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Community of Character Program Pleasanton is a community of character. The City of Pleasanton, the Pleasanton Unified School District, and the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce actively participate in a program which encourages people to embody the following six traits: responsibility, compassion, self-discipline, honesty, respect, and integrity. These character traits are considered essential to a healthy, positive community and lifestyle. Implementing Community Character The City often adopts specific plans (which are discussed in the Land Use Element), guidelines, and ordinances to support its goals, including its community character goals. The program, guideline, and ordinance examples described below, while all substantially different, will affect Pleasanton's character. This General Plan will likely see the development of similar plans and ordinances. Downtown Guidelines After adopting an updated Downtown Specific Plan in 2002, the City adopted the Downtown Design Guidelines in 2003. The Guidelines provide a tool to help ensure high quality construction projects in the Downtown that complement the existing built environment. The Guidelines address the design of new buildings, the remodeling and expansion of existing buildings, the siting of new structures and parking areas, desired types of business signage, and the various details and public improvements that contribute to the appearance of the area. Green Building Ordinance Pleasanton is pioneering the implementation of an ordinance requiring "green building" techniques to be used in commercial, civic, and residential developments. Green building is the concept of creating structures and site designs using construction, siting, design, and operation techniques and renewable and environmentally friendly materials that limit the negative effects upon the surrounding natural environment and promote the health of building users. By encouraging buildings complementary to the environment, the City is increasing the awareness and importance of its natural setting. Green building and preservation of the environment are integral parts to the enhancement of Pleasanton's community character. Structures such as Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Station Number 4 and the Applied Biosystems offices have led the way for green building in Pleasanton. Green building is indicative of Pleasanton's efforts to plan for sustainability so that many generations can enjoy a high quality of life. See the Green Building section of the Energy Element and the Sustainable Development and Planning section of the Air Quality Element for further discussion of green building. Public Art Plans. Programs. and Procedures The City is currently developing a Downtown Public Art Master Plan. The Plan will identify opportunities for temporary and permanent public art, preferred themes, and preferred media. The City also has a memorial public arts program in which monetary contributions for public art are Community Character 011607 clean 10-12 1/3/2007