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PC Packet 01-27-2015CITY OF CUPERTINO AGENDA Tuesday, January 27, 2015 10350 Torre Avenue, Council Chamber PLANNING COMMISSION 6:45 PM SALUTE TO THE FLAG ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.Subject: draft Minutes of November 25, 2014 Recommended Action: approve or modify draft Minutes of November 25, 2014 Draft Minutes 11-25-2014 2.Subject: draft Minutes of December 9, 2014 Recommended Action: approve or modify draft Minutes of December 9, 2014 Draft Minutes 12-09-2014 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR ORAL COMMUNICATIONS This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Commission on any matter not on the agenda. Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes. In most cases, State law will prohibit the Commission from making any decisions with respect to a matter not on the agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARING 3.Subject: Use Permit Modification for Smoke Eaters Restaurant Page 1 CITY OF CUPERTINO January 27, 2015Planning Commission AGENDA Recommended Action: approve the application per the draft resolution Description: Application No.(s): M-2014-01 Applicant(s): Julio Espinoza (Smoke Eaters Restaurant) Location: 10650 S De Anza Blvd Modification of a Use Permit (U-1988-11) to extend the operating hours past 11pm and to allow a separate bar at an existing restaurant Planning Commission decision final unless appealed Staff Report 1 - Draft Resolution 2 - Smoke Eaters Business Plan 3 - Plan Set OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION Environmental Review Committee Housing Commission Mayor’s Monthly Meeting with Commissioners Economic Development Committee Meeting REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 4.Subject: Director's Report Recommended Action: accept report Director's Report ADJOURNMENT Page 2 CITY OF CUPERTINO January 27, 2015Planning Commission AGENDA If you challenge the action of the Planning Commission in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this agenda, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Cupertino at, or prior to, the public hearing. In the event an action taken by the planning Commission is deemed objectionable, the matter may be officially appealed to the City Council in writing within fourteen (14) days of the date of the Commission’s decision. Said appeal is filed with the City Clerk (Ordinance 632). Members of the public are entitled to address the Planning Commission concerning any item that is described in the notice or agenda for this meeting, before or during consideration of that item. If you wish to address the Planning Commission on any issue that is on this agenda, please complete a speaker request card located in front of the Commission, and deliver it to the City Staff prior to discussion of the item. When you are called, proceed to the podium and the Chair will recognize you. If you wish to address the Planning Commission on any other item not on the agenda, you may do so by during the public comment portion of the meeting following the same procedure described above. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less. Please note that Planning Commission policy is to allow an applicant and groups to speak for 10 minutes and individuals to speak for 3 minutes. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), anyone who is planning to attend the next Planning Commission meeting who is visually or hearing impaired or has any disability that needs special assistance should call the City Clerk's Office at 408-777-3223, 48 hours in advance of the meeting to arrange for assistance. Upon request, in advance, by a person with a disability, Planning Commission meeting agendas and writings distributed for the meeting that are public records will be made available in the appropriate alternative format. Also upon request, in advance, an assistive listening device can be made available for use during the meeting. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission after publication of the packet will be made available for public inspection in the Community Development Department located at City Hall, 10300 Torre Avenue, during normal business hours and in Planning packet archives linked from the agenda/minutes page on the Cupertino web site. For questions on any items in the agenda, or for documents related to any of the items on the agenda, contact the Planning Department at (408) 777 3308 or planning@cupertino.org. Page 3 CITY OF CUPERTINO 33CITY OFCUPERTINO 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014 CITY OF CUPERTINO REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSIONMEETING DRAFTMINUTES 6:45P.M. NOVEMBER 25, 2014 TUESDAY CUPERTINO COMMUNITY HALL The regular Planning Commission meeting ofNovember 25, 2014 was called to orderat 6:45 p.m. in the Cupertino Community Hall, 10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA. byChair Paul Brophy. SALUTE TO THE FLAG . ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Chairperson:Paul Brophy Vice Chairperson: Winnie Lee Commissioner: Margaret Gong Commissioner:Don Sun Commissioner: Alan Takahashi Staff Present: Assistant Director of Community Development: Gary Chao Assistant CityAttorney: Colleen Winchester Associate Planner:Colin Jung APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Draft minutes of October 28, 2014 Planning Commission meeting: MOTION: Motion by Vice Chair Lee, second by Com. Takahashi, andunanimously carried 5-0-0to approve the October 28, 2014 Planning Commission minutes as written. 2. Draft minutes of November6, 2014 Planning Commission meeting: MOTION:Motion by Com. Takahashi, second by Com. Gong, andcarried 4-0-1, Vice Chair Lee abstained, to approve the November 6, 2014 Planning Commission minutes as written. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None CONSENT CALENDAR: None Cupertino Planning Commission November 25, 2014 2 PUBLICHEARING: 3. EXC-2014-09, TR-2014-42, Hillside Exception to allow the development of a5,213 sq. ft. (EA-2014-07)single family residence with a 1,412 sq.ft. basement on slopes Darrel Harris (Yao/Li greater than 30%; Tree Removalpermit to allow the removalof Residence) 21730 Rainbow Dr.three specimen sizeCoast Live Oaks. Postponed from October 28, 2014Meeting. Planning Commission decision final Unless appealed. Colin Jung, Associate Planner, presented the staff report: Reviewed the overhead presentation for the application for Hillside Exception to allow the development of a 5,213sq. ft. single-family residence with a 1,412 sq. ft. basement on slopes greater than 30%, and Tree Removal Permit request to allow the removaland replacement of three specimen size Coast Live Oak trees. He reviewed the proposed site plan, house elevations, geotechnical review, and geologic review. The city geologist reviewed the reports, conducted his own research and a site visit and concluded that the project is geotechnically feasible if you follow the structural recommendations of the consultants for both the house foundation and the retaining walls. The city geologist recommendedminimizing the use of a filtration system as a solution for drainage; instead the city geologist was recommending what has been applied to other hillside homes, relying on a stormwater detention tank. The city geologist also recommended that the mass grading not be allowed during the rainy season. He reviewed the history of the informal trail through Rainbow Drive to the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve which has been in existence for over two decades and used by local residents. The property owner has agreed to move the existing easement to a more accessiblearea in exchange for the city abandoning the dedicated easement in his front yard; he will create anew pedestrian access easement through the rear of his property near the same area where the existing informal trail exists. It is uncertain how much of arealignment the property owner would decide he needs to do; if he decides to realign the trail away from the driveway, he will be required to create a new access across the rear of his property or sides which may involve some additional grading and switchbacks to create a usable trail; and also that the trail access to the property must be maintained throughout the life of the hillside exception and this includes during the residential construction of the project. He reviewed the Tree Removal request as outlined in the attached staff report. The ERC reviewed the proposal on October 16th and recommended the adoption of a mitigated negative declaration; and asked the Planning Commission to look at the feasibility of a trail across the property. Staff recommends approvalof the hillside exception per the findings and approval of the tree removal request per the findings. Staff answered Commissioners’ questions. Colin Jung: Said staff does not feel the existing easement is very usable asit is too steep; it was never improved and goes through two properties. While there is an option of creating an improvement across the property for that established easement, they don’t have the authorization or approval to cross the adjacent neighbor’s property; it would be similar to a small trail segmentthat would stop at the property line. Staff prefers the existing alignment or new alignmentthatcreates the same access to the land and has lined up the approvals with the adjacent property owners, for real access vs. future access. Cupertino Planning Commission November 25, 2014 3 City Attorney: The city has an existing easement elsewhere on the property; the people who own the property are the applicants and the city has an easement going across but in a location that is not being used; then the city would vacate that easement and acquire the easement where the used trail currently is or in another alignment. Colin Jung: Said one of the adjacent property owners is an avid user of the trail and has said she would be willing to sign off on an easement that would cover that portion of the road. The adjacent property owner is Barry Barnes who does business with the city and he said he did not have an issue with granting the easement and he did not ask for any compensation. Gary Chao: Said that Barry Barnes’ would have to sign for the easement to formally take place on his property. There needs to be other conversations with everyone using the driveway, especially at the terminus of Rainbow Drive that has a gate blockingvehicular access, where people merely walk around the gate. A more formal definitive pedestrian path needs to be carved out to allow a more formal entrance to the area. Com. Takahashi: Asked if after gaining full legal access through the easements, would the trail then be more formally recognized with signage? Colin Jung: He reiterated what he said in terms of the other conversations they need to have with other neighbors including the applicant later because when you approach the terminus Rainbow you are presented with a big gate and if youdon’t know better you wouldn’t trespass or attempt to go around it. They could talk to the group of owners who benefit from that entrypoint later on to figure out a good way of dealing with the issue. There are some security issues, but it is desirable to have an access point for the pedestrians, where they can see it and not be turned away from using it. Com. Takahashi: For the two tree removalsthat staff is recommending, is it possible to have some typeof conditional element associatedwiththe removal of those trees, i.e., move forward with the project, determine if the trees are indeeddetrimentally impacted or dying and removed after the fact to see if they possibly could survive. Gary Chao: Said the Planning Commission could provide staff the direction for them to work with the applicant and city arborist to try to save those treesto the maximum extent possible.The applicant will be responsible for providing the trail improvements. If he decides to eliminate the access point which is likely because of the intersection with the driveway, he will have to create alternative access; either condition 33 or 34 in resolution. Chair Brophy: Addressed the issue of compliance with the fire department’s standards relative to turnaround where they want to be able to do it even if there are cars parked there. This would account for a large amount of the grading. He said he understood the concernof the fire dept. in having access to a property in case of emergency, but given the concern about doing anundue amount of grading, could they go back to the fire dept. to see if there is a way that can not only save the applicant money but Cupertino Planning Commission November 25, 2014 4 also deal with the long term issue of whether or not grading affects the risks of landslide despite doing state of the art design. Colin Jung: Said they worked with the fire dept.and the design of the turnaround does reflect the fire dept. requirements for their trucks, and is there anopportunity to go back to the fire dept.and ask if that is necessary or is there another alternative to minimize the flat area they are asking for. He said that if the Commission desires, they can direct staff to work with the applicant to have that conversation with the fire dept. that the Commission desires to minimize grading. Are there any alternatives? They need that amount of space and see if there is any other less impactful turnaround. Daryl Harris, Architect: Commended Colin Jung on the excellent report; said they were pleased with the outcome and are willing to work with the conditions as stated. Chair Brophy opened the public hearing. Rose Ann Wolpert, Rainbow Drive: Said she has been using the trail for many years and appreciatesthat it is maintained. Her main concern is that they would be able to still use it. She questioned the timing of the trail installation; and asked if the new switch backs which will be needed are going to be installed ahead of time, because if they are not, the proposed area is very steep. She said she would like to see that happen before the other part of the trail is blocked. Said she shared ownership of the private drive with the applicant and also with another neighbor and was concerned that the road wouldlikely be damaged during construction; and asked whether it is possible to have a performance bond or some assurance that will fund any damage to the roadway. Lisa Giefer, Regnart Rd.: Complimented Colin Jungfor his hard work as it isdifficult to get all the necessary property owners to agree on what the right thing to do is. Said she and others appreciated having the trail which she has used for more than 20 years. The realigned trail is steeper than the existing informal trail; how will they know what that new trail is going to look like; who will determine what that form factor is? The current trail is a deer trail, if considering a lot of switchbacks thatmight also cause erosion issues in the future. The resolution has information about trail maintenance stating that if a tree does fall on the trail, the owner is responsible for removing the tree. If torrential rains occur in the future and the trail gets washed out, who would be responsible andwhat are the metrics for getting thattrail reestablished? Said she wanted assurances for that issue as well as assurance that they would be able to use the trail throughoutthe project; they want unhindered access to the trail throughout the construction and staging. Said she was grateful that all the property owners are in agreement that they should continue to have access to that trail. Said her home was north of the hill, and she was fortunate to have a view, but had concerns regarding the retaining walls and screening. The information online doesn’t talk about screening the downslope retaining walls and the upslope retaining walls. Residents who live north of the project will likely have a clear view and she wants to make sure they are not looking at concrete walls. Said she agreed with Com. Takahashi to have the trees slated by staff for removal; give them chance and see if they survive the construction; if they don’t they can be removed later. Said she supported the project provided they make sure the trail is accessible, it doesn’t need to be ADA compliant. She said she appreciatedall the work thathas gone into the project so far. Helene Davis, Palos Verdes Ct.: Said she has also been using the trail for over 20 years, and thanked the homeowners, Mr. Barnes, Cupertino Planning Commission November 25, 2014 5 Jonathan Yow, Cathy Li and the Wolpert families for agreeing to keep access to the trail. Said she wanted access to the trail while the project is underconstruction; her personal feeling about signage after the trail was complete was not to have any signage; keep it a neighborhood secret, the way it has been for 25 years. She thanked staff for the work done on the project and expressed her appreciation. Greemie Van Buren, Rainbow Ct.: Said she usedthe trail once a week and commented that the trail is a little steep, and was the easy way to get to Fremont Older. She said she was pleased that they were keeping the trail and not getting rid of the access. She expressed concern that there were many bushes in the area where the new trail will be and she hoped they would clear the bushes for the new trail and make sure that the trail was walkable, even if somewhat steep. She said she would like to continue hiking to Fremont Older Preserve. Rich Schumacher: Said he had been using the trail for many years and appreciatedwhat everyone has done to maintain access. He said he liked to climb the hill with his mountain bike. Chair Brophy closed the public hearing. Chair Brophy: Noted receipt of emails, all but one for maintaining the trail access to Fremont Older; one stated opposition to the removal of three specimen sizeCoast Live Oak trees, and opposition to hillside exception to build a 5,000 sq. ft. house. Reviewed the concerns voiced by speakers. 1.Ensure that there be unhindered access during the staging and construction of the house. Colin Jung: Stated it was covered under the last condition of exception of resolution, maintenance of pedestrian access; “property owner shall maintain pedestrian access through the property to facilitate ……………not be unreasonably withheld.” That covers it now and prior to the construction of the house;the applicant will be granting the easement and getting a vacation of the existing easement, and at that time we will have a better ideawhen we know where the easement is, what he is thinking about in terms of the trailaccess and Public Works Dept. has already beeninformed of this so they will be looking at that with an eye toward what improvements need to be made if any on the land to maintainthat trail access. Chair Brophy: 2.Some speakers expressed concern that the new trail wouldbe steeper than the existing one; he asked if there would be any problem maintaining a steeper slope over time, and how do they know if it will be designed in a way that will be usable by a reasonable number of people? Gary Chao: Thanked the speakers for their positive comments. Said in terms of maintenance, Ms. Giefer was correct, there is a condition that requires maintenance. The words “unhindered” and “accessible” are the key words that relateto the responsibility that the applicant has in terms of maintaining an accessible, unhindered pathway to and from the Fremont Older preserve. To that extent staff will do their best to work with the applicant. They still havethe option of keeping it where it presently is; the goal is to at least come out ofit no worse than what exists now in terms of the grade. Hopefully the new condition will be better; it will be on your path and freshly prepared; but it is expected to be accessible and unhindered; if a tree falls over, it is the applicant’s responsibility to take care of the tree. If for some reason the trail becomes inaccessible, we can talk to Cupertino Planning Commission November 25, 2014 6 the property owner about clearing the path. That is the extent of the maintenance we are expecting from the trail. The design will be reviewed by the city engineer. Chair Brophy: Asked if there were any issues anticipated relative to thevisibility of the retaining wall from properties to the north? Gary Chao: The presentation shows an unscreened wall, downslopewall; there is a condition under tree replacement that talks about Oak replacements towards the removed Oak and staff is specifyingthe location of those 6 Oaks in front of the downhill sloping walls.Hopefully in a few years, once mature, they will offersome screening. If the Planning Commission feels that thereshould be more than the Oaks, theycould specify that staff go back and work with the applicant to look at the design because it could be stepped down one notch or create another planter wall infront of it so it is more cascaded or stepped down. There are opportunities to grow vines or plantings for the effect of the 6 Oaks in front of it and in the backdrop if there are any gaps or openings in between, it will be filled with vines. There is apallet of options to considerdirect staff and perhaps ask applicant for his opinion. In terms of the back wall, it is not seen; it is thebackside of the house; if there are concerns they can be discussed with the applicant about putting siding materials on some of the walls that maybe visibleso it is more terraced instead of straightwall; realizing some of the terracing featuresstepping down strategies potentially you incur more grading because you are cutting into and maneuveringthe dirt more. Chair Brophy: Make sure that as part of the trail any bushes or shrubs will be cleared to make sure it is walkable. There was also a question about damage to the private road; how do we handle that to the extent the contractor will have to be coming in onthe private road? Gary Chao: Said it is governed by the Public Works Dept., part ofthe review from Public Worksis to look at the language specified in the easement; the common access easement that is recorded on the applicant’s property. Many of the caseswhere it talks about maintenance and upkeep or even ex-vacations of the conditions in which it ought to be maintained; meaning when the property owner goes throughthe construction, if they haveto open up trenches or modify a portion of the road, Public Worksstaff is going to ensure that they restore it back to that stated condition. Many timesthere are bonds to ensure that be carried out prior to thefinal occupancy of the project. Staffencourages since there is one adjacent neighbor, that the parties involved get together and sort out in advance some of the expectations; as a courtesy a construction management plan will be required so that the timing of construction, hours of construction will be sorted out before commencement of construction is allowed. Staff encouragesconversations and coordination between the two private parties as well. Colin Jung: Referred to the resolution and discussed the changes to be made.Said that they couldadd a condition thatthe applicant shall preparea landscape plan to be approved by the Director of Community Development with the purpose of screening visible retaining walls. Gary Chao: Said the house is pushed as much into the hill aspossible. If you want to terrace the front of the wall you essentially have tobuild another wall to be in front of it for no purpose other than just create a more terraced look. Cupertino Planning Commission November 25, 2014 7 ColinJung: The hillside standard is that all visible retaining walls and grading cuts need to be screened from public view and there is already language that it needs to be screened by public view. Chair Brophy: Commented when it first came up at the ERC meeting recently, they potentially could have had a difficult problem if people wantedto maintain the access throughproperty owned by the applicant that has been public access for twenty or more years. Often staff ends up refereeing squabbles between neighbors; he said he appreciated that not only the applicantandhis architect, but the adjoining neighbors and the people nearby who used the trail have worked to find a solution that works for everyone. He complimented Colin Jung for his hard work in putting the project together. MOTION:Motion by Vice Chair Lee, second byCom. Gong and unanimously carried 5-0-0to approve EXC-2014-09, TR-2014-42 and EA-2014-07, per the model resolutions and also adding condition that the property owner prepares a landscaping plan to be approved by the Community Development Director, with the purpose of screening visible retaining walls;Approve the Mitigated Negative Declaration and accept the final draft resolution with changes discussed during staff presentation. Friendly amendment by Com. Gong:To add condition to minimize grading at all possible situations and also to put forth the best effort to save trees Nos. 6 and 30. (Vice Chair Lee accepted Com. Gong’s friendly amendment) Chair Brophy: Clarified in terms of grading; work with the Fire Department to see if they will consider a design that would not requireas much earth movement. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: None REPORTOF THE PLANNING COMMISSION: Environmental Review Committee: Tonight’s agendaitemdiscussed. Housing Commission: No report. Mayor’s Monthly MeetingWith Commissioners: Report at next meeting. Economic Development Committee: Meeting cancelled for lack of quorum. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Written report submitted. Dec. 9 –two items being scheduled: minor modification to a previously approveduse permit for Apple Cafeteria; and The Counter Restaurantin the Biltmore retail, coming infor use permit for a bar Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned to the next Planning Commission meeting on December. 9, 2014. Respectfully Submitted: ________________________________ Elizabeth Ellis, Recording Secretary CITY OFCUPERTINO 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014 CITY OF CUPERTINO REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSIONMEETING DRAFTMINUTES 6:45P.M. DECEMBER 9, 2014 TUESDAY CUPERTINO COMMUNITY HALL The regular Planning Commission meeting ofDecember 9, 2014 was called to orderat 6:45 p.m. in the Cupertino Community Hall, 10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA. byChair Paul Brophy. SALUTE TO THE FLAG . ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Chairperson:Paul Brophy Vice Chairperson: Winnie Lee Commissioner: Margaret Gong Commissioner:Don Sun Commissioner: Alan Takahashi Staff Present: Assistant Director of Community Development: Gary Chao Assistant CityAttorney: Colleen Winchester Assistant Planner: Kaitie Groeneweg Assistant Planner:Gian Paolo Martire APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Draft minutes of November 10, 2014 Planning Commission meeting: MOTION: Motion by Com. Sun, second by Com. Gong, andunanimously carried5-0-0 to approve the November 10, 2014 Planning Commission minutes as written. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: Written communication relative to Item 3 was noted. POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None CONSENT CALENDAR: None PUBLICHEARING: 2.M-2014-02 Modification of a previously approved Development Permit Vanessa Chow (DP-2014-04) to amend a Condition of Approval relating to (Apple, Inc.)pedestrian access to an adjacent parcel. 10250 Bandley Dr.Planning Commission decision final unless appealed. Cupertino Planning Commission December 9, 2014 2 Gian Paolo Martire, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report: Reviewedthe application for the modification of thedevelopment permit for the Apple cafeteria (Caffe Macs)as outlined in the staff report. The modification is for removal of condition 8 of Resolution 6708 as approved by the Planning Commission on September 2012; which condition required that there berecorded on the property and the parcel to the north a reciprocal cross access easement for pedestrian walkway between Caffe Macs and the parcel to the north at 10201 No. DeAnza Blvd. which Apple leases, but does not own. The removal of the requirement to record a reciprocal cross access easement over the pedestrian walkway will allow Apple to maintain a secure access to their property in the event the parcel at 10201 No. DeAnza Blvd. is leased to another occupant in the future. Staff recommends approvalof the application. Staff answered Commissioners’ questions relative to the application. Vanessa Chow, Apple, Inc.: Addressed questions regarding the lease term which is for over 10 years. She said the access point is restoring what used to be the DA2building; people would walk past that property line to go to the old Japanese restaurant. In the future if they don’t lease that building the majority of Apple staff will walk down Bandley to go to the restaurant. The population overthere is probably only 200 to 300 people from that particular building using that access; the rest of the populationusesBandley Drive. Com. Sun: Asked what the urgency was if they had a ten year lease; why not wait for the leaseto expire? Vanessa Chow: Said the reason is the entitlement; they need to change thetitle to the property; it is between two private properties. Technically they do not need an easement to enforce that mutualaccess between the two properties. Chair Brophy opened the public hearing; noone wished to speak; the public hearing was closed. Motion: Motion by Com. Gong, second by Vice Chair Lee, and unanimously carried 5-0-0 to approve Application No. M-2014-02 as presented. 3.U-2014-07,Use Permit for a separate bar at a proposed restaurant (The ASA-2014-12 Counter Burger); Architectural and Site Approval toallow Jared Taylor (GoldenProperty façade and site modification for a new restaurant and bar Development)in a Mixed Use Development (Biltmore). 20030 Stevens Creek Blvd. Kaitie Groeneweg, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report: Reviewed the application for a Use Permit and Architecturaland Site Approval to allow a new restaurant at the Biltmore Apartments, as outlined in the attached staff report. She reviewed the project site, architectural and site modifications, operating hours, proposed indoor and outdoor seating. She noted that during the noticing process, staff received one comment from a concerned neighbor regarding the proposed bar. The bar is consistent with the land use and is ancillary to the restaurant operations. Proposed architectural and site modifications include window awnings, new indoorand outdoorbar area with retractable glass windows and additional landscaping. The applicant is also proposing an outdoor patio area which will include a new fire pit, outdoor heaters, patio umbrellas and wood paneling in the bar area. Cupertino Planning Commission December 9, 2014 3 The city’s architectural consultanthas reviewed the plans and staff supports the modifications. To further activate the streetscapestaff recommendsthat the applicant work to further eliminate the spandrel proposed on the front elevation along Stevens Creek Blvd. Currently the spandrel is consistentwith the original development approval which incorporated large storefront windows to promote transparency and connectivity with the streetscape. Parking is consistent with the zoning ordinance;a total of 38 stalls are being provided. Employee parking will be offsite as required by the parking management plan. A condition of approvalhas been added to the draft resolution; if parking issues arise in the future, staff can make modifications to the plan to address any concerns. A security plan was provided and reviewed by the Sheriff’s Department who have no concerns with the project. The projectis environmentally exempt from CEQA; staff recommends approval of the Use Permit and Architectural and Site Approval for the separate bar facility, per the draft resolution. Staff answered Commissioners’ question regarding the application. Gary Chao: Explained why outdoor seating was not factored into the parking requirement. If the outdoor seating provided isancillary to the restaurant, which it is in this case; historically the city has allowed a few seats to be part of the ancillary mix, because sometimes people desire to sit inside or outside, depending on the weather. If it becomes too excessive or it is a hugedining area and it is a main serving area they want to count it toward parking. Said the intent of that conditionis staff would like to have the opportunity to workfurther with the applicant becausethey feel more could be done to make it more aesthetically and architecturally pleasing. Said they understood that there would be some frontage areas to be hidden behind some sort of wall or spandrel, spandrel being the last resort, but they would like the opportunity to work with the applicant to consider other measures; ideally if they can move some things inside to make that happen to make it so itis clear glass, which is the preference. Secondary to that if there are some ways they can get either a casement window to display, wall graphics or even one of their interior wall signs or whatever gives some light as opposed to just non-active shaded full glass; that is the intent of the condition and staff is happy tolook at the wording of that condition to suit the Planning Commission. Relative to possible noise from the bar, the noise aspect of the project was considered as part of the main use permit when Prometheus came in to do the mixed use development. Prometheusowns both the apartment in the back and the retailstores in the front, hence it is easier to deal with one property owner that can help mitigate any concerns or get to things faster. There are already conditions as part of previous use permit that also applies to this approval that the property owner or restaurant would have to adhere to the city’s noise ordinance. There is a process for folks feeling they have exceeded the decibel reading; thecode enforcementofficers will go out there and work with the property owners to address that. All of the mechanical equipment placed on their roof would haveto meet that daytime/nighttime decibel reading; and also there is a condition that deals with that from the previous use permit that would involve the Prometheus property management group. Jared Taylor, Golden Property Development: Said they have spent a great deal of time working with staff on the project to put together their overall design, which is a tenant improvement in the existing shell building that the city of Cupertino staff had a great deal of involvement in designing as well. The Counter restaurant is an iconic burger restaurant especially in the Bay Area; drawingin a goodclientele of families, people having lunch; and they feel that the restaurant location is going to help activate Stevens Creek Blvd. with people eating on the patio, sitting by the firepit. Said they accept the proposed conditions of approval except further discussion on Conditions5 and 12a which relates to the spandrel glass. Said they were willing to work with staff to propose something other thanspandrel glass; he showed a slide presentation of a variety of options available including pots with landscapingin front of the windowsand community Cupertino Planning Commission December 9, 2014 4 artwork. He emphasized that the language in ConditionsNo. 5 and 12a should not require them to redesign the interior of the restaurant because if they have to move the cooler or bump back the inside of the window 4 feet for a viewing area for some type of artwork or signage they would lose 4 feet of space. It would be a deal killer for them as the kitchen is already packed so tight. He reiterated they were proposing a high quality commercial use with multiple locations from the same operator throughout the Bay Area that has proved its ability to operate a high quality restaurant establishment. Peter Katz, Co-owner of the Counter: Said he looked forward to being in Cupertino, and reiterated that it was a family restaurant. Said they worked diligently to fit the kitchen elements into a non-traditional shaped space and any requirements to reduce the available space for the kitchen would make it a non-starter for them. Marty Lopez, Prometheus Real Estate Group: Specific to the parking there have been spaces defined specifically for theretail and for the residential; said they went to greatlengths to identify those through signage andsuspect theywill do more as they move through the process. Parking hasbeen provided as required; in the entitlement process for both the residential as well as the retail component; said it was a major consideration from staff as well as for theirownpurposes. Chair Brophy opened the public hearing; as there was no one who wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. Chair Brophy asked staff to respond to the applicant’s concern aboutthe architectural requirements. Gary Chao: Said staff acknowledges it is difficult to further change the interior of the particular space. Said their intent is aligned with what the applicant is saying, and they fully intend to work withthem to further address those two currently proposed spandrel window fronts with some other features. He proposed that the Planning Commission consider a revision to Conditions 5 and 12a; propose that the two areas are much the same, to change it to “the applicant shall work with staff prior to issuance of building permit to further enhance windows 5 and 6 to include featuressuch as, but not limited to, clear glass artwork, backlitfeatures and/or other similar architectural or decorative features as determined to be appropriate by the Community DevelopmentDirectorwith the intent that it is to further enhance the aesthetics of those two store fronts” which would be acceptable to them. Said it was not their intent to require The Counters to redesign their interior layout unless they want to. Said he was pleased that the applicant is stating they are open to clear glass even though that is not their preference; the intent is to be transparent and open up to the community so it’s activated as opposed to tinted glass, faux glass, storefronts facing the interior. Chair Brophy: Noted for the recordreceipt of one email from Mary Agnes, 20128 Stevens Creek Blvd., who was concerned with the concept of havinga bar. Mr. Taylor responded to that specific point. Said it was not obvious to him what the problem was withthe existing design; why not just accept it as is and remove Conditions 5 and 12a. City Attorney: Recommended the revised wording from Gary Chao; the language to state thatthe motion is to approve the resolution with the language as suggestedby staff. Applicant: Said the languagewas agreeable;but he requestedthat the language include a statementor Cupertino Planning Commission December 9, 2014 5 acknowledgement that no interiorredesign wouldbe required and that the existing floor plan PL2 could be approved as is for design purposes. Gary Chao: Clarified that the Planning Commission was not approving or disapproving the interior floor plan; it is not within the purviewof this architectural and site application. Said they understood what Mr. Taylor is saying; the focus is more on the flexibility that they elect to provide in the wording of that condition because they are not approving or disapproving the floor plan. Chair Brophy: Said when looking at the plans, he didn’t see anything that degrades from the appearance of Stevens CreekBlvd., whichhe described as undistinguished. He did not understandwhy they didn’t just strike Conditions 5 and 12a, but said his colleagues may feel differently. Com. Takagashi: Said he felt the PlanningDepartment was trying to achieve consistency throughout Stevens Creek Blvd., and it has led to new development. Said it was preferable from his perspectiveif the Planning Department and applicant could work together to achieve an optimum solution that doesn’t significantly inhibit the business case and the layout. Vice Chair Leeand Com. Sun: Said they agreed. MOTION:Motion by Vice Chair Lee, second by Com. Gong, and unanimously carried 5-0-0, to recommend approval of ApplicationASA-2014-12,U-2014-07 with the following amendments to Conditions 5 and 12a prior to issuance of building permits: the applicant and staff shall work together to further enhance building windows 5 and 6 which may include but not be limited to clear glass, artwork;backlit features or similar decorative features with the intent to further enhance the two storefront windows. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: None REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION: Environmental Review Committee: No recent meeting. Housing Commission: No meeting. Mayor’s Monthly MeetingWith Commissioners: Library Commission: Current library building had its 12th anniversary celebration; burying time capsule and did survey at the anniversary celebration and found that people were very positive about the library and would like to see even more programs there. The $80 fee for non-resident library cards has been eliminated. TIC Commission: Starting a deployment by AT&T of a high speed system; it hasbeen frozen by AT&T subject to resolution of discussions about neutrality and what that means. Cupertino Planning Commission December 9, 2014 6 There will be an appeal to the City Council on December 16 of the cell tower application at Cupertino High School. Fine Arts Commission: A public art catalog will be presented to Council in December; also preparing their work plan. Bike and Ped Commission: Updating the bike plan; planning a workshop. Public Safety Commission: Recommended change of code to allow kids to ride their bikes on the sidewalk. Parks and Rec Commission: City has hired a planning firm to study the StevensCreek Corridor, McClellan to Stevens Creek Blvd. Also the city will conduct a citywide master plan for parks starting in January. A consultant has been hired to study signage for city parks. Teen Commission: Conducted some debatesfor candidates for the school district and assembly elections. Also have a program Giving Tree to donate Christmas gifts for needy children. Mayor’sReport: Mayor reported that there was a workshop discussing the recent fatal bike accident on McClellan and will follow up discussion at the December 16th meeting. Economic Development Committee: No meeting. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Cupertino High School antenna application meeting on December 16 may be postponed to January. December 16th City Council will be conducting a second reading for the General Plan Housing Element. The Council did proceed with the Housing Element and General Plan amendment with the intent that staff will work with HCD to get their input on the housing element and report back to the Council with possibly a certification date of May 2015 for the Housing Element. Interviews for new Planning Commissioners will take place in late January or first meeting in February. Also recognition of Chair Paul Brophy will be at ameeting likely in February. No January meetings are scheduled. Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned to the next Planning Commission meeting. (No January meetings scheduled.) Respectfully Submitted: ________________________________ Elizabeth Ellis, Recording Secretary PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Agenda Item No. 3 Agenda Date:January 27, 2015 Applications:M-2014-01 Applicant:Julio Espinoza(Smoke Eaters Restaurant) Location:10650 S. De Anza Boulevard APPLICATION SUMMARY: Modification of a Use Permit (U-1988-11) to extend the operating hours past 11pm and to allow a separate bar at an existing restaurant. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commissionapprovethe modification of a Use Permit (M- 2014-01) in accordance with the draft resolution(Attachment 1). PROJECT DATA: General Plan Designation:Commercial / Residential Zoning Designation:P(CG) Commercial Building Area:3,610 square feet Bar Area:312 square feet Number of Seats: Bar:16 Restaurant:112 Patio:32 Parking Spaces (Shopping Center): Required:225 Provided:264 Hours of Operation: Existing:11 am –11 pm Proposed:11 am –1 am Project Consistency with: DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING DIVISION CITY HALL 10300 TORRE AVENUE •CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255 (408) 777-3308 • FAX (408) 777-3333 M-2014-01 Smoke Eaters Restaurant January 27, 2015 General Plan:Yes Zoning:Yes Environmental Assessment:Categorically Exempt BACKGROUND: Existing Center and Surroundings The proposed project site (existing Smoke Eaters Restaurant), is located as an extension of the De Anza Centre shopping center. To the west of the site are retail uses; offices andsingle family residential uses are located to the east; the De Anza Centreto the north; and retailto the south. The nearest residential property is approximately 177 feet away from the siteto the east. A conditional use permit was approved in 1988 allowing the operation of a sit down restaurant at the subject site. The Use Permit included a condition of approval (condition 2 of Resolution 4069) limiting alcohol sales for the restaurant to a service bar only and the hours of operation between 7am to 11pm. In 2010, the City approved a modification to the sit down restaurant (DIR-2010-48) permitting the expansion of the outdoor patio to include 32 seats, bringing the total number of restaurant seating to 160. M-2014-01 Smoke Eaters Restaurant January 27, 2015 Application Request The applicant, Julio Espinoza,on behalf of Smoke Eaters Restaurant, is requesting a modification of a Use Permit (U-1988-11) to extend the operating hours past 11pm and to allow a separate bar at the existing restaurant.The General Commercial (CG) Ordinance requires that the PlanningCommission review and approve requests for restaurants with separate bar facilities as well as business operating hours past 11pm. DISCUSSION: OperationalDetails Smoke Eaters is a full service restaurantthat currently sellsbeer and wine for onsite consumption.Concurrent with the request to add a bar and extend the hours of operation to 1am,the applicant has submitteda separate application to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for a Type 47 License for the onsite consumption of liquor as well as beer and wine. The addition of the barwillnot add seating to the restaurant.Sixteen restaurant seats will be replaced with 16 bar seats. In addition, the project will occur completely within the interior of the existing restaurant and will not involve any exterior modifications or expansion of the building. A condition has been added to limit the service hours for the patio area to 11:30pmand to stop service of alcohol at 12:30amwith a hard close of the restaurant at 1am. Please refer to Attachment 2for theapplicant’sdetailed business plan. Parking The parking demand for the existing restaurant is based on one space for every four seats for the restaurant and a portion of the patio seating plus one parking space per employee. By converting a portion of the seating area for the bar, additional parking will be required at a rate of one space per threeseatsforthe sixteen bar seats, one space for every four seats for the restaurant and a portion of the patio seating,plus one parking space per employee.Currently, the parking demand for Smoke Eaters is 43 spaces. With the addition of the bar, the new parking requirement is 45 spaces. Cupertino Parking Ordinance Requirements Existing Condition 43 spaces (1 space per 4 seats + 1 space per employee) Project (Restaurant + Bar)45 spaces (1 space per 3 seats (bar) + 1 space per 4 seats (restaurant)+ 1 space per employee) The De Anza Centre,which spans over multiple parcels, currently provides264spacesto service theentire shopping center. The Parking Ordinance allows shared parking facilities to serveone or more contiguous propertieswith a conditional use permit, and calculatesthe parking demand byusing Table 19.124.040(C). This table factors in the peak operating hours of the various uses within the shopping center to determine the peak parking demand.Based on Table 19.124.040(C), a total of 225spaces is required forthe De Anza Centre. The site currently provides 264spaces, leaving a surplus of 39 spaces. M-2014-01 Smoke Eaters Restaurant January 27, 2015 Proximity to Residential Use The project site is not immediately adjacent to any residential uses. The closest residential propertyis located approximately 177feet to the eastand 300 feet to the west.Therefore,the project is not expected to cause any significant impacts to the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Security The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s office has reviewed the project and does not foresee any security concerns or negative impacts to the surrounding neighborhood. A condition of approval has been added to require the property owner to address security concerns in the event that they arise and pay foradditional Sheriff’s enforcement timeif required. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: The use permit is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per section 15301(Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelinesbecause the proposed use occurs within an existing facility and minor alterations will be made within an urban, developed environment. PUBLIC NOTICING & OUTREACH: The following table is a brief summary of the noticing done for this project: Notice of Public Hearing, Site Notice & Legal Ad Agenda Site Signage (14 days prior to the hearing) Legal ad placed in newspaper (at least 10 days prior to the hearing) Notices mailed to property owners adjacent to the project site (300 foot) (10 days prior to the hearing) Posted on the City's official notice bulletin board (one week prior to the hearing) Postedon the City of Cupertino’s Web site (one week prior to the hearing) PERMIT STREAMLINING ACT: This project is subject to the Permit Streamlining Act (Government Code Section 65920 –65964). The City has complied with the deadlines found in the Permit Streamlining Act. Project Received: October 31, 2014 Deemed Incomplete:November 25, 2014 Deemed Complete:December 17, 2014 Since this project is Categorically Exempt, the City has 60 days (until February 17, 2015) to make a decision on the project. ThePlanning Commission’s decision on this project is final unless appealed within 14 calendar days of the decision. Prepared by: Gian Paolo Martire, Assistant Planner M-2014-01 Smoke Eaters Restaurant January 27, 2015 Reviewed by:Approved by: /s/Gary Chao /s/Aarti Shrivastava Gary Chao Aarti Shrivastava Assistant Director of Community Development Assistant City Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1 –DraftResolution for M-2014-01 2 –Business Description 3 –Plan Set M-2014-01 CITY OF CUPERTINO 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, California 95014 DRAFT RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO APPROVINGA MODIFICATION TOA USE PERMIT (U-1988-11)TO REMOVE A RESTRICTION TO ALLOW A SEPARATE BAR AND EXTEND THE HOURS OF OPERATION TO 1:00AMAT AN EXISTING RESTAURANT(SMOKE EATERS) LOCATED AT 10650 S. DE ANZA BOULEVARD SECTION I: PROJECT DESCRIPTION Application No.:M-2014-01 Applicant:Julio Espinoza(on behalf of Smoke Eaters Restaurant) Location:10650 S. DeAnza Boulevard SECTION II: FINDINGS FOR USE PERMIT WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Cupertino received an application for the Modification of a Development Permit, as described in Section II of this Resolution; and WHEREAS, the necessary public notices have been given in accordance with the Procedural Ordinance of the City of Cupertino, and the Planning Commission has held one or more public hearings on this matter; and WHEREAS, the applicant has met the burden of proof required to support said application; and has satisfied the following requirements: a)The proposed development, at the proposed location, will not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity, and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, general welfare, or convenience; The proposed project will be within the existing Smoke Eaters Restaurant which has operated at the site since 2010. The closest single-family residential property is located approximately 177 feet from the proposed interior bar. Adequate security measures are incorporated into the proposed project. Therefore, the proposed use will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare. b)The proposed development will be located and conducted in a manner in accord with the Cupertino Comprehensive General Plan and the purpose of the City’s zoning ordinances. The proposed use complies with the Cupertino General Plan and Municipal Code requirements, including but not limited to, parking regulations, hours of operationand security measures. Draft Resolution M-2014-01 January 27, 2015 Page-2- NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That after careful consideration of maps, facts, exhibits, testimony and other evidence submitted in this matter, the application for Modification of the UsePermit are hereby recommended for approval, subject to the conditions which are enumerated in this Resolution beginning on Page 2 thereof; 1.The application to modify Use Permit, U-1988-11,Application No. M-2014-01 is hereby approved, and That the subconclusions upon which the findings and conditions specified in this resolution are based and contained in the public hearing record concerning Application No. M-2014-01,as set forth in the Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of January 27, 2015, and are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. SECTION III: CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPT. 1.MODIFICATION OF USE LIMITATION IN REGARDS TO LIQUOR SALES AND HOURS OF OPERATION Condition No. 2of the Planning Commission Resolution No. 4069limitingalcohol service and hours operation as approved by the Planning Commissionon June 16, 1988, as a condition of approval for Use Permit Application U-1988-11, shall be modified to expand the hours of operation to 1am and to the allow a separate bar for alcohol servicewith up to 16 bar seats. 2.RECIPROCALPARKING AGREEMENT The property owner shall enter into a private agreement with the owner of the contiguous lots that make up the De Anza Shopping Centre (APN 369-38-039, 369-38-037, 369-38-038, 369- 37-027, and 369-37-025) for a reciprocal parking agreement. The agreement shall run with the land and shall be recorded prior to final occupancy. 3.APPROVED EXHIBITS Approval recommendation is based on the plan set received December 15, 2014consisting of 1 sheet, labeled UP1.0 entitled, “Proposed expansion of service –bar counter to an existing restaurant: Smoke Eaters,” drawn by Julio Espinoza; except as may be amended by conditions in this resolution. 4.EXPIRATION If the use for which this conditional use permit isgranted and utilized has ceased or has been suspended for two yearsor more, this permit shall be deemed expired and a new use permit application must be applied for and obtained. 5.OPERATIONS a.Alcohol serviceatthe restaurant shall be limited to 12:30 am with a hard closing time at 1am.Theoutdoor patio shall be closed at11:30 pm. b.The total number of seats within the restaurant service area shall be limited to 16bar seats, 112 restaurant seats, and 32 patio seats, unless as otherwise allowed by the Draft Resolution M-2014-01 January 27, 2015 Page-3- Community Development Director provided sufficient parking is available within the shopping center. c.Exterior doors shall be kept closed at all times. 6.REVOCATION OF USE PERMIT The Director may initiate proceedings for revocation of the Use Permit in any case where, in the judgment of the Director: a.Substantial evidence indicates that the conditions of the conditional use permit have not been implemented, or b.Complaints are received related to the tenant under this use permit, and the complaints are not immediately addressed by the property management and/or the tenant, or c.Where the permit is being conducted in a manner detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare, in accord with the requirements of the municipal code. 7.LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT The property owner shall address security concerns in the event that they arise to the satisfaction of the City. The property owner shall pay for any additional Sheriff enforcement time resulting from documented incidents in the development at the City’s contracted hourly rate with the Sheriff Department at the time of the incident. The City reserves the right to require additional security patrols and/or other measures as prescribed by the Sheriff’s Office or Code Enforcement. 8.ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LICENSE The applicant shall obtain and adhere to the appropriate California Alcoholic Beverage Control License(s) in conjunctionwith the proposed service. 9.CONSULTATION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS The applicant is responsible to consult with other departments and/or agencies with regard to the proposed project for additional conditions and requirements. Any misrepresentation of any submitted data may invalidate an approval by the Community Development Department. 10.INDEMNIFICATION To the extent permitted by law, the applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City, its City Council, its officers, employees and agents (the “indemnified parties”) from and against any claim, action, or proceeding brought by a third party against the indemnified parties and the applicant to attack, set aside, or void this Resolution or any permit or approval authorized hereby for the project, including (without limitation) reimbursing the City its actual attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in defense of the litigation. The applicant andCity shall use best efforts to select mutually agreeable legal counsel to defend such action, and the applicant shall pay all compensation for such legal counsel, following the applicant’s receipt of invoices from City, together with reasonable supportingdocumentation. Such compensation shall include reasonable compensation paid to counsel not otherwise employed as City staff and shall include City Attorney time and overhead costs and other City staff overhead costs and any costs directly related to the litigation reasonably incurred by City. If the applicant and the Draft Resolution M-2014-01 January 27, 2015 Page-4- City cannot in good faith agree on joint counsel, the City shall have the right to retain counsel of its own choosing, separate from the applicant’s litigation counsel. 11.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 Conditionsconstitute 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. SECTION V: CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 1.FIRE DEPARTMENT REVIEW Prior to preforming any work the applicant shall make application to, and receive from, the Building Department all applicable construction permits. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 27th day of January2015, at a Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Cupertino, State of California, by the following roll call vote: AYES:COMMISSIONERS: NOES:COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN:COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT:COMMISSIONERS: ATTEST:APPROVED: Gary Chao Paul Brophy, Chair Assist. Dir.of Community Development Planning Commission Subject: Report of the Community Development Assistant Director Planning Commission Agenda Date:Tuesday, January 27, 2015 Appeal of the Personal Wireless Service Facility at Cupertino High School On January 20, 2015, the City Council denied the appeal and upheld the Planning Commission’s August 26, 2014 decision to approve the Wireless Service Facility. Climate Action Plan On January 20, 2015, the City Council adopted resolution 15-001 for an addendum to the 2010 General Plan EIR and Cupertino’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) General Plan Amendment and Housing Element On February 4, 2015 between 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Cupertino Community Hall, the City will be hosting a community workshop to discuss important General Plan Amendment topics such as the amount of future development allocations, building heights along arterials, and the community benefit program. As per the direction of the City Council, inputs from this workshop will be presented to the Council in Spring 2015 for consideration.Please visit www.cupertinogpa.org for additional information. Planning Commissioner Academy The League of California Cities will be hosting the annual Planning Commissioners Academy on March 4-6 in Newport Beach. Topics will include: covering essential planning tools and topics like affordable housing and CEQA basics, streamlining government policies, state policy matters and complete streets. Joint sessions will range from wildfire planning to a socialmedia survival guide for public officialsand the challenge of creating cities and towns that are at once economically stable and environmentally responsible. OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CITY HALL 10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255 (408) 777-3308 • FAX (408) 777-3333 • planning@cupertino.org