for access is not in keeping with the intent of the North Sycamore Specific Plan. He noted that the current proposal locates the second unit 20 feet off of the nearest property line, which is far in excess of the minimums required for second units. He added that it is farther away from the side yard setbacks of any of the three units to the south, and there is existing landscape screening adjacent to Pioneer Trails Place. He stated for the record that the closest resident at 494 Pioneer Trails actually has a three -car garage and driveway. Mr. Townsend stated that with respect to her concern about construction traffic, Ms. Connors mentioned that the street was not properly designed to support such traffic. He indicated that as Ms. Wallis noted, construction traffic is temporary, and he is confident that the applicants will work with the neighbors to minimize its effect. He explained that construction vehicles can use the two existing driveways that are already on site, plus a temporary driveway for the new secondary unit which will have a gravel base. He stated that the road is actually built to City standards and as such, supports all kinds of vehicles, including construction trucks, cement trucks, garbage trucks, and fire trucks. He added that the road was already in place and supported construction activities when the three residences to the south were built, as well as when the pools were installed in two of those residences. In summary, Mr. Townsend stated that moving the location of the proposed second unit does not make sense as it compromises the intent of the North Sycamore Specific Plan, carves up the existing vineyard, and decreases the open space. He requested that the Commission deny the appeal and uphold the Zoning Administrator's approval. Gary Hirata stated that he lives to the rear of Mr. Rocha's present residence and, together with his wife, Kimberly Connors, are the appellants. He indicated that he is opposed to the construction of a 1,500- square -foot residence and garage because the applicant, John Rocha, is misrepresenting his intent to occupy the property at 547 Sycamore Road. He indicated that if this application is approved, there is little that can be done when Mr. Rocha violates his promise to comply with Code requirements. He noted that Mr. Rocha currently violates the residential business restrictions by continuing to employ an assistant in violation of the City Code, as evidenced by a brown Toyota parked on a full -time basis in front of Mr. Rocha's house, and Pleasanton Code Enforcement has failed to gain his compliance. He expressed concern that neighbors of Mr. Rocha's property will be left to control code enforcement compliance, with yet another series of violations if this building is approved while Mr. Rocha lives in his newly renovated residence at Callippe Golf Course. Mr. Hirata stated that if the Planning Commission fails to take Mr. Rocha's obvious deception into account and the building application is approved, he would like the access to the second unit to be off of Sycamore Road rather than Pioneer Trails Place. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 25, 2015 Page 16 of 27