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ATTACHMENT 3 DRAFT PRZ-13, City of Pleasanton Consideration of amendments to Chapter 17.50 ofthe PIeasanton Municipal Code incorporating "green building measures" for new residential development projects. Ms. Decker presented the staff report and detailed the background of this Code amendment. She noted that the packet included additional language, describing how the green point rating system will change, although the actual number of points (50) would remain the same, In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Roberts regarding whether an applicant would have a choice within six months of choosing the old or the new standard during the transition period, Ms. Decker indicated that was correct. Staff recommended that the Planning Commission make the finding that the proposed amendment to the Code is statutorily exempt from CEQA and adopt a resolution recommending approval to the City Council ofPRZ-13, as shown in Exhibit B with minor text amendments on page 3B. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Kevin Close, 871 Sycamore Road, expressed concern about the City's nearness to buildout and the future renovations of existing homes, He noted that this document covered that eventuality and that he was glad to see that green building measures were encouraged for renovations, Pam Hardy, Ponderosa Homes, noted that her colleagues on the Builder's Council nominated her to speak on this issue. She appreciated the clarifications from staff. She noted that this was originally intended to be an incentive-based guideline document rather than a mandatory ordinance. She did understand the need for some predictability but was somewhat disappointed to see there were no incentives awarded to builders for going above and beyond a certain point spread. She noted that Ponderosa Homes stood by their homes and exceeded the zero defect model with respect to their buyers. Ponderosa Homes would appreciate the built-in flexibility to accommodate changing technology. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Roberts regarding whether SO points would be difficult to attain, Ms. Hardy replied that many of the points have been absorbed by the most recent Title 24 changes. Some builders have performed run-throughs, and they determined that 50 points was do-able. She noted that Centex Homes did not go to the ZEH house because it was almost cost-prohibitive; instead, Centex Homes picked a combination that it believed brought the best results for the least amount of money. She added that builders will choose tankless water heaters, increased blown-in roof insulation, and a higher-efficiency-rated HV AC system. She noted that Ponderosa Homes tried to provide sufficient green options for the buyer and did offer the Stewart certified lumber and finger-jointed studs where the structural engineers said it can. Barrier sheeting on the roof is now part of Title 24; she added that was part of her own home, which dropped her fuel cost significantly. She added that it could be added to an existing house. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Arkin regarding her opinion of the ordinance before the Commission, Ms. Hardy replied that if there must be a mandatory ordinance, she would like to DRAFT EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page] of5 March 8, 2006