17 - Laserfiche WebLink

and divided light windows and doors. Further heritage style is expressed through the incorporation of a small front porch and balconies. The proposed plan is consistent with the intent of the Downtown Design Guidelines and the project appropriately reflects the size, scale, and massing of the other existing residential structures in this area of Downtown. As also required by the guidelines, the locations of the garage entries are well screened. Furthermore, apedestrian-oriented streetscape is maintained by keeping the existing structure at the current front yard setback. The proposed project was referred to the Pleasanton Heritage Association (PHA) for review and comment. The PHA reviews projects utilizing the City's Downtown Specific Plan and Downtown Design Guidelines. The PHA was supportive of the project and provided suggestions and recommendations for consideration. Furthermore, the PHA stated that the project, as proposed, is an example of the intent of the Downtown Specific Plan and Downtown Design Guidelines providing a letter of support (Attachment 5). Staff and the applicant agree with the PHA's recommendations, as outlined in the letter and conditions of approval have been added. (Attachment 1: Exhibit B). Existing Trees An arborist report was prepared for the five trees on the subject site; two Black Walnut trees and one English Walnut tree along the eastern portion of the driveway and one Black Walnut tree and one English Walnut tree in the southeast portion of the property. Although the arborist report recommends removal of one of the three trees located at the front of the property, Planning staff does not agree with the conclusion that the tree needs to be removed and has added a condition of approval that the tree shall not be removed. The City's Landscape Architect has reviewed the report and conducted a site inspection and agrees with Planning staffs recommendation. The two trees located at the rear of the property were also recommended by the arborist for removal due to their current condition as well as their proximity to the proposed new rear units. The trees would not likely be able to sustain the impacts of construction as walnut trees are sensitive to such activities. The property owners shall remove the iwo rear trees and pay into the Urban Forestry Fund in the amount of the appraised value of the trees. They will also be required to post a bond for the three trees that shall be retained. Ooen Space The Pleasanton Municipal Code requires a minimum of 300 square-feet per dwelling unit for group and private usable open space in the RM district. A PUD zoning, however, is designed to provide flexibility in development standards to allow innovative design for projects that otherwise meet the intent of the General Plan, relevant Specific Plan, and, in this case, the Downtown Design Guidelines. Page 7 of 10