PC 08/14/96 - Laserfiche WebLink

. . . b. RZ-96-03. City of Pleasanton Application to consider amendments to Chapter 18.116 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code (Temporary Uses) to create provisions to allow outdoor display and/or sale of merchandise as part of a special event for a hotel or office building. Mr. Iserson presented the staff report to consider amendments to Chapter 18.116 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code (Temporary Uses) to create provisions to allow outdoor displays and/or sales as part of a special event, conference, or convention that occur at hotels. This issue was brought to the attention of staff by the Tri- Valley Convention and Visitor Bureau and the Bay Area Miata Association who recently held a convention and proposed to have several outdoor vendors display and sell their merchandise. Staff realized the Code did not allow such an activity to take place, however, staff allowed the event to take place as a one-time test case with the understanding that the Tri-Valley Convention and Visitor Bureau would apply for a Code amendment. Staff drafted the ordinance to limit the outdoor events and sales to conventions which are non-profit or charitable. A for-profit organization must donate any profits to a charitable event or charity. The vendors on site may be for-profit. Such events are limited to a maximum of five days per convention; there is no limit to the total number of events held at a hotel each year. Standards are included for temporary signs, and each event would be governed by a temporary conditional use permit granted by the Zoning Administrator. Staff feels this amendment is warranted because one important aspect of hotel business is to attract conventions and conferences and the outdoor events are desired during conventions. Staff does not feel this Code amendment will be harmful to local businesses since the events are limited to convention attendees and are not open or advertised to the general public. Chairman Lutz asked for clarification about banner illumination. Staff stated that no illumination of any kind will be allowed on the banners. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Lisa Dial, 10 West Neal Street, Tri-Valley Convention and Visitor Bureau, stated it is important to have the vendors be a part of the conventions; this type of event is held on weekends and they do not want to give the message that these groups are not welcome in Pleasanton. The convention attendees and vendors contribute substantially to Pleasanton businesses, hotels and restaurants. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Cooper asked about the exclusion of the general public to the vendor areas--his experience is that one can purchase an "exhibition-only" admission. Me. lserson commented there is a sensitive issue in the community about vendors in non-business locations. This would not exclude a person from purchasing an exhibit pass if such a pass is available. These events are not to be advertised to the general public. Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 August 14, 1996