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structures on First, Second, Third, Neal and Angela Streets as there are varying decisions that are made by the governing bodies who meet and review plans. Paul Uster, an East Angela Street resident, agreed with the reasons for appealing the Planning Commission's decision regarding the illegal accessory structure. He asked Council to consider setting aside the Planning Commission's recommendation and instead, adopt the remedies that staff recommended in its original staff report to the Planning Commission. Staff balanced the specific issues. He was concerned that the grandfathering of the second story unit would set a precedent in dismantling the second unit ordinance. The second unit ordinance makes sense in developing the City and maintaining affordable housing, privacy and the quality of life. He believed the variance process should be applied fairly. If Council does rule in favor of the height variance, he requested a detailed explanation to the following question: "How is it equitable to deny the Wilsonburgers' request for a height variance of 18-feet on the basis that it will wall in the neighbor at 4420 First Street, and how is it equitable to grandfather in a 25-foot high building without also walling in the same neighbor?" Anne Fox, a Pleasanton resident, addressed the issue of detached second dwelling units being constructed over detached garages. She pointed out that many of the Tfi-Valley communities, as well as the City of Danville, allow second dwelling units over a detached garage. Many of the second units within the Bernal property have those detached units. She also pointed out that these property owners have more visibility into their neighbor's backyard than in this particular situation. She noted that there are a number of variances granted for the structures located on First, Second and Third Streets because of the age of these buildings. She encouraged Council to support the Planning Commission and to allow this structure to remain in its current condition, to allow the new property owner to update it to building code standards, and to grant the variance. Mike Carey, a Second Street resident, commented that the downtown needs variances to improve the area where space is limited and creativity is encouraged. He indicated that his family supports the retention of the second unit with the required code and safety upgrades. During the General Plan update, he believed the Council should look strongly at detached, over height, second units in the downtown. He believed this structure increases the property values in the downtown and it would be a detriment to lose this structure. Kelly Leanos, a Pleasanton resident, believed the immediate neighbor to the north should have taken into consideration the detached two-story structure when she purchased her home. Raymond and Elizabeth Olivares, Second Street residents, did not address Council but wished to be on record in support of the Chatelain's application. Mike and Marian Green, Neal Street residents, provided written communication to Council in support of approving the variances for the property at 4432 First Street. Mayor Pico closed the public hearing. Ms. Ayala asked staff for clarification on the height variance. Pleasanton City Council 13 09/07/04 Minutes