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where the ridgelines are fairly well defined, there are a number of foreridges below the main ridge that could also be considered "ridgelines." The Southeast Hills area is a complex web of ridges and valleys, with a few highly visible ridges and others almost hidden to most observers. If the objective of the regulation is to prohibit development that breaks the skyline of a ridge, then it would be important to adopt clarifying regulations that specifically define and identify which ridges are most prominent and should be protected. Options: o Prohibit development and grading on all lands with a natural slope of 25 percent or more; o Alternatively, prohibit development on such slopes except where grading for roads is necessary to access property that is developable. o Further options could prohibit development above a certain elevation, which may reduce the visibility of development; or identify visually prominent ridgelines where development is prohibited within 100 vertical feet of such ridgeline. How should residential density be calculated? The question of how residential density should be calculated was previously discussed at a General Plan Land Use Workshop in March 2006, when undeveloped properties on the west side of Pleasanton were discussed. At that time, the City Council directed that land over 25 percent slope not be excluded from the calculation of residential density in the General Plan update. As stated at that time, regardless of the maximum calculated residential density for any given parcel, the City Council through the PUD development process can determine the appropriate (e.g., potentially fewer) number of units for that property. • Should grading be minimized by better fitting development to the land? Hillside development in Pleasanton typically follows one of two models: development that creates flat pads in a terraced formation with or without the use of retaining walls, or development where the homes are designed to fit the contours of the land. Flat pad development which is typical for larger production home projects may involve a great deal of earth moving, possibly more tree loss, and, depending on the skill of the project engineer, may result in an unnatural site appearance until landscaping matures. On the other hand, flat pad development, or at least homes with some portion of the lot graded relatively flat, is desirable to homebuyers seeking usable yard areas. Homes that are designed to closely fit hillside contours can be built with less grading, fewer retaining walls, and sometimes fewer disturbances to native vegetation. However, these homes require custom architecture and may be more visible as the home follows the slope of the hillside. Options: Require development to conform to the natural grade or allow flat pad development. Page7of9