PC 07-13-98CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777-3308
APPROVED MINU'I'ES OF T~E REGULAR MEETING OF
PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON JULY 13, 1998
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present:
Doyle, Harris, Mahoney, Stevens, Chairwoman Austin
Staff present:
Robert Cowan, Director of Community Development; Ciddy Wordell,
City Planner; Michele Bjurman, Planner II; Rhys Rowland, Planning
Intern; Carmen Lynaugh, Public Works; Raymond Cheong, Traffic
Engineer; Eileen Murray, Deputy City Attorney
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the June 22, 1998 regular meeting:
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSTAIN:
VOTE:
Com. Stevens moved to approve the June 22, 1998 minutes as presented
Com. Doyle
Com. Mahoney
Passed 4-0-1
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: Chair Austin noted a letter from Dennis and Elizabeth
Whitaker relative to Item 8; a letter from the Lion and the Lamb Bookstore relative to the
Chevron liquor license; and letters from Helen Tare and Jeanne Thomas on the application to add
a second story to the dental complex.
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL- FROM CALENDAR:
Application No.(s):
Ai>~licant:
Location:
14-U-97
Ji-Mei Chen
10580 John Way
Report to Council: Use Permit to construct a second story addition to an existing residence.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Categorically Exempt
TENTATIVE CITY COUNCIL HEARING DATE: June 15, 1998
CONTINUED FROM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 8, 1998
REQUEST CONTINUANCE TO AUGUST 10, 1998 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Doyle moved to continue Application 14-U-97 to the August 10, 1998
Planning Commission meeting
Com. Mahoney
Passed 5-0-0
Planning Commission Minutes 2 July 13, 1998
Application No.(s):
Applicant:
Location:
7-EXC-98 (21-EA-98)
Thomas Hutton
22820 San Juan Road
Hillside exception to locate a 2,500 sq. fi. addition to a residence on a prominent ridgeline in
accordance with Chapter 19.40 of the Cupertino Municipal Code
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Negative Declaration Recommended
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
REQUEST CONTINUANCE TO JULY 27, 1998 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Mahoney moved to continue Application 7-EXC-98 (21-EA-98) to the
July 27, 1998 Planning Commission meeting
Com. Doyle
Passed 5-0-0
ORAL COMMUNICATION: Ms. Laima Baltusis, 19872 Merritt Drive, expressed concern
about the construction of a two story home behind her property. She also distributed a copy of a
letter she wrote to the City Council regarding her concern. She referred to two overhead pictures
of the two story home, which illustrated loss of privacy to her property because of the many
windows from the two story home and the loss of trees which had previously been on the
property. She pointed out that if she had received notice about the construction of the home
earlier, she would have been able to have a landscaper work on her property. Ms. Baltusis also
expressed concern about the construction work and noise and unreasonable hours of construction.
She said that she would not be able to be present at the hearing in August and wished to express
her concerns to the Planning Commission beforehand.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Application No.(s):
Applicant:
Location:
2-U-72(M)
Northpoint
10880 Northpoint Way
Director's referral of a minor modification to remove four pine trees in an existing residential
developm[ht in accordance with Chapter 19.132 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Categorically Exempt
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
Application No.(s):
Applicant:
Location:
5-TM-96(M)
Aster 2
1361 & 1371 Aster Lane
Director's referral of a minor modification to an approved plan for tree removal in accordance
with Chapter 17.132 of the Cupertino Municipal Code
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Categorically Exempt
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
Planning Commission Minutes 3 July 13, 1998
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Mahoney moved to approve the Consent Calendar
Com. Harris
Passed 5-0-0
PUBLIC HEARl~G
Application No.(s):
Applicant:
Location:
7-U-98
Tony Wong
10067 Bianchi Way
Use Permit to construct two single family homes in a Planned Development zoning district,
including an exception to the Heart of the City Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Categorically Exempt
PLANNING COMIvlISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
CONTINUED FROM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 8, 1998
Staff presentation: The video presentation reviewed the application to demolish a single family
home and construct two single family homes, including an exception to the Heart of the City
specific plan. Plans were reviewed at the June 8 Planning Commission meeting and the architect
was asked to revise the plans by eliminating the carport for unit No. 2 and meeting the single
family residential setback requirements provided the changes would not negatively impact the
design. Unit No. 2 does not comply with the setback regulations and staff will present options for
reducing the building area. Staff recommends approval of the project. A Planning Commission
decision with respect to the project will be regarded as a final decision and will not be forwarded
to the City Council unless an appeal is filed within 14 calendar days.
Ms. Michele Bjurman, Planner II, referred to Exhibit F, the previous version and original version
of the site plan, and explained the modifications implemented by the applicant. She reviewed the
building and site designs, and the single family residential setbacks as set forth in the attached
staff report.
Mr. Tony Wong, applicant, said that in order to meet the setback requirements for the R1 zoning,
it was impossible to achieve every setback to meet all the requirements, therefore their priority
was to in6fease the south side of unit 2 which they believed to have a significant setback entrance
to the south side of the residential apartments and to the north side of unit 2, which is 8 feet. He
said he was aware that compliance with the residential zoning requirement is 10 feet. He said he
felt the north side neighbor which is the triplex is a separate building, and the particular location
is mostly a plain wall, therefore they felt 8 feet is probably comfortable. He said that staff's
recommendation is to increase 2 feet setback for the second story which would visually redo the
straight wall from the first floor to the second floor, but actually the front of the front elevation is
a garage. He proposed to keep the 8 feet instead of 10 feet because the visual effect will be
decreased by the garage. He noted that the corridor was eliminated, and no carport remains in
unit 2. In response to Com. Harris's question, Mr. Wong said that Unit No. 2 was increased to
2280 sq. fL, an addition of 80 square feet. He said that the second story setback for the second
unit was not increased. Relative to staWs recommendation, he said he hoped the Planning
Commission would consider less than 5 feet as they accept the concept of complying with the rear
setback.
Planning Commission Minutes 4 July 13, 1998
Chair Austin opened the meeting for public input; there was no one present who wished to speak.
Com. Doyle said that there was high density housing in the area and there would be two single
family homes on this property, and as a tradeoffwould be losing a 5 ft. of setback on the back of
Unit No. 2. He said it was an odd setback situation between the first unit and the second unit, and
potentially there could be a I0 foot setback on the side. He said from his viewpoint, he would not
make it necessary to move in the 5 feet, but would try to move that other side to get the 10 foot
setback on the adjoining ones and proceed from there.
Com. Mahoney said he concurred with staff's recommendation; it is basicfilly two single family
homes in the eyes of a duplex and he did not want to sacrifice on the setbacks.
Com. Stevens said he visited the area and it was tight all around; and although called a duplex, it
was actually two single residential units. He suggested that if the square footage of units 1 and 2
were similar, to flip unit 2 and have it be a flip on a like unit 1 which is the reverse, to maintain
all the setbacks. He said he concurred with staffreeommendation. He said he felt the setbacks
are required on this particular configuration, but felt the need to mention the possibility of another
configuration.
Com. Harris said she concurred with Com. Doyle; she liked keeping the green space between the
two units as there were two houses and should have some separation and some play area. She
said she would prefer to have the 8 foot setback go to 10 feet on the second story and not move
the 5 feet in.
Chair Austin said she concurred with Coms. Harris and Doyle, and pointed out that if they set it
back 10 feet and I0 feet in front they wouldn't have to move over that way and they could still
have the open space, which she would support.
MOTION:
SECOND:
NOES:
VOTE: '-
Com. Doyle moved to approve Application 7-U-98 as proposed by staff; with
modification to condition No. 7, eliminating "Unit #2 shall be shifted 5 ft.
forward and," and substituting "Unit 2 shall be set back on the north side to be
increased by 2 feet on the second story."
Com. Harris
Coms. Stevens and Mahoney
Passed 3-2-0
Application No.(s)
Applicant:
Location:
9-U-98 (24-EA-98)
Ki Bong Na
21749 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Use Permit to locate a specialized (karate) school in an existing shopping center.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Categorically Exempt
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
Staff presentation: The video presentation reviewed the application for operation of a martial arts
school in the shopping center formerly occupied by an auto parts store. Staffhas determined that
the available parking will not present a problem and concludes there may be a three space surplus
Planning Commission Minutes 5 July 13, 1998
under worst case conditions if the school is approved. Since the center's ingress and egress is
shared by the center and the post office, staff suggests that the median grading directional
markings and pedestrian access be modified to clarify the circulation pattern through the center,
creating a raised curb over the striped area and extending the center median to the edge of a
public right of way will partially mitigate those issues. Staff suggests that a condition for
reciprocal access be contingent to this project's approval. They also suggest that the unfinished
landscaping planter boxes be completed as a condition of approval. Staff also suggests that the
two wall signs from the former auto parts store be replaced before the martial arts school opens
for business. Staff recommends approval of the application, and a decision will be final and not
forwarded to the City Council unless appealed within 14 calendar days.
Mr. Rhys Rowland, Planning Intern, referred to Exhibit B, Parking Matrix for Worse Case
Scenario, and reviewed the parking impacts and answered Commissioners' questions.
Mr. Ki Bong Na, applicant, provided a history of his background and a brief explanation of the
classes held at the martial arts school.
Mr. Yen Chen, 21771 Stevens Creek Blvd., representing Chin-Hsiang Co., Ltd., said they were
not opposed to the concept of the martial arts school; however, they were concerned about the
parking. He pointed out that it was an older center and the design of the parking lot was not up to
the standards of the surrounding modern office buildings. He said that one of the items in the
staff report calls for a reciprocal easement, and said if there is no parking situation, there is no
need to have access, and that he felt it was not the appropriate time to execute the reciprocal
easement. He said it can be done, and the city has a right to execute it at any future time. He
noted that they maintained a good relationship with the residential neighborhood to the north. He
expressed concern that if there is access through the property, and there is a parking problem,
people would be parking in the residential neighborhoods and parking in the office parking lot in
the evening.
Chair Austin closed the public hearing.
Mr. Cowan clarified that the concept of requiring reciprocal access, not parking, among
properties along Stevens Creek Boulevard and DeAnza Boulevard was a long-standing policy of
the city to provide future opportunities to consolidate curb cuts and to provide alternate ways for
people to get out to side streets. He said it was working well for the city, and staff has
encouragdd commissions and City Council to require that as part of the General Plan policy.
Com. Harris said that she would like to see more business opportunity and the school to be able to
have adult classes in the evening. She recommended that the condition be changed to state "no
more than 10 adults in any one time until 6 p.m." She said that she supported the proposal.
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Mahoney moved to approve the Negative Declaration on Appln. 24-EA-98
Com. Doyle
Passed 5-0-0
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Mahoney moved to approve Application 9-U-98 according to the model
resolution
Com. Doyle
Passed 5-0-0
Planning Commission Minutes 6 July 13, 1998
Application No.:
Applicant:
Location:
11-EXC-93 (M)
Sol Kutner
11849 Upland Way
Hillside modification to decrease driveway slope and modify retaining wall heights on a
residential hillside lot.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Categorically Exempt
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
Staff presentation: The video presentation reviewed the application for modification to the
hillside exception to decrease the driveway slope and modify the retaining wall heights on a
residential hillside lot. Staff recommends approval of the application; however, recommends that
the applicant's landscape plan be reviewed to ensure that there is vegetation to screen the upper
wall and vines that will screen the lower wall. The Planning Commission's decision will be
considered final unless appealed within 14 calendar days.
Ms. Ciddy Wordell, City Planner, referred to the site plan and reviewed the proposed changes as
outlined in the staff report, including the raising of the Upland Way roadway by about 3 feet, so
there is not such a steep transition between the roadway and coming into the residents' driveway;
the access where the three driveways is being widened for safety; widening the Czisch driveway
entrance; and addition of a guardrail and retaining walls.
Mr. Sol Kutner, construction manager, said that at the beginning of the project, the four primary
elements carefully considered were the safety factors, the aesthetic issues, the environmental, and
functional. In response to Com. Doyle's question about the possibility of minimizing the number
of proposed retaining walls, Mr. Kutaer said that with fewer walls, the walls would be higher and
the ground would have a greater slope to it. He said the main factor for the retaining walls was
safety. Mr. Kutner also discussed the proposed landscaping plan.
Mr. Billy Lin, geotechnical engineer, said that as a result of recent heavy rains, there were two
landslides outside the property line. He referred to the overheads of the driveway grades and
discussed the impacts of the E1Nino landslides. He added that with a successful surface drainage
provision, the overall slope stability can be maintained.
Mr. Frank Lozano, civil engineer, Brian Kangas Foulk, answered questions regarding the storm
drain system.
Chair Austin opened the meeting for public comment.
Mr. Bob Presley, 11850 Upland Way, said that he appreciated the Planning Commission's
concern about retaining walls and drainage. He said that the work being done on the hillside with
the wall would be an improvement on the work being done alongside Upland Way. He pointed
out that the proposed driveway design was superior to the previous one. He recommended
approval of the application.
Chair Austin closed the public input portion of the meeting.
Planning Commission Minutes 7 July 13, 1998
Com. Harris said that she supported the staff recommendation to bring the landscaping plan back
for approval. Com. Doyle said that he concurred with staff recommendation also. He expressed
concern that when approval is granted for projects, items such as the ones discussed should be
considered prior to approval of the application. He said he was pleased to see that the water
situation had been addressed because it was a big issue as more development is put on the
hillsides. Com. Mahoney said that he concurred with the staff recommendation also. Com.
Stevens said that
he concurred with the staff recommendation; however, he recommended that in addition the inner
wall be piered for safety reasons. Chair Austin said that she concurred with the staff
recommendation also.
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Harris moved approval of Application 11-EXE-93 (M) according to the
model resolution with the understanding that the intent is to deal with the
landscaping in relation to the wall
Com. Doyle
Passed 5-0-0
Application No.(s):
Applicant:
Location:
9-EXC-98 (23-EA-98)
George Marcinkowski
10211 Byme Avenue
Hillside exception to locate a deck on slopes greater than 30% in accordance with 19.28.050 of
the Cupertino Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Negative Declaration Recommended
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
Staff presentation: The video presentation reviewed the application to construct a deck on slopes
greater than 30% in accordance with Chapter 19.28.050 of the Cupertino Municipal Code. In
November 1996 approval was granted for a 1,500 square foot deck consisting .of two retaining
walls and a trellis; however because the cost was prohibitive, the owner is seeking approval of a
smaller deck of different design. Staffrecommends approval of the application, with a condition
that the applicant provide two trees to be planted by the golf course staff. A decision will be
considereff final and not forwarded to City Council unless an appeal is filed within 14 calendar
days.
Mr. Cowan referred to an overhead drawing which provided a comparison of the original
approval deck design with the present proposed deck design.
There was no one from the public who wished to speak.
Mr. Ron Hykus, representing the applicant, said that the planting of cypress trees is being
proposed because the homeowner's property is inundated with golf balls. He said that the two
trees that the golf course would plant would be 20 gallon size.
Planning Commission Minutes 8 July 13, 1998
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Mahoney moved approval of the Negative Declaration on Application
23-EA-98
Com. Harris
Passed 5-0-0
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Mahoney moved approval Application 9-EXC-98 according to the model
resolution, including the 6 cypress trees or as designated by staff
Com. Harris
Passed 5-0-0
Application No.:
Applicant:
Location:
8-U-98 (22-EA-98)
Cupertino Dental Group
10383 Torte Avenue
Use permit for a 1890 sq. ft. addition to an existing office building.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Negative Declaration recommended
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
.Staff presentation: The video presentation reviewed the application for an 1,890 sq. ft. addition
to an existing office building within the Cupertino Dental Group complex, as outlined in the staff
report. Three previous applications for additions to the complex have been approved but not
built. Staff recommends denial of the application as parking is a concern. There are presently
parking space deficits on the site and the city has also received objections from adjoining
property owners regarding the resulting overflow of parking.
Ms. Wordell referred to the site plan and illustrated the location of the proposed second story
addition. She also illustrated the location of the trees that were proposed to be removed in
exchange for more parking spaces. Staff does not feel the parking spaces for removal of
landscaping is a fair trade off.
Mr. Michael Achkar, AM Construction, said that the five buildings were owned by one group.
He said they were willing to add 23 parking spaces to the existing 92 spaces. He referred to the
site plan and discussed the proposed landscaping design and parking redesign. Mr. Achkar said
that the dental group had been in the community for 20 years and were an asset to the community,
and that tti~ addition would be a benefit and beautification to the community.
Dr. K. Frangadakis, a partner in the Cupertino Dental Group and Torre Professional Center, said
that the goal was to make the building aesthetic and to improve the parking situation in the center.
He said that by relocating the existing trees and narrowing out the corridor in the back and
increasing the planting area, it would enhance the project. He said that he has been a practicing
dentist in the area for over 20 years, and felt the proposed building addition would be an asset to
the community.
In response to Com. Harris' question, Mr. Achkar illustrated the proposed changes to the
landscaping plan including transplanting the trees to different locations, addition of 23 parking
spaces, and reduction of the corridor.
Planning Commission Minutes 9 July 13, 1998
Com. Stevens said he recently visited the complex, and expressed concern that the parking lot
was full, and vans accounted for 20% to 30% of the parking. He questioned how many spaces
were gained by decreasing the size of the spaces. Mr. Achkar said that in accordance with the
Cupertino parking code, they could go 100% unisize, which is 8-1/2 feet wide, or 33% which
would be the compact or 8 feet wide, and the remainder the standards size of 9 feet wide.
Chair Austin opened the meeting for public input.
Ms. Jeanne Thomas, 20395 Pacifica Dr., #101, said that there was a parking problem already and
the expansion of the Torte Avenue building would exacerbate the existing problem, and code
enforcement would cause friction. She said she felt the expansion was visually objectionable and
was not well integrated, but appeared as an appendage to the building. She said that she objected
to the expansion of the building.
Dr. Warren Lee, 20395 Pacifica Dr., #109, said that he strongly objected to the proposal for the
following reasons: (I) There are insufficient parking spaces already, and the employees and
patients of Cupertino Dental Group constantly park in the other parking lot; with an expansion it
would only increase the overflow of parking. He said that the group practice has general dentistry
as well as orthodontists, seeing a large volume of patients up to 60 per day. After the expansion,
the patient and employee numbers will definitely increase and there will be problems with
overflow parking on the other lot. (2) As an orthodontist, most of his patients are children and it
is safer to park closer to the dentist's office; however, now his patients have to park further away
from his office and the situation would worsen if the addition is completed. He expressed
concern about the children running in the parking lot and potential accidents. He summarized
that the application may create parking space problems as well as patient safety concerns, and
urged denial of the application.
Dr. Thomas Hsu, 20395 Pacifica Drive, said that he objected to the proposed addition. He said
that patients from other offices park in spaces near his office which necessitates his patients
parking far from his office.
Mr. Ralph Courtnay, 21599 Edward Way, said that he felt there was a parking problem in the
complex. He noted that 13 years ago when there was an application for expansion of the
Cupertino Dental Center, he wrote a letter objecting to it, and at that time there was a parking
problem. He said that he also objected to the aesthetics, stating that he felt it was not a real
addition t6-the area. Mr. Courtnay also expressed concern about construction relative to parking
and traffic, which would affect the safety of patients and employees.
Dr. Darrel Lum, 20395 Pacifica Dr., #102, said that he has 30 years experience in dentistry, with
knowledge in dental group practice, solo practice and single dentist practice. He said that the
dental group is well respected in Cupertino, but have outgrown its facilities. He said that there
was no narrative in the applicant's report and therefore he would perhaps make some assumptions
regarding their plans. He said he did not feel they would spend the funds on the expansion
without the expectation of a return on their investment, which would mean more patient treatment
areas, which in turn would mean more patients and more cars. Dr. Lum expressed concern about
the space utilization relative to proposed offices and patient areas and questioned its affect on the
need for more parking in an already crowded parking lot. He reiterated that the expansion of the
complex would increase the number of patients from the group, and ultimately increase the need
for parking spaces. He urged denial of the application for expansion. Dr. Lum offered
Planning Commission Minutes 10 July 13, 1998
suggestions for conditions of approval relative to building entrances, if the Planning Commission
overrided staffs recommendation for denial.
Mr. Richard Abdalah, 10455 Torre Avenue, said that he was speaking on behalf of Dennis
Whitaker, owner of an end condominium. He said that there was no narrative in the application,
and they would assume the group would go from 3 patient areas to 7 in the new building, which
would double their clients. As a result of the reduction of the parking spaces to non-conforming
smaller areas, the patients with vans and children would park in other areas where there is more
room.
Mr. Abdalah read into the record a portion of the letter from Mr. Whitaker, who has had an
insurance business in Town Center Lane since 1974. "Parking has always been a problem;
however, on the same week that the legal notices were sent announcing the Planning Commission
meeting of July 13, parking primarily by the staff of the Cupertino dental offices was no longer
an issue. We have encountered crowded conditions for many, many years; and suddenly there
was no longer a crowded condition. Clients for the dental building continually park in front of
and to the side of our office building. I had posted signs since 1981 to assist in the parking
problems, and a neighbor in from of my office recently placed a sign as well (Marchant Travel)."
Mr. Abdalah distributed photos illustrating the signs relative to parking. He suggested the option
of restriping the lot for a year to ascertain if it would relieve the parking problem. He requested
that a landscaping plan be submitted to indicate where the trees would be located. He referred to
the elevations of the proposed expansion, and suggested design changes to conform with the
existing buildings.
Dr. Frangadakis said he felt there was misinformation, that during his practice, he had not seen an
orthodontist with 60 children. He said there would be a few more treatment rooms, but would not
take up 20 parking spaces. He said the restorative dentistry practice appointments are normally
one to three hours is length, and are not impacted like an orthodontist's office would be. He said
the elevation was similar to a previously approved elevation. Dr. Frangadakis said that the
expansion will include better facilities for office space, storage and lounge area.
Mr. Achkar said that his company has specialized in dental offices for a number of years and
recently won an award for the best health care facility in the U.S. for the American Society of
Interior Designers and also Sunset magazine in February 1998. He questioned the comments
made regarding the plans for 4 operatories and the impact on the parking spaces, and pointed out
that upstairs space would be office space and not future space for operatory. He said that
concerns about the aesthetics of the building could be easily mediated. He concluded that he felt
the project was a win-win situation and requested consideration for approval.
In response to Com. Harris's question if there was an elevator, Mr. Achkar said that there was no
elevator in the building; noting that the two handicapped restrooms were on the first floor and
there was office space on the bottom floor. Dr. Frangadakis said that the insurance processor and
office manager worked in very small spaces, and at present files were stored on the floor in
various areas, because their office spaces were so cramped.
Chair Austin closed the public input portion of the meeting.
Chair Austin summarized the issues: architecture and floor plan, parking issue, landscaping, and
staffs recommendation.
Planning Commission Minutes It July 13, 1998
Com. Mahoney said that the frustrating thing about this is that objectively the parking is going in
the right direction; there should be an improvement in parking; there is 10% more square footage
going in and there is 20% more parking; so it should be going in the right direction. He said
various people brought up a lot of issues going beyond the size issue and he would like to address
those. He said he was inclined to continue the application. He said that using unisize parking
spaces helps meet the parking requirements, and he was opposed to them, and would prefer to see
it planned with a mix of regular and compact spaces. He said that he felt signage should be
considered in terms of additional parking. Com. Mahoney said that a landscape plan as well as an
arborists report was needed to see if the moving the trees is appropriate. He said that architecture
was not discussed at length and will return; focus was on the parking issue and there should be
more detail provided. He recommended that Dr. Lure's suggestions be incorporated as
appropriate as there were specifics which would deal with traffic flow and parking. He concluded
that he would prefer to continue the application.
Com. Stevens concurred with Com. Mahoney.
Com. Harris said that a significant number of people indicated them was a parking problem; and
although there is a parking standard, it is not working, therefore approvals should not be granted
for additional space until the parking issue is resolved. She said she felt the unisize spaces were
not appropriate because they don't work with minivans. She also indicated that the building
should house an elevator as it is a 2 story building. She said she also agreed about the arborist's
report. Com. Harris suggested that a parking study be conducted on the property before any
approval, to see what the circumstances are on a daily and weekly basis.
Com. Doyle suggested that the groups who have a vested interest meet to discuss issues and
return with a unified plan, relative to parking, landscaping, and architecture issues.
Chair Austin said that she concurred with all the commissioners, and said that she wanted to see
the Cupertino businesses flourish and succeed.
Dr. Frangadakis said that he was willing to meet with the other groups to discuss the issues.
MOTION:
SECOND:.~
VOTE:
Com. Mahoney moved to continue Application 8-U-98 and 22-EA-98 to the
September 28, 1998 Planning Commission meeting
Com. Mahoney
Passed 5-0-0
10.
Application No.(s):
Applicant:
Location:
25-EA-98
City of Cupertino
Citywide
Modification to Chapter 17.32 of the Cupertino Municipal Code regarding temporary signs.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Negative Declaration recommended
TENTATIVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: July 20, 1998
- Staffpresentation: Ms. Wordell provided a brief review of the ordinance.
Planning Commission Minutes 12 July 13, 1998
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Mahoney moved to approve the Negative Declaration on Application
25-EA-98 and to amend the time period for removal of temporary signs from 5
days to 10 days at'ret the special event
Com. Stevens
Passed 5-0-0
OLD BUSINESS
11. Discussion of R-1 ordinance schedule.
Staff presentation: Mr. Cowan reported that the purpose of the item was to attempt to expedite
the R-1 review. He reviewed the R-1 Ordinance prescriptive requirements which listed the
objective standards (applied citywide) and the subjective standards (tailored to neighborhood).
A discussion ensued regarding a suitable date for the study session with the Planning Commission
and City Council, wherein it was determined that August 5, 4, and 6 were the most suitable dates.
REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION: Chair Austin expressed concern about a
recent newspaper article by Steve Enders of the Cupertino News wherein he reported that at the
recent public hearing relative to the single story zoning applications for Hibiscus Court and
Scofield neighborhoods, commissioners had made up their minds before the meeting and
requested that the large number of persons present to designate a spokesman. Chair Austin
stated that decisions were not made beforehand, and 'prepackaging' was not used by the Planning
Commission. She said that she did not request he retract his statement, but felt that he should.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUN[r¥ DEVELOPMENT: Mr. Cowan briefly
reviewed the report relative to recent City Council decisions. He also reminded the Planning
Commissioners of the annual League of Cities Convention.
DISCUSSION OF NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS: None
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m. to the special July 22, 1998 meeting
at Blackberry Farm Conference Center, at 6:00 p.m.
~ ~)Respectfully Submitte~~l..~
Recording Secretary
Approved as presented: July 27, 1998