PC 092706 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Fox regarding the petitions from the neighbors in opposition, Ms. Decker replied that all the petitions were based on the previous plan submitted. Concerns were related to the basement habitable azea, FAR, and the size of the gazage. Staff calculated the FAR based on the Pleasanton Municipal Code, and basements and attic azeas are not a part of the FAR. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Peazce regazding whether the applicants had been asked to reduce the FAR during the Zoning Administrator hearing, Ms. Decker replied that they had. The applicants conveyed to Planning staff that there was an interest in maximizing the square footage for the development and that removing a foot from the rear of the proposed addition would not do anything to help the bulk or massing. Staff did not feel that would change the chazacter significantly and agreed that the 45-percent FAR was supportable. She noted that staff did not typically support FAR variances; however, in the Downtown azea, a number of lots have differing sizes and depths. Staff considered the goal to maintain vibrancy in the Downtown area and to support the residents who wish to invest in their property through the ability to expand their homes reflecting the current lifestyle. Staff believed this investment creates and maintains stability and the vibrancy of the Downtown azea. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Olson regazding whether this property had been storypoled, Ms. Decker replied that she did not believe it was, although there had been a request to do so eazly in the process. She added that the applicants had done two photomontages that were in the staff report. Commissioners Fox, Peazce, Olson, and O'Connor, and Arkin disclosed that they had met with the applicants and visited the site. Commissioner Blank disclosed that he drove by the property, but was unable to coordinate with the applicant to visit the site. Robin Boyce, 4546 Second Street, applicant, noted that she and her husband also worked in Pleasanton and that they had hoped to add to their house to accommodate their growing family. They would like to have a decent, livable home that conformed to the standazd of their neighborhood and added that it had not been updated. She emphasized that they did not want a monster home, had met with their neighbors, and had made modifications to their original plans. Dustin Boyce, 4546 Second Street, applicant, displayed a presentation on the overhead screen describing their proposed addition and summarized the background of this application. He noted that they intended to make this their permanent home and that they had submitted four different plans to improve their substandazd lot with neighborhood support. He noted that their three minor variances were supported by staff: the garage height, the south sideyazd setback, and the floor azea ratio. He believed the attic and the garage did not count in the FAR because they did not have utilities and were not intended to be habitable azea; he always intended to use those areas for storage. He noted that they added dormer roof and lowered the height of the garage roof in response to neighbors' objections. He requested the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 27, 2006 Page 6 of 17