15 ATTACHMENT 9 - Laserfiche WebLink

THE CITY QF 1 pYY ~-~e lil L lil i~Tf"sl 114 L~~~,~I~T0~1® MEMORANDUM Date: October 3, 2005 To: Chair Maas and Planning Commissioners From: Donna Decker, Principal Planner, and Lynn Tracy Nerland, Assistant City Attorney Subject: PUD-32 (Sarich) Two questions were raised at the Planning Commission meeting on September 28, 2005 during the workshop on PUD-32 (Sarich), for which staff provides the following responses. Height of Structures The Pleasanton Municipal Code provides maximum heights for various zoning districts in Chapter 18.84. In addition, an exception is provided to the height limitations through the design review approval process for "towers, spires, cupolas, chimneys, penthouses, water tanks, fire towers, flagpoles, monuments, scenery lofts, and similar structures; residential radio and television aerials and antennas; receive only antennas; and necessary mechanical equipment appurtenances" if these appurtenances: 1) cover not more than ten percent (10%) of the ground area covered by the structure; and 2) have a height of not more than sixty five feet (65') or not more than twenty five feet (25') above the height limit prescribed by the regulations for the district in which the structure is located, whichever is less. However, a specific plan may prescribe further height regulations for a designated area. The Vineyard Avenue Specific Plan states that the building height is measured vertically from the lowest elevation of the building to the highest elevation of the building, excluding chimneys. (footnote 6 on page 25) Hillside Residential structures are limited to 30 feet, except buildings on sites with existing elevations exceeding 540 feet are limited to 25 feet and one story. (footnote 7 on page 25) Through the PUD zoning process for a site in the Vineyard Avenue Specific Plan area, specific height limitations are to be addressed, as opposed to relying simply on the general height limitations for standard zoning districts. As noted on page 23 of the Specific Plan: "the site development standards (lot size and dimensions, building setbacks, building height, and accessory structures) shall be applied through the City's PUD development plan approval process and may vary for unusual site conditions as long as any new standards are consistent with the intent of the Specific Plan." (emphasis in original to contrast with land use standards which are to be applied without variance) As to the intent of the Specific Plan, the description of the land use designation of "hillside residential" provides that the "purpose of this designation is to allow for a clustering of homes in well-defined areas of the hills in order to preserve significant natural features such as ridgelines, hilltops, oak woodland, creeks, and steep slopes. Open space land surrounding the HR district is to be permanently preserved." (page 19 of the Specific Plan)