PC 09/27/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Condition 6: Change to allow garage sizes as shown on plans. Condition 8: Change to require articulation on corner lots only. Condition 9: Modify floor area ratio (FAR) to 40% instead of 38%, to be consistent with development standards listed on page 8 of the staff report. This will allow any house plan to be placed on any lot. Commissioner Hovingh inquired if the 40% FAR would exclude the building of any accessory structures. Ms. Kline stated that it would. Being a PUD, the Commission could allow up to 45% FAR, however, this would not be advisable because it is higher than the surrounding neighborhoods. Discussion ensued between Commissioner Wright and staff regarding what was and was not acceptable for sheds and when a building permit is required for a shed and when it is not. Commissioner Barker inquired the date of the current General Plan and what were the requirements for updating the Plan. The effective General Plan is dated 1985. Mr. Beougher also advised the housing element must be updated every five years, but there is no requirement regarding updating the entire Plan. Chairman Lutz asked Mr. Bates about the request to change the garage size. Mr. Bates stated they could widen Plan I by eight inches. They could also notch out the garage in Plans 3 and 4. Mr. Lutz also stated he should have asked for a 45 % FAR to alleviate the concern for outside structures. Mr. Bates noted the 40% FAR only affects four lots in the development and purchasers would be advised of the restriction to build accessory structures. Chairman Lutz suggested that these four houses be placed on larger lots. Jim Yee, architect of the project, addressed the garage issue. The applicants are amenable to increase Plan 1 by eight inches, however, increasing the two car areas to 20 x 20 in Plans 3 and 4 would affect the laundry room and/or bathroom. Mr. Yee feels what is gained in the garage area is not worth what is lost to the inside house design. Commissioner Barker asked if the applicant is offering a flex design for the three car garage models. Mr. Yee advised that they are not offering flex design options at this time. Peter McDonald, 400 Main Street, on behalf of Pleasanton Unified School District, wanted to state the School Board is strongly in support of this proposal and is pleased with how New Cities is working with staff and the neighborhood. Mr. McDonald also noted that the School Board designated that the proceeds of the sale of this site are to go into improvements to Walnut Grove School. Mr. McDonald advised the School District had hired a demographer and ultimately adopted a plan which does not include Del Prado as a school site. Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 September 27. 1995