PC 041019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chair Allen said as a side note, which she will return to under Discussion Point 4, in regard to the triangular design, she would like to see more façade enhancements to the north side of the building for those traveling south on Hopyard Road. Commissioner Ritter thinks the triangular design is better, likes the employee parking near the entrance to the carwash and feels spaces will be used appropriately. His only concern is the walkway going into the electrical room and asked for proposed enhancements. He recognized the applicant is trying to remove everything off the church lot and believes this is a viable option. Commissioner Brown echoed previous comments. He prefers the triangular design because it provides more access for people reversing, it is a much more attractive building, and he would argue this has been done at the location on Santa Rita Road and Valley Avenue. Commissioner O'Connor concurred and noted the Commission is unanimous. He voiced support to make the site more aesthetically appealing, thinks a barrier or fence is needed and should be erected, however, it shouldn't be taller than four feet to help keep vehicles out. Discussion Point 3: Are the proposed site plan, circulation, and parking acceptable? Commissioner Brown expressed concern over the proposed removal of the loading zone. He understands deliveries are typically done later at night but said the UPS truck that frequents the Amazon drop-off locker would be the perfect place to park during the day, so he thinks it would pose issues if they were to remove the loading zone. He did not disagree with Mr. Tassano's argument regarding shortening the length of the driveway. If it narrows and expands the landscape further, it will also provide some protection for large trucks that might park there; he voiced support for shortening the driveway from the existing 45 feet. He said he has an electric vehicle, but he was not sure he would dedicate a charging stall next to the carwash because it encourages vehicles to park longer. He also thinks more could be done to increase the appeal to the carwash and trellis, in order to make it a less boxy design. Commissioner Ritter said he was in favor of the idea to extend the loading zone from 27 feet to 37 feet and shorten the driveway on West Las Positas Boulevard from 45 feet to 35 feet. He was amenable to the circulation and believes parking is acceptable and utilizing some of the gas station spaces as parking spots, given this is often the behavior of those when pumping gas. Chair Allen said she agrees with both Commissioner Brown and Commissioner Ritter to keep the loading zone and shorten the driveway to 35 feet, which would slow traffic and make it safer. She was also in agreement with the reduction of the driveway on West Las Positas Boulevard from 45 feet to 35 feet. She thinks it makes sense to utilize some of the gas station spaces as parking spots. She said it is hard to predict the outcome around parking, given there is no on-street parking, but she thinks parking is reasonable. Commissioner Balch referred to the southern driveway dimension and he confirmed Mr. Tassano's recommendation was for 35 feet. He was amenable to the architecture of the carwash on the backside, facing the building; he also voiced support for the other three sides, facing the entrance and sides. Additionally, he was in agreement with the architecture on all Planning Commission Minutes Page 9 of 15 April 10, 2019 a setback and landscaping coming all the way to the street, but were not agreeable to a fence. He said people who worship in the church do park and walk through the area and they will continue to do this unless they cannot any longer. Police, post office, Amazon and FedEx Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 15 April 10, 2019