PC 090821 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Nibert agreed that high density development would need to be around Stoneridge Mall and Hacienda and close to BART, to receive tax credits. He suggested creative solutions to attain the RHNA numbers. Commissioner Gaidos stated higher density was necessary to fulfill the State's requirements. Commissioner Pace concurred with the need for density due to the State's requirements. He asked if the City could do something to help developers obtain funding. Commissioner Allen agreed that high density development was necessary in the right locations. She suggested a standard of minimum affordability. Commissioner Morgan stated he was encouraged about the possibility of high-density developments in appropriate areas without being detrimental to the community. He expressed concern that those projects did not currently exist and stated the need to be thoughtful with higher density standards and projects. Chair Brown stated high density needed to support affordable housing. He discussed the importance of location near transit centers and grocery stores, as well as the capacity of existing infrastructure. MATTERS FOR COMMISSION'S REVIEW/ACTION/INFORMATION 4. Reports from Meetings Attended (e.g., Committee, Task Force, etc.) There were no reports from meetings attended. 5. Actions of the City Council Ms. Clark provided a brief overview of the items listed in the report. 6. Future Planning Calendar Planning and Permit Center Manager Melinda Denis gave a brief overview of future items for the Commission's review. MATTERS INITIATED BY COMMISSION MEMBERS Commissioner Nibert discussed several Bay Area cities that had appealed the RHNA numbers. Planning Commission Minutes Page 9 of 10 September 8, 2021 development usually had a threshold of 120-135 units as the maximum for the total size of the project, and higher density on smaller sites to make the project financially feasible. In responding to Mr. Williams' comments regarding six-story developments, Commissioner Allen asked if Mr. Williams thought six-story developments were appropriate for Pleasanton's smaller scale downtown. Mr. Williams discussed the downtown in Mountain View and floor area ratio restrictions. He discussed potential development in downtown Pleasanton and whether it could be four stories. Ms. Clark discussed the height limitations in the Downtown Specific Plan, and its very specific policies to limit heights to three stories or less. Commissioner Allen discussed a battle in the City of Livermore over a higher-density project on its Main Street. Mr. Williams discussed the San Rafael Downtown Specific Plan. He stated too low density should not be developed in certain areas, such as townhomes in a business park. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED There were no comments from the public. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 of 10 September 8, 2021 ms suggested a one or 1.25-acre site family development with 75-90 family dwelling units per acre. He discussed Commissioner Allen's mention of studios but explained that the housing shortage was based on family housing. He explained the State had changed its focus in the last two rounds of tax credits to require more family units, and he was seeing entitled projects with a larger number of studios were switching to include more larger, family units. Ms. Clark referenced a discussion with Mr. Williams regarding competitiveness for tax credits and geographic priorities. Mr. Williams stated geographic locations needed to have surrounding amenities and services and priority funding was provided for projects near transit Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 of 10 September 8, 2021