PC 06-09-75CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
103OO Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014
Telephoned 252-4505
MINUTES OF -THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD ON JUNE 9, 19752 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER; CITY HALL
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
4
Chairman Gatto called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. with the.
Salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
Comm. present: Adams, Cooper- (8a44), O'Keef e, Woodward,
Chairman Gatto
Comma absent: None
Staff present: Director of Planning and Development Sisk
Assistant Planning Director Cowan
Assistant City Attorney Kilian
Assistant City Engineer Whitten
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Comm. O'Keefe, seconded by Comm. Woodward to approve the
Minutes of May 19, 1975, as recorded.
Motion carried, 3-0-1
Comm. Adams abstained
Moved by Comm. O'Keefe, seconded by Comm. Adams to approve.the
Minutes of May 29, 1975, as recorded.
Motion. carried, 3-0-1
Comm. Woodward abstained
PC-193
Page 1
May 19th MinuteE
approved
May 29th Minutes
approved
POSTPONEMENTS
Upon recommendation of the staff, it was moved by Comm'. Woodward, 10-V--74
seconded by Comm, O'Keefe to continue application 10-V-74 to continued to
June 23, 1975> June 23rd
Motion carried, 4-0
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PC-193 MINUTES OF THE JUNE 9, 1975 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Page 2
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. CITY OF CUPERTINO: Public Hearing to consider an ordinance
regulating building design, building location and landscaping
in all zones as a means to ensure visual and acoustical privacy.
First Hearing continued.
The Assistant Planning Director stated that the staff had contacted
occupants of apartments and single family residences in an effort
to more clearly define the scope of this problem. He referred to a
map of the city indicating the developed and developable residential
properties. There was the consensus that in the case of single-family
zones, the home owner can protect himself from potential privacy
intrusion through the means of landscaping, fencing, etc. The Planning
Commission and City Council can address this privacy matter in the
hillsides at a later date. The City will have, on a case -to -case basis,
control over the planned development zones. There are very few areas
in the City of Cupertino that would utilize a privacy ordinance;
therefore, the staff recommended instead a set of performance standards
to accomplish this end. This would alert the developer of the basic
aims of the City. The June 6, 1975, staff report was introduced.
Chairman Gatto asked how this would affect existing apartment complexes.
The Assistant City Attorney said existing ones can come under non -con-
forming uses. The standards can apply in the cases of adding onto
an existing structure. The Assistant Planning Director said the intent
of the performance standards would be to make the developer aware that
the City is concerned about privacy.
The Planning Director answered Comm. O'Keefe that the way the Fence
Ordinance -is written, the H-Control has the ability to vary fence heights
and setbacks in PD zones. Comm. O'Keefe observed that we have a dilemma
here because we do not want to wall in our city with very high fences,
yet we do want to allow persons to have their privacy.
Chairman Gatto asked for comments from the audience. There were none.
Comm. Adams concurred with the staff's suggestion of adding the design
performance standards to the multi -family ordinance, and further that
the privacy -type limitations should not affect single family dwellings.
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MINUTES OF THE JUNE 9, 1975 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Comm. OiKeefe agreed with the staffs summation: "It is recommend-
ed that a privacy ordinance not be created per se but rather.that.
the duplex and apartment zoning districts be amended to include
privacy.related performance standards. The standards will fore
warn potential apartment.developers of the City's position in
regard to privacy and allow the project architect to develop
specific privacy problem solutions on a case by case basis," -
Comm. Cooper.was answered by the Assistant. Planning Director that,
at the present time, the City does not have the ability to insure
livability for the individual apartment occupants. We have in our
City some apartment complexes where the peopledrive to garages in
the rear and the entire rear yard is asphalt.
Comm. Woodward introduced the.dis'cussion of some leverage at the
building permit stage for controlling 2-story homes in single
family neighborhoods. Chairman Gatto said he has not seen enough
evidence that the staffs recommendation is required tiered He is
not sure there is a problem to be solved. Every home has the
potential ,of the owner adding a second story. Comm. O'Keefe
agreed thatthere probably isn't`that.much need for this control,
but he believes it is.a good idea to have it on the books,to
alert the developers to this concern of privacy.
Com-_n. Cooper felt that, from the developers' ,point of view,,.this
subject needs to be.addressed whether or not there is. a.problem.
She foresees more of a privacy protection -problem in ,the case of
development of vacant lots in established neighborhoods.
PC-193
Page 3
Mr, Robert Merrick, Vista Knoll Drive, Cupertino, said 'he,has a
single.family home with multiple,lots..on,Alpine Drive above him.'
He said they now have balconies overlooking private swimming
pools as a result. A request has been made that the balconies be
enclosed to at least provide some privacy. lie said he would like
to put in a tennis court on one of the multiple lots, thereby
eliminating a privacy problem.affectin.g about 5 lots, He purchas d
the lot behind him some 3-4. years ago to protect his privacy. He
believes the proposed ordinance should include enclosure of
balconies of multiples overlooking single-family dwellings.
Mr. Rasmussen, Vista Knoll,Drive, Cupertino, said he lives
adjacent to the Merrick property. If the tennis court were put
in it would be directly behind his lot. He reviewed details of
the'Appleberry applicationof a year ago. He would like to.see
the problem balanced'out now. Until all the apartment houses are
built there will be a hassle with each one As the older homes
are resold the problem will resolve itself. He would rather have. .
a tennis court at the rear of his property than a.30' high apart:
ment house. If the apartments do go in, he would be in favor of
having the privacy restriction.
IPC-193
Page 4
Privacy Ord.
explored in
R3 & R2 zones
Rl privacy
MINUTES OF THE JUNE 9, 1975 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Moved by Comm. O'Keefe, seconded by Conn. Woodward to close the
Public Hearing.
Motion carried, 5-0
MINUTE ORDER: Moved by Comm. Adams, seconded by Comm. O'Keefe to
direct the staff to provide the City Council with a summation of
the Planning Commission's findings that there should be a review of
existing ordinances and vacant land suitable for development of
multi -family dwelling units where it is felt the greatest potential
for privacy intrusion exists. Further, the Planning Commission
recommends that the R3 and R2 Zoning Ordinances be amended to include
performance standards that ensure privacy for living units within
and e<:ternal to each multi -family development.
AYES: Comm. Adams, Cooper, O'Keefe, Woodward, Chairman Gatto
NOES: None
Motion carried, 5-0
Comm. O'Keefe noted that downstream, the Planning Commission will
address the issue of existing dwellings.
Comm. Woodward said he is concerned with multi -story homes as well as
multi -family dwellings. fie did not believe it would be a widespread
problem, but the potential is there for a homeowner to add a second
story and balcony on his home that will affect perhaps 5 other homes.
MINUTE ORDER: Moved by Comm. O'Keefe, seconded by Comm. Cooper, that
the Planning Commission finds that there is a potential privacy intrusion
problem in situations where two-story single-family residential dwellings
adjoin single -story single-family dwellings. It is therefore recommended
that hearings be initiated to consier an amendment to the Rl Zoning
Ordinance to include measures to insure privacy.
AYES: Comm. Cooper, O'Keefe, Woodward
NOES: Comm. Adams, Chairman Gatto
Motion carried, 3-2
2. Application 10-V-74 of HOWARD E. MALLETT
This was continued to June 23, 1975.
MINUTES OF THE JUNE 95 1975 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING PC--193
Page 5
3. Application 7-Z-75 of MIKE MIKULe_ PREZONING 0.46 acres from
Santa Clara County R1-8 (Residential, single-family, 8,000
sq. ft. per dwelling unit) to City of Cupertino R3-2.7 (Resi-
dential:, multiple, 2,700 sq. ft. per dwelling unit) or whatev r
zone may be deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission.
Said property is located northerly and adjacent. to Granada
Avenue approximately 205` westerly of the intersection -of
Orange Avenue and Granada Avenue in Morita Vista. First Ilea ri g.
The Planning Director reviewed the June 6, 1975 staff report on
this matter. He referred to four maps on the bulletin board:
General Plan, Land Use, Zoning, and Stevens Creek Blvd. plan line
He noted that density and character of the neighborhood 'should be
addressed. Another consideration is the Stevens Creek Blvd. plan
line and the character the Planning Commission would like to have
accomplished here. He noted that the 'Planning Commission has
stated that, any future commercial development shall take place in
the present Monta Vista downtown area. The staff requested
additional time for them and for the applicant to explore the
ramifications of this application on the character of the im-
mediate neighborhood as well as planning options in conjunction
with the Stevens Creek Blvd. Plan Line. The. staff has scheduled
hearings'on the Stevens Creek Blvd. Plan Line for September.
Mr. James Luger, 4657 Persimmon Pace, San Jose, said he is the
building designer for the applicant.. He placed an elevation
drawing of the proposed Granada Greens on the bulletin board
He said all these problems have come as a rather late surprise to
the applicant. He agreed that this area should maintain a rural
atmosphere, and that the character of the area should remain as
it is at this time. He said it is questionable whether or.not
there is need for more commercial in. the Monta Vista area because
of all the shopping opportunities in the area nearby. He believeq
that due to economics-, the days of the large PUD°s are over. He
believes that developments of 'a smaller magnitude and of good
quality are the best way to go today.
Mrs. Ann Anger, Monta Vista, said she was disappointed in. the
statements made by the previous speaker. She reviewed all the
.planning work that has been done on this area in.the past few
years. She is in favor .of maintaining a low profile in Monta
Vista. She said she is very upset with the absentee landlords.
She urged the City to make a decision on Stevens Creek. Blvd. -;be-
cause she.said that is what is holding up improvement of that are
Mr. Luger apologized and clarified his position. He said this is
a charming place in which to live. He believes the rural atmos-
phere should be maintained.
PC-193
Page 6
7-Z-75 cont'd
to Oct. 13th
MINUTES OF THE JUNE 9, 1975 PLANNIJVG COMMISSION MEETING
Mr. Mike Mikul, Stevens Creek Blvd., concurred with the staff's
recommendation. He noted that the adjacent property is zoned
multi -family. Ile believes 40' streets are adequate for side streets
but that Orange Avenue should be 60'. He believes the commercial
as outlined has been scaled down for compatibility with the area.
Mrs. Anger said she is very much in favor of commercial in downtown
Monta Vista and has been fighting plans for industrial up there.
Mr. Bill Argabright, 21738 Olive Avenue, Cupertino, said he endorses
Mr. Mikul's plan. Ile said the Planning Commission and City Council
should proceed with the public hearings on the Stevens Creek Blvd. plan
line. The Planning Director said the staff is hoping to be ready for
public hearings on this in September.
Moved by Comm_. O'Keefe, seconded by Comm. Cooper to continue
application 7-Z-75 to October 13, 1975, per the staff's recommendation.
AYES: Comm. Adams, Cooper, O'Keefe, Woodward, Chairman Gatto
NOES: None
Motion c�cried, 5-0
4. Application 6-TM-75 of MAY INVESTMENT COMPANY: TENTATIVE MAP
to divide 9.94 acres into a sin,;le-family residential cluster
development consisting of forty (40) individual lots and one lot
to be held in common and one lot to be retained in a church -
oriented use. Said property is located approximately 375 feet
westerly of the intersection of Forest Street and Vista Drive
and adjacent to and southerly of the future extension of Lazaneo
Drive between Saratoga --Sunnyvale Road and Vista Drive. First
Hearing.
The Assistant Planning Director sta:.ed that the residential cluster
portion of the map application is s,ibstantially consistent with the
approved use permit and H-Control approval of the site plan. The few
changes are relatively minor and hale been reviewed by H-Control.
Chairman Gatto asked for comments from the audience. There were none.
Moved by Comm. Woodward, seconded by Comm. Adams to close the public
hearings.
Motion carried, 5-0
MINUTES OF THE JUNE 9, 1975 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Moved by Comma Woodward, seconded by Comm. Adams, to approve
application 6-TM-75, subject. to Standard Conditions 1 - 14 and
Conditions 15 and 16 in the June 4, 1975 staff report.
AYES: Comma Adams, Cooper,; Woodward, Chairman Gatto
NOES: None.
ABSTAINED: Comma."OBKeefe
Motion carried, 4-0-1
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS
The Planning Director stated that Measurex Corporation has an
approved Tentative Map application (15-TM-73) to divide their
property into three parcels. One condition of. that approval was
that Parcel. 3 is to be landscaped by Measurex Corporation and
dedicated to the City. During proceedings before the H-Control,
the Water District decided to expand their water percolation
area. This.,could be compatible with the landscaping. For this
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re�cu.x;4, ,�s, as;ki:ng__,for.,s.i_x, ,r^o.za.ths.' time to .work out the
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final details with the Water District.
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Moved by Comoro Cooper, seconded by Comm, Adams to adopt a
resolution extending the time for recordation of the Final Map
for application 15-TM-73 to December 16, 1975.
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Motion carried, 5-0
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Mr. Wes Burgin, Measurex Corporation Plant Engineer, said the:
landscape plan that'was approved by the H-Control came to about
$15,000. The Water District disapproved these plans and ,came back
with the proposal.that this would make a beautiful percolation
ponds The District proceeds very slowly. In the meantime; he
would like to put in interim landscaping. There were no objec-
tions,
The PlanningDirector stated that the City will be making hotel
reservations for the Conference in San Diego in. July, but it was
hoped the Planning Commissioners would make their own travel
arrangements.
PC--193
Page 7
6-TM-7 5
approved
15-TM-73
extended to
Dec, 16, 1975.
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IPC-193
.';_Igo 8
MINUTES OF TIH.-: JUNE, 9, 1975 PI.ANyI',G COIDIISSION MEETING
Due to an unusually heavy work schedule this week, Comm. O'Keefe
suggested the .Tune 12, 1975, Hillside Study Session be postponed.
Since a consensus could not be reached on an alternate date, it was
decided the meeting would be held on June 12th.
REPORT OF THE PLANNING COIMISSION : None
REPORT OF THE PLANNING DIRECTOR: None
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Gatto adjourned tlii:, meet Lng at 9:15 p.m. to 7:3:: p.m. Gin
Thursday, June ]_2, 1975, for the purpose of a Hillside Study Session.
ATTEST:
/s/ Wm. E. Ryder
City Clerk
APPROVED:
hV John M. Gatto
Chairman