.02 M-2007-01 Masayoshi Fujioka
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT FORM
Application:
Agenda Date:
Applicant:
Owner:
Location:
M-2007-01 (Six-month review)
March 25, 2008
Masayoshi Fujioka (Kikusushi Restaurant)
Philip P. LaBarbera
1655 S. De Anza Boulevard, APN 366-10-061
APPLICATION SUMMARY:
Consider a six-month review of a Modification to a previously-approved Use Permit (20-
U-99) to extend the hours of operation of an existing restaurant to 9:30 p.m. Sunday
through Thursday (with patrons/ employees leaving by 11 p.m.), and to 10 p.m. on Friday
and Saturday (with patrons/ employees leaving by 12 a.m.)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends no changes to Resolution No. 6487 approving the Modification to the
previously-approved Use Permit (20-U-99) as a result of the six month review.
BACKGROUND:
On September 25, 2007, the Planning Commission voted (4-0) to grant a Modification to a
previously-approved use permit with a six-month review, allowing Kikusushi Restaurant
to temporarily extend its hours of operation to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday (with
patrons/ employees leaving by 11 p.m.) and to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (with
patrons/ employees leaving by 12 a.m.) during a trial period to determine if the extended
hours would impact the adjacent residences. The Commission also requested that this
item be brought back to the Commission at the end of the six-month period to allow the
Commission to consider whether to continue granting of the Modification permit, thereby
continuing to allow the extended hours of operation.
Additionally, the Commission requested that staff add a new condition requiring that the
service door on the west elevation of the.restaurant not be permitted to remain open at
any time, and that staff also review the conditions of approval for the Use Permit (U-20-
99) to determine if the applicant is in compliance with the conditions pertaining to
lighting on site and the ventilation system for the restaurant.
The Commission also heard from several members of the public during the public
hearing who expressed concerns about extending the hours of operation due to noise
generated from the heating/ air conditioning system at Kikusushi and glare from the
parking lot lighting from the shopping center, and also due to previous code violations
from a previous restaurant tenant that occupied this particular space between 1998 and
2003 (Sam Wang Restaurant). The previous Sam Wang Restaurant had a history of code
violations pertaining to an illegal karaoke use and illegal late night hours of operation
that created excessive noise in the neighborhood. The manager of Kikusushi Restaurant,
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M-2007-01 (Six month review)
Page 2
March 25, 2007
Scott Halen, made it clear during the meeting that Kikusushi is not a bar that serves food,
but a full-service restaurant with an ancillary bar that does not have or intend to have any
entertainment uses, such as Karaoke, or the type of late night hours that San Wang
Restaurant operated.
DISCUSSION:
Over the past six months, the City has not received any code enforcement complaints
regarding the operation of the Kikusushi Restaurant with the extended hours of
operation. Both the Santa Clara County Sheriff's office and the City's Code Enforcement
Division have had no record of complaints on the restaurant. The Code Enforcement
Division, however, has had on-going complaints from neighbors about the early morning
parking lot sweeping at the shopping center in which the restaurant is located. Code
Enforcement has been working with the property owner of the shopping center to resolve
this issue. According to the restaurant manager, the property owner has requested the
parking lot sweeping company to no longer sweep during the weekends and to begin
parking lot sweeping during weekdays no earlier than 8 a.m.
Since the September 25th meeting, Kikusushi Restaurant has placed noise control signs
throughout the rear parking lot adjacent to the residential uses to the west to request
patrons to keep noise levels at a minimum out of respect for the residential
neighborhood. This was done in compliance with the conditions of approval of the
Modificati.on application. Additionally, the restaurant manager has asked employees to
park within the parking lot area directly behind the restaurant adjacent to the residential
neighborhood to ensure better control of the parking lot activities in this area without
patrons having to park in this area. The restaurant manager has notified restaurant staff
to keep noise levels at a minimum.
During the last meeting, the Commission also asked staff to review whether the curreht
parking lot lighting is in compliance with the conditions of approval of the previously-
approved Use Permit. One of the adjacent residents during the public hearing said that
the parking lot lighting poles were replaced some years ago and that they are taller and
spread light further than the original poles. Staff reviewed the building permits for the
restaurant and site, and did not find any permits for a change in light poles in the parking
lot. The conditions of approval in the previously-approved Use Permit includes a
condition that states parking lot and building lighting shall not cast direct illumination on
or over the fence shared with residential neighbors, and that the applicant shall work
with the City to provide reasonable levels of lighting in the rear parking areas to comply
with this condition. The restaurant manager indicated that he spoke to the property
owner who said he changed the light poles without benefit of a building permit
approximately 8-9 years ago. Therefore, it appears that the lighting may not be in
compliance with the conditions of approval. Staff recommends that a condition of
approval be added that requires the property owner to modify the parking lot lighting in
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M-2007-01 (Six month review)
Page 3
March 25, 2007
accordance with the conditions of approval and that a building permit shall be obtained
for the parking lot lighting and any modifications that are required.
Further, the Commission asked staff to review the concerns about noise emanating from
the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The condition of approval of the
previously-approved use permit requires these systems to be maintained in good
working order to comply with current health and safety codes. Prior to the September
25th meeting, the Code Enforcement Division received one complaint on Kikusushi
Restaurant about noise generated from the heating/ air conditioning system. This issue
was resolved after Kikusushi Restaurant repaired the heating/ air conditioning system
and the noise was reduced. Code Enforcement conducted a noise reading at that time
and found the decibel level to be within code requirements. Code Enforcement conducted
another noise reading on March 20, 2008 with both the ventilation and cooking hood
systems on and found that the noise reading complied with the City's noise regulations.
Enclosures:
Exhibit A: Resolution No. 6487 approved on September 25, 2007
Exhibit B: Planning Commission meeting minutes of September 25, 2007
Exhibit C: Planning Commission Staff Report of September 25, 2007 w / attachments
Submitted by: Aki Honda Snelling, Senior Planner .
Approved by: Steve Piasecki, Director of Community Development c'S -G( 5.?,
G; CupertinoNT/Planning/PDREPORT/pcUsereports/2006ureports/M-2007-01, March 25th 6
month review.doc
2-3
M-2007-01
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
RESOLUTION NO. 6487
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
APPROVING A MODIFICATION TO A USE PERMIT (20-U-99) WITH A SIX-MONTH REVIEW
TO EXTEND THE HOURS OF OPERATION OF AN EXISTING RESTAURANT TO 9:30 P.M.
SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY (WITH P ATRONS/EMPLOYEES LEAVING BY 11 P.M.), AND
10 P.M FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
(WITH PATRONS/EMPLOYEES LEAVING BY 12 A.M.) AT 1655 S. DE ANZA BOULEVARD
SECTION I: FINDINGS
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Cupertino received an application for a Use Permit
Modification, as described in Section II of this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has met the burden of proof required to support said application; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission finds that the application meets the following requirements:
a) That the use is in conformance with the General Plan of the City of Cupertino, and is not detrimental
to existing uses or to uses specifically permitted in the zone in which the proposed use is to be
located.
b) That the property involved is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed use.
c) That the proposed use will not generate a level of traffic over and above that of the capacity of the
existing street system.
d) That the proposed use is otherwise not detrimental to the health, safety, peace, morals and general
welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed uses, nor injurious to
property and improvements in the neighborhood.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That after careful consideration of maps, facts, exhibits, testimony and other evidence submitted in this
matter, the application for a use permit modification is hereby recommended for approval, subject to the
conditions which are enumerated in this Resolution beginning on Page 2 thereof; and
That the subconc1usions upon which the findings and conditions specified in this resolution are based
and contained in the public hearing record concerning Application M-2007-01 as set forth in the Minutes
of the Planning Commission Meeting of September 25, 2007, and are incorporated by reference as
though fully set forth herein.
SECTION II: PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Application No.: M-2007-01
Applicant: Masayoshi Fujioka (Kikusushi)
Location: 1655 S. De Anza Boulevard
2-4
Resolution No. 6487
Page-2-
M-2007-01
September 25,2007
SECTION ill: CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPT.
1. PREVIOUS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
All prior use permit conditions for 20-U-99 shall remain in effect, unless in conflict with the
conditions of approval for M-2007-01.
2. HOURS OF OPERATION
Hours of operation shall be:
Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (with patrons/employees leaving the premises by
11 p.m.)
Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with patrons/employees leaving the premises by 12
a.m.)
3. SIX MONTH REVIEW
A six-month review of this application (M-2007-0l) shall be held by the Planning Commission to
determine if the approval of this application (M-2007-0l) shall continue per the conditions of
approval of this resolution. Approval of this application per the conditions of approval of this
resolution shall expire in six months, unless the Planning Commission approves continuance of this
approval.
4. NOISE CONTROL SIGNAGE
Within 30 days of this approval, the applicant shall install noise control signage throughout the
parking lot of the shopping center that requests patrons to keep noise levels at a minimum to be
respectful of the adjacent residential neighborhood. The applicant shall provide language for the
signage to be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community Development.
5. PARKING RESTRICTIONS
The applicant shall prohibit parking in parking spaces behind the building near the western property
line adjacent to the single-family residential neighborhood after 8 p.m.
6. REAR DOORS ALONG WESTERN PROPERTY LINE
The rear doors of the restaurant facing the western property line shall not be kept open during
business/cleaning hours.
7. LIGHTING
Parking lot and building lighting shall not cast direct illumination on or over the fence shared with
residential neighbors. Applicant shall work with City staff to provide reasonable levels of lighting in
the rear parking areas in compliance with this condition of approval.
8. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VENTILATION SYSTEM
The applicant shall keep the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HV AC) system in good
working order and in compliance with current health and safety codes, and perform regular
maintenance of the ventilation system to curb the emanation of detectable food and grease odors
from the restaurant into the adjacent residential area.
2-5
Resolution No. 6487
Page-3-
M-2007-01
September 25,2007
9. NOTICE OF FEES, DEDICATIONS, RESERVATIONS OR OTHER EXACTIONS
The Conditions of Project Approval set forth herein may include certain fees, dedication
requirements, reservation requirements, and other exactions. Pursuant to Government Code Section
66020(d) (1), these Conditions constitute written notice of a statement of the amount of such fees,
and a description of the dedications, reservations, and other exactions. You are hereby further
notified that the 90-day approval period in which you may protest these fees, dedications,
reservations, and other exactions, pursuant to Government Code Section 66020(a), has begun. If you
fail to file a protest within this 90-day period complying with all of the requirements of Section
66020, you will be legally barred from later challenging such exactions.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 25th day of September 2007 at a regular meeting of the Planning
Commission of the City of Cupertino, State of California, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN :
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS: Chairperson Giefer, Vice Chair Wong, Miller Kaneda
COMMISSIONERS: none
COMMISSIONERS: none
COMMISSIONERS: none
ATTEST:
APPROVE
/s/Ciddy Wordell
Ciddy Wordell
City Planner
/sILisa Giefer
Lisa Giefer, Chairperson
Cupertino Planning Commission
g/planning/pdreport/res/2007IM -2007 -01
2-6
Cupertino Planning Commission
2
September 25, 2007
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
3.
MCA-2007-0l
Masayoshi Fujioka
(Kikusushi Restaurant)
1655 So. DeAnza Blvd.
Modification to Use Permit (20-U-99) to extend the hours
of operation of an existing restaurant to 9:30 p.m.
(with patrons/employees leaving to 11:00 p.m.) Sunday
through Thursday, and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
(with patrons/employees leaving by 1:00 a.m.)
Aki Honda Snelling, Senior Planner, presented the staff report:
· Reviewed the application from Kikusushi Restaurant for a modification of an existing use
permit to extend evening hours of operation to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10
p.m. on Friday and Saturday, as outlined in the staff report.
· The applicant is requesting a change of operating hours to coincide with those that existed at
their prior location at their San Jose location nearby. The restaurant will offer no
entertainment or karaoke uses.
· She noted that City Code Enforcement received a complaint about the restaurant's heating and
air conditioning unit in May 2007. The unit has since been rePaired and the noise mitigated.
A petition has been submite4d by neighbors requesting that the application be denied.
. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission consider granting a temporary approval of
the. modification to the use permit, granting approval for approximately 6 months, at which
time the city can determine whether or not there are violations of the use permit or problems
relative to noise and parking. The application would come back in 6 months for the
Commission to review whether or not to grant the use permit as proposed.
· Staff also recommends additional changes to be added to the temporary use permit; that on
Friday and Saturday nights all persons be required to leave the premises by 12 a.m. rather than
1:00 a.m. Staff feels that if the closing time is 10:00 p.m., two more hours should be sufficient
time to serve the remaining customers, and to have the employees clean up and leave. Staff is
also recommending a condition to require noise control signs throughout the parking lot, and
also to restrict patrons from parking in spaces behind the building after 8:00 p.m., to mitigate
potential noise from the site. Staff also recommends adding one more condition not in the
resolution, which is to prohibit doors facing the residential properties to the west from
remaining open during business and cleaning hours.
Staff answered Commissioners' questions relative to operating hours, parking, and noise from the
restaurant impacting the adjacent residents. Eileen Murray, Assistant City Attorney, recommended
that the application come back to the Commission for review after a short time period under the
modified operating hours.
Masayoshi Fujioka, restaurant owner:
. He asked that the operating hours be extended and said he was willing to work with the
neighboring residents to develop a good relationship.
Scott Helen, Manager, Kikusushi Restaurant:
· Said that the main reason to extend the operating hours was to enable them to do their job
sufficiently along with working with the neighborhood. He said at their other location, the
9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. closing hours were successful, which allowed the patrons to finish
their meals and staff clean up and close the premises within an hour after the closing time.
. He said it was their goal to work with the neighbors and the city to work within the guidelines
and the rules.
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Cupertino Planning Commission
3
September 25, 2007
Chair Giefer opened the public hearing.
Ting Kao, Cupertino resident; also spoke on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Haong:
· Reviewed the history of the prior restaurant and the problems encountered by the neighbors.
Many of the residents moved from the neighborhood because of the constant problems with
the previous restaurant, which they did not feel were mitigated. She said that because the
building is so old, it does not conform to any of the city's existing codes including those
related to noise mitigation, safety and traffic.
· She said that the nature of the business puts the burden of enforcement on the neighbors for
monitoring the noise impacts and safety impacts on the neighborhood.
· She said that problems still exist regarding the air conditioner unit, and the parking lot lights.
. Opposed to the application.
Aki Honda Snelling:
· Said that the code section related to exterior doors, and loading dock doors, and said that many
of the ordinance requirements applied to new developments. It is a legal non-conforming site
which was developed, hence they are.having to work with an existing development site. i
. Said that a noise study had not been conducted. She reported that a complaint had recently
been received about the air conditioner unit; Code Enforcement said it was resolved by repair
of the air conditioner unit.
. Staff said that they would check on the status of the air conditioner unit repair.
Jennifer Griffin, Rancho Rinconada resident:
. Reviewed the various bars and restaurants in Cupertino from previous years which created
problems within the neighborhoods. .
· She said if the hours are extended, she felt 12 midnight was a suitable time for the patrons to
leave the premises. The area is a heavily populated area with houses and it is unfortunate that
the bar area is close to the neighbors but that is the way it was built. She recalled the problems
at the Captain Cooks bar many years ago and another bar at Blaney and Stevens Creek which
was also notorious.
· She said she was certain the restaurant would not fall into that category, and she felt that trying
to limit the number of intoxicated people on the streets after 12 midnight was a positive thing.
She questioned if they could stop serving alcohol earlier at the bar.
· She said that because of the historic nature of the property and that the neighbors had to go to
such lengths to try to mitigate the problem, they need to be sensitive to the residents.
. It is important that they address the lighting and the parking issues. If you do lock the doors
on the back side of the building, please make sure you put screamers on them; don't let people
go out, but don't have the situation where you are locking patrons in the event of fire.
Glenn Serr, Cupertino resident:
· Said he submitted the complaint about the air conditioner unit and the parking lot lights, and
stated that the problem with the air conditioner unit still existed, even though the city said it
had been repaired.
. Relative to the operation of the fans, he suggested that the fans be turned off earlier in the
evening.
. Opposed to the application.
Alan Russell, Cupertino resident:
. In favor of the application.
2-8
Cupertino Planning Commission
4
September 25, 2007
· Said that Kikusushi Restaurant has always been responsive to neighborhood concerns and is an
asset to the community.
· He requested that the application be approved for extended operating hours.
Scott Helen:
· Said that the reason to have the liquor license transferred is for the customers' consumption
while they are dining, not for before or after hours, which is why there is a separate area for
that. First and foremost it is a restaurant with a bar; not a bar that serves food.
· Said they currently did not have plans to expand the bar or make it a sports bar.
Chair Giefer closed the public hearing.
Com. Wong:
· They said that when they generated a code enforcement complaint, one was the HV AC which
Code Enforcement dealt with and the other part of lighting was referred to the Planning
Department. Is it a two part process that must be split?
AId Honda Snelling:
· Said that in the original use permit condition, there is a condition regarding parking lot and
building lighting, that it should not cast illumination on or over the fence; therefore if it is
currently doing that, they will have to remedy the situation to meet the condition.
Com. Wong:
· Since it is a legal non-conforming building built many years ago, and since there is a series of
restaurants that go in there, is there any way to have a masonry wall there?
Ciddy WordeD:
· Said it could be a condition of approval to install it at this time; the property owner would have
to install it as he is party to the application. If he refused to do it, the use permit would not be
valid.
Eileen Murray:
· Said the mechanism of enforcement of the judge's ruling that parking was not permitted in the
back after 9:00 p.m. would be through the Sheriff's office because there is no night time Code
Enforcement. The city cannot do anything if it is from the judge; it is a contempt of court if
that is occurring and the city would have to go back to court to file a contempt action. IShe
said it may not be an issue because they are willing to block it off. As far as the rest of the
court order regarding the hours, it allows for them to ask for other hours, by coming in and
applying for a use permit.
Com. Wong:
· Asked what type of mechanism a resident has other than doing documentation by calling and
investigating in the middle of the night, e-mailing Code Enforcement or the city the next day.
Eileen Murray:
· Said that the mechanism is to call the Sheriff if it is a disturbance at night and call the city
during the day and report it; and staff would go out and work with the property owner or
. business owner. It is similar to the procedures for a temporary restraining order and then a
permanent injunction which is what was done previously with this particular site.
. Said that is why she recommended that it come back to the Planning Commission with notice
to the neighbors that it is being brought back so they can report any problems encountered.
2-9
Cupertino Planning Commission
5
September 25, 2007
· She said she would recommend against it because they are so close to residences, and there
will likely be problems. She expressed concern that it took a year and it was a terrible
situation where families and children couldn't sleep at night and it went on every night, not an
occasional incident. It was a previous business.
Com. Miller:
· Said that whenever there is an interface between two different types of uses, opportunities for
problems and friction exist; the bar has been there for 30+ years. There are always problems,
some places in town seem to work their problems out better than others; the Blue Pheasant has
been a continuous problem for the neighbors there and has not had a completely satisfactory
solution. There were some concerns from the residents across the street from the Elephant
Bar, but they were resolved in a reasonably satisfactory way because nobody has complained
further. Even though they are separated by a street they are roughly the same distance.
· Comparing the Blue Pheasant to the Elephant Bar, the Blue. Pheasant makes its money
primarily through its bar and by providing entertainment and loud noise late into the evening.
The Elephant Bar does not; it is primarily a restaurant; they do have a bar area similar to
Kikusushi's, but it is primarily to serve drinks with dinner as opposed to people coming in to
hang out as a singles bar, and such. Late at night, they seem to be closed and a good neighbor.
· He said they want to ensure that the residents who live there are not unduly put out; but they
also have a responsibility to their commercial interests in the city; particularly when one
comes from San Jose into Cupertino, they are welcomed and they want them to be successful
as well and they look for win-win solutions.
· He referred to an earlier comment from a speaker about choosing to live behind Home Depot
even though he knew that it would be noisier. He said that when residents move in close
proximity to a shopping center or large store, it is a choice they have made. He said they still
wanted to ensure that things work as best they can for the residents near the restaurant, and if
the air conditioner is creating a problem and there is a code issue, they want to make sure it is
addressed.
· He said a speaker discussed concerns about traffic issues, but he did not know how relevant
traffic issues were tonight because there will always be some commercial interest and there
will be traffic whether or not Kukisushi stays open for an extra hour. It is important that if
there is more traffic in the neighborhood, there are ways to mitigate that as well.
· He said that since they have not received any complaints since the new ownership of the
restaurant, and they were good neighbors in their previous location, his preference would be to
approve a conditional temporary trial allowing the extended hours, and bring it back in six
months to the Commission. If there are still complaints at that time, they can then be
addressed.
· The other issue was whether or not a masonry wall was appropriate, and the neighbors may
Want to be consulted on that. To some extend a masonry wall would help the first story of a
house, but it wouldn't help the second story of a house. Although there may be an unattractive
wood fence, he said he would not want to live in a house where he had to look at a masonry
wall every day.
. He said he felt they should follow staff's recommendations.
AId Honda Snelling: .
· Everything in the current use permit would carry over except for any changes, meaning
extended hours and any new conditions would be added. She said they could bring in the
language of the lighting and HV AC to the current model resolution for clarity.
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Cupertino Planning Commission
6
September 25, Zoo7
addy WordeD:
. Said they did not try to bring everything up to code; it is the Planning Commission's discretion
if they felt they wanted to tie something to the new request. Relative to the masonry wall, 8
feet is currently the minimum requirement and likely is established as something that the city
has required for a long time; therefore it could be appropriate.
Com. Wong:
· Said he agreed with some of the neighbors' concerns and also Com. Miller's comment that
some of the previous tenants were not being a good neighbor. Kukisushi with their record at
their previous location, is one of the better tenants compared to the others. He said he felt the
concerns about lighting and HV AC were legitimate concerns and he hoped that the city would
follow through in addressing those issues.
. Concurred with the city attorney to bring the application back in six months and if legitimate
concerns are still not addressed, there could be reconsideration of not granting the liquor
license.
. Said he felt the staff recommendations and compromise made were within reason.
Com. Kaneda:
. Said he agreed with Com. Miller, and with the six months' trial period. He said he was
concerned about the lighting issue that has nothing to do with the current restaurant o~er. He
said that it is not under the control of the new restaurant owner, and it was unfair to hold him
responsible.
. Relative to the air conditioner issue, it is a matter of getting out there with a sound meter to
determine if there is a problem.
. Said he understood that there is a conflict between the neighbors and the restaurant; and said
that the restaurant owner is very concerned about being a good neighbor and will try to do the
right thing. If he doesn't, the Planning Commission will have the ability in six months to
reverse their decision.
. He said he felt the restaurant owner was being punished for the wrongdoings of the previous
restaurant owners, which was not fair.
Chair Giefer:
. To clarify the point Com. Kaneda brought up, with regard to the lighting, that is for the entire
center and is something controlled by the owner of the Coach House site. It is tied into this
use permit, and if we were to give a six month temporary extension of the hours, would it be
appropriate for us to require the property owner to either adjust the timing on the lights and
ensure that the height is brought down so that it is not lighting off of the site. How is that done
within the city for us to notify the property owner or make sure that happens?
Ciddy Wordell:
. It is an existing condition; if the problem was brought to staff s attention; (there is no record
that it was) staff would seek and get compliance.
Com. Kaneda:
. If the property owner is required to correct the lighting problem, if it may turn out that
lowering the lights five feet or to their original height, would it stop light from bleeding off the
property. It may have been that it was incorrect before they were raised; what would the
property owner be required to do at that point.
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Cupertino Planning Commission
7
September 25, 2007
Ciddy WordeD:
· The property owner needs to comply with the condition of approval, to not cast direct
elimination on or with the fence.
Chair Giefer:
. Said she concurred with comments from the other Commissioners; and agreed with the
temporary six month use permit extending the hours and staff recommended items.
. She commented that in the past, she has frequented Kikusushi's as well as other restaurants
within the city, and always felt it was a family restaurant, where you could have a drink if you
wanted one; but did not consider it just a bar.
Motion: Motion by Com. Milier, second by Com. Kaneda, to approve Application
M-2007-01 per the staff recommendation; in addition it be a temporary use
pennit for six months; add door closure on the west side? (4-0-0)
Chair Giefer declared a short recess.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
None
None
REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
The Environmental Review C..ommittee: No meeting held.
Housinl! Cornmfqfon: No meeting held.
Economic Deyelooment Committee: No meeting held.
Mayors Monthly Meetins! With Commissioners: Com. Wong reported that the following issues
were discussed:
. The Senior Commission: Preparing for the next age wave; working with the City of San Jose
to identify their issues.
· The Telecommunications Commission: A report regarding the cell towers; there will be some
outreach.
. Howing Commission: A report on the Kliel project; they are going to do some affordable
housing, the housing commissioner reported that the bids had been sent out.
. Library Commission: A new librarian has been hired to replace Maryanne Wallace.
Cupertino is one of the highest circulation libraries in Santa Clara County.
. Parks & Recreation Commission: Com. Roger Pang resigned. A new park is being created in
Rancho Rinconada.
. Public Safety: They are working with the middle schools on a pilot program to monitor speed
limits near the schools.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: No additional report.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned to the October 9, 2007 Planning Commission
meeting at 6:45 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
Approved as presented: October 9, 2007
.2-12
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT FORM
Application: M-2007-01
Agenda Date: September 25, 2007
Applicant: Masayoshi Fujioka (Kikusushi Restaurant)
Owner: Philip P. LaBarbera
Location: 1655 S. De Anza Boulevard, APN 366-10-061
APPLICATION SUMMARY:
Modification of a use permit (20-U-99) to extend the hours of operation of an existing
restaurant to 9:30 p.m. (with patrons/ employees leaving by 11 p.m.) Sunday through
Thursday, and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (with patrons/ employees leaving by 1
a.m.)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission:
1. Approve the Modification to the Use Permit (U-2004-04) with recommended changes in
accordance with the model resolution.
Project Data:
General Plan Designation:
Zoning Designation:
Specific Plan:
Site Area:
Parking:
Kikusushi tenant sf:
Commercial! Office/ Residential
P (Com, Res 5-15)
South De Anza Neighborhood
Commercial/ Office Corridor and Residential
73,000 square feet approx. (1.68 acres)
98 parking spaces in shopping center
6,000 square feet approx.
Hours of Operation
, Currently Allowed Hours:
Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
(with all patrons/ employees leaving by 10 p.m.);
Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with all
. patrons/ employees leaving by 11 p.m.)
Proposed Hours for Kikusushi:
Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
(with all patrons/ employees leaving by 11 p.m.);
Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with all
patrons/ employees leaving by 1 a.m.)
Environmental Assessment:
Categorically Exempt
2-13
M-2007-01
Page 2
September 25, 2007
BACKGROUND:
The applicant, Masayoshi Fujioka, is requesting approval to modify an existing use
permit (See Exhibit B) that would allow Kikusushi Restaurant to extend its hours of.
operation in the evening. Kikusushi Restaurant recently moved to this location in May
from its previous location in the City of San Jose on S. De Anza Boulevard. The applicant
is requesting the extended hours to maintain the same hours of operation the restaurant
had in San Jose.
Kikusushi Restaurant is located within an approximately 6,000 square foot space in the
Coach House Shopping Center near the northwest corner of S. De Anza Boulevard and
Prospect Avenue. Other uses in the shopping center include a liquor store, pharmacy, nail
salon and hair salon. The shopping center is surrounded by commercial uses to the
north, south and east, and residential uses to the west and south.
On August 14,2000, a use permit (20-U-99) was granted by the Planning Commission to
allow the establishment of a restaurant and bar within the tenant space that Kikusushi is
currently occupying. The tenant space has been continuously occupied by restaurant
uses since approval of the use permit; therefore, the use permit approval is still in effect.
Except for the request to vary from the hours of operation, Kikusushi has stated that it
will comply with all of the other conditions of approval under the use permit, including
restrictions on number of restaurant and bar seats, exterior cleaning activities, and
parking lot and building lighting.
DISCUSSION:
The existing conditions of approval limit the applicant to a closing time of 9:00 p.m.
Sunday through Thursday, with patrons and employees required to leave the building by
10 p.m., and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with patrons and employees required to
leave the building by 11 p.m.
These hours of operation are more restrictive than Cupertino's current general restaurant
hours of operation in commercial zones, which are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The reason more
restrictive hours were applied to this restaurant tenant space is that the restaurant (Sam
Wang Restaurant) to which the use permit was originally applied in 2000 had a history of
code enforcement violations pertaining to an illegal karaoke use and illegal late night
hour operations that created excessive noise in the neighborhood. Entertainment uses
such as karaoke and late night hours of operation were prohibited in conjunction with the
use permit.
Kikusushi Restaurant will have no karaoke or entertainment uses and intends only to
operate the business as a restaurant use with a bar in compliance with the use permit.
The restaurant is requesting to extend its evening hours of operation to 9:30 p.m. Sunday
through Thursday, with employees and patrons leaving by 11 p.m., and 10 p.m. Friday
and Saturday, with employees and patrons leaving by 1 a.m.
2-14
M-2007 -01
Page 3
September 25, 2007
The City's Code Enforcement Division has received one complaint on the Kikusushi
Restaurant since it opened at this location in May. The complaint involved noise that was
being generated from an existing heating/ air conditioning unit on the roof of the
building. The Code Enforcement Division spoke to the manager of Kikusushi Restaurant
who said that the restaurant has since repaired the heating/ air conditioning unit and the
noise level has been reduced. Therefore, no further code enforcement action has been
taken on this issue. The Code Enforcement Division will, however, monitor the situation
if any subsequent complaint is filed. .
Staff also contacted the City of San Jose Code Enforcement Division to inquire about
Kikusushi Restaurant's business operation. San Jose Code Enforcement indicated that
there were no records of code enforcement violations at its previous San Jose location.
Staff Recommendation
Staff supports the proposed application to extend the evening hours of operation, but
recommends that patrons and employees be required to leave the building by 12 a.m. on
Friday and Saturday nights rather than 1 a.m. Staff believes that a 2-hour gap between
the closing of the restaurant and when patrons and employees are expected to leave on
Friday and Saturday nights is comparable to the time gap that is proposed Sunday
through Thursday evenings. This will allow for sufficient time to serve patrons that enter
prior to closing and for employees to leave after work. Staff believes that a 1 a.m. closing
may be disruptive to the surrounding residential neighborhood and does not appear to
be necessary to sufficiently serve its patrons if the closing time is 10 p.m.
Staff also recommends that patrons be restricted from parking in spaces behind the
building near the western property line that is adjacent to the single-family residential
neighborhood after 8 p.m. to mitigate the possibility of noise impacts on the adjacent
residential neighborhood from patrons leaving the restaurant after 10 p.m. Additionally,
staff recommends that noise control signs be placed throughout the parking lot to request
patrons to be respectful of the adjacent residential neighborhood.
Enclosures:
Model Resolution
Exhibit A: Letter from Kikusushi Restaurant requesting extended hours of operation
Exhibit B: Resolution No. 6050 approving 20-U-99
Exhibit C: Site plan of the shopping center
Submitted by: Aki Honda Snelling, Senior Planner
Approved by: Steve Piasecki, Director of Community Development
.s L- /LJ
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G: CupertinoNT/Planning/PDREPOR T /pcU sereports/2006ureports/M -2007 -0 I.doc
2-15
M-2007-01
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
MODEL RESOLUTION
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
APPROVING A MODIFICATION TO A USE PERMIT (20-U-99) TO EXTEND THE HOURS OF
OPERATION OF AN EXISTING RESTAURANT TO 9:30 P.M. SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY
(WITH P ATRONS/EMPLOYEES LEAVING BY 11 P.M.), AND 10 P.M FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
(WITH PATRONS/EMPLOYEES LEAVING BY 12 A.M.) AT 1655 S. DE ANZA BOULEVARD
SECTION I: FINDINGS
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Cupertino received an application for a Use Permit
Modification, as described in Section II of this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has met the burden of proof required to support said application; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission fmds that the application meets the following requirements:
a) That the use is in conformance with the General Plan of the City of Cupertino, and is not detrimental
to existing uses or to uses specifically permitted in the zone in which the proposed use is to be
located.
b) That the property involved is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed use.
c) That the proposed use will not generate a level of traffic over and above that of the capacity of the
existing street system.
d) That the proposed use is otherwise not detrimental to the health, safety, peace, morals and general
welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed uses, nor injurious to
property and improvements in the neighborhood.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That after careful consideration of maps, facts, exhibits, testimony and other evidence submitted in this
matter, the application for a use permit modification is hereby recommended for approval, subject to the
conditions which are enumerated in this Resolution beginning on Page 2 thereof; and
That the sub conclusions upon which the findings and conditions specified in this resolution are based
and contained in the public hearing record concerning Application M-2007-01 as set forth in the Minutes
of the Planning Commission Meeting of September 25, 2007, and are incorporated by reference as
though fully set forth herein.
SECTION II: PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Application No.: M-2007-01
Applicant: Masayoshi Fujioka (Kikusushi)
Location: 1655 S. De Anza Boulevard
2-16
Model Resolution
Page-2-
M-2007-01
September 25,2007
SECTION III: CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPT.
1. PREVIOUS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
All prior use permit conditions for 20-U-99 shall remain in effect, unless in conflict with the
conditions of approval for M-2007-01.
2. HOURS OF OPERATION
Hours of operation shall be:
Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (with patrons/employees leaving the premises by
11 p.m.)
Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with patrons/employees leaving the premises by 12
a.m.)
3. NOISE CONTROL SIGNAGE
Within 30 days of this approval, the applicant shall install noise control signage throughout the
parking lot of the shopping center that requests patrons to keep noise levels at a minimum to be
respectful of the adjacent residential neighborhood. The applicant shall provide language for the
signage to be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community Development.
4 PARKING RESTRICTIONS
The applicant shall prohibit parking in parking spaces behind the building near the western property
line adjacent to the single-family residential neighborhood after 8 p.m.
5. NOTICE OF FEES. DEDICATIONS. RESERVATIONS OR OTHER EXACTIONS
The Conditions of Project Approval set forth herein may include certain fees, dedication
requirements, reservation requirements, and other exactions. Pursuant to Government Code Section
66020(d) (1), these Conditions constitute written notice of a statement of the amount of such fees,
and a description of the dedications, reservations, and other exactions. You are hereby further
notified that the 90-day approval period in which you may protest these fees, dedications,
reservations, and other exactions, pursuant to Government Code Section 66020(a), has begun. If you
. fail to file a protest within this 90-day period complying with all of the requirements of Section
66020, you will be legally barred from later challenging such exactions.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 25th day of September 2007 at a regular meeting of the Planning
Commission of the City of Cupertino, State of California, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
2-17
20-U-99
Exhibit 8
CITY OF CUPLRT~NO
10300 Torre A venue::
Cupertino, California 95014
RESOLUTION NO. 6050
Of THE PL/ NNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
APPROVING A USE PERMIT FOR AN EXISTING REST AURANT/BAR FACILITY
LOCATED AT 1655 S. DE ANZA BOULEVARD
~.
SECTION 1: FINDINGS
WHER1~AS, the Planning Commission or the City of CUjk:(t;no receive:~ an application for a Use
Pc~'mit, as described in Section II. of this Resolution; and
. WHEREAS, the necessary public notices have been given in accordance \-vith the Procedural
Ordinance of the City of Cupcltino, and the Planning Commission has held one or more public
hearings all this malter; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has detctmined t.hat the proposed use properly
conditioned in tlus use permit:
I) \VII not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity, am': .will not
ue dctrimcntHl to the public health, safety, general welfare,~r convenience;
2) The proposed use will b~ located and conducted in a manner in accord with the CU}Jertino
Comprchen~1ive General Plnn and the purpose of this title.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That alter carcfdl consideration of maps, nlcts, exhibits, lcstime.ny and other evidence submitted in
this mattl;r, the application for Use Permit is hereby approved, subjecl to the conditions which ure
emuucratcd ill this Resolution beginuing on page 2 thereof; and
That the subcondusions upon which the findings and conditions specified in this resolution :uc
bascd und contained in the public hearing record concerning Applieatioll file 110. 20-U-99 Se>:
forth in the. Minutl;s of the Planning Comlllission ivh~eting of, August 14, 2000, and arc
incorporated by reference liS t:lough fully set forth herein.
2-20
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Resolution No. 6050
Page-2-
20-U-99
August 14,2000
--~
=-=
SECTION [I: ~)kOJECT DESCRIPTION
Application Nl):
Applicant:
Property Owner:
Location:
20-U-99
Al Lien Wang (San Wang Restaurant)
Philip & Larry LaBarbera
1655 Soutb De Anza Boulevard
SECTION lIT: CONDfTIONS AD~,llNISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOP~AENT
--..-----
DEPT.
1. APPROVED EXHIBITS
-------
The approval is based on Exhibits titled "San Wong R~staunU1l, 16:'55 S. De Anza l3lvd.,
Cupertino, C;\ c) 5014" jated 3/29/99 and consisting of one sheet label AI, except as may be
amcnded by the Conditions.contained in this Resolution. The Karaoke live entertainment aspect
of the plan has been withdrawn by the applicant lli.1d is not approved under this use permit.
2. PERMITTED USES
..---------------
This llse permit approves an existing restaurant and bar consisting of 133 restaurant seats and 45
bar stools ami chairs.
J. PERMITTED HOURS OF OPERATION
TI;;J~~~;~~lt~1 hOUl;-;l[ operlltioll arc: SU11(~ay through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:(;0 p.m.
On !hcsc day:;;, no new putrons may be admitted after 9:00 p.m. and all employees und patrons
111\1St (~xit tile premises by 10:00 p.m. On Friday and Saturday the permilled hours or opcrntioll
arc 10:00 a.m. to I (J:OO p.m. Un llH.:~c days, 110 ncw patrons may be admitted after 10:00 p.m. amI
all emplo)'t.:es and pL.llron~ must exit the premises by 11 :00 p.llI.
4. EXTElUOR CLEANING ACTIVITIES
____ - _._ ,...._. _____"_ _.____._. _._ _. .". - .._._ .__ - _', - _.._._ "'__'" _-'0_
Any dC~lIljng and mnilltcnallcc activities conducted by lhe appliciut or the exterior of the
n:slauruntlbar building (H' the adjoining parking and 1,ll1dscapcJ arcas shall bG C\H1dllCtcd between
lhe hours or 10:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday through Ihursuay, and 10;00 a.m. to 11 :00 1'.11\.
011 Friday anu Saturday.
2-21
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Resolution No. 6050
Page-3-
20-U -99
August 14,2000
=--=
5. ENTER!"AINMENT ACTIVJTIE~'
Restaurant-sponsored cnterluinmcntor amplified entertainment is prohibited by thi~ permit.
6. LIGHTING
Parking lot and building lighting shall not cast direct illumination on or over the fence shared
with residential neighbors. Applicant shall work with City staff to provide rcas0IHlble levels .of
lighting in the rear parking areas in compliance with this condition of approvnl.
7. INSPECTION AND MAJNTENANCE OF VENTILATION SYSTEM
The applicant shall keep the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HV AC) system in good
working order and in compliance with current health and safety codes, and pClform regular
maintenance of the ventilation system to curb the emanation of detectablc food and grease odors
from the restaurnnt into the adjacent residential area.
P ASSEU AND ADOPTED this day of J 4th Day, of August 2000, at a Re[ular Meeting of the
Planning Comrnissi~)n of the City of Cupertino, State at' California, by the following roll call
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
AB~l'AIN:
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS: Carr, Doyle, Kwok, Stevens and Chair Hm-ris
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
ATrEST:
APPROVED:
Is/ Steve Piasecki
-~ --------.--
Steve Piasecki
Direclor of" Community Development
/s/ Andl en Harris
----.---..-.-----..-.- --.--.--- -.. . ..--
Andrea Ilarris, Chairp' rson
Cupertino Planning Commission
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