_Minutes_2022-12-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 8 December 14, 2022 Commissioner Morgan stated the standards related to visual appearance and architectural design. He asked the place for other standards such as open space, common space, height limits requirements, and parking. Ms. Bonn explained that the standards were identified by density range. Commissioner Mohan asked if there were standards proposed for renewable energy, and LEED construction. Ms. Clark stated such standards were not currently included in the objective design standards, rather follow State law and then City’s Reach Codes. Chair Pace asked about State mandated laws regarding renewable energy. Ms. Clark stated the City could go beyond State laws but there was a potential risk to increase construction costs. Commissioner Jain asked about the sections on bedroom and affordability mix, rental units in particular. Ms. Clark explained that both standards needed to be met. Commissioner Jain expressed concern with development of only affordable studio and one-bedroom units. Ms. Clark stated she understood the concern that a developer might designate smaller units at the deepest level of affordability. She expressed hesitation with limiting affordability and bedroom size simultaneously, due to complexity and potential unintended consequences. A speaker card was submitted, and comment was received from the following member of the public: Joe Chillinsky stated HCD was pushing away from the PUD process toward objective design standards. He expressed concern with housing project sites that abut residential neighborhoods and urged the Commission to protect existing neighborhoods by adopting Section B9 of Exhibit A regarding compatibility with surrounding developments. He expressed the need to fit the current neighborhood character. Commissioner Nibert concurred with the need to maintain community character. Commissioner Morgan suggested increasing the percentage of allowable smaller units. Ms. Clark noted the 10% three-bedroom requirement was based on a settlement agreement from the 4th cycle Housing Element to ensure affordable family units were built. Vice Chair Gaidos commended staff on the well-thought-out standards. He stated he would have liked to hear from developers but supported the draft standards. Commissioner Jain echoed comments by Vice Chair Gaidos. Ms. Clark acknowledged the consulting team. Chair Pace stated it was important to find the right balance between loss of local control and learning from past lessons. He suggested the need for design standards to retaining the existing character of Pleasanton. MATTERS FOR COMMISSION'S REVIEW/ACTION/INFORMATION 5. Reports from Meetings Attended (e.g., Committee, Task Force, etc.) Commissioner Jain stated he attended the public workshop for the Stoneridge Mall Development and League of California Cities Conference. Commissioner Mohan discussed his attendance at the League of California Cities Conference.