Director's Report OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
C U P E RT I N 4 (408) 777-3308 • FAX (408) 777-3333 • planning@cupertino.org
Subject: Report of the Community Development Director �b-/
/
Planning Commission Agenda Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The City Council met on May 3, 2011 and discussed the following item(s) of interest to the
Planning Commission:
1. Green Buildin� Ordinance - The City Council requested that staff incorporate the changes
from the meeting into the draft ordinance and bring the draft ordinance back to the
Council in one year (May 2012) for review and consideration. The Council requested that
the draft ordinance be available for public review during the one year time period to
allow public review and comment on the draft ordinance. Attached is an updated draft
Green Building Ordinance.
2. CDBG - City Council approved the allocation of funds for the 2011-2012 Fiscal year.
Miscellaneous Items:
1. Earth Day Festival - Rick and Erin successfully coordinated, convened, and hosted the 3rd
Annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April9th. The Festival's 80 nonprofit and green
technology partners engaged over 2,500 community guests with a variety of activities
ranging from workshops on organic food, solar energy, and water efficient gardening; to
live musical performances; to live storytelling and eco-arts-and-crafts including tee-shirt
tote bag making and environmental face painting. In 2010 this same event had 45
environmental partners and 750 attendees. The Festival also received a great deal of news
coverage this year. Cupertino's Earth Day event was featured in the Earth Day Network's
National Press Release, in the Cupertino Courier, Yahoo News Local, and the Cupertino
Patch (photo-gallery).
2. Mandarin Business Seminar - On Wednesday, 4/ 27, the Cupertino Chamber's Asian
American Business Council partnered again with several agencies to present SCORE's
"So, You Want to Start Your Own Business?" class in Mandarin. Community Hall was
filled with 35 participants, and local media representatives. The class was taught by local
State Farm Agent, and Chamber Member, Catherine Chen, and Mayor Wong welcomed
the group. This was AABC's fourth time offering the class in Mandarin or Cantonese. The
class included a panel of five small business owners representing Accounting, Financial
Planning, Food Service, Graphic Design, and Real Estate. Partners included The City of
Cupertino, the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, and NOVA. A new partner was
the Cupertino Library who brought translated materials highlighting business resources.
Library staff also promoted an upcoming Mandarin Small Business Class that will
demonstrate these resources on Saturday, June 18th from 2-3pm in the same location.
3. Bic,ycle FriendlX Community Award - The League of American Bicyclists has designated
Cupertino a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Bronze level. This award is presented
only to communities with remarkable commitments to bicycling. Sunnyvale, Mountain
View and Santa Clara are also Bronze, so we're in good company. The League will be
publicizing this nationally on Apri130th and we will receive a press release on Friday.
The League is also looking forward to working with us to promote this accomplishment
and asks that we hold our announcement of the award until Apri130th.
Upcoming Dates:
May 14/15 Friends of the Library Book Sale, Community Hall, Sat. 9-4 pm/Sun.12-3 pm
June 1 CREST Awards Ceremony, Community Hall, 7 to 9 p.m.
Enclosures:
Draft Green Building Ordinance
News Articles
G: � Planning � AartiS � Director's Report � pd5-10-1 l.doc
2
ORDINANCE N0.11-2076
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
AMENDING CHAPTER 16.58 OF THE CUPERTINO MUNICIPAL CODE TO
AMEND THE GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE TO INCLUDE LOCAL
GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
WHEREAS, the City Council authorized staff on January 19, 2010 to proceed with the
development of a green building ordinance incorporating green building
measures; and
WHEREAS, green building is a"whole systems" approach to the design, construction,
location, and operation of buildings and structures to help mitigate the
environmental, economic and social impacts of construction, demolition and
renovation of buildings and structures; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Resources and Sustainability Element of the City of
Cupertino's General Plan 2000-2020 recognizes that the community's
environmental resources are fragile, invaluable and interrelated, and protecting
and sustaining the City's viable ecological communities and environmental
resources will result in the protection of both the human and natural
environments; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cupertino's General Plan 2000-2020 sets forth policies
recognizing that the essential components of green building design and planning
include consideration of location, site planning, energy efficiency, material
efficiency and water efficiency; and
WHEREAS, the California Green Building Standards Code Section 101.7 provides that a
local government may establish more stringent building standards if they are
reasonably necessary due to local climactic, geologic, topographical or
environmental conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cupertino has already adopted ordinances to further green
building measures, including the California Green Building Standards Code, the
Landscaping Ordinance to reduce water waste, Recycling and Diversion of
Construction and Demolition Waste Ordinance, and Stormwater Pollution and
Prevention and Watershed Protection; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cupertino intends to adopt local amendments to the California
Green Building Standards Code by establishing green building requirements
exceeding the Mandatory Requirements of the 2010 California Green Building
Standards Code; and
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WHEREAS, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 6615 to recommend
adoption of green building measures in a green building ordinance as a result of
conducting public hearings on October 12, 2010 and October 26, 2010; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that amending Chapter 16.58, Green
Building Standards Code, is necessary to incorporate local green building
requirements; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cupertino conducted properly noticed
public hearings on February 1, 2011 and May 3, 2011; and
WHEREAS, adoption of the ordinance will improve the environment and is in the
public interest.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO HEREBY
ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Title 16 of the Cupertino Municipal Code is hereby amended by the
adoption of amendments to Chapter 16.58 as set forth in Exhibit A.
Section 2. The City Council adopts the findings for local amendments to the
California Green Building Standards Code, 2010 Edition, attached hereto as
Exhibit B and incorporated herein by reference.
Section 3. Because this project will assure the maintenance, restoration,
enhancement, or protection of the environment and does not relax the regulation
of construction activities or standards allowing environmental degradation, this
project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15308.
Section 4. Should any provision of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or
circumstance, be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unlawful,
unenforceable or otherwise void, that determination shall have no effect on any
other provision of this Ordinance or the application of this Ordinance to any
other person or circumstance and, to that end, the provisions hereof are
severable.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force on and after January 1,
2012 as provided by Government Code Section 36937.
Section 6. 'I'he City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance
and shall give notice of its adoption as required by law. Pursuant to Government Code
Section 36933, a summary of this Ordinance may be published and posted in lieu of
publication and posting of the entire text.
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INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the Cupertino City Council the day
of 2011 and ENACTED at a regular meeting of the Cupertino City Council
on this of 2011 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Kimberly Smith Gilbert Wong
City Clerk, City of Cupertino Mayor, City of Cupertino
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Exhibit A
City of Cupertino
CHAPTER 16.58: GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE ADOPTED
16.58.010 Code Adoption.
The provisions of the 2010 California Green Building Standards Code and each and all of
the regulations, provisions, conditions and terms of the code is referred to as if fully set forth in
this chapter, and is by such reference adopted.
One (1) copy of the code therefore is on file in the office of the Building Official pursuant
to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d)(1) and is made available for public inspection.
16.58.015 Adoption of Appendix Chapters
No Appendix Chapters from the 2010 California Green Building Standards Code have
been adopted.
16.58.040 Local Amendments
The following provisions of this Chapter shall constitute local amendments to the cross-
referenced provisions of the California Green Building Standards Code, 2010 Edition, and shall
be deemed to amend the cross-referenced sections of said Code with the respective provisions
set forth in this Chapter.
16.58.050 Section 101.1- Amended
Amend Section 101.1 to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Green Building
Standards Code as amended by the City of Cupertino and may be cited as such and will be
referred to herein as "this code." The California Green Building Standards Code as amended by
the City of Cupertino is an amendment to Part 11 of 12 parts of the official compilation and
publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California
Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code.
16.58.070 Section 101.3 - Amended
Amend Section 101.3 to read as follows:
101.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the planning, design, operation,
construction, use and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure, unless
99582.2
otherwise indicated in this code for the City of Cupertino.
The California Green Building Standards Code also is hereby amended to apply to additions,
renovations and tenant improvements of privately-owned buildings and structures in
accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
It is not the intent that this code substitute or be identified as meeting the certification
requirements of any private, third party green building program.
16.58.100 Section 101.10 - Amended.
Amend Section 101.10 to read as follows:
101.10 Mandatory requirements. This code contains mandatory green building
measures. In addition, this Chapter contains required minimum green building measures as
amended by the City of Cupertino. All new buildings and structures, additions, renovations
and tenant improvements subject to requirements in Table 101.10 shall comply with the
mandatory measures of the 2010 California Green Building Standards Code as adopted by the
state in addition to local amendments included in this code, regardless of height or number of
stories, unless specifically exempted by this code.
16.58.110 Section 101.10.1- Added
Add Section 101.10.1 to read as follows:
101.10.1 Project Types - as set forth in Table 101.10.
16.58.120 Section 101.10.1.1- Added.
Add Section 101.10.1.1 to read as follows:
101.10.1.1 Residential projects - as set for in Table 101.10.
16.58.130 Section 101.10.1.1.1- Added
Add Section 101.10.1.1.1 to read as follows:
101.10.1.1.1 Residential new construction - Less than nine (9) homes - as set forth in
Table 101.10.
16.58.140 Section 101.10.1.1.2 -- Added:
Add Section 101.10.1.1.2 to read as follows:
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101.10.1.1.2 Residential new construction - Nine (9) homes or more - as set forth in
Table 101.10.
16.58.150 Section 101.10.1.1.3 -- Added
Add Section 101.10.1.1.3 to read as follows:
101.10.1.1.3 Major multi-family residential renovations/additions - as set forth in
Table 101.10. Requirements shall only apply to the area of renovation/addition.
16.58.160 Section 101.10.1.1.4 - Added
Add Section 101.10.1.1.4 to read as follows:
101.10.1.1.4 Non-residential new construction, small - as set forth in Table 101.10.
16.58.170 Section 101.10.1.1.5 - Added
Add Section 101.10.1.1.5 to read as follows:
101.10.1.1.5 Non-residential new construction, medium -- as set forth in Table 101.10.
16.58.180 Section 101.10.1.1.6 - Added
Add Section 101.10.1.1.6 to read as follows:
101.10.1.1.6 Non-residential new construction, large -- as set forth in Table 101.10.
16.58.190 Section 101.10.1.1.7 - Added
Add Section 101.10.1.1.7 to read as follows:
101.10.1.1.7 Non-residential renovations/additions, minor -- as set forth in
Table 101.10. Requirements shall only apply to the scope of work of renovation/addition.
16.58.200 Section 101.10.1.1.8 - Added
Add Section 101.10.1.1.8 to read as follows:
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101.10.1.1.8 Non-residential renovations/additions, major -- as set forth in
Table 101.10. Requirements shall only apply to the area of renovation/addition.
16.58.210 Section 101.10.1.1.9 - Added
Add Section 101.10.1.1.9 to read as follows:
101.10.1.1.9 Mixed-Use -- as set forth in Table 101.10.
16.58.220 Table 101.10 - Added
Add Table 101.10 to read as follows:
Project Type Minimum Green Building Required Verification
Requfrement
Residential
Single Family and Multi- . Exempt None
Family homes < 9 homes:
Single Family and Multi- • GPR certified at Minimum: Third Party.
Family homes ? 9 homes: minimum 50 points or
• LEED Silver Certified
or
• Alternate Reference
Standard per Section Alternate Reference Standard:
101.10.2 Third Party.
Non-Residential
Small, <_ 10,000 SF: • CALGreen Mandatory* Minimum: City Review
per Chapter 5 of the
California Green
Building Standards
Code
Mid-size,10,001- 50,000 SF: . Intent of LEED Minimum: City Review.
Certified or
• Alternate Reference Alternate Reference Standard:
99saz.z
Project Type Minimum Green Building Required Verification
Requirement
Standard per Section Third Party.
101.10.2
Large, 50,001 or more SF: • LEED Silver Minimum: Third Party.
Certification or
• Alternate Reference Alternate Reference Standard:
Standard per Section Third Party.
101.10.2
a. Residential
i. Single-family • Exempt None
ii. Multi-family (minor): • Exempt None
iii. Multi-family (major): • Intent of GPR Minimum: City Review
Renovations and/or minimum 50 pts (except for LEED EBOM
additions with a Floor Area �applicable only to the which shall require Third
Ratio (FAR) increase ? 50% area of renovation/ Party).
and at least 10,000 square feet, addition) or
and replace or alter the . Intent of LEED
HVAC system and at least Certified or LEED
two of the following: building EBOM Certified or
envelope, hot water system
• Alternate Reference
and lighting system:
Standard per Section
• 101.10.2
Alternate Reference Standard:
Third Party.
b. Non-Residential
i. Minor: Renovations and/ or • CALGreen Mandatory* Minimum: City Review.
additions that do not meet the per Chapter 5 of the (Applicable only to the scope
higher thresholds for "major California Green of work of the
renovations and additions" in Building Standards addition/renovation)
the cell below. Code
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Project Type Minimum Green Building Required Verification
Requirement
ii. Major. Renovations and/or
additions that comprise at
least 10,000 square feet, and
replace or alter the HVAC
system and two of the
following: building envelope,
hot water system, and
lighting system.
• 10,000 - 50,000 square feet . Intent of LEED Minimum: 10,000 - 50,000
Certified (applicable square feet - City Review
only to the area of (except for LEED EBOM
renovation/ addition) option which requires current
or LEED EBOM Third Party certification.
Certified or
• Alternate Reference
Standard per Section
101.10.2 Alternate Reference Standard:
Third Party.
• 50,001 or greater square feet • LEED Certified
(applicable only to the
area of renovation/ Minimum: 50,001 or greater
addition) or LEED square feet - Third Party.
EBOM Certified or
Alternate Reference Standard:
• Alternate Reference Third Party.
Standard per Section
101.10.2
Mixed-Use
For new and renovation/addition projects with residential and non-residential components, the
use shall comply by either:
1. Meeting the applicable requirements for each use; or
2. Meeting the applicable requirements for the use that comprises the majarity of the
project's square footage.
Notes: "Ma�or" renovations and/or additions" a 1 onl to the area o the renovation/addition, unless
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Project Type Minimum Green Building Required Verification
Requirement
the LEED EBOM Certified option is selected in which case the entire building must have a current
certification.
*Chapter 5 of the California Green Building Standards Code (Cal Green Mandatory) requirements shall
only be applied to elements included in the scope of a project.
16.58.230 Section 101.10.2 - Added
Add Section 101.10.2 to read as follows:
101.10.2 Alternate green building standards. The applicant may request to apply an
alternate green building reference standard for a project in lieu of the minimum standards per
Table 101.10. In making a determination in response to an application under this section, the
Building Official may allow an alternate reference standard if he/she finds that the proposed
alternative reference green building rating system complies with all of the following:
A. Addresses a comprehensive scope of green building issues including energy efficiency,
water efficiency, resource efficient materials, and healthy building practices;
B. Applies standards that are, when taken as a whole, as stringent as the GPR and LEED
standards;
C. Includes a formalized certification process that incorporates third party verification; and
D. The project will advance the purposes of this Chapter.
16.58.240 Section 102.3 - Amended
Amend Section 102.3 to read as follows:
102.3 Verification. Documentation of conformance for applicable green building
measures shall be provided to the City of Cupertino. Verification that the project meets the
applicable environmental standards occurs through either the Third Party or City Review
verification process per the requirements in Table 101.10. Tlie following lists the verification
requirements for Third Party and City Review verification, and alternative methods:
A. Third Party Certification. A project will be required to meet the Third Party certification
process if the City determines that the project meets or exceeds the applicable thresholds
listed in Table 101.10. The applicant shall submit all of the following to the City, in
addition to other application requirements, to assist the City in determination
compliance with the green building requirements:
a. Plannin�Application. A green building checklist that includes cross-references to
appropriate locations in the construction documents for all prerequisites and
selected points or credits that demonstrates that the proposed project meets the
applicable minimum requirements.
b. Buildin� Permit.
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i. Proof of project registration with administrating body of the applicable reference
standard, and
ii. A green building checklist that includes cross-references to appropriate locations
in the construction documents for all prerequisites and selected points or credits;
that demonstrate that the proposed project meets the applicable minimum
requirements, and
c. Green Building deposit in an amount that may be set from time to time by resolution
of the City Council. The applicant may provide the deposit in the form of cash or in
any other form that the City finds acceptable to meet the purposes of this Section.
The full amount of the deposit shall be returned upon the certification document
being provided per 102.3 (A)(c). If however, the project does not meet the
requirements of this Chapter, as applied to the project, then the City shall retain the
full amount of the deposit, and shall use the deposit solely to advance the purposes
of this Chapter.
d. Within 18 months of Final Occupancy - Provide certification document for LEED,
GPR or alternate rating standard in a form accepted by the City per Table 101.10.
B. City Review. A project will meet the City Review process if the City determines that the
project meets or exceeds the applicable thresholds set forth in Table 101.10 and the
applicant submits all of the following to the City in addition to other application
requirements, to assist the City in making that determination:
a. Planning A�plication.
i. A green building checklist per Section 102.3(A)(a).
b. Building Permit.
i. A green building checklist per Section 102.3(A)(b)(ii), and
ii. A refundable deposit to defray the City's costs of verifying that the building is
designed to the applicable minimum requirements.
16.58.260 Section 102.3.1 - Added
Added Section 102.3.1 to read as follows:
102.3.1 Exemptions. The Building Official shall determine the maximum feasible
threshold of compliance reasonably achievable for the project. Projects that are exempted from
the requirements of the California Green Building Standards Code as amended by the City of
Cupertino shall meet the requirement in section A and at least one of the requirements in
sections B-D:
A. Projects that demonstrate that it is not feasible for the project to fully meet the green
building requirements and that the purposes of this chapter will have been achieved
to the maximum extent possible shall be exempted only for the specific rating system
prerequisite that has been determined to be infeasible.
B. Projects that demonstrate compliance with this code but which will conflict with the
Cupertino General Plan and/ or Municipal Code Ordinance, such as those requiring
historic preservation as determined by the Director of Community Development; or
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C. Projects that demonstrate compliance with this code but which will conflict with the
California Building Standards Code; or
D. Projects with atypical energy-related design requirements and/ or patterns of use
that make compliance with the thresholds of this code infeasible.
16.58.280 Section 202 - Amended
Amend Section 202 to add or amend the following definitions:
A. "Building Envelope" means the separation between the interior and the exterior
environments of a building in order to provide structural integrity, moisture control,
temperature control, and air pressure control. The principal physical components of the
building envelope include the foundation, roof, walls, and windows.
B. "Decision maker' means the person or entity with final approval authority over the
underlying project.
C. "Green Building Checklist" means a checklist, typically with prerequisites and credits
and/or points that is developed by the administrators of green building certification
systems and used to determine whether a development project can achieve certification.
D. "Green Point Rated (GPR)" means a residential green building rating system developed by
Build It Green. Projects can use any of the adopted GPR checklists that most appropriately
apply to the project type proposed.
E. "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)" means a green building rating
system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council for residential and non-residential
projects. Projects can use any of the adopted LEED checklists that most appropriately apply
to the project type proposed.
F. "Minimum Green Building Requirement" means the minimum green building requirement
that applies to a particular project, as listed in column 2 of Table 101.10.
G. "Required Verification" means the standards that correspond to the requirements of a
particular green building rating system and project type, as listed in column 3 of Table
101.10, for which verification procedures are fully set forth in Section 102.3.
H. "Feasible" means capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable
period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, social, and technological
factors.
16.58.290 Section 303.1.1-- Amended
Amend Section 103.1.1 to read as follows:
303.1.1 Tenant improvements. The provisions of this code shall apply to the applicable
tenant or occupant improvements to a project.
16.58.300 Section 4.304.1.1- Added
Add Section 4.304.1.1 to read as follows:
4.304.1.1 Compliance with local water-efficient landscape ordinance. Residential
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projects must comply with the City of Cupertino's Landscape Ordinance, pursuant to Chapter
14.15 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
16.58.310 Section 5.304.1.1- Added
Add Section 5.304.1.1 to read as follows:
5.304.1.1 Compliance with local water-efficient landscape ordinance. Non-residential
projects must comply with the City of Cupertino's Landscape Ordinance, pursuant to Chapter
14.15 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
99582.2
Exhibit B
Findings for Amendments to the California Green Building Standards Code
In accordance with the Health and Safety Code Sections 17958,17958.5, and 17958.7, the
City Council must make findings for each proposed local change to the provisions of
the California Building Standards Code, including green building standards, to support
its determination that each such local amendment is reasonably necessary based on
climatic, topographical or geological conditions.
In adopting the amendments to Chapter 16.58 of the Cupertino Municipal Code
pertaining to the California Green Building Standards Code, the City Council of the
City of Cupertino finds as follows:
A. General Findings Related to Green Building Requirements in Cupertino
1. Green building is a"whole systems" approach to the design, construction,
location, and operation of buildings and structures to help mitigate the
environmental, economic and social impacts of construction, demolition and
renovation of buildings and structures.
2. The Environmental Resources and Sustainability Element of the City of
Cupertino's General Plan 2000-2010 recognizes that the community's
environmental resources are fragile, invaluable and interrelated, and
protecting and sustaining the City's viable ecological communities and
environmental resources will result in the protection of both the human and
natural environments.
3. City of Cupertino's General Plan 2000-2010 sets forth policies recognizing that
the essential components of green building design and planning include
consideration of:
a. Location
b. Site planning
c. Energy efficiency
d. Material efficiency
e. Water efficiency
99582.2
4. The City of Cupertino previously adopted ordinances to further green
building measures, including the California Green Building Standards Code,
the Landscaping Ordinance to reduce water waste, Recycling and Diversion
of Construction and Demolition Waste Ordinance, and Stormwater Pollution
and Prevention and Watershed Protection.
B. Findings for Local Amendments to the 2010 California Green Building Standards
Code (16.58 of the Cupertino Municipal Code)
1. The City Council authorized staff on January 19, 2010 to proceed with the
development of a green building ordinance incorporating green building
measures.
2. Green building is a"whole systems" approach to the design, construction,
location, and operation of buildings and structures to help mitigate the
environmental, economic and social impacts of construction, demolition and
renovation of buildings and structures.
3. The Environmental Resources and Sustainability Element of the City of
Cupertino's General Plan 2000-2010 recognizes that the community's
environmental resources are fragile, invaluable and interrelated, and
protecting and sustaining the City's viable ecological communities and
environmental resources will result in the protection of both the human and
natural environments.
4. City of Cupertino's General Plan 2000-2010 sets forth policies recognizing that
the essential components of green building design and plaruling include
consideration of:
a. Location
b. Site plannulg
c. Energy efficiency
d. Material efficiency
e. Water efficiency
5. California Assembly Bill 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, Health
and Safety Code §38500 et seq.) requires actions on the part of the State and
local governments to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
such that statewide GHG emissions in 2020 are lowered to 1990 levels.
6. Green building regulations further the Sustainability Principles of the General
Plan involving building and land development, disposal of construction and
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demolition debris, storm water quality and floor protection, tree protection,
water conservation, landscaping and resource conservation.
7. Built It Green is acknowledged in promoting and defining residential green
building by development of its Green Point Rated Rating System.
8. The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) administers the U.S. Green
Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environxnental Design)
Rating System.
9. Green building techniques are widespread in residential and non-residential
building construction, and such techniques can unpact the City's
environxnent, greenhouse gas emissions, resource usage, energy efficiency,
water usage, waste management, and the health and productivity of
residents, workers and visitors over the life of the building.
10. Requiring green building measures is necessary to achieve public health and
welfare benefits to the community.
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�� ' � ���
Cupertino looks into installing electric car charging
stations at city hall
By Matt Wilson
mwilsonCa)community-newspapers.com
Posted: 04/21/2011 08:09:09 PM PDT
The city of Cupertino plans to leverage grant money to bring electric car charging stations
near city hall and the Cupertino Library. The council unanimously voted earlier this month
to bring stations to Rodrigues Avenue.
The city is accepting a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and plans to partner with
Coulomb Technologies, a Campbell-based business that deploys charging stations in
municipalities, utilities, office buildings and parking garages. The company, founded by
former Cupertino mayor Richard Lowenthal, is creating a network of electric vehicle
charging stations, accessible to all plug-in drivers through a single-use or monthly
subscription model.
City staff told the council that an electric vehicle charging station would help the city again
acquire and use electric vehicles as part of its fleet. The stations will be open to the public
for use.
Most of the installation cost to the city will be covered by a California Energy Commission
Grant, and the Department of Energy grant, which uses funds from the American
Reinvestment and Recovery Act, will cover nearly the entire cost of the project. The city will
work with REJ Electric Company on the installation of a charging station.
City staff originally asked the council to place a single charging station in the city hall
parking lot at the site of a previous charging station that was there in the late 1990s.
Wiring and conduits already exist in the parking lot from when the city had a fleet of four
electric Toyota RAV4s. The cars were recalled in 2002, and the charging stations were
removed.
Some council members were concerned about creating a designated spot for electric
charging stations when the city hall and library parking lots are already struggling with
parking. Council members felt it would be wiser to spend extra money to run wires to
Rodrigues Avenue and create new parking spaces on the street.
According to a city staff report, a transition to electric vehicles could cost the city about 2
cents per mile to operate, compared to 20 cents per mile for a conventional gas car with
gas at $4 per gallon.
For more information about Coulomb Technologies and the ChargePoint America program,
visit www.coulombtech.com.
��� ' ' ��� L..��I
Upcoming Cupertino seminar to talk biz, but exclusively in
Mandarin
By Matt Wilson
mwilsonCa�community-newspapers.com
Posted : 04/21/2011 08:13: 00 PM PDT
Starting a business is not for everyone, and the decision to become an entrepreneur requires
plenty of forethought and preparation, especially in a time of such economic uncertainty. A
one-day class for Mandarin speakers is set for April 27 to make sure that the seriousness of
starting a business does not get lost in translation.
"Should I Start a Business," a seminar put on by a number of business organizations, will be
held exclusively in Mandarin on April 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. in Cupertino Community Hall,
10350 Torre Ave. All materials, lectures and presentations will be in Mandarin.
The free seminar focuses on the questions prospective Mandarin-speaking entrepreneurs
should ask themselves before jumping into business ownership. The program helps Chinese
residents with understanding the nuances and early hurdles of starting a business.
The seminar is sponsored by the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce's Asian American Business
Council in partnership with the city of Cupertino, SCORE, NOVA, the city of Milpitas and the
Milpitas Chamber of Commerce.
Seminar topics include today's business climate, the current role of small business,
requirements to succeed in business, steps to getting started in business, preliminary market
research for a new business and creating business plans.
The seminar targets the emerging entrepreneur who is looking to start small. Beyond
language, the course is unique in that it's more about the feasibility of starting a business
than about tips on how to start a business. A first class was held in October 2009 that saw 60
attendees instead of the expected 20. The popularity inspired organizers to host another class
in February last year.
Vicky Tsai, a Cupertino small-business owner and member of the business council, said that
the class is serving an important need for the Asian business community.
"When we first presented the class in Mandarin two years ago, the room was overflowing.
There is clearly a need to provide educational support for micro- and home-based businesses
within a meaningful cultural context," she said.
The class will also feature a panel of small-business owners who will share their experiences
with participants. Catherine Chen, a local business owner and State Farm insurance agent,
will lead the discussion. Chen recently earned a STAR Award from the Cupertino Chamber for
owning the "small business of the year."
The Asian American Business Council is a part of the Cupertino Chamber and promotes an
inter-ethnic business environment in the Cupertino community The business council's services
include business networking, promotions, advocacy and assistance. For more information
about the seminar, visit www.cupertino-chamber.ora.
Five Things To Know About Cupertino
Government, The Neighborhood Files
Earthy Goodness of Cupertino
If you feel like you didn't do enough to celebrate Earth Day, relax. Your city does it for you.
By Anne Ernst � Email the author � April 22, 2011
Cupertino celebrated Earth Day last weekend at it's annual Earth Day Festival, but the city is
pretty green year-round. Here are five Earthy things that Cupertino offers in terms of free
classes or services for its residents. It'll make your friends who don't live in Cupertino pea-green
with envy.
Free Worm Compost Class
Residents who attend these free classes to learn the benefits of composting can get a free bin
after completion. Worms are nature's decomposers, and your garden will thank you for including
the compost they produce.
The next scheduled class is May 18 from 7-9 p.m. at Cupertino's Community Hall, 10300 Torre
Ave. To register, contact the Cupertino Public Works office at 408-777-3354 or
environmental@cupertino.org.
Master Gardeners Lecture: Shrink Your Lawn
Lawns are thirsty beasts, so reducing the size of your lawn is an Earth-friendly practice. A free
lecture by a Master Gardener will show you how to incorporate native plants that will also attract
beneficial bugs to your garden. Less lawn and native plants may mean less yard work, too.
The lecture will be Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Cupertino Community Hall.
Glorious Compost
To the plants in your garden, compost is like decadent chocolate to a human sweet tooth—it
gets gobbled up and provides a glow. Cupertino gives compost free to residents on Friday and
Saturday mornings from 8:30-11 a.m. until Oct. 22.
Weather restrictions apply, so check the city's website for details. Proper identification is
necessary, too, but after that all you need is a shovel and carrying containers for that sweet treat
that will have your flowers and other plants humming a happy tune.
The city's compost site is across from the dam on Stevens Canyon Road.
View the compost site schedule and information here. For recorded information, call 408-777-
1320, or city offices at 408-777-3354.
Clean Up The Creek
Debris gets blown around and trash gets tossed into our waterways, and it's good for the entire
region to pitch in and keep them clean. The city will host a community clean up day as part of
National River Cleanup Day on May 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at Creekside Park, 10455 Miller
Ave.
Volunteers and city staff will work together in the areas around Calabazas Creek. It's a great
way to spend the day with family or friends, and to teach kids about caring for our Earth and the
importance of community service work.
To register to volunteer, contact the public works department at 408-777-3354 or email
environmental@cupertino.org. For more information, call the number above or visit the city's
website.
It's Not Garbage; it's Compost Ingredients
Cupertino and its waste-collection service, Recology, offer a food waste and yard waste pick-up
service, something that gives Cupertino bragging rights over neighboring San Jose.
Food and yard waste is included in Cupertino's recycling and composting program, so if you are
not inclined to have your own compost pile or bin at home, the city will do it for you. Another
feather in its green cap is the pick-up service of household hazardous waste and used cooking
oil.
The Rafu Shrimpo
Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival Set for April3o-May 1
CUPERTINO — The 28 annual Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on Saturday
and Sunday, April 30-May 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Park on Stevens Creek
Boulevard, across from DeAnza College.
The spring celebration, honors Cupertino's sister-city relationship with Toyokawa, Aichi
Prefecture. In 1983, a delegation from Toyokawa visited Cupertino to present a gift of 200
cherry trees, which were planted in Memorial Park to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the
sister-city program. As the trees have grown, the bonds between the cities and their people
have also grown.
The festival features Japanese and American food; outdoor entertainment by taiko groups,
classical Japanese dancers, martial arts schools and musical groups; a large koi display; indoor
Japanese cultural displays, demonstrations, and musical performances at the Cupertino Senior
Center; over 60 arts and crafts booths; and a special children's play area with hands-on
activities.
To raise funds for disaster relief in Japan, special T-shirts sponsored by the Cupertino-
Toyokawa Sister City Program will be sold for $15 each.
This year's special guest artist is Bay Area koto instructor Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto, who
performs both traditional and contemporary koto pieces as well as jazz. She started learning
koto from her mother at age 5 and has trained hundreds of students, including her son, Brian
Mitsuhiro Wong, who has followed in her footsteps as a koto teacher and composer. She is
currently doing research on traditional Japanese artists in the World War II internment camps.
For more information, visit www.skmkoto.com.
Admission is free. Parking is available at DeAnza College for $2. For more information, visit
www.cupertinotoyokawa.org or call festival chair Asif Kausar at (408) 940-5287.
Amphitheater Schedule
April 30
11 a.m.: Opening remarks by emcee Bill Nishimoto
11:05 a.m.: Sunnyvale Suzuki Violinists
11:30 a.m.: Taiko Motion
12 p.m.: Introduction of exchange students by Cupertino Unified School District Board members
and Cupertino City Council members
12:10 p.m.: Fine Arts Commission: "Art, Culture, Community"
12:15 p.m.: San Jose Taiko
1 p.m.: Bando Japanese Classical Dance Troupe
1:20 p.m.: Satsuma Dojo (karate)
1:50 p.m.: Northern California Naginata Federation
2:20 p.m.: Cupertino Judo Club
2:50 p.m.: Aikido of Silicon Valley
3:20 p.m.: Halau Na Wai Ola Hula Dance Troupe
3:50 p.m: Watsonville Taiko
4:35 p.m.: Closing remarks by Bill Nishimoto
May 1
11 a.m.: Opening remarks
11:05 a.m.: Miwa-Kai Dance Group
11:30 a.m.: Palo Alto Kendo
12 p.m.: Western Aikido Yosho Kai
12:30 p.m.: Stanford Taiko
1:15 p.m.: Okaigan Dojo (children's karate)
1:45 p.m.: Kodenkan Jujitsu Dojo
2:15 p.m.: Cupertino Judo Club
2:45 p.m.: Aikido of Silicon Valley
3:15 p.m.: Yamato Buyo Kenkyusho (classical dance)
3:45 p.m.: Emeryville Taiko
4:30 p.m.: Closing remarks
Cupertino Senior Center – Reception Room
April 30
12:10 p.m.: Aloha Nani Hula Dancers
1 p.m.: Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto and Brian Wong Koto Studio
2:20 p.m. Essence with Masayuki Koga (shakuhachi) and Jimi Nakagawa (taiko)
3:10 p.m.: Aikido of San Jose (instructor: Jack Wada)
3:50 p.m.: SFJS (San Francisco Japanese School) Parents' Chorus and Marimo-Kai Koto
Group
May 1
12 p.m.: Rinka (Japanese traditional fusion dance)
1 p.m.: Tea ceremony demonstration by Urasenke Soko Kobara Shachu
2:10 p.m.: Shamisen by Hideki Kai and students (instructor: Hideko Nakajima)
2:35 p.m.: Michiya Hanayagi Dance Group (classical dance)
3 p.m.: Kiyonomoto Ryu (classical dance — instructors: Minako Ohara and Kazuko Nishimura