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for, such as when a tenant space is subject to extended vacancy, or for purpose-built bank <br />buildings. <br />Subsequent to an appeal heard by Planning Commission earlier in 2021 regarding a multi -use <br />tenant space, City Council directed staff to schedule the AGFUO for discussion and potential <br />modification. In keeping with the direction provided by City Council at its meeting on June 1, <br />staff has drafted changes to the DSP and the PMC and is now seeking input and a <br />recommendation from Planning Commission before the topic returns to City Council for a final <br />decision. <br />BACKGROUND <br />In December 2020, staff received a request to utilize the exceptions identified in the DSP to <br />locate a non-active use downtown, based on provisions of the policy that allow for a business <br />occupying a space with a mix of active and non-active uses, to operate.' The Director of <br />Community Development denied the request and on appeal, the Planning Commission <br />considered the request at its February 10, 2021, meeting. The Planning Commission upheld <br />the appeal, but also suggested the policy in the DSP be reviewed by City Council, who <br />requested a discussion be agendized. On June 1, 2021, the City Council heard public <br />comment and provided direction to staff (see discussion below). <br />After the June 1 City Council meeting, staff presented this topic and potential modifications to <br />the PDA and Chamber of Commerce, in advance of seeking a recommendation from Planning <br />Commission. Comments from the PDA and Chamber are also outlined below. <br />CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION <br />On June 1, City Council conducted a policy discussion regarding the AGFUO and heard public <br />testimony on the item. Whereas the current policy requires the first 25 percent of the depth of <br />the tenant space to be occupied by an active use, the Council majority was supportive of <br />increasing the proportion of a multi -use tenant space subject to the AGFUO that would be <br />required for active uses. The Council also suggested it would be beneficial to clarify some <br />elements of the policy language to better articulate its intent. <br />City Council also directed staff to solicit feedback from key stakeholders, including the <br />Pleasanton Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce. The June 1 City Council <br />agenda report, including an attachment, is enclosed as Exhibit B. <br />PLEASANTON DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE <br />On July 13 and July 14, staff presented potential changes to the AGFUO to the Pleasanton <br />Downtown Association and Chamber of Commerce, respectively. Both groups expressed that <br />the percentage of a multi -tenant space dedicated to active use was less important compared to <br />confirmation from the business operator that uses subject to overlay are bona -fide active uses, <br />' Separately, an application for an exception based on other provisions of the AGFUO, for tenant spaces vacant <br />for more than six months, was received on April 5, 2021. This application was approved by the Director of <br />Community Development on April 23, 2021, and was not appealed. <br />The City received another request for exception on May 18, 2021: a business consisting of personal services for a <br />vacant tenant space at 560 Main Street. Due to the non-active nature of the use, the Zoning Administrator denied <br />the Zoning Certificate that would allow the use to occupy the tenant space on June 7, 2021. <br />Active Ground Floor Use Overlay Planning Commission <br />2of5 <br />