In September 2011, the City Council approved the formation of an ad hoc Downtown Hospitality Guidelines Task Force to review relevant downtown issues and develop a set of guidelines that addresses key elements in creating a positive and responsible environment for downtown vitality. As a foundation for its work the task force will consider the Responsible Hospitality Institute’s six key elements to a successful hospitality district. These are the elements upon which the Pleasanton Downtown Association based its March 2011 Downtown Hospitality Plan:

• Public safety
• Music and entertainment
• Multi-use sidewalk
• Quality of life
• Transportation
• Venue safety and security

Within this framework, the task force’s initial discussions will emphasize a few significant topics: consistency in hours of operation for evening venues, allowance of indoor and outdoor music, and acceptable noise levels. It is envisioned that these guidelines will bring a measure of standardization by which to review projects proposed for downtown, while acknowledging the potential for modifications to address site-specific and community issues.

The 11-member task force is comprised of two members from the City Council, two members from the Planning Commission, two members appointed by the Pleasanton Downtown Association Board of Directors, and five Pleasanton residents. Community members are invited to attend the meetings and provide input.