HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 10-29-1992 _ • ~ ~
' • Special Meetinq - October 29, 1992
A special meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commission was held
on October 29, 1992, in the Dublin Civic Center Council Chambers. The
meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Commissioner Zika.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Barnes, Burnham, North, Rafanelli and Zika;
Laurence L. Tong, Planning Director; Brenda Gillarde, Planning
Consultant; Libby Silver, City Attorney; and Fawn Holman, Recording
Secretary.
PUBLIC MEETING
SUBJECT: PA 87-031 Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment, Specific
Plan, Draft Environmental Impact Report and related pro~ect
implementation includinq Amendment to the Sphere of
Influence, and Annexation to the City of Dublin and the
Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD)
Cm. Zika indicated that this hearing had been continued from the
October 21st meeting.
Ms. Gillarde requested that the meeting dates for future eastern
Dublin meetings be changed to accommodate the multitude of comments to
the draft EIR. She indicated that it would be impossible to complete
responses to comments by the November 2, 1992, meeting and suggested
cancelling the November 2nd meeting and have the next meeting on
Monday, November 16th. She suggested that the Commissioners decide on
a second meeting date within that week.
The Commissioners approved the cancellation of the November 2nd
meeting and set the next two meeting dates for Monday, November 16th
and Tuesday, November 17th. Both meetings would begin at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Gillarde recommended that Cm. Zika close the written comment
period for the eastern Dublin Draft Environmental Impact Report.
Cm. Zika asked the audience for any more written comments. When none
were presented, he closed the written comment period for the eastern
Dublin Draft EIR.
Ms. Gillarde suggested they conclude the responses to comments on the
Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment, which had been continued from
the October 21st meeting. Cm. Zika approved the continuation.
Ms. Gillarde opened with Item 1, comments from a letter from Ted
Fairfield, dated September 7, 1992. She read comment 1-1 of the
October 21st staff report regarding the terms "ridgeland" and
"disfigure". Ms. Gillarde then responded with Staff recommendations
and asked the Commissioners for comments.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-202 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
e . ~
' There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment 1-2 regarding 30~ slopes,
indicating the modifications recommended by Staff.
Cm. North expressed concern that the verbiage standing on its own was
unclear and confusing and suggested the following modifications: add
the word "slope" after the term "30~"; add the words "if the area to
be developed is less than 3 acres in size..."; and add "and is
primarily located within an area that is less than 30~."
Commissioners and Staff discussed the definition of "30~ slope".
Mr. Tong defined with the following example of a 10-acre parcel: Most
of the 10 acres is under 30~ slope. Up to 3 of those 10 acres has a
slope of more than 30%. Under that circumstance, we could consider
that development on that 10 acres, even though on 3 of those 10 acres,
it has slopes over 30°s.
Cm. North questioned if a 4-acre development which had 3 acres an a
30~ slope (90~ of the total area) be allowed?
Mr. Tong responded that it could be considered.
Commissioners and Staff discussed qualifying the policy by adding that
a proposal could be considered as long as the area of the 30°s slope is
less than 20-30% of the total site.
Cm. Zika requested that Staff re-word the policy with the changes
discussed and bring it back to the next meeting.
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment 1-3 regarding oak woodlands,
riparian vegetation and natural creeks as open space and indicated the
modifications recommended by Staff.
Cm. North expressed concern with the term adequate mitigation to
replace disturbed resources" and guestioned Staff on how a creekbed
could be replaced if removed.
Ms. Gillarde acknowledged Cm. North's concerns and assured him that
whenever a streambed is modified, permits are needed from the Corps of
Engineers and the Department of Fish and Game, who would study the
proposed modification.
Mr. Tong, verifying Ms. Gillarde's statement, stated that prior to any
construction or modification, permits from the Corps of Engineers and
Fish and Game must be secured. He also indicated that substantial
fines would be levied if work was done without permits.
Cm. North recalled a proposed project for the Cronin property, in
conjunction with the western Dublin development, regarding filling in
a streambed. He stated he didn't recall any mention of securing a
permit from the Corps of Engineers. Again, he expressed concern about
Special Meeting PCM-1992-203 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
. + ~ ~
~ the term "adequate mitigation" and questioned how a streambed, if
removed, could be replaced.
Ms. Gillarde replied that the idea was to allow the decision-making
body to determine what the adequate mitigation would be. To not
remove the streambed would be a possibility, but it would need to be
evaluated at the time the proposal was made.
Cm. Zika questioned if the decision-making body would be allowed to
deny the proposal if they felt the mitigation was inadequate.
Ms. Gillarde replied that the wording of the policy would give the
decision-making body that discretion.
There were no further comments from the Commissioners and there was a
4-1 straw vote, with Cm. North opposing the proposed modification
recommended by Staff.
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment 1-4 regarding the cancellation of
the Williamson Act, indicating Staff's recommendation that the wording
remain unchanged.
Cm. Zika indicated that he did not see any reason to change the policy
and asked for any other comments.
Cm. North questioned Staff concerning comments from the State
regarding the City's ability to approach property owners in regard to
the Williamson Act. He did not recall what the State had said, but
thought the comment referenced a time frame.
Ms. Gillarde responded that, to her knowledge, the State felt the
amended language being recommended for eastern Dublin was encouraging
the cancellation of contracts. This was the State's main concern; she
did not recall a mention of time frames.
Mr. Hammond indicated that part of the letter from the State was
confusing because they referenced the western Dublin policy, and
interpreted it as encouraging the cancellation of contracts for
eastern Dublin. He indicated that the policy was saying that the City
did not support the cancellation of the policy, but is trying to be
flexible.
Mr. Hammond further explained that in developing a comprehensive plan,
rather than deleting the land under contract, the Applicants looked at
what might happen to that area in the future.
Cm. Zika asked Mr. Hammond to be a more specific about which sites he
was talking about.
Mr. Hammond responded that most of the contract lands affected were in
the far eastern portion of the planning area; most of the Specific
Plan area was not affected and most of the contract terminations would
probably occur before any construction began in that area.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-204 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
. s ~
~ Cm. North questioned that if the modification to take off the 2-year
restriction were made, could the City approach someone who has not
notified the State and suggest or discuss the termination of their
contract? That would not be allowed under the current policy.
Ms. Gillarde responded that Staff would need to investigate whether
the land was under Williamson Act contract and if that contract had
not been filed for renewal. She referred to a figure in the EIR under
3.1-C that showed the eastern Dublin area and which agreements were in
force and which had not been renewed.
Cm. North agreed with Ms. Gillarde, but said he was speaking
specifically about the change suggested in 3.2A. If the last portion
of the sentence was deleted, the City could conceivably go to property
owners who had not notified the authorities that they did not want to
renew their contract, and discuss their options with them.
Mr. Tong explained that the previous policy provided no specific
proposals for conversion to urban use consistent with the General Plan
could be considered sooner than two years prior to contract
expiration. This created a dilemma because a proposal could not be
considered for future planning until the contract was within two years
of expiration. So if a property owner had a legitimate, compelling
public reason for considering cancellation, the City could not talk
with them about long-term planning until two years prior to contract
expiration.
Mr. Tong further explained the proposed modification states the City
does not generally support cancellation of the Williamson Act unless
we can be shown that compelling public reason. When there is the
potential compelling reason, then we may begin discussing future
plans. That doesn't mean that it would be cancelled unless the
necessary findings, which are very specific State laws, are made.
Cm. North apologized for not being able to make his point clear. He
wanted to clarify that if the City took a piece of property for which
the owner had not notified the authorities that they did not intend to
renew the contract, the owner would have nine years left to run on it.
Then, if this portion of the policy was deleted, the City could, at
any time, discuss with the property owner the possibilities of using
their land, even though they have not notified the authorities. If
they had notified the authorities, the City could, several years in
advance of the cancellation, discuss their options with them.
However, we could also go to the property owners who had not notified
the proper authorities.
Ms. Silver responded that the City typically does not approach
property owners and suggest cancellation of the Williamson Act.
Cm. North concurred with Ms. Silver; however, suggested that a
developer might approach property owners. He didn't mind removing the
restriction of two years prior to expiration as long as it is stated
that the City cannot approach a property owner until after they've
notified authorities of their intent to cancel their contract.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-205 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
, . ~ ~
Cm. Zika indicated that since most of the parcels involved were in the
very outskirts of the project, he saw no reason to change anything.
Ms. Silver reiterated that a propert~ owner can only cancel the
contract if the City Council makes certain affirmative findings, which
are very specific, and are set forth in State law. The land owner
just can't cancel the contract; he has to apply to the City or
appropriate agency.
Cm. North suggested a modification to the two-year restriction wording
to read as follows: "...may be considered if the property owner has
notified the proper authorities of intent not to renew."
Mr. Hammond explained how the Williamson Act is strictly a tax
arrangement; it does not prohibit anyone from considering what they
want to do on their land. Part of the confusion might be in the
language. The wording states that applications for development not be
considered for two years prior to termination of the contract, and
given how long it takes to get through approval process, many times
applicants may want to begin more than two years in advance. However,
the City may not necessarily deal with an application more than two
years in advance.
Cm. North reiterated his suggested wording which would remove the two
year limit, but still preclude anyone from talking to the land owner
before they notified the proper authorities.
Cm. Zika expressed concern about the land owner getting a tax break
while planning how to make the most money from of his land and again
indicated he didn't see any reasons to change the current policy.
Cm. North acknowledged the reason to change the two year limit,
because as Mr. Hammond stated, development planning takes longer now,
and the land owner would end up paying regular taxes for several years
before the plans are approved or disapproved. However, he still
thought the possibility existed that the City could approach someone
who has no plans of developing land other than for agricultural
purposes. He requested a stipulation be added which stated that the
City could not talk to anyone until the proper authorities had been
notified of the intent to cancel contract.
Cm. Burnham asked what would stop anybody from approaching the land
owner about what they can do for him and questioned what was wrong
with someone planning ahead?
The Commissioners further discussed time limits involved in the
Williamson Act and how to break the contract.
Ms. 5ilver clarified the two ways to break the contract: 1) give a
notice of non-renewal after which the property owner will have another
9 years to run, and 2) approach the Board of Supervisors (if it's in
the county) or the City Council (within city limits) and ask for early
termination. At that time, the Board or the Council would make very
detailed, specific findings set forth in the State law. Although much
of the property in the GPA is under Williamson Act contract, it does
Special Meeting PCM-1992-206 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
. ~ ~
~ not preclude the City from planning for land uses in that area that
are not agricultural land uses. However, the property owners cannot
develop the land at this point unless they give notice of non-renewal,
or if they were able to have an early cancellation approved.
Cm. North stated he can see two options: add in his suggestion about
somebody who hasn't filed renewal or change the two years to a longer
time frame.
Mr. Tong clarified that the existing terminology said "specific
proposals" which might mean specific development applications (i.e.,
site plan) or it might be broadened to mean an overall land use
designation which would mean somebody doing long-term planning could
not do that. The whole point of doing long term planning is so there
is a sense of what the land should be used for in the future. From
this stand point, the policy could be modified to add that specific
development applications for conversion to urban use consistent with
the General Plan may be considered if the property owner has notified
the proper authorities of non-renewal or request of cancellation has
been filed.
Cm. North stated that it should be the property owner's decision to
withdraw his property from the Williamson Act before the City
considered any proposals for that property.
Mr. Tong asked if Cm. North meant in the actual development
application as opposed to preparing some general plan amendments for
some point in the future? Would the City require, at the time someone
comes in for a development application, that they either have notified
the appropriate authority of non-renewal or have requested
cancellation?
Commissioners and Staff discussed having the land owner show proof of
application of non-renewal or cancellation to prove his serious intent
to develop prior to the City processing any development applications.
Cm. Zika asked for further questions or comments. When none were
given, he directed Staff to change the wording as discussed and bring
the modifications to the next Planning Commission meeting.
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment 1-5 regarding performance
standards and a run-off ordinance, indicating Staff's recommendation
that Policy 7.2C remain unchanged.
Cm. North expressed concern between this and previous discussion
regarding comment 1-3. Previous comments indicated the ability to
modify a creekbed if the disturbed resources were replaced; however,
this comment indicated the need to protect the streamcourse.
Ms. Gillarde indicated that it would depend on how one interpreted the
word "protect." She stated the wording said "maintenance and
protection of streamcourses", it did not say "the need to be preserved
in their original condition".
Special Meeting PCM-1992-207 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
. ~ ~
Th~ere were no comments from the Commissioners, and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment 1-6 regarding funding methodology
for parklands. She acknowledged the need to establish funding but
suggested it be discussed at a later, more appropriate date.
There were no comments from the Commissioners, and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment on 1-7 regarding road alignment,
indicating Staff's recommendation that Policy 7.7E of the draft GPA
remain unchanged.
Cm. North questioned if the recommendation stated that the Applicants
will go back and re-do the road layout.
Ms. Gillarde acknowledged that the road alignment is conceptual at
this stage and Staff has been working with the applicants on an
alternate layout that would minimize grading to a greater degree,
which would be incorporated into the final Specific Plan.
There were no comments from the Commissioners, and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde continued to Item 2, Draft EIR comments on the GPA, and
read comment 2-1 regarding City Policy 3.1A, indicating Staff's
recommendation to modify the policy (referring back to comment 1-3).
Mr. Tong reiterated that Staff would be re-wording the policy in
comment 1-3.
Cm. Zika verified that Staff would also be re-wording the next item,
comment 2-2.
Ms. Gillarde read comment 2-2 regarding City Policy 3.1.B, and
acknowledged that Staff did recommend a modification to the policy
(referring back to the comment 1-2}.
Ms. Gillarde proceeded with comment 2-3 regarding City Policy 8.2.3A
concerning woodlands preservation, indicating Staff's recommendation
to modify the policy by adding the words "wherever possible" to the
first sentence to make the GPA and SP consistent.
Cm. Zika asked for a definition for the term "wherever possible."
Ms. Gillarde responded that their highest goal was to protect and
preserve and enhance, but also realizing that, in a large development,
there may be some instances where it's not possible or feasible.
There were other policies throughout the Specific Plan that very
carefully protect vegetation and stream courses. The term was created
to allow some flexibility in, for example, the alignment of a road.
The current policy would not allow for that road.
Cm. Zika asked for questions or comments. None were given.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-208 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
. . ~ ~
Ms. Gillarde continued with comment 2-4 regarding City Policy 8.2.3C
concerning woodland removal, indicating Staff's recommendation to
modify as shown in agenda statement.
Ms. Gillarde continued to comment 2-5 regarding five potential
inconsistencies between the existing general plan and the proposed
specific plan, indicating that Staff considered them consistent with
the existing policies and Staff would be making some errata
recommendations for the EIR which would be brought back when the EIR
is discussed.
Cm. North requested to back up to comment 2-3. He clarified that the
statement "The removal of individual oak tree may be was part of
8.2.3C, not 8.2.3A.
Ms. Gillarde acknowledged that Cm. North was correct and annotated her
notes.
Cm. North indicated that the whole statement was regarding 8.2.3C, not
8.2.3.A.
Mr. Tong acknowledged the duplication in comments 2-3 and 2-4.
Ms. Gillarde asked the Commission to consider the recommendations for
comments 2-1 through 2-5 and indicate to Staff by straw vote how they
should proceed.
Cm. Zika clarified that there were some changes coming based on the
answers. Changes to comments 2-2 and 2-5 would be brought back to the
next meeting; Staff was looking for concurrence on 2-1, 2-3 and 2-4 at
this point.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations regarding comments
2-1, 2-3 and 2-4.
The Commission took a 5-minute break. Upon returning, Cm. Zika
continued onto the October 29th agenda statement, with comments
regarding the GPA.
Ms. Gillarde opened with comment A-1 regarding land use category
"Rural Residential" and indicated Staff's recommendation to modify
text as proposed.
Cm. Zika disagreed with Staff recommendation and questioned the term
"rural residential/open space." How could it be defined as "open
space" if it's private praperty which is not open to the public. He
felt it was mis-stating the policy by adding the "open space" to rural
residential.
Ms. Gillarde stated that in the definition of the rural residential
category, it does emphasize that this is a very low density area
(1 unit per 100 acres) and the intent is to cluster the new
development and the rest would remain undeveloped.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-209 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
~ ~
Cm. Zika acknowledged Ms. Gillarde's statement, but reiterated his
concern and asked the other Commissioners for comments.
Cm. North questioned the tax advantages to open space as opposed to
rural residential, then agreed that the proposed modification would be
confusing.
Mr. Tong proposed a modification saying "Rural Residential/
Agricultural", which would reflect the existing zoning and land use
designation of the County.
Cm. North felt it was a good recommendation as long as the definition
of the wording was consistent with other cities and county systems.
Cm. Burnham asked for Staff's definition of "open space" as far as
public open space.
Ms. Gillarde responded that there was the possibility that this
remaining land could be dedicated to an agency and could become public
open space.
Cm. Burnham was concerned about having a piece of property that was
privately owned and calling it "open space." He wanted to know what a
piece of property that's defined as public access to this "open space"
is called. Are they both called "open space"?
Cm. North indicated that the definition said, "However, the City is
encouraged to pursue public ownership of the open space portions,"
and interpreted it as saying that any time there is an open space
which has one house per 100 acres, the City is encouraged to pursue
ownership of that land.
Cm. Burnham again questioned the definition of "open space."
Mr. Tong clarified that open space is basically an area that is
undeveloped and can be a private undeveloped area or a publicly-owned
undeveloped area. Open space could also be in the form of an
easement. This area is privately owned, but with a open space
easement over it, and the use is still open space. There are many
different forms of open space without getting into the ownership
question.
Cm. Burnham questioned how a person reading a map would know which
"open space" he could go on and which he would be trespassing.
Mr. Tong indicated that in that situation a distinction would have to
be made on the map showing publicly and privately owned open space.
An open space could be for visual access purposes only and doesn't
necessarily mean that it's owned by a public entity.
Cm. North interpreted the definition of "open space" as meaning that
space would ultimately be publicly-owned. He referred to the
definition in the proposal under A-2.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-210 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
, . ~ ~ ~
Ms~. Gillarde indicated that he was referring to what was being
recommended by the commenting agency, not what was being recommended
by Staff.
Cm. North acknowledged the correction.
There were no further comments from the Commissioners and there was a
5-0 straw vote to modify the term "Rural Residential" to "Rural
Residential/Agricultural."
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment A-2 regarding text revision of
words "open space", indicating Staff's recommendation to modify text,
except the sentence reading "Open space shall ultimately be publicly
owned."
Cm. North questioned if the term "The intent of this provision" was
referring to the provision that it should be designated as open space
or the provision that it should be publicly owned. He questioned if
the words "of this provision" should be stricken as well and indicated
that the word "provision" could be changed to "designation" to make it
more clear.
Ms. Gillarde responded that it could be changed to "designation".
Mr. Tong indicated that Staff would want to delete the word "public"
in front of "open space" so that it would read "the intent of this
designation is to insure the protection as open space..."
Cm. North indicated the need to re-word the statement after taking out
the word "public" to make it read correctly. He questioned if the
wording "The City may allow only open space uses on this land." meant
that the City could tell someone what to do with their land.
Commission and Staff briefly discussed the wording and all concurred
that the City could tell a property owner what the land use would be.
There were no further comments from the Commissioners and there was a
5-0 straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations, which included
the additional re-wording recommendations made by the Commission.
Ms. Gillarde proceeded to comment A-3 regarding addition of a new
policy to the General Plan Amendment, indicating Staff's
recommendation to incorporate the proposed policy as a goal in the
introduction of Section 3.0 of the GPA.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendation.
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment A-4 regarding combining text with
policies for western Dublin, indicating Staff's recommendation that
text remain the same.
Cm. North clarified the dates on comment A-4 addressed in the October
21st agenda statement, not October 29th.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-211 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
. ~ ~
Ms. Gillarde concurred with Cm. North.
There were no additional comments from the Commissioners and there was
a 5-0 straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendation. This ended
the comments for the General Plan Amendment.
Ms. Gillarde opened the draft Specific Plan discussion by reading
comment 1-1 regarding high school relocation, indicating Staff's
recommendation that the high school location remain as shown.
Cm. North questioned if Dublin High School was on a major arterial,
which lead the Commissioners to discuss the pros and cons of having a
school on a major arterial.
There were no further comments from the Commissioners and there was a
5-0 straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendation.
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment 1-Z regarding general land use
designation, indicating Staff's recommendation that the designation
remain as shown.
There we no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0 straw
vote concurring with Staff's recommendation.
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment 1-3 regarding small public parks,
indicating Staff's recommendation that the parks remain as planned.
Commissioners and Staff discussed residential park size and location
and how the small parks within a grid pattern would affect traffic
flow.
Ms. Gillarde emphasized that these parks were designed as gathering
spots for local residents; they were not planned as sports grounds and
indicated problems, such as noise, could be mitigated.
Cm. Burnham expressed concern with the grid layout and suggested the
eventual possibility of rival groups competing for park "turf".
There were no further comments from the Commissioners and there was a
4-1 straw vote, with Cm. Burnham opposing Staff's recommendation.
Ms. Gillarde went on to respond to comments 1-4 and 2-1, both of which
requested a change in the grid-street pattern, and indicated Staff's
recommendation that the plan remain unchanged.
Cm. North directed a question to Steve Hammond, WRT, regarding if the
intent of the grid pattern was to build apartment buildings.
Mr. Hammond replied that there was no intent for apartments; however,
it would depend on how the project was set up.
Cm. North questioned if there was a required density for that area and
expressed concern about a concentration of low income housing.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-212 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
. ~ ~
Mr. Hammond referred to a map on the wall to show how affordable
housing was dispersed.
Cm. North directed a question to Ms. Gillarde as to Staff's objections
to the proposed changes to the grid-pattern.
Ms. Gillarde referred to Attachment A and stated that the Applicant's
proposal would divide the Village Center into quadrants which would
change the pedestrian pattern and result in high speed automobile
travel.
Mr. Hammond also replied that the proposed pattern would create a
barrier, when the purpose of the grid layout was to enhance community
interaction.
Commissioners and Staff, including Mr. Hammond, discussed a"wagon
wheel" pattern, as opposed to the grid pattern, and it's relation to
the number of car trips vs. pedestrian activity and community
interaction.
Cm. North expressed concern about the lack of parking shown on plans
and indicated a need for more parking other than just on-street
parking for people coming in to visit shopping centers.
Ms. Gillarde replied that the Specific Plan allowed for on-street
parking, parking behind stores and parking lots, then emphasized that
the businesses located in the Village Center would be used mainly by
residents in the immediate area.
Mr. Hammond referred to the wall map while explaining the hierarchy of
commercial retail centers, i.e., heavily auto-oriented centers (malls
and large grocery stores) vs. small retail centers for the immediate
community.
Cm. North reiterated his concern with the lack of parking.
Mr. Hammond replied that the parking issue would be resolved once it
has been decided what use will go in that area.
Cm. North again reiterated his concern about the parking issue.
There were no further comments from the Commissioners and there was a
4-1 straw vote, with Cm. North opposing Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment 2-2, which included 5 requests
regarding traffic, and indicated Staff's recommendation not to modify
the Specific Plan except to indicate right-of-way for six lanes on
Tassajara Road through the Town Center.
Cm. North requested more definition regarding the 2-lane transit spine
and directed Staff to refer to the wall map.
Ms. Gillarde responded to the request by explaining where the 2-lane
transit spines would be in relation to 4-lane and 6-lane arterial
roads, which would direct heavier traffic.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-213 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
. . ~ ~
Cm. North questioned who would be traveling along the transit spines
and what sort of businesses would be located along transit spines.
For example, would a movie theatre be allowed along the spine?
Ms. Gillarde indicated that a movie theatre could be located along the
spine, encouraqing people to have dinner in the area and to walk to
the theatre.
Cm. North asked if the intent of the plan was to have the majority of
people who visited the area actually live within a few blocks of the
Village Center.
Ms. Gillarde responded that the densities in the immediate area would
support a fairly intensive residential area; however, it would not
preclude anyone from visiting the area and mentioned the bus service
and auto parking in the area.
Commissioners and Staff, including Steve Hammond, further discussed
the types of businesses to be located in Town Center and their impact
on traffic along the 2-lane transit spine.
Cm. North verified that right-of-way would be allowed for a 6-lane
road between Tassajara Road and Dublin Boulevard.
Ms. Gillarde concurred with Cm. North's observation.
Cm. Burnham had no objections with the plan as long as Fallon Road
served as an express way because people would use that area as a short
cut to Contra Costa County.
Ms. Gillarde acknowledged that Fallon Road would serve as an express
way with limited access from that road to adjacent residential
neighborhoods.
Commissioners and Staff referred to Fiqure 5.1, page 57, of the
Specific Plan and discussed the possibility of having the 6-lane
right-of-way extend to include Gleason Road at the intersection of
Hacienda Road and Tassajara Road.
Cm. North expressed concern about the result of DKS traffic study and
reiterated his desire to have a 6-lane right-of-way at the
intersection on Gleason Road along Tassajara because the traffic
cannot go west through Camp Parks.
Ms. Gillarde pointed out that traffic may be dispersed by the two
4-lane north/south connections between Gleason Road and Dublin
Boulevard.
Mr. Tong acknowledged Cm. North's concern and indicated that Staff
would double-check with the traffic consultant to see if a 6-lane
right-of-way at that intersection would be necessary.
There were no further comments from the Commissioners and there was a
4-1 straw vote with Cm. North opposing Staff's recommendations.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-214 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
• ~ ~
Ms. Gillarde opened discussion regarding Item 3, comments from 5tedman
& Associates, dated October 14, 1992, by reading comment 3-1 regarding
the deletion of section titled "FORM", and indicated Staff's
recommendation to retain this section as shown.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendation.
Ms. Gillarde proceeded to comment 3-2 regarding maximum building
height, indicating Staff's recommendation to retain this section as
shown.
Commissioners and Staff discussed building height requirements for
parking structures. Would a 4-story building be required or would a
3-story be sufficient.
Ms. Gillarde stated that a 3-story parking structure would suffice.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendation.
Ms. Gillarde continued on to comment 3-7 regarding the deletion of
text under the "FORM" section, indicating Staff's recommendation that
the wording remain the same.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendation.
Ms. Gillarde proceeded to comment 3-11 regarding deletion of text
under "AUTO CIRCULATION" and indicated Staff's recommendation that the
text remain the same.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendation.
Ms. Gillarde continued to comment 3-12 regarding deletion of text
under "PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE CIRCULATION" and indicated Staff's
recommendation that the text remain the same.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendation.
Ms. Gillarde continued to comment 3-3 regarding the deletion of the
Town Center Concept Plan and indicated Staff's recommendation to
retain Figure 7.1 in the Specific Plan, but modify text on page 79 of
the Specific Plan.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde went on to comment 3-4 regarding rear and side entries,
indicating Staff's recommendation to modify the language.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-215 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
' ~ ~ ~
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde proceeded to comment 3-9 regarding flexible entries and
indicated Staff's recommendation to keep the text as written.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde continued to comment 3-16 regarding the deletion of
Figure 7.22 and indicated Staff's recommendation to add the word
"generally" to the figure caption.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde went on to comment 3-17 requesting the deletion of Figure
7.24 and indicated Staff's recommendation that the figure remain as
shown.
Cm. North requested to add the word "generally" to the caption to
preclude any misunderstandings on what is required for windows and
balconies.
Commissioners and Staff concurred with Cm. North's suggested
modification to Figure 7.24.
There were no further comments from the Commissioners and there was a
5-0 straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendation.
Ms. Gillarde continued to comment 3-5 regarding on-street parking,
indicating Staff's recommendation to retain parking on the transit
spine.
Cm. North reminded Staff about required on-street parking for the
handicapped.
There were no further comments from the Commissioners and there was a I
5-0 straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
I
Ms. Gillarde proceeded to comment 3-10 regarding deletion of text I
under "PARKING" and indicated Staff's recommendation to keep the text I
as shown.
Commissioners and Staff briefly discussed parking setbacks and !
detached garage structures. '
There were no further comments from the Commissioners and there was a
5-0 straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde continued to comment 3-6 regarding 18-foot sidewalks,
indicating Staff's recommendation to retain sidewalk setbacks as '
shown.
I
Special Meeting PCM-1992-216 October 29, 1992 I
[10-29min] I
i ~
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde proceeded to comment 3-8 regarding varied setbacks and
indicated Staff's recommendations to revise four items on page 88 of
the Specific Plan.
Cm. North referred to item 2 and asked if the definition of
"Landscape" and if it suggested something other than lawns.
Ms. Gillarde indicated that great emphasis will be placed on drought-
tolerant and low-water landscaping.
Cm. North referred to item 3 questioned if, with a 6-lane road nearby,
would a 60-foot setback be enough.
Ms. Gillarde indicated that Staff's recommendation was to delete the I!
60-foot setback and add the wording "adequate setback be provided..."
A specific noise study would have to be done for that area to
determine the necessary setback. '
Cm. North requested other wording be added to insure adequate ,
setbacks. I
Ms. Gillarde concurred with Cm. North and indicated that wording could
be added to say "along with other mitigation measures."
Commissioners and Staff discussed item 4, regarding residential
buildings fronting on high volume streets.
Cm. North expressed concern with the term "do not front" and requested
it be re-worded to clarify to avoid conflicts.
Commissioners and Staff concurred with Cm. North's modification
request.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations, including recent
modifications.
Ms. Gillarde continued to comment 3-14 requesting a change in setback
requirements and indicated Staff's recommendation to modify
requirements to show a 10'-20' range.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde went on to comment 3-15 requesting a change in setback
requirements, indicating Staff's recommendations to modify the caption
under Figure 7.17.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Special Meeting PCM-1992-217 October 29, 1992
[10-29min]
, . . , ~ • •
Ms. Gillarde continued to comment 3-18 regarding change in setbacks
and deletion of the 3rd bullet and indicated Staff's recommendation to
retain the figure as presently shown.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde proceeded to comment 3-19 regarding modification to
Figure 7.44, indicating Staff's recommendation to retain the text as
presently shown.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Ms. Gillarde ended with comment 3-13 regarding open space and public
facilities, indicating Staff's recommendation to retain text as
previously discussed.
There were no comments from the Commissioners and there was a 5-0
straw vote concurring with Staff's recommendations.
Cm. Zika continued the public meeting on the Draft Environmental
Impact Report to November 16, 1992 at 7:00 p.m. Regular staff reports
would also be heard at this meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
.
anning ommissi Chairperson
La ence L. Tong
Planning Director
I
I
Special Meeting PCM-1992-218 October 29, 1992 '
[10-29min]