SR 06:247 - Laserfiche WebLink

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Council uphold the appeal, thus approving the design review application by taking the following actions: 1. Find that the project is consistent with the General Plan, the Downtown Specific Plan, and the Downtown Design Guidelines; 2. Make the required findings as listed on pages 11-13 of the Planning Commission staff report for the requested variances to the Pleasanton Municipal Code; and 3. Adopt the draft resolution upholding the appeal, thereby approving Cases PADR-1338 and PV -131, subject to the conditions listed in Exhibit B. SUMMARY At issue is whether administrative design review and variance approval for Mr. Boyce's proposed basement, two-story addition to his existing residence, and detached garage in the rear yard area should be granted. The Planning Commission denied the application (4-1 vote) due to concern over making the required findings for an over-height accessory structure (garage) and an increase in the FAR. The applicant has appealed the Planning Commission decision. Staff believes that the proposed project is well designed, meets the intent of the Downtown Specific Plan and Design Guidelines, and will blend in well with the neighborhood. Staff therefore believes project approval should be granted. Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council: BACKGROUND On July 17,2005, Dustin Boyce submitted an application for administrative design review approval to demolish approximately 470 square feet of an existing 1,262 square-foot home and construct an approximately 833-square-foot, non-habitable basement; a 2,313 square-foot two- story addition at the rear of the existing home; and an approximately 1,900-square-foot two- story detached accessory structure in the rear yard area. The proposal required several variances from the Pleasanton Municipal Code; a variance to allow an increase in the floor area ratio from 40 percent to 60.5 percent; a variance to allow a reduction in the required side yard setback from 5 feet to the existing 3.85 feet; a variance to reduce the side yard separation from 17 to 13 feet; and a variance to increase the height of the garage (accessory structure) from 15 feet to 29 feet. The project was noticed and staff received numerous concerns and comments from the applicant's neighbors. On September 9, 2005, staff met with the applicant's neighbors to discuss their specific concerns to the project. The SR 06;247 Page 2 of 8