PC 062619 - Laserfiche WebLink

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS 2. Downtown Specific Plan Update — To review, consider, and recommend adoption of: (1) the updated Downtown Specific Plan; (2) various amendments to the General Plan, Downtown Design Guidelines, Downtown Hospitality Guidelines, and Municipal Code regulations; (3) modifications to land use designations for certain properties within the specific plan area; and review, consider, and recommend certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report for the updated plan. Senior Planner Shweta Bonn presented the specifics of the item in the Agenda Report. Commissioner Brown referred to Item 3 regarding corner lots and stated this was not discussed during any of the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) Task Force meetings, and he asked why this was added. Mr. Beaudin responded that as the discussion about residential visibility proceeded, the issue was apparent, and staff was therefore looking to the Planning Commission for policy direction. The Commission does not have to address this topic in the plan, but staff will want to ensure these issues are raised through the remainder of the process because it is not clear how residential visibility is addressed on a corner lot. Commissioner Ritter inquired how the City addresses visibility in other parts of Pleasanton. Mr. Beaudin responded that the City currently does not have policies that require a project to minimize visibility of a use or structure. Staff arrived at the options to address visibility, and staff is looking for guidance to clarify for applicants and staff as to how to move forward on these particular locations in the downtown. Commissioner Ritter inquired as to who came up with the idea of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for residential development. Mr. Beaudin responded that after the DSP Task Force meeting and City Council meeting it was clear there was a lot of concern in how and where residential is added. The suggested approach is a way to have direction from the Planning Commission on how to add residential uses in the downtown and proceed with this process. Commissioner Brown referenced Mike Carey's email regarding Policy LD.P-49 regarding existing buildings and landscaping on City property as part of the new residential infill project. He questioned whether the policy raised was ever brought up during a Task Force meeting. Ms. Clark responded this particular policy has been part of the plan since the red-lined draft was reviewed, early on in the Task Force's discussions. Therefore, it has been included in the draft plan for some time. Commissioner Brown asked if it was incremental or different than the plan proposed. Ms. Clark responded that the existing Downtown Specific Plan does not include a similar policy. Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 27 June 26, 2019