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Commissioner Chair Blank appealed the Zoning Administrator's approval based on concern that the site is a gateway to the City, that the design was not appropriate, and that further investigation into alternative sites should be exhausted prior to approval. Planning Commission On September 24, 2008, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to review the subject application. After hearing staffs presentation and taking public testimony, the Commission upheld the appeal, thereby denying the Zoning Administrator's approval by a 4 -to -1 vote. The Commission stated the following reasons for not supporting the project: o The location of the McDonald restaurant is highly visible it is situated at a significant gateway intersection into the City. They noted the historical design process of the restaurant building indicating that it was carefully reviewed by both the City's architectural consultant staff, with design modifications made by the Planning Commission seated at the time. The tower element of the building received special attention during the design process to ensure that it accents the building yet is balanced with the building design. The Planning Commission did not believe that the proposed project would maintain the architectural integrity of the building and that the added tower height was unattractive and would attract unnecessary attention to itself. o The Planning Commission believed that other sites in the vicinity could provide the desired coverage and capacity sought by T- Mobile, and that the applicant should conduct further research. The Planning Commission believed that sites in the vicinity that are zoned industrial use may be more appropriate for a wireless telecommunication facility. o Section 18.110.050 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code (Personal Wireless Telecommunication) restricts uses such as churches, schools, senior center, parks, etc. to be located within a 300 -foot radius from a wireless telecommunicate facility. If this application were approved at the subject site, it could limit uses on the currently undeveloped site located on the southeast corner of the BernalNalley /Stanley. The Planning Commission did not want to create this restriction on the Bernal/Valley /Stanley site. DISCUSSION Design Review Section 18.20.030 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code establishes design review criteria in terms of compatibility with the existing architecture of the building and the community. The primary issue associated with this application is the different conclusion reached by staff and the Planning Commission on whether the proposed tower addition is compatible with the existing building. Page 4of8