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Ms. Dennis asked what would be involved to get a visual study to check final design of landscaping and screening. Mr. Swift said the proposed trees will screen the building entirely from the Diamond Court neighborhoods. He said a visual study can be done to illustrate how the building will look at the beginning and when the trees are mature, but he was not certain what the goal was. He assured Ms. Dennis the building will be hidden. Ms. Dennis said she could not visualize where the top of the building would be and also needed a better idea where the berm would be located. Mr. Swift said that considering the horticulturalist's recommendation, it would be difficult to put a berm between the tree and the parking lot. The canopy of the eucalyptus extends to the parking lot and to install any kind of landscaping near there, it would be necessary to take out parking spaces, which he does not recommend. Adding the berm where possible would allow for more landscape screening for the building. Mayor Pico asked how long the eucalyptus was likely to live. Mr. Swift had no idea. He indicated it was in the City right of way. Mr. Hirst responded to Mayor Pico's questions about the siting of the building. He said this is not the largest building that could be on the lot. An 18,250 square foot building would have been allowed on that lot. The building was located on the comer for several reasons, but mainly because the neighbors requested it. The eucalyptus is a City tree and whatever is done with it is up to the City. He commended Mike Fulford, the City's landscape architect. The trimming of the tree was done by City staff. The story boards were placed at the request of one of the residents to indicate where the windows would be, not where the top of the building would be. He explained that the view from the window of Mr. Heravi's home would be at the parapet of the new building. He pointed out that Mr. Heravi's home is 190 feet from the building and in between is a street, the eucalyptus tree, and there will be substantial landscaping planted. The 190 feet is also pertinent to the outside smoking issue. He indicated there could be no inside smoking room, because it is not allowed by City ordinance. He believed the existing fence belonged to the City. Ifa different kind offence is required, he was willing to pay for 50% of the cost. Finally, he indicated the Mt. Diablo Bank building was larger than his proposed building. It was a little over 20,000 square feet and is on a lot that is one third the size of his lot. In style it is comparable, but in siting and massing, it is definitely not comparable. There are three street trees in front of the Mt. Diablo building and three in back. There are five or six trees already in front of his lot and there will be an additional 58 trees to be planted on his lot. He urged Council to approve his project and felt he was raising the level of expectations for construction along Sunol Boulevard. Ms. Michelotti asked what height was recommended for the berm and whether he would incorporate any fencing elsewhere on the street. Pleasanton City Council 8 02/20/01 Minutes