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PC 08-08-66 i0�21 South Sar�to�a-Sunnyvale Road Cupertino, �aliforn�a 95014 Fhone: 2 52-�505 PC-R15 _._--------___..__ _--------------__________._ ----- 80,000.�- C I T Y 0 F C U P E P T I N 0 Ca.lifornia MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETIN� OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION August 8, 1966 8:0o P.M. H�ld in the Board Room, Cupertino Elementary School District, 1o3G Vista Drive, Cupertino, California I SALUTE TO THE FLAG IZ ROLL CALL: Minutes of the previous m�e�in�, 7/25/66 Comm. present: Bryson, Buthenuth, Frolich, Horgan, Hirshon Ccmm. absznt: Nor�2 Staff presznt: City Attornzy, Sam Andzrson Dir, of Public Works, Frank Finney Director of Planning, Adde Laurin Assistant Plann2r, Jim Nuzum Recording S�cr�tary, Sylvia Hinrichs Moved by Comm. Horgan, seconded by Comm. Buthznuth, to approve the Minutes of July 25 Zg66 AYES: Comm. Bryson, Buth�nuth, Frolich, Horgan, Hirshon NAYS: Nona Mction carrizd, 5-0 III ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSTPONENIENTS, etc. There rarerz no postponemznts. Thz Planning Director discusszd tim� for next work session on th� Si�n Ordinance. Chrm. Hirshon said that since thz next Commission meeting agenda wculd be light, it would b� preferable to sch2dule a work session at the end of that meeting, and th�n �chedule a Public Hea�ing for the meet- ing after that (Szpternber 12th) . In this way, anyone il1- terested in thz Sign Ordinance would be able to attend the work session. IV WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS There w2re none � VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS There were nonz . �C-P15 T�liriU�:es c�� t].ie Au{�^upt v� 1.�6� Flann.in� Co�i�uiissiuri_I�i__c:��2�.g, e ..� '.. � .� � � � �. �. .� � ... ... � � � _ " � � �. � ' � � �' .� � .� � �. ... ..� � �. ... �. .A Y .� .� VI HEARINGS SCHEDULED: 6-z-66 A. BEAULIEU ESTATE The applicant was not present at this time. The Planning Director said that there may have been a mistake on the location of tonight's meeting. The City Attorney recommended we pass on this appli- cation until after the Vallco Hearing. g-u-66 B. VARIAN ASSOCIATES: Use Permit for construction of an electronics plant, involving research, develop- mznt and light manufacturing, at Homestead, Wolfe, Pruneridge and Tantau. First Hearing. The Planning Director quoted verball.�r from his Memo of August 3: "The proposed use coincides with the use indicated when the area was rezoned to a Planned Development (:P) �one with Planned Industrial Park (MP) use. Compliance with the standa,rds of the MP Ordinance should cause no prob- lems. "T'ne plan and profiles attached to the application show a central plaza, surrounded by buildings, which plaza may prove to be quite attractive. The necessary ocean of parking is interspersed with forested islets, and the shoreline adjacent to publ3c streets is tree-lined and sheltered b� berm. :People in adjac2nt residential areas should find nothin� disagreeable from an aesthetic poir�t of view. "There are some problems which do not seem difficult to solve, but which should not be n2glected. "It is difficult to assess parking needs in advance. One space per 250 sq. ft. may be more than needed, but reliance on that figure may on the other hand result in too little parl�ing area and overflow into streets. It seems better to re1.y on the "suffzcient" clause only. This would cause no difficulty in the initial stages, but finally the parking capacity may of course limit employee potential. "Cupertino's Parking Ordinance, requires 10' wide stalls, which is necessary to avoid nicking one's neighbor's car with an opened door. On the othzr hand, Sant�, Clara County requires only 9' as do most nearby cities. An exception permitt3.ng 9' may be considered in this case; but if it were granted, we might as well rewr�.�� the Parking Ordinance to make 9' standard in industrial areas. - 2 - Pr_R15__Mznutes_of_the_Augus�_8,_1Q66_Planning_Com.�ission_Meetin� "An Official P1an Line has been adopted for 110' wi�th of Homestead Road, but actual plans for i�provement includ� a right-of-way of only 90'. A further widenin� to 110' would be very expensive, and it seems to be a general be- lief that it will never take place. If Homestead Road along the Varian plant were first widened to 90', and then an additional 20' to the south, rows of trees would have to be cut down, eliminating the screen between industrial and residential area, the berm might have to be relocated at the expense of the parking area. If, on the other ha,nd, the 90' width is con�idered permanent, it is necessary to design it so that it can carry the anticipated traffic. Among other devices, a median strip more substantial than painted lines is necessary to regulate left turns, and to pre�ent traffic to and from Varian using residential streets (Nightingale Avenue and Peacock Avenue). Various traffic diagrams have been studied, all assuming 90' right- of-way, but a weeks more work on them and a joint dis- cussion is needed. "Tantau Ave. and Pruneridge Ave. should cause no problems as they are not through streets in this area, and would be utilized almost entirely by Vallco Park traffic. "'The City Council has indicated that a discussion of pbli- cies for sidewal�s is pending, and the problem should be at least partly resolved before a final decision is made on street sections adjacent to the Varian development. Admittedly, the need for sidewalks in industrial areas is very small. It has been suggested that a reasonably level grass strip would suffice for emergencies, such as walk- ing from a stalled car. However, considering burrs or mud, people may walk in the roadway. Some kind of walk- way should be pr�vided, how�ver narrow. It might be lo- cated at varying distance from the curb, even on the pro- pos�d berm. W�lkway along the eastern side of Wolfe Rd. is particularly important, because t�ithout walkways some employees may wa�lk in the roadway and cross Wolfe Rd. at inappropriate locations on their way to the commercial center, during lunch. "Ther� has been�discussion whether vehicles entering driveways should mount a curb, or whether driveways sh�uld be designed as streets, that is, break curb and sidew�lk. The latter system has certain disadvantages, but on the other hand speeds up movements and increases capacity. It seems that the main entrance-exit on Wolfe Rd. and a main truck entrance-exit on Homestead Rd. shoul� be de- signed as streets. Standard design of driveway entran_ce- exits makes turns from and to the curb lane impossible, and a turnin� vehicle blocks two lanes of traffic. Full. utilization of the capacity of streets in and adjacent to Vallco Park is imperative, so driveway entrance-exits should be funnel-shaped, to allow convenient turns from and to the curb lane. _3_ YC�RlS__I�I:inutes_uf , _1� 66_Plan.n:in�_Cor - �mis s:�on_i���ct;in,� "Completion of Homestead Road will presuma.bly�be a County groject. T�,ntau Avenue, Pruneridge Avenue and j,lo�fe Rd. will be constructed by a Local Improvement District. However, ther� should be a clause that �uarantees com- pletion in case aforementioned plans fail. Also, it seems that the cost for future signals or other devic2s entirely necessi�ated by driveway entrance-2xit_s should be the responsibility of Varian Associate�." Mr. Robert Worcester, Director of Planning Operations for Varian, introduced Mr. Wm. Watkins, who made a sum- mary of the proposed project. The site is bounded by Wolfe Rd., Santau and Pruner'idge, and wi11 be comprised of four buildings 250,000 sq. ft. each, which will be onz-story buildin�s; an administration building, and a cafeteria building; the center section will contain a reflection pool and a terrace which will be attractively landscaped. A ber�m will be constructed to protect the view of the parking area in the main entrance from Wolfe Road; all parking will be perimeter parking. A sidewalk will be provided between the entrance control point and Pruneridge. A coznplete landscaping plan has been de- signed for the site, indicating the variety of trees and shrubs to be planted. The parking ratio will be based on two criteria - one on employee ratio and one � in accordanc2 with the Cupertino Parking Ordinance re- quirements, and are providing mor� parking spaces than either requires. The Parking Ordinance requires an area.of l0' for each stall and they are requesting an area of 9', c�rhich is usually the minimum area re- quired in a shopping district. They feel it would be adequate for this type of a devel.opment zor an indus- trial area. They have worked closely with the City staff and will continue working with tlzem on all phases of the development. They are basing their development p?ans on 90' ri�ht-of-way of Homestead Rd. and if the City rules that it must be wider the applicant would need to reconsider his plans. In answer to Comm. Bryson's question oM the number of people who would be employed in the area�, Mr. Wa�kins answered there would be a total of 4800, and 3820 park- ing stalls would be provided. On the basis of the net area of the buildings only 375o stalls are required. Mr. Watkins urged that the proposed 9' width be given consideration by the Commission, since this is not a shopping area where cars will be going in and out fre- quently. Visitor parking is not; included in the 3820 spaces, but is provided separately. The Dir, of Public Works coneurs that the 9' width is adequate, since cars come in once and stay all day, and becausz the appiicant has dealt with the same situation in their plant in Palo Alto, with no problems. - � - PC-R15 Minu�tes of the Au�;�zst 8 �g66 Pl��,nnzng Co�rSm�_ss�_�n Meeti.�.; Com7:�. Frolich suggested that a walkway be provided from the visitor's entrance to Pruneridge, and askeG if ther2 is a lighting pla.�� for the pro ject . The Dir. of Public Works answ�l�ed in the affirmative. The Dir, of Public Works stated that Homestead Road will be a joint project between the cities of Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Cupertino and the County of Santa Clara. The first phase is intended to be 90' width thoroughfare with parking perrriit�ed on both sides. Phase 2 will be 110' width right-of-way, and v.rill include dedication and will preclude any structures not anticipated for 10-15 years,.� This is the reason structure is being planned in two phases, �o'provide additiona7_ latitude. Emergency park�..ng will b2 provided 8' from the lane, and will be posted appropriately. Therz is a question whether a side- walk should b� provided on Homestead and whether a mQdian strip should be addzd. Wolfe Rd. will have no parking permitted; however, emergency parking is being considered. This future construction sYiould not delay the applicant's project or application for a Use Permit. Mr. Watkins continued by saying that this plant witl be a large income-producing property of about 35-4o million dollars per year, employing 1000 people in each building. They may at a later time want to put in a high-rise type oi building for� corporate headquarters. They feel this will be an outstanding �,rea, which they hope to have finished befor�e the end of next year, and they hope th2 Commission will grant them the Use Permit. In comments from the audiznce, A4rs. Isabelle Atkinson, 20615 Rodriguez Ave., asked if this industry will have more than one work shift, and if so how will the cars get in and out of the parking area. Mr. Watkins answered th�t they have had no parking problems at their Stanford plant, and they over-lap the shifts so that one shif't will be out before the next one begins. Comm. Buthenuth asked if Pruneridge �,,ve. extends to Lawrence Expressway. The Planning Director answered that this street starts at Wolfe R�. and goes all the way to San Jose, crossing Lawrence Station Road, but that the traffic flow within Cupertino would be almost entirely to and from Vallco Park. CY�rm. Hirshon asked what would be the heaviest type of manufacturing performed in the plant. r7r. Wa.tkins replied that the first building unit will be the Vacuum Divisiorl, and the type of articles manufactured wi11 Ue parts that you can carry in S►our hands. They will be so delicate they will be shipped in �'urniture vans, and their manu- facture will carry no odors or noise. It is not an in- dustry in the normal sense of the word, but will be wiring and assembling pieces of inetal together. -5- PC_R15__Minutes_of�the_Planning_Commission_Meeting,_August� Mr. Watkins continued, stating th� pedestrian tza.ffic paths have been worked out for employee circulation, and a proper access from Homestead Rd. to Wolfe Rd. has been provided. Mr. Worcester added that the buildings vrill be well planned and well designed - the center section will be attractively planted and terraced in conjunction with the cafeteria building, not only for the benefit of people inside the plant, but for every- one in the area. In answer to a question on type of signs, the app�icant rep�ied that the only sign will bz at the main e�trance, reading "Varian", and small signs directing employees to the various buildings, but that there will be no signs on roofs or walls of buildings. Comm. Buthenuth asked if the parking stalls will be assigned to certain individuals. Mr. Worcester pointed out that in their Palo Alto plant mos"t people determined very quickly where they want to park, and it has not been necessary to desigriate parking areas. Comm. Frolich asked whether it has been established that the applicant has had an opportunity to study the con- ditions made to the Use Permit application. Mr. Worcester replied that they had, and concerning the condition desig- nating only one truck access, they would like to request permission for two truck accesses. They have no strong feeling on the condition regarding sidewalks on Wolfe Rd and would be agreeable to it. He pointed out that they plan to meet with the Planning Dept. staff for another session to iron out problems on type of driveways, curb entrances, etc. Moved by Comm. Frolich, seconded by Comm. Bryson, to close the First Hearing. AYES: Comm. Bryson, Buthenuth, Frolich, Horgan, Hirshon NAYS: None Motion carried, 5-0 This application will be continued at the next Planning Commission meeting, August 22, 1966 6- z-66 A. BEAUZIEU ESTATE (Jack S. and Edward F. Euphrat): Rezoning from Rl-l0ag (Residential� to P-ra, (Planned Development), 12.8 acres located SW cor- ner Stevens Creek Blvd. and Stelling Road. First Hearing continued. The applicant, Jack Euphrat, explairied he was late because of a misunderstanding regarding the ch�.nge of location of tonight'a meeting. He added that he had , , ,.. � _ 6 _ PC�R15__I�I�.n.ut.es_of_tlze_Au�ust _1Jbb . receivzd a memo from the Planning Dept. st�,ff on Friday, Au�ust 5, with information and tentative plan i'ox� re- zoning re-application to "P" zoning of the proposed developmznt. The Planning Director pointed out that the Planning Dept. staff has przv�ously sent memos to the Planning Commission and to Mr. Euphrat, and he re-capped this information as follows: "This proposed development is not considered as a compro- mise; it would be a benefit to the City, not something the City would r�luctantly permit because noth�.ng better could be planned for this area. This concept could be made to look attractive and to function well. The pro- posed zoning is Planned Development and the permitted uses quite restricted. The general idea is primary uses with a cultural connotation, su�h as book stores, art galleries, ete., which normally have difficulty locating in a sub- urban com.munity.As they cannot support a center by them- selves they should have the support of certain other kinds of shops and services, which would invite people to window shop and to walk around the proposed mall. On the other hand, the kind of stores that would require shopping by car would defeat the purpose of this type of center, because people would not be inclined to do window shoppin� and would not lend itself to strolling around." The Planning Director continued with proposing certain changes in Conditions l�- and 15, which�originally were suggested in his Draft of July 21. "The applicant has submitted a Devel.opment Plan, but has also indicated that development probably would not take place for several years. It should not be tied to the r� plan presznted �:oday by t Applicant, and it seems better not to make that plan part of a Condition. Tt is hoped that, as a part of the �se Permit procedure, a plan could be worked out with more physical and visual connection with the College, and with morz aesthetic variation. As thzre is a requirement for a Development Plan under "Use Permit Procedure", Condition 14 could be eliminated. "There has been hesitation, tia�hether the City should be a part of a Cov�nant between the ��,pplicant and the College, or agreement on a Covenant made a Condition. Condition 15 may instead read: �The development shall be function- ally and aesthetically compatible with De Anza College. It is understood between the Applicant and the City, that a represen�ative or representatives for the College will Ue consulted. The President of the College shall be notified of any Use Permit application, of any application for Architectural and Site Control, and of any in�ended revision of the Development Plan in regard to subject property,� " _7- PC_R15_ _Minutes �of _the ^ Atzgi�st _8, _1966_P? arining_Co:nmis s� on_i.� �i�_�� Comm.�Frolich.asked what steps are required to finalize the rezoning of this development of 12.8 acres. The Planning Director said a separate Ordinance could be introduced to amend the Plann2d Development Ordinance now requiring a minimum area of 25 acres for a Planned Pevelopment, but it would be simpler to make this ex- ception a part of the Ordinance rezoning this particular property. The Czty Attorney pointed out that this is a part of a parcel of 100 acres, and as this 12.8 acres falls into the l00 acre parcel, and there is no requirement of single ownership, it would suffice to state so as a '► WHEREAS" . Chrm. Hirshon questioned the advantage of go3.ng ahead with the rezoning to a"P" zoning since the Planning Commission may not be satisfied with the development plan presented by the Applicant. The applicant pointed out there is no incoine coming in on this propert3r, and it may become essential, to sell it. Hz felt something compatible to the overall develop- ment should be located here, something that would be to the best interest of the College. He has made an agree- ment with the College to act in their best interest and he would like to fulfill this promise, with his propased development plan. The College is apprehensive about residential prop�rty going in here. There followed a discussion on possible adverse compli- cations resulting from business failures which might occur in the future change of ownership in 5 years or so - will the same restrictions and conditions still be enforced? It was pointed out by the applicant and the Commission that this possibili.ty is precluded by the fact that the Planning Commission has restricted the type of use, and there is a certain degree of control in a Plan�ed Development. In addition, from a prac- tical. point of view there are leases involved and finances are predicated on this use. The applicant � pointed out, however, that he cannot guarantee what wi11 happen in the future. Chrm. Hirshon recommend�d ihe Commission follow the Planning Director's suggestion not to tie the applicant's developm�nt plan on a con- dition to the rezoning. In comments from the audience, Mr. Burrel Leonard of Vallco Park questioned why an.ything should`be done at this time in rezoning this prop2rty and felt the appli- cant sh�uld be given an oppprtuni'ty to find more in- terested customexs with high standards who would bring to Cupertino something compatible with the College. He -8- � PC_Rl�__i�iinuzes_of_the _lgu^_Pla:�zz:i����_cunu�����i��_�_r?ee�t�n� believes the Commission and the Council has a du�y to the Ci�y of Cupertino to bring in these businesses and customers. Also - why not more residential? The College, though necessary and b2neficial, is a tax-eating oper- ation; ?5 acres which is burning up public money and not generating �axes. To use 10 acres for residential is not necessarily to the best interest of the College or the community, and he felt the City should do everying in its power to proceed with this proposed development plan. The applicant does not know at this point what the average person desires. Mrs. Isabelle Atkinson asked the Commission if they had received a communication from the joint Santa Clara County-San Jose Planning Committee. She explained that this COTnTt27.,tt2E has ur�ed that only residential zoning be developed in the area of the College. She further stated that one of the members of this Committee indicated the County would ccnsider residential on property adjacent to the Coll2ge only if Cupertino does the same. Mrs. Atkinson con��inued that if this property is zoned to any- tning but residential we can look for the 10 acres SW of McClzllan Rd. and Stelling Rd. to be adversely zoned. She suggested that perh�,ps a library use could be considered compatible development for Beaulieu Estate. Mr. Don Bandley, 21�-9 Columbus, concurs with Mr. Leonard's comments and is in sympathy with the applicant's need for rezoning. He felt that since tize rezoning is contained with the applicant's and the College property he has no objection to the "P" zoning or commercial zoning. He � feels that in "P" zoning v�,rhich the applicant has accepted, to accomplish this end he endorses it as far as it is � related to thz College. i Mrs. Juanita MacLaren pointed out that this is a com- pletely different terrain than the Foothill College and the College was aware they were buying on a major �horough- fare. She felt this is not a good residential area, and s�ated that when the applicant first requested zoning she had recommended granting him his request. The applicant has practically given the City this land, which. is an asset to the City and she feels th� City should bend over backward to grant this applicant his request. The Planning Director, in referring to Mrs. Atkinson's comments of the joint Planning Committee, said. he rad made several statements before this Committee to the effect that it is Cupe,rtino policy that three sides of the Col�e�e should be kept residential, but not the �+th side, along �tevens Creek Blvd. To his knowledge, there was an � understanding between the Colleg� and Mr. Euphrat that r_o residential would be assigned here. The Committee made a -9- FC_R15__Mir�utes_of_the_August_8 resolution that recommending residential zoning in the County and the City of San Jose near the College was omitted from the wordirig. The Planning Director stated that Comm. Frolich had mentioned that conditions to this Resol�tion would be comparable to writing an entire new Ordinance, which is true. These conditions would be incorporated in the Ordinance rezoning this particular property, and would not app3� to any other development. Comm. Frolich stated that conditions might turn out not to be as secure as intended, and things might go wrong, but that one canriot achieve something unusually good without taking risks. Comm. Frolich:and the Planning Director agreed, that the advantagz to the City of making th� rzzoning now is, that the applicant has been very understanding � and cooperative, so this is a chance to initiate a development quite different from the.ordinary commercial project. If the concept could be worked out to be half as beautiful as Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, it would be the pride not only of Cupertino, but of the entire County, and might even be known over the entire �.S.A. Mrs. Ann Anger, Monta Vista, pointed out that she thought it would be ridiculous to locate residential pro�erty on Stevens Creek Blvd. Mrs. Atkinson felt some type of resi- dential zonin� could be retained near the College, not necessarily fr.onting on Stevens Creek Blvd. Moved by Comm. Bryson, seconded by Comm. Horgan to close the First Hearing. AYES: Comm. Bryson, Buthenuth, Frolich, Horgan, Hirshon NAYS: None Motion carried, 5-0 Chrm. Hirshon said he would favor this rezoning because of the flexibility that we need to insure that we get the right kind of development here. He wants to em- phasize the fact that we should �ot waive any rights to a development plan. In regard to the City entering into a Covenant between the applicant and the College, he would definitely vote against it. Moved by Comm. Frolich, seeond2d by Comm. Horgan that Application 6-Z-66 �e recommended to the City Council for approval, subject to the 12 Standard Conditions, subject to Condition 13, and to Condition 1�*, w�i�h will be based on the assumption, that the City will not � enter into a Covenanti between the Applicant and the - 10 - �#15 in the draft PC_R15__Minutes ^ of_th.�_Au�ust_8,_ 1966_Plai�nin�_Commission_Mee�cin� College, and will read as stated in t�e Plannin� Directo�'s memo of Au�;ust 8, with his verbal amen�:r,�ziit (see page 7, last par. , of thes� �l�.nu�es ) . Comm. Horgan questioned whether thz minimum area requir?- ment is part of the Appendix. The City Attorney pointed out that v1e should make a note that the requir2ment has been met because the subject property is a part of a 100-acre parcel; we should n�t call it an exception. Comm. Frolich amznded his motion by adding: WHEREAS, this 12.8 more or less acres is actually a part of an approximately 100 acre Planned Development, the majority which has already been planned, this Commission finds,this meets the requirement of the Planned Develop- ment Ordinance for 25 acres. Vote on the Amendment: AYES: Comm. Bryson, Buthenuth, Frolich, Horgan, Hirshon NAYS : 1V'one Motion carried, 5-0 Vote on the Motion: AYES: Comm. Bryson, Frolich, Horgan, Hirshon NAYS: Comm. Buthenuth I � Motion carried, �+-1 Chrm. Hirshon advised the applicant that this Applic�.tion will be brought before the City Council on September 6, ���. 1966 (Tuesday). i ZIIT UNFINISHED BUSINESS i 81,012 Comm. Horr�an thanked the staff for preparing requested in- formatior� on the Gemco Service Station Building Permit, which was issued in error, and was built by the owner, be- lieving his permit was valid. The City Attorney will review this si�uation and report at the next Commission meeting. The Assistant Planner explairled the situation, that the � buildings as they presently er.ist are 80' longer than the 150' lot mentioned on the Use P�rmit and, further, that they are not conducting the same type of business as was � originally presented to the Ci�y. The Building Departm�nt - 11 - PC_R15_ issued a Buildi,ng Permit , although the Use Permit did not allow additional buildings or diffzrent uses. The owner assumed everything was in order after he receivzd the Building Permit, and proceeded with his building. VIII NEW BUSINESS There was none. IX . ADJOURNMENT Moved by Chrm. Hirshon, seconded by Comm. Bryson, to adjourn the meeting at 10;00 P.M, � Motion carried, 5-0 APPROVED: /s/ Jack Hirshon Chairman Planning Commission a � ATTEST: � � � (,_ � (�'� (� .�, �:, .;f.; ;,z ,�� Adde Laurin Director of Planning - 12 -