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construction. The efficiencies of modular construction have been shown in studies to include savings in construction materials, reduced construction waste and more efficient use of skilled labor in the building process. For example, wood framing lumber can be cut to specific lengths for the units and excess pieces can be re-cut in the factory for other areas of the unit. The transportation of skilled laborers to and from the site and the amount of time that a site is disturbed during construction is greatly reduced, since construction crews work at a central location in a factory rather than building the structures on site. This can reduce the amount of time that the neighborhood contends with construction activity to a few months. Internally, the units will be designed to take advantage of passive solar energy and natural ventilation. In addition, low toxicity and certified wood materials are proposed for the paints, sealants and wood elements. High efficiency (low flow) fixtures and heating systems also are proposed, which both reduce the overall energy and water use in the units as well as provide a more comfortable thermal environment within the units. The applicant will be working with StopWaste.Org's Green Building in Alameda County to have these units rated under the Build It Green new home standards, GreenPoints. GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE The General Plan's Land Use Diagram designates the site as High Density Residential (HDR). This designation is characterized by "multi-family residential development, such as garden apartments and condominiums." Densities allowed under the HDR designation are 19-25 units per gross acre. The proposed unit density of this project, at 24 units on the 1.19 acre site, is 20 units per acre. The following General Plan policies are relevant to this residential project: Policy 2.05: Alterations, Additions and Jnfill Ensure that alterations, additions and infill development are compatible with existing homes and maintain aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods. Policy 3.01: Mix of Unit Types Encourage a mix of residential development types in the City, including single-family homes on a variety of lot sizes, as well as townhomes, row houses, live-work units, planned unit developments and multi-family housing. Policy 3.04: Promotion of Jnfill Encourage infill development on vacant or underused sites within residential areas. Policy 13.04: Transit-Oriented Development Ensure that properties adjacent to City's BART stations and along heavily used public transit routes are developed in a way that maximizes the potential for transit use. Such development should be of particularly high quality, include open space and other amenities, and respect the scale and character of nearby neighborhoods. Board of Zoning Adjustments Staff Report PLN2006-00043 January 18, 2007 Page 9 of 11