14 ATTACHMENTS - Laserfiche WebLink

Trees One tree exists on the subject property. The subject tree is a 28-inch diameter valley oak (Quercus lobata) located in the northeast corner of the lot. As part of the project applica- tion, the applicants submitted a tree report, prepared by HortScience Inc., dated October 20, 2006, with afollow-up appraisal of the tree dated March 14, 2007. Please see Exhibit C for a copy of the tree assessment and appraisal. The tree is classified as a heritage tree and will be preserved and incorporated into the new development. Staff has conditioned the project developer to follow all design recommendations suggested within the tree re- port, and is requiring the developer to post a bond in the amount of the estimated value of the tree to be held for a period of two years. The high density of the proposed development leaves limited space for landscaping. Staff has, therefore, requested that the project developer plant two street trees along West An- gela Street between the existing home and the sidewalk. The trees shall be a minimum of 24-inch box container size or the trees shall have aone-inch trunk caliper. The location, spacing, and species of the trees shall be subject to review and approval by the City's Landscape Architect. Usable Open Space In providing the required on-site parking while preserving all existing on street parking, the opportunities for usable open space have been substantially reduced. The Pleasanton Municipal Code prescribes minimum group and private usable open space for dwelling units in the RM and C-C districts. A PUD zoning, however, is designed to provide flexi- bility in development standards to allow innovative design for projects that otherwise meet the intent of the General Plan, relevant Specific Plan, and, in this case, the Down- town Design Guidelines. Consistent with the architecture of a vibrant, urban, street- friendly design, open space is incorporated into the project in the form of porches and balconies. House A and B have a 68.25-square-foot (6.5' x 10.5') front porch, house C has a 49.5-square-foot (11' x 4.5') front porch, and the existing home has an approxi- mately 108-square-foot front porch. In addition, houses A, B, and C each have a second story 55-square-foot (11' x 5') balcony at the rear of the home. Lack of group open space is mitigated by the close proximity of Veterans Plaza Park to the subject site. Veterans Plaza Park is a half-acre community park with picnic tables, a grassy area, large shade trees, and a tot play area. Located at the corner of Peters Avenue and Division, the park is 300 feet from the subject site, which is accessible even to families with infants and tod- dlers. Green Building All new residential projects are required to include green building measures in the design of new homes. The proposed project shall consist of "green homes" with a minimum of points in each category (Community, Energy, Indoor Air Quality/Health, Resources, and Water) required for a Certified Rating. The project has been conditioned to require the green building measures to be shown on the plans submitted for issuance of a building permit. A condition of approval has been added that all of the green building measures Item 6. a., PUD-55 Page 7 of 12 July 11, 2007