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City of Pleasanton—Hidden Canyon Residences and Preserve Draft EIR Aesthetics, Light, and Glare FirstCarbon Solutions 3.1-11 https://adecinnovations.sharepoint.com/sites/PublicationsSite/Shared Documents/Publications/Client (PN-JN)/2148/21480016/EIR/3 - Draft EIR/21480016 Sec03-01 Aesthetics.docx The most prominent scenic views in the area include those of the hillsides and ridgelines belonging to the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. According to the visual simulations, the proposed project would not significantly change the views available from the viewpoints on Donlon Point Trail, Dublin Canyon Road, Canyon Creek Circle, Kolb Ranch Drive, and Crosby Drive. Existing views of hillsides surrounding the project site are currently obstructed from several of the viewpoints by existing vegetation and residential development. The proposed project would be visible from the viewpoint at the project entrance on Dublin Canyon Road, and the viewpoint on Crosby Drive. Exhibit 3.1-2 shows the proposed views of the project site from Crosby Drive. As shown in the visual simulation, the proposed project would provide landscaping and trees that would enhance views of the project site and promote harmony with the existing landscape. From Dublin Canyon Road, existing vegetation obstructs much of the hillsides surrounding the proposed project, and proposed vegetation at the project entrance would similarly obstruct views of the hillsides (see Chapter 2, Project Description, Exhibit 2-7b); as such, no significant change to available views would occur. From Crosby Drive looking northwest, the proposed project would be clearly visible at the foot of the surrounding hills. The ridgeline would be preserved in its entirety, and no development would occur on slopes of 25 percent or greater, consistent with General Plan Program 20.3. As such, impacts to publicly accessible views in the area would be less than significant. Regulation Consistency The General Plan designates the majority of the portion of the project site proposed for development as low density residential. This designation allows for up to two dwelling units per acre. The project applicant is requesting an amendment to the General Plan to re-designate the lots that fall outside of the residential designation from OS-PH to low density residential. The project site would also be rezoned from unincorporated and Agricultural District (A) to Planned Unit Development–Low Density Residential/Open Space (PUD-LDR/ OS), and A. As discussed above, the proposed project would avoid development on slopes of 25 percent or greater consistent with General Plan Program 20.3, and would preserve scenic hillsides and other hillside features surrounding the project site consistent with General Plan Program 20.2. The proposed project would be consistent with the land use and zoning designations with approval of the amendments discussed above, and would include permanent dedication of the majority of the project site as open space. By preserving a substantial amount of open space, the proposed project would meet General Plan requirements to protect scenic resources. As such, the proposed project ’s impacts related to applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality would be less than significant. Level of Significance Before Mitigation Less than significant impact. Mitigation Measures None.