12 ATTACHMENT 6 - Laserfiche WebLink

the residential neighboring fence line on the south side of the Arroyo to the proposed buildings, although the distance actually goes much farther from some houses on the south side. Mr. Ebrahimi then presented a slide showing the current view of the proposed apartment community taken from the closest neighbor in the existing residential development on the south side, with the proposed landscaping shown at a five-year maturity. He indicated that in reviewing the Design Guidelines and meeting with staff and the neighbors, they developed the site layout by adhering to the required setbacks and stepping the buildings for better interface with the surrounding uses. He noted that. Buildings C and D were designed with two- and three-story elements, with all three-story components in Building D and the recreation building on Building C's two-story stepping up to a three-story on the three units to its left. He explained that the reason they did that was to try and reduce the height of the buildings on the south side, based on their meeting with staff and the neighborhood. He stated that they were asked to lower the units on the south side at one point so they could take it away from West Las Positas Boulevard, but the ultimate direction that they received was to step the site and have more two and three stories on the south side, which is what they have done, and then step it up to four stories. He noted that the center of the community is all four stories, including the four-story element turns on Buildings A and B going up the paseo area, which are all internal; and to try and do three stories with four-story elements as it gets to West Las Positas Boulevard. He noted that it was kind of a mixed decision as nobody wanted to see it be all four stories; however, as they ultimately had to have the 177 units minimum/maximum required for this site, they had to see what the best positioning was, and this is what they came up with. Mr. Ebrahimi stated that while the Design Guidelines required a minimum of 177 covered parking spaces, they have provided 75 additional carports. He stated that they believe both carports on the west side of the community will be well designed, will provide an added visual screen as opposed to looking at a row of cars, and will provide added value to the community. He indicated that he has been in contact with Doug Giffin of Chamberlin Associates, the owner of the commercial building to the west. He noted that Mr. Giffin wants to look at the ultimate design of the carports to determine if that is something Chamberlin can find acceptable, and he stated that they will continue working with Mr. Giffin towards that end. He added that there will be a row of six-foot tall shrubs installed on the west side behind the carports, in addition to the fencing to be located along that property line. He indicated that they will be providing more detail on this as the project moves forward. Mr. Ebrahimi then showed a slide of the main entrance to the project being served at the intersection of West Las Positas Boulevard and Hacienda Drive. He pointed out Building B where the plaza with a fountain is located, as well as the leasing office located right behind the fountain area. He indicated that in addition to the main entrance, they have also provided an access route from West Las Positas Boulevard into the project at the westerly end. He indicated that they had originally proposed this as an emergency vehicle access (EVA), but staff had asked that this roadway be EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 11, 2013 Page 4 of 24