PC 111319 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Brown thanked the appellant for conducting his own research and articulating his concerns; however, the Planning Commission has to make a decision based upon the current PMC as it exists today, and the project does meet all requirements. Chair Allen echoed comments by Commissioners that the Planning Commission's job is to take into account the PMC and make an appropriate decision based upon the project meeting those requirements. Commissioner Ritter moved to deny the appeal, therefore, upholding the Zoning Administrator's decision. Commissioner Balch seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Allen, Balch, Brown, O'Connor and Ritter NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pace Resolution PC-2019-24 denying the appeal of Case P19-0130 was adopted as motioned. 4. P19-0342, Penalties for Illegal Demolition of Historic Buildings — Consider adding a new Section 18.140.030 — Fines and Restrictions on Future Development for Illegal Historic Building Demolition to the Municipal Code to strengthen preservation of historic buildings and penalize unpermitted alterations and demolitions. Planning Manager Ellen Clark presented the specifics of the item in the Agenda Report. Chair Allen inquired as to who initiates appraisals and who pays for it. Ms. Clark responded that the City would initiate and retain the appraiser. Commissioner Brown referenced a Heritage home and inquired as to the appraised value and the replacement value and asked which is higher. Ms. Clark responded that often times the replacement value may be less than the appraised value in a strong housing market. Commissioner Balch inquired as to whether degradation of a home would affect the overall value. Ms. Clark responded this is a possible factor, as well as using construction or building permit costs and valuations, which will tend to result in lower values than appraised values. Commissioner Brown inquired whether the appraisal would occur prior to the demolition and he asked how to get an accurate valuation of a historical building prior to it being demolished. Ms. Clark responded that it could be difficult to assess the value of the interior of the house; however, staff would use existing documentation and information to assist in any assessment. Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 12 November 13, 2019 he sun, screening, the stairs and setbacks. Commissioner O'Connor reiterated changes coming in January 2020 where things could have been more intrusive for the ADU. Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 12 November 13, 2019 wall is not fireproof and he believes it cannot be used as a fire escape. He continued to say it creates bulk and mass and is less than 10 feet from his home. He then quoted the Pleasanton Municipal Code (PMC): (1) "Fence, walls and hedges greater than six feet but not over eight feet in height may occupy a required site or rear yard" and he stated the screen wall is 20 feet high; (2) "All additions to main structure which exceed 10 feet in height shall be Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 12 November 13, 2019