.01 M-2008-04 Michael Ducote CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT FORM
Application: M-2008-04 Agenda Date: September 9, 2008
Applicant (s): Michael Ducote (Prometheus)
Property Location: 20800 Homestead Road &10870 N. Stelling Road (Villa Serra)
20900 Homestead Road (The Grove)
South side of Homestead Road, east of N. Stelling Avenue
Application Summary:
1. MODIFICATION of the Architectural and Site Approval (ASA-2007-03) to
amend the fees required by the conditions of approval.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend denial of application M-
2008-04.
BACKGROUND:
On July 3, 2007, the City Council approved the expansion of the The Grove and Villa
Serra Apartments and development of a new public park with the attached conditions
of approval (see exhibit A). The Villa Serra and Grove Apartments are located on the
south side of Homestead Road, east of N. Stelling Road.
Park
The approval requires the construction of a public park area on the southwest corner of
Homestead Road and Franco Court. The proposed park site is currently developed
with tennis courts on the Villa Serra apartment complex and an approximately 10,000
square foot City-owned parcel that is. being utilized for the City's traffic operations
control (TOC) center. The tennis courts will be removed and the City's TOC center will
be relocated to an equivalent area just south of its existing location in exchange for the
current location of the TOC to be used for park area.
On June 5, 2008, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed two revised park
options (Option A & B). The Commission recommended approval of Option A on a 4-1
vote (see exhibit B). Final park design is subject to review and final approval by the
City Council, which is scheduled for September 16,2008.
As part of the approval, the applicant is required to dedicate the land for the park, pay
park acquisition and maintenance fees and pay for park improvements (see highlighted
conditions in exhibit C). The project site is located in the Homestead Road area, which
is an area designated by the General Plan to incorporate public park area. The parkland
dedication requirement is equal to a minimum of three acres for each 1,000 residents.
According to the General Plan, the Homestead Road area is designated to provide 3.5
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Application: M-2008-04
Villa Serra/The Grove Page 2
acres of parkland based upon this requirement. The proposed park is approximately
.64 acres, fulfilling only a minor portion of the parkland requirements for the
Homestead Road area. Originally, the park was.proposed to be 3/4 of an acre; however,
because Franco Court was not required to be narrowed, the proposed park area could
not be widened to allow for additional park area. Future plans include expanding the
park to approximately one acre when the TOC center can fully be relocated elsewhere
in the City. However, currently, there are no immediate plans to move the TOC from
this general site, except for the relocation to an area just south of its existing location.
The City Council required a park fee of $400,000 for the project, based upon granting a
50% credit of the full park fee for open space/recreation space improvements the
applicant intended to provide. The park fee is an acquisition and maintenance fee that
is based upon calculations under Chapter 14.05 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
Without the 50% credit, the applicant would have been required to pay a total park fee
of $801,900 based upon a fee of $8,100 per unit with a land valuation of $1.5
million/acre. The full park fee was calculated as follows:
(116 new units - 17 Below Market Rate units) x $8,100 = $801,900
When this project was initially proposed, a public park was the preferred alternative to
satisfy open space requirements identified in the General Plan. If a public park were
not agreed to then staff would have sought a significant increase in the project open
space facilities or would have recommended against expanding The Grove and Villa
Serra Apartments. The existing tennis courts currently serve as part of the open
space/recreational space for the Villa Serra complex. Without the proposed park in this
location, no other areas within the complex are proposed to replace the loss of the open
space/recreational space of the tennis courts. The neighborhood park was the preferred
alternative because it could serve a dual purpose to provide open space/recreational
needs for both the apartment complexes and the public.
DISCUSSION:
Conditions of Approval
The applicant is requesting relief from the following Conditions of Approval required
by the City Council:
• The applicant will pay the $400,000 park fee, $640,000 in improvements, and
provide the land.
The applicant has submitted a letter requesting to eliminate the requirement to pay the
park fee and the additional fees to improve the park. In addition, attachments to the
letter include previous emails raising concerns over the park and improvement fees (see
exhibit D).
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Application: M-2008-04
Villa Serra/The Grove Page 3
At the July 3, 2007 City Council meeting, the applicant raised concerns over the park fee
and requested that the Council waive the fees (see page 4 paragraph 3 of exhibit E).
Therefore, the Council has already considered their request to waive the park fees.
The Public Works Director has included a memo and recommends that the approved
condition by the City Council be enforced requiring the applicant to dedicate the park
land, pay the park-in-lieu fees and pay for park improvements (see exhibit F) as
required by the City Council.
ENCLOSURES
Exhibit A: Conditions of Approval from July 3, 2007 City Council Hearing
Exhibit B: Recommended Park Design (Option A)
Exhibit C: Highlighted Conditions of Approval from July 3, 2007 City Council Hearing
Exhibit D: Letter from Prometheus including emails
Exhibit E: Minutes from the City Council Hearing on July 3, 2007
Exhibit F: Memo from the Public Works Director dated August 25, 2008
Submitted by: Elizabeth Pettis, Assistant Planner
Approved by: Steve Piasecki, Director of Community Developme
G:\Planning\PDREPORT\pcMreports\M-2008reports\M-2008-04.doc
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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
CITY HALL
CUPERTINO 10300 TORRE AVENUE - CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3223 - FAX: (408) 777-3366
July 13, 2007
Michael Ducote
1900 South Norfolk St., Ste. 150
San Mateo, CA 94403
Re: Consider Application Nos. ASA-2007-03 (EA-2007-02), EXC-2007-06, TR-2007-02, and
V-2007-02, Nlichale Ducote; 20800 Homestead Road (Villa Serra/The Grove Project),
APN: 326-09-056:
a) Negative Declaration
b) Architectural Site Approval to construct an additional 116 apartment units, a public
park,.a recreational facility, and leasing office within an existing apartment complex
(Villa Serra/The Grove), for a total of 504 units
C) Tree Removal for the removal of 92 trees and a replanting plan on a proposed
modification to an existing apartment development
d) Parking Exception from 2 spaces per unit to 1.76 spaces per unit
e) Variance from rear yard R3 (apartment) requirements
Dear Mr. Ducote:
At its July 3, 2007 meeting, the Cupertino City Council approved the project with the following
additional/amended conditions:
■ Delete vehicle access to Franco Court; it will have pedestrian and bicycle access only
■ Add clause requiring public art
■ Keep the 18 trees as recommended by the Community Development Department
■ Include the parkway treatment at Stelling and Homestead
■ Allow public parking inside the apartment complex
• Ask the Parks and Recreation Commission to add a fence around the park
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20800 Homestead Rd. Paye 2 July 13, 2007
■ Ask the Parks and Recreation Commission to make a recommendation about the 20 parking
spaces next to the park
■ The City will be responsible for park maintenance
■ The applicant will pay the $400,000 park fee, $640,000 in improvements, and provide the
land
■ Require a tight radius at the corner of Franco and Homestead
■ Keep Franco Court the same width it is now
m Include the traffic operations center (TOC) relocation condition (Condition No. 22a, as
recommended by staff), but ameizd it to require the applicant to pay up to $50,000 to replace
the cargo container with a new storage facility at the new TOC.
■ Increase park fee credit/reduce the fee, contingent upon the design of the park
The Architectural and-Site conditions are as follows unless amended above:
SECTION III. CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE COMIvI N= DEVELOPMENT
DEPT.
APPROVED EXHIBITS
Approval is based on the plan set titled"Villa Serra Apartments" stamp dated received on
June 19, 2007, consisting of 23 pages labeled A0, C1.0 through C2.5, Al through Al2, L-1
and L-2, except as amended by the Conditions contained in this Resolution.
DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL
Approval is granted to construct 116 additional apartment units, allowing a total. of 504
apartment units at the Villa Serra and The Grove apartment complexes, a 5,485 square foot
recreational/leasing office building, and a one acre public park. The 116 apartment units
will consist of 70 one-bedroom units and 46 two-bedroom units.
DEVELOPMENT ALLOCATION
The project is permitted an allocation of 116 residential units from the Homestead Road
area allocation pool.
VARLA-NCE
The applicant is permitted a variance to construct the apartment buildings with a minimum
20-foot rear yard setback along the southern(rear) property line.
PARKING
The applicant shall provide a total of 889'parking spaces on site, half of which shall be
covered, resulting in 1.76 parking spaces per unit, in conjunction with the approval of a
parking exception (BYC-2007-06) and in accordance with the approved plans.
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20800 Homestead Rd. Page 3 July 13, 2007
INGRESSIEGRESS EASEMENT
The applicant shall record a deed restriction and covenant running with the land, subject to
approval of the City Attorney, for both properties to share common driveways. The deed
restriction shall provide for necessary reciprocal ingress and egress easements to and from
the affected parcels. The easements shall be recorded prior to issuance of building permits.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
The applicant shall record a maintenance agreement subject to the approval of the City
Attorney for the maintenance of the shared driveways by the property owners of each lot.
RECIPROCAL PARKING
The applicant shall record a reciprocal parking easement for the shared parking between the
Villa Serra and Grove apartments, subject to the approval of the City Attorney prior to
issuance of building permits.
TREE REMOVAL
The applicant is granted approval of a tree removal permit for trees that were previously
removed on site without approval of a tree removal permit, and for 92 trees that are
recommended to be removed in conjunction with the development project, as determined by
the applicant's certified arborist. Replacement trees shall be required for all trees approved
to be removed, unless the trees cannot be accommodated on site.
TREE PROTECTION
As part of the building permit drawings, a tree protection plan shall be prepared by a
certified arborist for the trees to be retained. In addition, the following measures shall be
added to the protection plan:
a. For trees to be retained,chain link fencing and other root protection shall
be installed around the dripline of the tree prior to any project site work.
b. No parking or vehicle parking shall be allowed under root zones, unless
using buffers approved by the project arborist.
C. No trenching within the critical root zone area is allowed. If trenching is
needed in the vicinity of trees to be retained, the City Arborist shall be consulted before
any trenching or root cutting beneath the dripline of the tree.
d. Tree protection conditions, shall be posted on the tree protection barriers.
Retained trees shall be watered to maintain them in good health.
OPEN SPACE
The project shall comply with the R3 (multiple-family residential) zoning requirements for
private and common open space for the project.
TREE PROTECTION BOND
The applicant shall provide a tree protection bond in the amount of $100,000 to ensure
protection of trees slated for preservation prior to issuance of grading, demolition or
building permits. The bond shall be returned after completion of construction, subject to a
letter from the City Arborist indicating that the trees are in good condition.
TREE REPLACEMENT IN-LIEU FEE
The applicant shall pay an in-lieu fee for any trees that are removed or were previously
removed without a tree removal pen-nit and cannot be replanted on site. The in-lieu fee shall
20800 Homestead Rd. Page 4 July 13, 2007
be paid prior to issuance of building permits and upon effective adoption of the protected
trees ordinance. The in-lieu fee for each tree removal that cannot be replaced on site shall
be$220.
LANDSCAPE PLAN
The applicant shall submit detailed landscape and irrigation plans to be reviewed and
approved by the Director of Community Development prior to issuance of building permits.
The landscape plan shall provide the following:
a. The landscape plan shall include water conservation and pesticide reduction
measures in conformance with Chapter 14.15, Xeriscape Landscaping, and the
pesticide control measures referenced in Chapter 9.18, Stormwater Pollution
Prevention and Watershed Protection, of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
b. The detailed landscape plan shall clearly indicate the species, location and size of all
landscaping to be planted on site.
c. The applicant shall plant a double row of high canopy trees (such as Americana ash
and London plane trees) along N. Stelling Road and refer the landscape street
improvement plans for frontage along Homestead Road and N. Stelling Road to the
Design Review Committee for review and approval.
SCREENING
All mechaiucal and other equipment on the retail building or on the site shall be screened so
they are not visible from public street areas or adjoining developments. Screening
materials/colors shall match building features and materials. The height of the screening
shall be taller than the height of the mechanical equipment that it is designed to screen. The
location of equipment and necessary screening shall be reviewed and approved by the
Director of Community Development prior to issuance of building permits.
BELOW MARKET RATE HOUSING PROGRAM
The applicant shall participate in the City's Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing program by
dedicating 15% of the total number of new apartment units at below market rental rates.
The applicant shall record a covenant, which shall be subject to review and approval by the
City Attorney, to be recorded prior to issuance of building pen-nits.
BUILDING COLORS AND MATERIALS
The building colors and materials shall be consistent with the materials board submitted by
the applicant.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PLAN
A construction management plan shall be prepared by the applicant and approved by staff
prior to issuance of building permits.
DEMOLITION REQUIREMENTS
All demolished building and site materials shall be recycled to the maximum extent feasible
subject to the Building Official. The applicant shall provide evidence that materials will be
recycled prior to issuance of final demolition pen-nits.
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20800 Homestead Rd. Page 5 July 13, 2007
BICYCLE PARKING
The applicant shall provide bicycle parking and bike racks for the project site in accordance
with the City's Parking Regulations under Chapter 19.100 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION ENHANCEMENT
The applicant shall contribute $25,000 to City for the enhancements to the pedestrian
walkway along the east side of the N. Stelling Road bridge that crosses over Interstate 280
located south of the project site. The City shall use the money to add pedestrian scaled
lighting, paving materials, railings and/or repainting of the pedestrian facilities of the east
side of the bridge.
DEDICATION IMPROVEMENT AND ALUNTENANCE OF LAND FOR PUBLIC
PARK PURPOSES
b. Park hnprovement
Tlie applicant shall fully improve the initial park area of.77 acre parcel for park purposes at
the southwest corner of Homestead Road and Franco Court as shown in the approved site
plan and based on a plan to be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Commission and
approved by the City Council. The park design shall securely incorporate the existing
water well located in the center of the existing TOC into the future park design as part of
a focal point structure. The park improvements shall be installed and accepted by the city
prior to release of final building permits for any of the new units unless a suitable surety
is provided subject to the approval of the Director of Community Development.
c. Future relocation of the Traffic Operations Facility
Prior to release of building permits the applicant shall provide $100,000 to help fund the
relocation of the Traffic Operations Center to.another site with adequate existing or
improved site facilities acceptable to the City. If the Traffic Operations Center can be
relocated elsewhere in the City, the applicant shall be required to fully improve the TOC
site area based on a plan to be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Commission and
approved by the City Council in accordance with the City public park standards. If the
money is not committed for TOC relocation within four years of the park completion
then it shall be refunded back to the applicant.
d. Park Fee Credit
The applicant shall reasonably incorporate the elements identified in the Park Dedication
ordinance for a park fee credit. Once the park plan is approved by the City Council the
applicant may qualify for up to a 50% credit against the park dedication fees of
unit or a total of$801,900. It appears the full
approximately $8,100 per new apartment
50% credit can be accomplished with expansion of the size of the pool area, and park
design elements to comply with the ordinance requirements.
e. Park Maintenance
The park and associated improvements shall be inspected by the City prior to final park
acceptance. Should portions of the park be completed prior to City acceptance, the
applicant shall bear the cost of park maintenance until City acceptance of the park.
Concurrent with the City's acceptance of the park, the City shall accept full maintenance
responsibilities for the park. The applicant shall sign and record a deed restriction and
covenant running with the land obligating existing and future property owners of the
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20800 Homestead Rd. Page 6 July 13, 200'
Villa Serra Apartment property to pay an annual fee of $25,000, inflated in accordance
with the CPI, to the City of Cupertino for park maintenance services.
REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED TREES
In the event that any trees required to be retained on the subject property are damaged on
site in conjunction with the development and construction of the proposed project, the
applicant shall replace such trees) in accordance with the replacement standards of the
City's Protected Trees Ordinance (Chapter 14.18 of the Cupertino Municipal Code).
GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
The applicant shall incorporate the green building practices as listed in Exhibit A into the
project, except for the following modification:
a. Item no. 1 shall be eliminated from the list.
b. Item no. 22 shall include energy star washers and dryers as energy star appliances to be
included into the project.
C. Item no. 29 shall be modified to include a requirement that the applicant provide a
photovoltaic system to carry approximately 100% of the electrical load of the
recreation/leasing office building with the proviso that the cost of the system is paid
back in ten years with such incentives as energy savings, rebates, tax credits, state
renewable energy incentives, federal tax credits and federal accelerated depreciation.
The final details of this requirement are to be reviewed and approved by the Design
Review Committee.
N. STEELING ROAD
t the City an irrevocable offer of dedication along N.
The applicant shall be required to gran
Stelling Road for the necessary roadway easement along the project site.
FRANCO COURT
a. The applicant shall revise plans to remove all parking proposed along Franco Court. NTo
parking shall be permitted on Franco Court.
b. Franco Court shall be maintained at its existing curb-to-curb width of 40 feet.
c. The applicant shall revise plans to remove the driveway access from the east side of the
project site to Franco Court. There shall be no driveway access from the project site to
Franco Court.
NOISE MITIGATION
The applicant shall provide sound attenuation construction methods for new units facing
Interstate 280 that are consistent with Title 24 requirements.
WIDENING OF FRANCO COURT/HOAIESTEAD ROAD.RADIUS
The applicant shall widen the radius at the southwest corner of Franco Court and Homestead
Road adjacent to the public park to a width acceptable to and approved by the Director of
Public Works.
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 descriptiyn V the dedications, reservations, and other exactions.
20800 Homestead Rd. Page 7 July 13, 2007
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.
SECTION IV: CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPT.
OFF SITE IMPROVEMENTS
Curbs and gutters, sidewalks, streetlights, street widening and related structures shall be
installed in accordance with grades and standards as specified by the City Engineer.
If street lighting is required, street lighting shall be installed and shall be as approved by the
City Engineer. Lighting fixtures shall be positioned so as to preclude glare and other forms
of visual interference to adjoining properties, and shall be no higher than the maximum
height pennitted by the zone in which the site is located.
GRADE
Grading shall be as approved and required by the City Engineer in accordance with Chapter
16.08 of the Cupertino Municipal Code. 401 Certifications and 404 permits maybe required.
Please contact Arrny Corp of Engineers and/or Regional Water Quality Control Board as
appropriate. Grading plan shall include an erosion control plan with the submittal.
DRAINAGE
Drainage shall be provided to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
The developer shall comply with the requirements of the Underground Utilities Ordinance
No. 331 and other related Ordinances and regulations of the City of Cupertino, and shall
coordinate with affected utility providers for installation of underground utility devices. The
developer shall submit detailed plans showing utility underground provisions. Said plans
shall be subject to prior approval of the affected Utility provider and the City Engineer.
INIPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
The project developer shall enter into a development agreement with the City of Cupertino
providing for payment of fees, including but not limited to checking and inspection fees,
storm drain fees, park dedication fees and fees for undergrounding of utilities. Said
agreement shall be executed prior to issuance of construction permits.
Fees:
a. Checking & Inspection Fees: 5% of Off-Site Improvement Cost or $2,194.00
minimum
b. Grading Permit: 6% of Site Improvement Cost or $2,060.00
minimum
c. Development Maintenance Deposit: $ 1,000.00
d. Storm Drainage Fee: TBD
e. Power Cost: TBD
f. Map Checking Fees: N/A (Not Applicable)
g. Park Fees: S 801,900.00
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20800 Homestead Rd. Page 8 July 13, 2007
Bonds:
1. Faithful Performance Bond: 100% of Off-site and On-site Imp.
2. Labor &Material Bond: 100% of Off-site and On-site Imp.
3. On-site Grading Bond: 100% of site imp.
-The fees described above are unposed based upon the current fee schedule adopted by the
City Council. However, the fees imposed herein may be modified at the time of recordation.
of a final map or issuance of a building permit in the event of said change or changes, the
fees changed at that time will reflect the then current fee schedule.
TRANSFORMERS
Electrical transformers, telephone vaults and similar above ground equipment enclosures
shall be screened with fencing and landscaping or located underground such that said
equipment is not visible from public street areas.
DEDICATION OF WATERLINES
The developer shall dedicate to the City all waterlines and appurtenances installed to City
Standards and shall reach an agreement with San Jose Water for water service to the subject
development, if required.
NPDES CONSTRUCTION GENERAL PERMIT
The developer must obtain a Notice of Intent (NOI) from the State Water Resources Control
Board as well as provide a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to the City.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Utilize Best Management Practices (BMP's), as required by the State Water Resources
Control Board, for construction activity, which disturbs soil.
a. Permanent Stormwater Quality BMPs Required
In accordance with chapter 9.18, Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Watershed
Protection, of the City Code, all development and redevelopment projects shall include
permanent BMPs in order to reduce the water quality impacts of stormwater runoff from
the entire site for the life of the project.
b. Stonnwater Management Plan Required
The applicant shall submit a Stormwater Management Plan for this project. The
permanent storm water quality best management practices (BMPs) included in this plan
shall be selected and designed in accordance with chapter 9.18, Stonnwater Pollution
Prevention and Watershed Protection, of the City Code.
C. BMP Agreements
The applicant and the City shall enter into a recorded agreement and covenant
ruiuung with the land for perpetual BMP maintenance by the property owners(s). In
addition, the owner(s) and the City shall enter into a recorded easement agreement
and covenant running with the land allowing City access at the site for BMP
inspection.
GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
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20800 Homestead Rd. Page 9 July 13, 2007
The applicant will be required to gain approval from the Environmental Programs
Department prior to obtaining a building permit for the overall garbage and recycling of the
subject development.
TRAFFIC
A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) will be required to determine traffic mitigation required as
a result of thus development. Once the study has been completed, the traffic department will
provide additional comments toward the project. Improvements to traffic signals; bicycle,
pedestrian and vehicular facilities maybe included as requirements.
The Exception conditions are as follows unless amended above:
SECTION III: CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPT. -
APPROVED EXHIBITS
Approval is based on the plan set titled "Villa Serra Apartments" stamp dated received on June
19, 2007, consisting of 23 pages labeled A0, C1.0 through C2.5, Al through Al2, L-1 and L-2,
except as amended by the Conditions contained in this Resolution.
PARI[NNG EXCEPTION
A parking exception is granted to allow the project to provide a total of 889 parking spaces on
site, half of which must be covered, and resulting in 1.76 parking spaces per unit, in conjunction
with the approval of a parking exception (EXC-2007-06) and in accordance with the approved
plans.
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.
The Tree Removal and Replacement conditions are as follows unless amended above:
SECTION III: CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPT.
APPROVAL ACTION
The applicant is granted approval of a tree removal permit for trees that were previously
removed on site without approval of a tree removal permit, and for 92 trees that are
recommended to be removed in conjunction with the development project, as detennined by the
applicant's certified arborist. Replacement trees shall be required for all trees approved to be
removed, unless the trees cannot be accommodated on site.
TREE REPLACEMENT IN-LIEU FEE
20800 Homestead Rd. Page 10 July 13, 2007
The applicant shall pay an in-lieu fee for any trees that are removed or were previously
removed without a tree,removal permit and cannot be replanted on site. The in-lieu fee
shall be paid prior to issuance of building permits and upon effective adoption of the
protected trees ordinance. The in-lieu fee for each tree removal that cannot be replaced on
site shall be $220.
TREE PROTECTION
As part of the building pennit drawings, a tree protection plan shall be prepared by a certified
arborist for the trees to be retained. In addition, the following measures shall be added to the
protection plan:
1. For trees to be retained, chain link fencing and other root protection shall be installed
. around the dripline of the tree prior to any project site work.
2. No parking or vehicle parking shall be allowed under root zones, unless using buffers
approved by the project arborist.
3. No trenching within the critical root zone area is allowed. If trenching is needed in the
vicinity of trees to be retained, the City Arborist shall be consulted before any trenching or
root cutting beneath the dripline of the tree.
4. Tree protection conditions shall be posted on the tree protection barriers.
S. Retained trees shall be watered to maintain them in good health.
TREE PROTECTION BOND
The applicant shall provide a tree protection bond in the amount of $100,000 to ensure
protection of trees slated for preservation prior to issuance of grading, demolition or building
permits. The bond shall be returned after completion of construction, subject to a letter from the
City Arborist indicating that the trees are in good condition.
REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED TREES
In the event that any trees required to be retained on the subject property are damaged on site in
conjunction with the development and construction of the proposed project, the applicant shall
replace such tree(s) in accordance with the replacement standards of the City's Protected Trees
Ordinance(Chapter 14.18 of the Cupertino Municipal Code).
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 Govermnent 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.
The Variance conditions are as follows unless amended above:
SECTION III: CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
APPROVED EXHIBITS
Approval is based on the plan set titled "Villa Seita Apartments" stamp dated received on June
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20800 Homestead Rd. Paae 11 July 13, 2007
19, 2007, consisting of 23 paves labeled A0, CLO through C2.5, Al through Al2, L-1 and L-2,
except as amended by the Conditions contained in this Resolution.
VARIANCE
Approval is granted for a variance to allow a 20-foot rear yard setback in accordance with the
approved exhibits.
Please review conditions carefully. If you have any questions regarding the conditions of
approval, please contact the Department of Community Development at 408-777-3308 for
clarification. Failure to incorporate conditions into your plan set will result in delays at the
plan checking stage. If development conditions require tree preservations, do not clear the
site until required tree protection devices are installed.
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, 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.
Any interested person, including the applicant, prior to seeking judicial review of the city
council's decision in this matter, must first file a,petition for reconsideration with the city clerk
within ten days after the council's decision. Any petition so filed must comply with municipal
ordinance code §2.08.096.
Sincerely:
Grace Schmidt
Deputy City Clerk
cc: Community Development
1-14
45 pAI2_T or
22. DEDICATION, IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF LAND
FOR PUBLIC PARK PURPOSES
a) Park site and relocation of the Traffic Operations Center.
The applicant shall work with the city to obtain a lot line adjustment with
the existing City owned parcel at the northeast corner of the project site to
create a one-acre parcel for the future development of a public park and to
incorporate the City's Traffic Operations Center and optional parking
area. The applicant shall dedicate their portion of the parcel to the City.
The applicant shall fully fund relocation of the Traffic Operations Center
-to the south end of the one-acre parcel adjoining its present location
including relocating the existing shed structure and modular office and
extending electrical and fiber optic cabling. The cargo container shall be
removed from the property and replaced with a new storage buildilig of
an equivalent size. The entire site shall be screened with six-foot high
solid board "good neighbor" redwood fencing with gated access for city
vehicles. Dedication and assurance of the relocation cost shall be
accomplished prior to issuance of building, permits and the move
completed prior to release of final occupancy permits unless a suitable
surety is provided subject to the approval of the Public Works Director.
Park Improvement
Th licant shall fully improve the initial park area of�ad
arcel for
\� park p ses at the southwest corner of Homesteadand Franco
Court as sho in the approved site plan and sed on a plan to be
submitted to the ks and Recreation Co sion and approved by the
City Council. The * ovements also include the construction of a
v restroom facility in the par park design shall securely incorporate
f (� the existing water well 1 ed he center of the existing TOC into the
X) future park desi s part of a cal point structure. The park
improvements all be installed and accep by the city prior to release
of final b g permits for any of the new uru unless a suitable surety
is pr . 1 e subject to the approval of the Dire r of Community
1
velopment.
j Future relocation of the Traffic Operations Facility
Prior elease of building permits the applicant shall provide $1 to
help fund elocation of the Traffic Operations Cent another site
with adequate exis ' or improved site facilities ptable to the City. If
the Traffic Operations Ce can be r ed elsewhere in the City, the
applicant shall be required to . prove the TOC site area based on a
plan to be submitte e Parks Recreation Commission and
approved by ity Council in accordant th the City public park
stand If the money is not committed for TO cation within four
1-15
20800 Homestead Rd. Page
July 13, 2007
■ Ask the Parks and Recreation Commission to make a recommendation about the 20 parking
spaces next to the park
■ The City will be responsible for park maintenance
■ The applicant will pay the $400,000 park fee, $640,000 in improvements, and provide the
d land
■ Require a tight radius at the corner of Franco and Homestead
■ Keep Franco Court the same width it is now
■ Include the traffic operations center (TOC) relocation condition (Condition No. 22a, as
recommended by staff), but amend it to require the applicant to pay up to $50,000 to replace
the cargo container with a new storage facility at the new TOC.
■ Increase park fee credit/reduce the fee, contingent upon the design of the park
The Architectural and -Site conditions are as follows unless amended above:
SECTION III. CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPT.
APPROVED EXHIBITS
Approval is based on the plan set titled "Villa Serra Apartments'' stamp dated received on
June 19, 2007, consisting of 23 pages labeled A0, C1.0 through C2.5, Al through Al2, L-1
and L-2, except as amended by the Conditions contained in this Resolution.
DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL
Approval is granted to construct 116 additional apartment units, allowing a total of 504
apartment units at the Villa Serra and The Grove apartment complexes, a 5,485 square foot
recreational/leasing office building, and a one acre public park. The 116 apartment units
will consist of 70 one -bedroom units and 46 two-bedroom units.
DEVELOPMENT ALLOCATION
The project is permitted an allocation of 116 residential units from the Homestead Road
area allocation pool.
VARIANCE
The applicant is permitted a variance to construct the apartment buildings with a minimum
20 -foot rear yard setback along the southern (rear) property line.
PARING
The applicant shall provide a total of 889' parking spaces on site, half of which shall be
covered, resulting in 1.76 parking spaces per unit, in conjunction with the approval of a
parking exception (EXC-2007-06) and in accordance with the approved plans.
1-17
-OM-ETHEUI S
August 25, 2008
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 94403
Attention: City Council & Planning Commission
Re: Park Fee
Dear Council Members & Commissioners,
Villa Serra was formally approved by City Council on July 13, 2007 with the conditions that we
dedicate approximately 3/4 acre of land for park purposes, pay $400,000 in park fees and pay the
cost to improve the park. Following approval of the project we formally protested the additional
park fee and the cost to construct the park (including the design cost). Attached are a number of
emails sent to the Planning.Department in regard to this issue.
Section 18.24.070, "Criteria for Requiring Both Dedication and Fee", from the City of
Cupertino's park ordinance states that "In subdivisions of over fifty parcels, the subdivider shall
both dedicate land and pay a fee in lieu thereof in accordance with the following formula". Since
our project is not a subdivision of over fifty parcels it would not be subject to both dedication of
land and an in lieu fee. Since we are dedicating land to the City of Cupertino we are requesting
that the condition of approval be revised to eliminate the requirement to pay the $400,000 park
fee.
The ordinance, specifically section 18.24.050, "Standards and Formula for Dedication of Land",
does require that the developer pay the cost to improve the land in addition to dedication of land.
It is not equitable that we are required to improve the land when we are already dedicating the
land at such a large premium. We are requesting that the condition of approval be revised to
eliminate the requirement to pay to improve the land.
If we fulfill the Condition of Approvals as the City currently is proposing we would donate land
(3/4 acre at $5M value per acre) at a value of $3.75M. We would pay a park fee of $400,000 and
iinprove the park at a cost of approximately $670,000 ($30,000 for design costs). The total cost
would amount to $4.82M.
We are not aware of any nexus for these fees and ask that the Connnissioners vote to modify the
Conditipns of approval to eliminate the park fee, design fee and improvement fee.
Ducote
Seni& Development Manager
Prometheus Real Estate Group
1900 S. Norfolk Street, Suite 150 1 San Mateo, California 94303
T 650.931tOAI�A 650.93 1 .3600
ww� n�. 'r m usreg.com
6.26.07ParkFeeEmail2
From: Moss, Jonathan
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 4:37 PM
To: Ducote, Mike
subject: FW: park condition
Jon Moss I senior vice President, Development
Prometheus Real Estate Group, Inc.
1900 S. Norfolk street Suite 150 1 San Mateo CA 94403 Direct 650.931.3469 1 Fax
650.931.3669 jmoss@prometheusreg.com I http://www.prometheusreg.com
-----original Message -----
From: Moss, Jonathan
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 4:40 PM
To: 'Steve Piasecki'; Ducote, Mike
Cc: Aki Honda
Subject: RE: park condition
Steve -
Consistent with my voicemail, upon a very quick review of the attached, we have the
following preliminary comments:
1. Restrooms were never discussed nor planned at anytime in the past year that we
have been planning the project and is not a cost that we can bear. The City needs
to pay for this improvement.
2. Construction of new facility for the City's signalization program were never
discussed nor planned at anytime in the past year that we have been planning the
project and is not a cost that we can bear. The City needs to for this improvement.
3. The maintenance of the park is not a cost that we feel should be absorbed by us.
In the event that the maintenance costs were $50k per year, the value of this in
today's dollars utilizing a 4% cap rate is $1.25 million. we cannot absorb this
cost. The maintenance of the park, considering that the City is requesting that we
donate and improve the park, is not a cost that reasonable should be absorbed by us.
Steve - The park size has increased dramatically in size in the past 2 weeks and now
the proposed offsite exactions have also increased in size as well. This certainly
is not consistent with our prior discussions nor equitable. Please change the
wording of these conditions to be consistent with our prior discussions and to
address the aforementioned concerns. It is not reasonable to propose such
requirements 2 hours prior to the formal Planning commission meeting after all of
these months of planning.
Thank you.
Jon Moss I Senior vice President, Development
Prometheus Real Estate Group, Inc.
Page 1
1-19
6.26.07ParkFeeEmail2
1900 S. Norfolk street suite 150 1 San Mateo CA 94403 Direct 650.931.3469 Fax
650.931.3669 jmoss@prometheusreg.com I http://www.prometheusreg.com
-----original Message -----
From: Steve Piasecki [mailto:SteveP@cupertino.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 4:02 PM
To: Moss, Jonathan; Ducote, Mike
Cc: Aki Honda
Subject: park condition
Son and Mike,
Here is the draft of the park condition. I will see you tonight.
Thanks,
Steve
«villaserra park condition.doc>>
Page 2
1-20
FW Conditions of Approvall
From: Moss, Jonathan
sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 4:36 PM
To: Ducote, Mike
subject: FW: Conditions of Approval
Jon Moss I Senior vice President, Development
Prometheus Real Estate Group, Inc.
1900 S. Norfolk street suite 150 1 San Mateo CA 94403 Direct 650.931.3469 1 Fax
650.931.3669 jmoss@prometheusreg.com I http://www.prometheusreg.com
-----original Message -----
From: Moss, Jonathan
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2007 3:04 PM
To: 'Steve Piasecki'; Ducote, Mike
Cc: Aki Honda
Subject: Conditions of Approval
Steve -
I wanted to follow-up on some of the conditions of approval for villa Serra.
I read through the park ordinance and it indicates that if a project has less than
50 parcels, it would be required to either pay and in -lieu fee or dedicate park
lands but not both. The size of the park space required for the proposed 116 units
is equal to the area of land that we are proposing to dedicate to the City (the
analysis pursuant to the ordinance relates to the 116 units, not the existing units
as well since these are already built). The credit for open space as written in the
ordinance is for private open space within a proposed development, not for a public
parkland dedication; the implicit rationale for this is that if one dedicates
adequate public parkland, one is not also required to pay park fees. The City is
double counting and mis-interpreting the ordinance to request us to dedicate land
and pay park fees. Please confirm that park fees should not be charged if we are
providing the park.
Additionally, the written ordinance does not require the developer to pay for
maintenance costs for thepublic park. There is no nexus for this request and is
not reasonable nor equitable. Please confirm that pursuant to the City's
ordinances, we are not required to fund the maintenance of the park area.
we also do not agree with the condition regarding the funding of up to $50,000 for
re -building a storage facility that currently exists on the TOC property. we will
relocate this facility to its planned location. I don't understand any reason why
we would be required to re -build any or all of this structure.
Since we are proposing that the TOC is to be relocated on our private property at
our cost, I am not clear as to why we should be held responsible for partial funding
of yet an additional potential move in the future (up to $100k for the next 4
years). I am not clear on the rationale for this. If the City wants to relocate
this facility in the future it certainly seems like they should do this without
again requesting developer funding of any kind.
Steve - we feel as though we have worked in a positive manner with the City on
refining a design and development that works very well and even includes dedication
Page 1
1-21
FW Conditions of Approvall
of private land for a City Park. The City has established clear written
requirements in its ordinances for all of the aforementioned issues and we are only
requesting that such ordinances are applied to our pro ect in a fair, equitable, and
reasonable manner, consistent with such ordinances. ease advise regarding your
position on such issues.
Thank you.
]on Moss I senior vice President, Development
Prometheus Real Estate Group, Inc.
1900 S. Norfolk street suite 150 1 San Mateo CA 94403 Direct 650.931.3469 1 Fax
650.931.3669 jmoss@prometheusreg.com I http://www.prometheusreg.com
Page 2
1-22
7.03.07ParkFeeEmaill
From: Moss, Jonathan
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 4:34 PM
To: Ducote, Mike
subject: FW: park condition
Jon Moss I senior vice President, Development
Prometheus Real Estate Group, Inc.
1900 S. Norfolk Street Suite 150 1 San Mateo CA 94403 Direct 650.931.3469 1 Fax
650.931.3669 jmoss@prometheusreg.com I http://www.prometheusreg.com
-----Original Message -----
From: Moss, Jonathan
sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:11 AM
To: 'Steve Piasecki'
Cc: Ducote, Mike
subject: RE: park condition
Steve
The other issue that I forgot to mention are the improvements to the park. The park
ordinance does not require the developer to provide the improvements to the park
land. Guzzardo estimates that park improvements would cost approximately $20 per
square foot of land, based on another park they are estimating in Mtn view. For a
3/4 acre park, this comes to $650k.
Therefore, if we provide the park as the City currently is proposing, we would
donate land (3/4 acre at $5m value per acre) at a value of $3.75M. we would pay a
park fee of $400k. we would pay for park improvements at $650k. This totals $1.05M
for park fees and then improvements plus land value comes to $4.8m. This comes to
$41.4k per unit - doesn't make any economic sense.
If the City only charged a typical park fee, would be obigated to pay $940K. The
difference is staggering - almost $4M.
Steve - please let me know a time that works for you for us to discuss this issue.
Thank you.
Jon Moss I senior Vice President, Development
Prometheus Real Estate Group, Inc.
1900 S. Norfolk Street Suite 150 1 San Mateo CA 94403 Direct 650.931.3469 1 Fax
650.931.3669 jmoss@prometheusreg.com I http://www.prometheusreg.com
-----original Message -----
From: Steve Piasecki [mailto:steveP@cupertino.org]
sent: Monday, July 02, 2007 5:39 PM
To: Moss, Jonathan
Page 1
1-23
7.03.07ParkFeeEmaill
subject: RE: park condition
Jon,
Lets talk tomorrow prior to the council meeting.
Thanks,
Steve
--original Message -----
From: Moss, Jonathan[mailto:JMoss@prometheusreg.com]
sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 4:40 PM
To: Steve Piasecki; Ducote, Mike
Cc: Aki Honda
subject: RE: park condition
Steve
Consistent with my voicemail, upon a very quick review of the attached, we have the
following preliminary comments:
1. Restrooms were never discussed nor planned at anytime in the past year that we
have been planning the project and is not a cost that we can bear. The City needs
to pay for this improvement.
2. Construction of new facility for the City's signalization program were never
discussed nor planned at anytime in the past year that we have been planning the
project and is not a cost that we can bear. The City needs to for this improvement.
3. The maintenance of the park is not a cost that we feel should be absorbed by us.
in the event that the maintenance costs were $50k per year, the value of this in
today's dollars utilizing a 4% cap rate is
$1.25 million. we cannot absorb this cost. The maintenance of the park,
considering that the City is requesting that we donate and improve the park, is not
a cost that reasonable should be absorbed by us.
Steve - The park size has increased dramatically in size in the past 2 weeks and now
the proposed offsite exactions have also increased in size as well. This certainly
is not consistent with our prior discussions nor equitable. Please change the
wording of these conditions to be consistent with our prior discussions and to
address the aforementioned concerns. It is not reasonable to propose such
requirements 2 hours prior to the formal Planning Commission meeting after all of
these
months of planning.
Thank you.
Jon Moss I senior vice President, Development
Prometheus Real Estate Group, Inc.
1900 S. Norfolk Street Suite 150 1 San Mateo CA 94403 Direct 650.931.3469 1 Fax
650.931.3669 jmoss@prometheusreg.com I http://www.prometheusreg.com
-----Original Message -----
From: Steve Piasecki [mailto:steveP@cupertino.org]
sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 4:02 PM
Page 2
1-24
7.03.07ParkFeeEmaill
To: Moss, Jonathan; Ducote, Mike
Cc: Aki Honda
Subject: park condition
Ton and Mike,
Here is the draft of the park condition. z will see you tonight.
Thanks,
Steve
«villaserra park condition.doc>>
Page 3
1-25
July 3, 2007 Cupertino City Council Page 3
Adopt a resolution approving an improvement agreement, Sridhar Obilisetty and Javanthi
Sridhar, 10171 Lebanon'Drive, APN 342-14-008, Resolution No. 07-119.
N
gh an improvement agreement with the City for a single-fami evelopment
buil permit, this applicant will be obligated to bond and co ct city -specified
roadsiderovements, including curb, gutter, sidewalk, and dr' ay, along the street
frontage of t r building site.
9. Adopt a resolutionNCroving a final parcel map, 2,WF9 Lindy Lane, Xi Hua Sun and
Shan Zhu, APN 356-224, Resolution No. 07-
Approval of the final map pe its the to be forwarded to the County for recording,
which completes the subdivision.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM TH NSEN LENDAR - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Consider A cation Nos. U-2007-03, ASA -2007-05, 2008-07, TR -2007-03, EXC-
2007-08 afford Chang, 10100 N. Tantau, APN 316-19-
enthal/Mahoney moved and seconded to continue item No. 1 August 21 in order
o meet legal noticing requirements, and to hear the item on a da equested by the
applicant. The motion carried unanimously. There was no documentation e packet.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
11, Consider Application Nos. ASA -2007-03 (EA -2007-02), EXC-2007-06, TR -2007-02,
and V-2007-02, Michael Ducote, 20800 Homestead Road (Villa Serra/The Grove
Project), APN: 326-09-056:
a) Negative Declaration
b) Architectural and Site Approval to construct an additional 116 apartment units, a
public park, a recreational facility, and leasing office within an existing apartment
complex (Villa Serra/The Grove), for a total of 504 units
C) Tree Removal for the removal of 92 trees and a replanting plan on a proposed
modification to an existing apartment development
d) Parking Exception from 2 spaces per unit to 1.74 spaces per unit
e) Variance from rear yard R3 (apartment) requirements
The City Clerk had distributed an email dated July 3, 2007, from Planning Commissioner
Marty Miller, regarding item No. 11, the Villa Serra development. Staff distributed a
1-26
July 3, 2007 Cupertino City Council Page 4
photocopy of Exhibit A, Villa Serra Apartments, Proposed Green Building Practices,
with some hand-written changes.
Director of Community Development Steve Piasecki presented an overview of the staff
report on this application. On the Franco Court side of the property, parking on Franco
was eliminated, a new pedestrian path to Franco was requested and the Planning
Commission was recommending no car access to Franco. Staff did recommending car
access to Franco Court, believing that the benefits outweighed the possible occasional
traffic issues. The park was expanded to .75 acres, the traffic operations center was to be
relocated to the south and twenty additional reserved parking places were proposed if
needed. There would be 92 trees removed for the construction of the project, with
replacement to be done per the city's tree ordinance. 105 dead or diseased trees would
also potentially need to be removed. Staff believed it was possible to save 18 trees along
Homestead.
He said that a parking study by Fehr and Peers determined that the parking provided
would exceed current and future demand, leaving a potential of 230 surplus spaces.
Disabled parking was included as required by city code. The applicant was being
required to implement green building standards. There were no current or future plans to
modify the school boundaries. $25,000 was being requested for pedestrian connection
enhancement for the Stelling Road bridge over 280. Sound attenuation was being
required for all new units along 280 and full park improvements were being required..
Mr. Piasecki also noted that a requirement needed to be added for public art valued at
one-quarter of one per cent, as specified in the General Plan.
Applicant John Moss, representing Prometheus, said that this project would result in
much less development than previously considered plans, and would have 70 one -
bedroom units and 46 two-bedroom units, and the plan would not require the relocation
of any of the residents. Proposed amenities included: a 5,000 square foot recreation and
leasing facility, a fitness center, a theatre room, an outdoor kitchen, new pool/spa and a
park. Laundry facilities were currently available in general locations throughout the
complex. The new units would have washer/dryers available and as older units becam
available they would be fitted with washers and dryers as well. Mr. Moss noted that they
were dedicating .7 acres as a public park, which they would also be improving, and he
asked that park fees be waived. He said that they did not agree to sharing 50% of the cost
of park maintenance. Mr. Moss noted that if the turn radius was increased at Franco, two
large Coast Oaks would have to be removed. Regarding the traffic operations center, Mr.
Moss agreed to the cost for relocation but not the $50,000 for improvements. He added
that written notification had been sent to all residents of Villa Serra and the project had
been discussed with the neighbors. Mr. Moss submitted letters of support from the
following: Housing Action Coalition Group, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, PW
Market, Greenbelt Alliance and John Vidovich (verbal support expressed).
Patricia Bolander, a resident at Villa Serra, said she was concerned about the access onto
Franco, the laundry facilities at the complex and the noise of construction. She did note
that she had gone through the complex on a weekend evening and had found plenty of
empty parking spaces.
1-27
July 3, 2007 Cupertino City Council Page 5
The following addressed the Council concerning the Villa Serra project: Janet Takahashi,
Nina Daruwalla, Kersi Daruwalla, Lowell Forte, Ben Leung, Suresh Subramanian,
Vasundara Pothgantlu-Sivaraman, Mingming Mao, Xuan Yu, Daniel Yeung, Tom
Hugunin, Keith Murphy and Darrel Lum. These speakers raised the following issues:
Franco Avenue should not be narrowed, parking on that street should be prohibited, and
there should be no access to that street from the complex; fencing around park should be
provided for safety reasons; the developer should maintain the park; the developer should
pay all costs related to the traffic operations center relocation and improvement; disabled
parking should be provided; replacement and/or improved conditions for dead/dying trees
were necessary; there were possible negative impacts on neighboring property values if
these apartments were converted to condos in the future; there were questions about the
validity of parking statistics arrived at by traffic consultant; there is a right of way issue
to meet setback requirements; the notification process was inadequate; and there is too
much reduction of green space in the project in order to provide park space.
Shiloh Ballard, representing the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, stated their support of
this project. She noted a recent survey had been done by the housing advocacy group,
and housing affordability was a major area of concern. This project provided more
affordable apartment rentals in the city and should get the city's approval.
Jennifer Griffin's comments (written comments read by Mayor Wang) were that that too
many units were being added, which resulted in problems concerning traffic, parking and
elementary school attendance issues.
Councilmember Lowenthal supported this project and felt it would be beneficial to the
community. He urged Council to allow access onto Franco so that residents could get out
of the complex at a light but deferred to the neighbors to not allow parking on Franco.
Vice Mayor Kwok stated that this was a nice project which provided affordable housing
for the community, beautified the area, and provided a park. There were 105 trees in the
complex that are dead or were dying, and he was disappointed that the owners allowed
this to happen, and the project would require removal of another 92 trees. Vice Mayor
Kwok was also concerned about the variances being requested. Regarding the rear
setback, he saw no compelling reason to add an additional twelve units, and felt that the
General Plan requirement of 2 parking spaces per unit should be met. He believed the
park was just a token park and should be in the center of the complex for optimum use
and benefit. He felt that parking for this park was an issue, and he did not support the
removal of the tennis courts to get the land for this park.
Councilmember Mahoney stated that he believed this was a good project, and felt this
applicant was a good example of special circumstances which justified a variance. He
said that the residents did not seem to care about the tennis courts; he supported access to
Franco Avenue; and Council should took carefully at the park maintenance fee again,
since different standards were now in place.
Councilmember Sandoval noted that this was a smart project and provided revitalization
to Homestead and Stelling with the lowest density possible, while providing much
needed rental property with a 15% below -market -rental count. She supported the double
row of trees as part of the landscaping on Stelling and a bicycle/pedestrian access from
1-28
July 3, 2007 Cupertino City Council Page 6
Franco but was not convinced that a car access from Franco was necessary. She
supported the park in its proposed location but recommended the placement of a fence for
safety reasons. Councilmember Sandoval disagreed with comments made regarding the
parking issue. She believed the consultants hired were experts in the field, had no vested
interest in this project, and had determined there was more than adequate parking both for
current and future use. She suggested that the park maintenance funding question should
be addressed at a later time, as she was not sure renters should pay the maintenance fees
for the park.
Mayor Wang agreed that a fence and/or type of landscaping should be put around park.
She also requested that the twenty reserved parking places near the park be put in now
rather than later. Mayor Wang strongly supported adding ten percent more in parking (80
more spaces) which would also provide some guest parking.
John Moss stated that his firm had gone over these project plans very carefully and they
took the parking issue seriously. It was not to their benefit to have renters unhappy with
inadequate parking. They believed this project included more than adequate parking and
the consultant's report substantiated that point.
Lowenthal/Sandoval moved and seconded to adopt a Negative Declaration. The motion
carried with Council -member Kwok voting no.
Lowenthal/Mahoney moved and seconded to approve the Architectural and Site Approval
with the following conditions:
(1) Delete vehicle access to Franco Court; it will have pedestrian and bicycle access only
(2) Add clause requiring public art
(3) Keep the 18 trees as recommended by the Community Development Department
(4) Include the parkway treatment at Stelling and Homestead
(5) Allow public parking inside the apartment complex
(6) Ask the Parks and Recreation Commission to add a fence around the park
(7) Ask the Parks and Recreation Commission to make a recommendation about the 20
parking spaces next to the park
(8) The City will be responsible for park maintenance
(9) The applicant will pay the $400,000 park fee, $640,000 in improvements, and provide
the land
(10) Require a tight radius at the corner of Franco and Homestead
(11) Keep Franco Court the same width it is now
(12) Do not require $50,000 to replace the cargo container with a new storage facility at
the new traffic operations center (TOC)
Wang offered an- amendment to the motion to add 50 more parking stalls. The motion
died for lack of a second.
1-29
July 3, 2007 Cupertino City Council Page 7
Sandoval offered an amendment to the motion (listed above as item No. 12) to include
condition 22a, amending it to require the developer to pay up to $50,000 to replace the
cargo container with a new storage facility on the traffic operations center site. Mahoney
seconded, and the motion carried with Kwok voting no.
Sandoval offered another amendment to the motion that the City Council consider
increasing the park fee credit/reducing the fee, contingent upon the design of the park.
Lowenthal seconded and the motion carried with Kwok voting no.
Lowenthal/Mahoney moved and seconded to approve Architectural and Site Approval to
construct an additional 116 apartment units, a public park, a recreational facility and
leasing office within an existing apartment complex (Villa Serra/The Grove) for a total of
504 units, with conditions one through 12 listed above, and including the two approved
amendments to the motion. The motion carried with Kwok and Wang voting no.
Lowenthal and Sandoval moved and seconded to approve the removal of 92 trees and a
replanting plan on a proposed modification to an existing apartment development. The
motion carried with Kwok and Wang voting no.
Lowenthal and Sandoval moved and seconded to approve a parking exception from 2
spaces per unit to 1.74 spaces per unit for a total of 876 parking spaces. The motion
carried with Kwok and Wang voting no.
Lowenthal and Sandoval moved and seconded to approve a variance from rear yard R3
(apartment) requirements. The motion carried with Kwok and Wang voting no.
Adopt a resolution calling a
%volution No. 07-123.
Kwok/Low 1 moved and seconded to adopt Resolution N -123. The motion
carried unanimou
13. Receive a report on the
The City Clerk distributed a memoran dated July 3, 2007, from Lake Research
partners highlighting the summary opffing3sN4,,their survey on the Utility Users Tax
(UUT) and the Movie Ticket T em Nos. 13 an on this agenda).
Finance Director Davi oo reported that the current utilit rs tax was 2.4% of the
utility charges (t one, electricity and natural gas) assess n residential and
commercial se ce addresses in the city. Of the $2.8 million in utility tax received
in 2005-0 365,000 came from wireless and cell phone providers. This unit was
under g legal challenges and the city has received protest letters and t bility
i ries from the cell phone providers this year. To address this problem, cities were
ttempting to adopt revised utility user tax ordinances incorporating current and future
ways of communications and eliminating the language subject to current litigation. Mr.
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CUPERTINO
August 27, 2008
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Ralph A. Qualls, Jr., Director
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE — CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3266
(408) 777-3354 — FAX (408) 777-3333
Subject: Prometheus Request for Modification of Villa Serra Public Park and Fees
On July 3, 2007, the Cupertino City Council approved various applications connected with
the Villa Serra/Grove project to add 116 apartment units and make associated
improvements. The Land Use/Community Design section of the City's General Plan calls
for 3.5 acres of neighborhood parkland in the planning area of which the project is a major
part, both in terms of area and population. Because of this, Council approved the staff
recommendation that the project convert Villa Serra's existing tennis court recreation area
and the City's traffic operations center (TOC) into a neighborhood park consisting of 0.77
acres. The park area provided on the current plans actually consists of 0.64 acres.
The neighborhood park conversion calls for the applicant Prometheus to provide the land,
make improvements to the park valued by the applicant at $640,000.00, and relocate the
TOC at the applicant's expense to an adjacent parcel. The adjacent parcel is to be
exchanged for the original TOC parcel, most of which will then comprise a portion of what
will then be the 0.64 -acre neighborhood park. Council did not approve the staff
recommendation that applicant maintain the park, determining that the City should be
responsible for maintaining a public park.
The park acquisition and maintenance fee, calculated per Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter
14.05, for 116 apartment units less the 15% below market rate (BMR) units is
(116 units —17 BMR units) x $8,100/unit = $801,900.00
The $8,100/unit is based upon a land valuation of $1.5 Million/Ac.
As part of its approval of the project, Council determined that the applicant would be
eligible for credit for at least half of the park acquisition and maintenance fee because of the
improvements that the applicant is to make to the park, as well as those required to relocate
the TOC. So with the fee credit approved by Council, applicant would pay $400,000.00
(actually $400,950.00) in park acquisition and maintenance fees, with a further credit against
the fee possible contingent upon the design of the park.
(In subsequent communication with the City, applicant has suggested a land valuation of $5
Million/Ac. If accepted, this would make the fee for apartments $27,000/unit so that the
total fees would become
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(116 units — 17 BMR units) x $27,000/unit = $2,673,000.00
If Council is understood to have given applicant 50% fee credit as part of its July 3, 2007,
approval, applicant would still owe the City $1,336,500.00 in park acquisition and
maintenance fees.)
Applicant has now applied to the Planning Commission and City Council to consider its
request for a modification of the park conversion and fee requirements, whereby applicant
would still provide the land for the park, relocating the TOC at its expense to do so, but
would not be responsible for improving the park nor for paying any park acquisition and
maintenance fees. It should be noted that the 90 -day period for appealing the conditions of
approval elapsed without a formal appeal being filed by the applicant, so any modification
considered by the Planning Commission or Council would appear to be purely discretionary.
We note again that the neighborhood parkland actually being provided consists of 0.64
acres, rather than the 0.77 acres originally proposed and mentioned in the Council approval
of the project. We have no objection to the park being somewhat smaller than originally
proposed, since a meaningful increase in the size of the park would reduce the number of
onsite parking spaces by around 30 spaces. Aside from that, Public Works recommends that
the approved conditions remain intact without modification, and that the Planning
Commission and Council consider acting only on the approved condition that additional
park fee credit be considered, contingent upon the design of the park.
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