Pleasant Hill BART

Building heights shall conform to the requirements specified in the Urban Design Policy Diagram, Figure 7.1. The height limits are designed to avoid adverse impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, to afford view opportunities for future residents and tenants of the area, and to achieve a high level of visibility and recognition for the Station Area. Two height standards are specified. The following table establishes the allowable heights related to stories. These height limits do not include mechanical equipment or decorative building tops. Exceptions to this table may be permitted for special uses (e.g., educational, conference, or cultural center).

The lower heights shown in Figure 7.1 are permitted outright while the heights shown in () are conditionally permitted. The latter shall be permitted only with a finding that the increase in height: (1) will not create shading or wind conditions adversely affecting nearby public outdoor space; (2) will not unduly restrict view potential from other sites in the Station Area; and (3) where a subarea is in multiple ownership, a coordinated design has been prepared and agreed upon by all property owners within the subarea.

In addition to the above, based on individual circumstances, additional height may be allowed as a result of the Development Plan review process. In no case shall any buildings be allowed to exceed ten stories (except Subarea 12). Exceptions to this limit are Subarea 12, and vertically integrated mixed use projects that contain residential, where the height limit would be the equivalent, in vertical feet, of a ten story commercial building. An applicant proposing such additional heights shall submit in conjunction with the Development Plan application the following information for review and consideration.

(1) Statement of extraordinary circumstances;

(2) Statement of consistency with the intent of the Specific Plan and the environmental documents certified in conjunction with the adoption of the Specific Plan relative to visual impacts;

(3) Visual documentation of the relationships of the proposed building and existing, approved or allowable building within the Specific Plan area.