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permits do because, as one could imagine, most applicants don't want to spend the <br /> money on building plans for a project that may not get planning approval. <br /> Chair Balch said the massing on the front of the residence seems odd and that the front <br /> window seems small and off-center which he typically does not see in Pleasanton. He <br /> asked staff to address the design of the front façade. <br /> Mr. Beaudin directed the Commission to Page 2 of the plan set and described ways in <br /> which they could address the issues of massing on the front façade and the north facing <br /> window by redesigning the interior layout of the second story bedrooms. <br /> Chair Balch followed up asking if the Commission could continue the item to provide <br /> time for the applicant to work with staff to revise the plans. <br /> Mr. Beaudin replied yes, they could continue the item and ask for revised plans. <br /> Commissioners Allen, Nagler, and Ritter commented on their support of the Zoning <br /> Administrator's findings and decision, their understanding and appeal to the issues <br /> addressed by the neighbors, and their agreement to continue the item so the applicant <br /> could revise the plans. <br /> Commissioner Ritter referred to an aerial photo of the property showing a camper/trailer <br /> parked on the side of the residence, the three spaces in the driveway full, and several <br /> vehicles parked on the street in front of the property. He acknowledged that the <br /> proposed addition would likely impact parking and said he would like to see the two-car <br /> garage be made available for two vehicles to park in, in order to make finding number 3 <br /> as described in the Staff Report. <br /> Chair Balch provided a dissenting opinion, describing plans he had seen for homes with <br /> several bedrooms which were bedrooms by definition but not by use, for example: wine <br /> cellars, laundry rooms, photo developing rooms, etc. he explained how those specialty <br /> rooms can add value and function to the residence without impacting things such as <br /> traffic and parking. Therefore, Chair Balch said, he would not be evaluating the <br /> application on the number of bedrooms but rather the exterior design of the residence. <br /> Commissioner Brown summarized the reasons for which he considered the number of <br /> bedrooms to be of importance for this application. He said the number of bedrooms has <br /> an impact to the neighborhood and community with regard to foot traffic in and out of <br /> the residence, visitors, consumption of utilities, parking, valuation criteria from a real <br /> estate perspective and impact on neighboring property values, and massing. <br /> Commissioner Brown also addressed the issue raised by Mr. Broome regarding the <br /> FAR of 38.6%, and agreed that while it is under the maximum allowed 40%, it wouldn't <br /> be ideal in terms of massing and appearance. He agreed with Commissioner Ritter's <br /> request to see the garage used as intended, for the parking of two vehicles. <br /> Commissioner Allen asked what the typical FAR is in Valley Trails and what the <br /> maximum FAR is for any home in Valley Trails. <br /> EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, July 12, 2017 Page 5 of 6 <br />