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Policies should also be considered regarding from where to commence measurements (e.g. toe of hill /toe of slope); whether applicants can submit information to supplement the GIS data (by field survey or historic aerial photos); how irregular slopes in land features will be handled (e.g. creek banks); over what distance to measure the slope; and whether consideration will be given to grading which altered the natural slope. 5.5 Did the 1986 General Plan include a reference about 25% slope, and, if so, under what circumstances was it removed in the 1996 General Plan? The 1986 General Plan did include a reference to a 25% slope. In the Land Use Element, in the Areas of Special Concern section, the Public Health & Safety open space designation was "planned for 3300 acres of the Ridge greater than 670 feet in elevation or greater than 25% slope." 25 It appears that this language was not retained in 1996 because of the adoption of Measure F (the provisions of which were incorporated into the General Plan) in the interim period. The 1996 General Plan still includes references to 25% slopes: in the Public Safety Element, which provides that "Development is restricted in areas prone to landslides, slope instability, or with slopes of 25% or greater" 26 and Policy 13.1 of the Conservation and Open Space Element, limiting development to one unit on properties with no areas of less than 25% slope (see 4.2, above). 5.6 Does the 25% slope have any supporting data or engineering analysis? In arriving at the 25% slope, staff did consider the existing slopes on Pleasanton ridge, the slopes of then existing hillside developments and their access roads, and slope limitations from other communities.27 5.7 Should restrictions apply only to structures on 25% slope, or to all grading on land with 25% slopes? The Initiative states that "No grading to construct residential or commercial structures shall occur on hillside slopes 25% or greater." As discussed earlier in this report, it is not clear from this language whether this would prohibit: (i) grading for any roads on hillside slopes of 25% or greater; (ii) grading for any roads on hillside slopes of 25% or greater where structures (i.e., six feet or higher retaining walls) are required; or (iii) prohibit grading for roads to reach areas with hillside slopes 25% or greater. City policy has been that roads generally not exceed 15% slope, but roads with a 15% finished grade can be constructed on land with a greater natural slope through grading and use of retaining walls. zs See 1986 General Plan, page II-9. z6 See 1996 General Plan, page V-4. z~ Based on conversation with Brian Swift, former Director of Planning and Community Development. 14