PC 2006-42 - Laserfiche WebLink

Resolution No. PC-2006-42 Page Two The design of the subdivision provides, to the extent feasible, for future passive or natural heating or cooling opportunities. Being a hillside development with varying topography and limited building envelopes, some but not all of the lots would accommodate situating the future homes on an east-west alignment for southern exposure. Some of the homes could also be oriented to take advantage of shade provided by existing trees. The homes in this project will be required to comply with the City's residential Green Building Ordinance (provided that they are 2,000 square feet or more in size), which requires that each home achieve a "Green Home" rating on Alameda County Waste Management Authority's "Single-Family Green Building Rating System." Energy efficiency is the cornerstone of every green home. Solar water heating systems, photovoltaic energy systems, and energy efficient windows are some of the possible green features that the future homeowners may choose to achieve the "Green Home" rating. Therefore, this finding can be made. The subdivision, together with its design and improvement, is consistent with the General Plan. The PUD development plan was found to be consistent with the General Plan, and this subdivision is closely based on that development plan. As proposed, the subdivision is compatible with the objectives, policies, land uses, and programs specified in the both the General Plan and the Vineyard Avenue Corridor Specific Plan. Therefore, this finding can be made. 4. The subdivision site is physically suitable for the type and density of development. Most of the subject property contains steep slopes. Graded areas have been minimized to preserve the natural topography of the site and reduce tree removal. In addition, rounded landform grading techniques are used to achieve a natural transition between graded areas and existing terrain. Parallel retaining walls have been used in order to minimize large cut slopes. Grading for the building pads is proposed to be set back at least 100 feet from the intermittent drainage Swale on the adjacent property. The new private road would generally follow the alignment of an existing paved road on the site. The design guidelines and design review application process for the new homes would allow the architectural design to be reviewed to ensure it complements the natural terrain and hillside setting. Therefore, this finding can be made.