PC 01/28/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Initially, staff was concerned with the location of the warehouse in relation to the PeopleSoft entrance driveway and the residential neighborhood across the street. The applicant properly addressed that concern by orienting the warehouse away from PeopleSoft and the residential azeas and by designing the building to shield the loading docks from Hacienda Drive. Mr. Iserson noted that there is also a small loading azea located at the south end of the ]ab building that is not consistent with the recommendation of the Hacienda guidelines. However, due to the expected infrequent use of that azea, and the fact that it is recessed and well screened, and that the doors are regulaz entrance doors as opposed to rolling doors, staff and Hacienda Owners Association has approved that particulaz small loading azea. Mr. Iserson noted that a similaz accommodation was recently made for Boehringer Mannheim as well. Mr. Iserson further reported that PeopleSoft has expressed a concern with a driveway that will be shazed with Shaklee. PeopleSoft has requested a design modification for that particular driveway and at this time, staff feels that the issues can be resolved between staff and the application to the satisfaction of PeopleSoft. Additionally, Mr. Iserson pointed out that a major feature in the development is the glass spine walkway which will eventually connect all of the buildings. Shaklee had a strong desire to make their site "pedestrian friendly." With regard to the pazking issue, Shaklee is requesting permission for a minimal decrease in the number of required parking spaces. They presented a pazking analysis which identifies an employee count for each phase of the project. It also takes into account the fact that many employees would have an office -- in more than one of the buildings and, therefore, those offices should not be counted twice for the purpose of pazking spaces. Similazly, the conference center would be used by on-site Shaklee employees and by visitors over the weekend who aze usually bused to the site. Another consideration is the site's close proximity to the BART station, and Shaklee intends to promote the usage of BART to its employees. Mr. Iserson commented that some other new businesses in Hacienda have also taken the same approach with regazd to reducing the required number of parking spaces based on their actual operations and in promoting usage of BART. Therefore, staff feels that a reduction in the number of pazking spaces would be appropriate and adequate for the site. Mr. Iserson stated that staff feels the azchitectural design for the project is unique and that it has been specifically designed for Shaklee's functions and uses and their philosophy to maximize energy efficiency and natural lighting. In addition, the City's azchitect, Larry Canon, has evaluated the project and he agrees with staff that it attractive and well-designed. Mr. Iserson further described the history of the application, commenting on the issues that originally caused some concern and how they have been resolved. Mr. Iserson reported that since Shaklee's products are all natural, they will not be using lazge amounts of toxic materials and, in fact, staff has recommended a condition that they go to the Fire Department with a hazazdous material declazation. He stated that Chair Cooper had requested staff to look into a condition regazding voluntary no release of hazardous materials, and staff has given the Commission a - copy of a condition used for Boehringer Mannheim. However, Shaklee's materials and processes aze Planning Commission Page 5 January 28, 1998