03 ATTACHMENT 3 - Laserfiche WebLink

Excerpt: Approved Planning Commission Minutes, September 8, 2021 Page 6 of 9 Commissioner Gaidos asked if the proposed standards would apply to future development projects. Ms. Clark discussed regulations for specific zoning and the standards would append specificity to existing codes. Commissioner Morgan discussed the opportunity to continually improve the standards as appropriate. Ms. Clark spoke to the experience of the City’s consultant and existing and future desired conditions. Mr. Williams stated the standards should be a living document. Commissioner Morgan expressed confidence that criteria for medium density projects would serve Pleasanton's needs. He suggested that staff take extra time and effort to develop standards for higher density projects since we have less experience with those projects. Commissioner Nibert inquired about the standard for paseos requiring 30 square feet of glazing for each 20 linear feet of the paseo. Mr. Williams explained that paseos should not have blank walls and should be easily surveyed, understanding the need for privacy but ensuring a pedestrian walk similar to a sidewalk. Commissioner Nibert confirmed that glazing referred to windows; he then asked about the restrictions on irrigation. Mr. Williams confirmed the intent to limit water use. Chair Brown asked if the use of recycled water in landscaping would be taken into account. Mr. Williams stated an exception could be made but the intent of the standard was to minimize water use. Chair Brown expressed concern that 25 percent was too restrictive. Commissioner Nibert concurred. Chair Brown discussed his vision of a square landscaped area in the middle of a high-density project. Mr. Williams discussed play areas oftentimes use surfaces other than turf. Commissioner Nibert asked the meaning of “rhythm of buildings” related to windows on Page 34. Mr. Williams explained that older communities had vertical window proportions whereas modern buildings had horizontal window proportions and the intent was to utilize vertical windows and articulations for visual appeal. Commissioner Nibert asked for clarification on setback of interior partitions on page 37. Mr. Williams explained that it was to ensure a wall was not placed directly adjacent to a window. Commissioner Nibert asked the definition of view shed on page 29. Mr. Williams stated it would be amended to articulate the view at the end of a corridor. Commissioner Nibert provided necessary edits to the document. Ms. Clark suggested Commissioner Nibert could provide his remaining more detailed comments, if they were not substantive, to staff directly. Commissioner Allen requested reevaluation of the parking minimums to add specifics based on size of units. Mr. Williams explained that greater parking ratios made projects feel only like buildings and parking lots and referenced the design quality of the BART project. Commissioner Allen agreed with Mr. Williams and suggested more studio projects.