CITY COUNCIL AGENDA PACKET - Laserfiche WebLink

Page 2 of 9 (such as residential) and minimize conflicts between uses. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed PMC amendments at its July 23, 2025, meeting, with the amendments reflecting some refinements based on initial Commission review and comment. Accordingly, the proposed PMC amendments are before the City Council for consideration. The City Council may approve the proposed PMC amendments without changes, or modify or deny the proposed amendments. RECOMMENDATION 1. Find that the proposed PMC amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption). 2. Introduce an Ordinance, and waive the first reading, approving amendments to Chapters 18.08, 18.20, 18.40, 18.48, 18.84, 18.88, 18.92, and Table 18.44.080 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code (PMC) to: (1) modify the definition of Light Industrial; (2) establish the definition of an Innovation-Based Business (IBB); (3) modify Table 18.44.080 to permit or conditionally permit IBBs in various Commercial, Office, Industrial and related PUD districts and in various Districts of the Hacienda PUD Area; (4) modify the Design Review requirements to reduce the level of design review for IBBs making limited building and site plan changes; and (5) modify specific and related development standards for IBBs. BACKGROUND Pleasanton’s industrial sector plays a key role in creating quality jobs and economic vitality. In recent years, Pleasanton’s office and retail sectors have both experienced contraction and uncertainty. But meanwhile, several new light industrial sectors, collectively known as Innovation-Based Business (IBBs), have emerged that offer new economic opportunities for Pleasanton. While Life Sciences and Biotechnology are sectors most often thought of under this category, it can also include other industries such as Robotics, Advanced Manufacturing, Food Tech, and similar uses. These uses are already allowed in several of the City's zoning districts but currently, they are included in the Light Industrial definition, which can cause confusion and inefficiency, and may preclude the ability for IBBs to locate in other areas where they may in fact be compatible and suitable uses. Unlike either Light Industrial or Heavy Industrial uses, IBBs are characterized by several features: • Buildings often have exterior architecture similar to, or compatible with, office buildings • The interior is designed to be highly flexible to accommodate a range of uses over time, including office, lab, testing, or small-scale manufacturing • All operations take place indoors • The nature of the operations does not tend to generate noise, odor, vibrations, or other potential nuisances that extend to adjacent properties • Although controlled substances may be used on-site, IBBs do not have the same level of safety or hazardous materials concerns as Heavy Industrial uses • Occupancy levels are typically much lower for IBB than for office uses, at about one Page 46 of 674