Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Packet 05132026

Appeal of P26-0136, 2986 Liberty Drive Planning Commission, May 13, 2026 6 of 7 structure, which collectively reduce perceived bulk and maintain consistency with the established pattern of development within the Shadow Cliff neighborhood. Concerns related to light, views, and sense of enclosure were considered; however, potential shadowing impacts are limited. setbacks, the separation between structures, the maximum height of approximately 26 feet (which is below the 30-foot limit), and the orientation of the addition on the west street-side elevation, all of which reduce the extend and duration of shadowing on adjacent properties. Due to the westward orientation of the addition, any incremental shading on the adjacent southern property would primarily occur during the afternoon and early evening hours, when the sun is lower in the western sky and shadows are cast generally eastward, away from the southern property for much of the day, with no substantial reduction in midday sunlight anticipated. Seasonal variation further limits potential impacts, as shorter shadow lengths during summer months reduce shading duration, and longer winter shadows are consistent with existing neighborhood conditions. Additionally, the existing two-story residence already casts shadows onto the subject (northern) property during morning and midday condition. Furthermore, there are no view easements recognized by the City of Pleasanton; therefore, potential view obstructions do not constitute a basis for denial of a conforming residential addition. With respect to privacy, no new windows are proposed along the south elevation facing the rear neighbor, further minimizing potential impacts. The Zoning Administrator considered all public testimony and correspondence prior to rendering a decision, and the approval included conditions to ensure continued compliance with applicable standards. The Zoning Administrator made the required findings in support of the project approval, and the decision was supported by substantial evidence in the record. Therefore, the approval did not constitute an abuse of discretion. DESIGN REVIEW FINDINGS PMC Section 18.20.050 sets forth the scope of findings to be addressed in reviewing projects subject to design review. These findings are set forth in the draft resolution in Exhibit A. Based on the information and analysis provided in this report and review of the project plans attached in Exhibit B, staff has determined the project, as conditioned, meets all of the required findings. PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of this meeting was sent to property owners and occupants within 1,000-feet of the project site as shown in Exhibit D. At the time this report was published, staff had not received additional comments. Any comments received after publication will be forwarded to the Planning Commission. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT This project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures. The addition to the existing structure does not result in an increase of more than (1) 50 percent of the floor area of the structure before the addition, or 2,500 square feet, whichever is less.