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Ms. Hosterman believed the distinction between the height variance of this <br />particular property and another property in the neighborhood is that the height variance <br />for the other property was granted for a structure that was not in existence. This <br />application is for a variance on a building that already exists. <br /> <br /> Mr. Swift said that Ms. Hostarman was factually correct, but it was not a reason <br />for making a finding, <br /> <br /> Ms. Hosterman asked if it would be possible to preserve the language in the <br />second unit ordinance to allow whatever family occupies the house at 4432 First Street <br />to utilize the space in any way they see fit to meet the needs of their family, but preclude <br />it from being described as a second unit which would be a rentable property? <br /> <br /> Mr. Swift said the normal definition of a second unit is a unit that meets the <br />Building Code definition for a dwelling, which includes a kitchen, sleeping area and <br />bathrooms. He noted that there are accessory structures throughout the City that have <br />two out of the three. It is the kitchen that technically makes this structure a second unit. <br />He believed Council could find a way to structure an approval that would allow a kitchen <br />to remain but not make the second unit a rentable property. This would require a <br />recorded restriction, but it will be difficult to know if the second unit is being used as a <br />guest cottage as opposed to rented space. <br /> <br /> It was moved by Mr. Campbell, seconded by Ms. Ayala to uphold the <br />Planning Commission's decision to approve Case Nos. PV-98/PADR-932, and to <br />adopt Resolution No. 04066 subject to Conditions of Approval as revised by the <br />Planning Commission, allowing the retention of the existing two-story accessory <br />building conditioned to meet code requirements and allowing the second floor to <br />be used as a second unit. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hosterman believed Ms. Donald made some valid points however, given the <br />nature and character of this particular neighborhood, she believed variances are <br />appropriate. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brozosky believes Council needs to review this particular district and review <br />the second unit ordinance for the downtown district. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hosterman asked that in the future, the Chatelain family and the prospective <br />buyers discuss with Ms. Donald her privacy issues. <br /> <br /> Ms. Ayala understood the concerns of staff and believed that staff should look at <br />rezoning the downtown areas so that these types of issues do not need to be addressed <br />on an individual basis. <br /> <br /> Mayor Pice was concerned about the process of people illegally building <br />structures without permits and then getting these structures grandfathered in after the <br />fact without meeting building cedes and requirements. He understood that part of this <br />issue and decision revolves around bringing the structure up to code, which may not be <br />economically feasible. He believed Council could approve the structure subject to staff <br />and Planning Commission recommendations. He believed Council needed to revisit the <br />second unit ordinance, particularly with respect to the structures in the downtown. The <br />proper way to approach this application would be for Council to approve the structure if it <br /> <br />Pleasanton City Council 15 09/07/04 <br />Minutes <br /> <br /> <br />