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The General Plan land use designation for the area is High Density Residential (greater than eight dwelling units per gross acre). The proposed project, with six units on approximately 0.52 acres, would result in nine units per acre. A density of nine units per acre is consistent with the lower end of the allowed density of the land use designation. The project is also consistent with the Downtown Specific Plan and conforms to the Downtown Design Guidelines. The proposed buildings are attractive and well executed with articulated forms and the varied use of materials and architectural detailing that enhances the designs. Trim elements include deep roof overhangs, wood post porches, and some divided light windows and doors. The homes have a "four-sided" architectural design where roof elements and other trim detailing wrap around the structure from the front elevation to the side elevation, etc. The proposed building design compliments the design quality exhibited by the existing homes, new and remodeled, facing Augustine Street. ~~-~ r Proposed Streetscape The parking situation for the proposed project will be improved with the addition of covered parking for the existing homes. Additionally, the proposed conditions of approval (Attachment 1, Exhibit B) prohibit the parking of recreational vehicles on-site. One new curb cut for Lot 5 will be required and the existing driveway will be modified to provide access to the rear lots as part of this project. A condition of project approval requires the applicants to create a maintenance agreement for the shared driveway and to reduce the radii of the driveway entrance. The project site contains three existing trees; an 18-inch diameter Pecan (tree number 1), a 7 '/2 -inch diameter Aristocrat Pear (tree number 2), and a 9-inch diameter English Walnut (tree number 3). An arborist report was prepared for the project and is attached to the Planning Commission staff report (Attachment 4-A). The applicant is requesting to remove the Pecan tree (tree number 1 with an appraised value of $5,100.00). The Arborist concluded that the extent of the encroachment, the shallow roots, and this species' moderate resiliency to construction impacts make, it is unlikely the tree will survive. Tree number 2 of the report (Gallery Pear tree) would be retained and provides softening to the streetscape and compliments the existing residence located at 4693 Augustine Street. Tree number 3 of the report (English Walnut) is listed in poor health and the proposed project requires its removal for the construction of the access drive. The arborist report appraises the value of this tree as Page4of6