PC 05-09-94
CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
10300 Torre Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 252-4505
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
HELD ON MAY 9, 1994
ORDER OF BUSINESS
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
commissioners Present:
vice Chr. Doyle
Com. Austin
Com. Roberts
Com. Harris
commissioners Absent:
Chr. Mahoney
staff Present:
Robert Cowan, Director
Development
Ciddy Wordell, City Planner
Thomas Robillard, Planner II
Michele Bjurman, Planner II
Vera Gil, Housing specialist
of
Community
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Com. Doyle amended the minutes of April 25, 1994 as follows:
1. Page 9, 3rd paragraph, last sentence should read "He stated if
single story homes are developed this will have a significant
impact on the trees, but noted single story homes may be
acceptable if setbacks are not adequate."
Com. Harris amended the minutes of April 25, 1994 as follows:
1. Page 8, 3rd paragraph, the words ..... a larger footprint"
should be replaced with ..."one story homes.....
2. Page 9, 1st paragraph, the word "immediate" should be inserted
before "surrounding".
3. Page 10, under New Business, 2nd paragraph should read "Com.
Harris questioned the possible abuse of the in-lieu fee."
4.
Page ll, 2nd
the criteria
parents of
priority."
paragraph should read "Com. Harris also addressed
for purchasing BMR units. She noted children and
Cupertino residents should also be given a
MOTION:
Com. Austin moved to approve the minutes of April 25,
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 2
SECOND:
VOTE:
ABSENT:
1994, as amended
Com. Roberts
Passed
Com. Mahoney
4-0-1
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - No discussion
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVALS FROM CALENDAR
Item 2:
Item 7:
Application l-GPA-94 and 3-EA-94 - General Plan Housinq
Element Amendment - continued to the Planning commission
Meeting of May 23, 1994
APplication 80.052.2 and 10-EA-94 - Larqe Day Care Homes
- continued to the Planning commission Meeting of June
13, 1994
Planning Director Cowan also noted that item 5, Application l-Z-94
and 2-EA-94, should be continued at this time because notices sent
to property owners were incorrect.
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
ABSENT:
Com. Harris moved to continue item 5 to the meeting of
May 23, 1994.
Com. Austin
Passed 4-0-1
Com. Mahoney
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
CONSENT CALENDAR - None
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
1.
Application No(s):
Applicant:
Property Owner:
Location:
4-ASA-94
B.C. Golden Gate
Cali Financial Services Company
10385 S. De Anza Blvd.
ASA review and approval of exterior architectural
modifications and sign exception to an existing restaurant
Staff Presentation: Planner Robillard presented the staff report
noting the applicant is planning to remove the existing awning and
signs of the Rendezvous Cafe. In addition, the applicant is
proposing to add 2 ft. to the parapet and the building will be
painted a light gray with a new awning added above the windows. He
noted staff has no objections to these changes. Planner Robillard
stated the second request is for a sign exception. The applicant
is proposing 24 inch high signs instead of 18 inches and 7 building
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 3
mounted signs instead of 2. He added staff recommends approval of
the sign exception for one additional logo sign and approval of the
architectural modifications.
In response to Com. Harris' questions regarding the awning, Planner
Robillard stated the current color is black and red. He pointed
out that awnings are consider an architectural feature and not a
sign. He noted a ground sign, plus two signs on the building are
allowed, as cited in the ordinance.
Com. Roberts asked if this business will fall under fast food
restaurant?
Planner Robillard stated this is a sit down restaurant.
The public hearing was opened.
The applicant was not present, therefore it was a consensus of the
Planning commission to continue this item to the next meeting in
order to allow the applicant to comment.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3 .
Application No(s):
Applicant:
Location:
81,151 and l-EA-94
city of Cupertino
Citywide
Amending various sections of Title 17, Signs, of the cupertino
Municipal Code, including regulations for political signs and
sign sizes
Staff Presentation: Planner Robillard presented the staff report
noting the proposed modifications are in response to recent
Planning commission action regarding tenant names on ground signs
for office building, compliance with federal laws for political
signs, and housekeeping items.
Ground signs: Planner Robillard stated the current criteria states
that the size of tenant names on all ground signs shall be a
minimum of 6 inches in height and 4 inches between names. He noted
the Planning Commission found that these criteria were too
restrictive for office and industrial buildings as they do not need
the same visibility requirements as retail centers. He noted the
proposed amendment applies for the size criteria for commercial
ground signs only.
Political Signs: Planner Robillard stated the proposed
will remove the reference to location restricts for
signs. This amendment was based on the advice of
amendment
poli tical
the city
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 4
Attorney.
Housekeeping Items: Planner Robillard stated section 17.44.080
makes reference to an incorrect section of the municipal code and
this will be corrected. section 17.44.030 states a hearing is
required for sign exceptions and the correct language should
require a public meeting.
Com. Austin asked if other cities have restrictions on political
signs?
Planner Robillard stated other cites do
according to the city Attorney the
location of the political signs.
have similar problems, but
city cannot regulate the
Com. Doyle asked about enforcement?
Planning Director Cowan stated the Code Enforcement Officer will
monitor the signs.
The public hearing was opened.
The public hearing was closed.
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
ABSENT:
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
ABSENT:
Com. Austin moved to recommend approval of a Negative
Declaration
Com. Harris
Passed 4-0-1
Com. Mahoney
Com. Austin moved to recommend approval of an Ordinance
amending Title 17, sign, of the Municipal Code, subject
to the findings and subconclusions of the hearing.
Com. Roberts
Passed 4-0-1
Com. Mahoney
4.
Application No(s):
Applicant:
Location:
81,156 and 9-EA-94
city of Cupertino
citywide
Amending various sections of Chapter 19.40, Residential
Hillside Zones, of the cupertino Municipal Code, including
regulations for flat yard area and second story off-sets
Staff Presentation: Planner Robillard presented the staff report
noting changes are proposed in the following areas: Lot Area
zoning Designation; Maximum Graded Flat Yard Area; and Second Story
Off-Set.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 5
Lot Area zoning Designation: Planner Robillard stated the present
RHS zone does not effectively regulate lot size and in order to
prevent re-subdivision of large lots in a previously approved
subdivision, the zoning code must be amended to reflect the minimum
lot area designations. He stated a required minimum lot size is
not appropriate for new subdivisions in the hillside areas,
therefore staff recommends that Chapter 19.40.140C(2) be deleted
since it establishes a minimum parcel size.
Maximum Graded Flat Yard Area: Planner Robillard stated they have
had several applications were the limitation of 1000 sq. ft. was
too restrictive and staff believes a more acceptable area is 2000
sq. ft. of graded yard area excluding driveways and footpaths
around the sides of the building. Mr. Robillard stated this would
also allow for more flexibility in the design of the home.
Second story Off-Set: Planner Robillard stated the current
ordinance requires that the second story downhill elevation be off-
set at least 10 feet from the first story wall line. He stated if
there were jogs in the house this causes a problem for the second
story to be also off-set 10 feet in this area. He stated staff
suggests at least 75% of the second story downhill facing wall
plane be set back at least lO feet from the first story downhill
wall plane.
Com. Harris asked if the change was made, is there an appeal
process?
Planner Robillard stated the applicant can apply for an exception.
Com. Roberts asked what criteria would be used to categorize a
particular property?
Planner Robillard stated during the rezoning process of lots, they
would take the maximum lot size for a grouped area and designate
that number, so the largest lot cannot be resubdivided. He stated
this will be done on areas as they develop. He noted natural
features of the property will also be considered.
Com. Austin addressed the deletion of Chapter 10.40.140 C(2),
Planner Robillard stated if they establish a minimum lot size, it
may preclude clustering.
Com. Roberts addressed the flat yard area and believes if this is
to be re-evaluated, they should also revisit the maximum house size
and maximum footprint. He believes the most significant problem has
been with the house size.
Com. Austin concurred with Com. Roberts regarding revisiting the
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 6
house size. She also expressed concern about the 2500 cubic yards
of grading.
Planner Robillard stated staff surveyed several different cities
with regards to hillside grading. The result was one of the basis
for the 2500 cubic yards.
In response to Com. Roberts' question regarding the second story
off-set, Planner Robillard stated the same would apply for a third
floor.
The pUblic hearing was opened.
Mr. Robert Bigler, 11230 Bubb Rd., stated the 1000 sq. ft. flat
yard area is not adequate and 2000 sq. ft. would be more
appropriate. Regarding the house size, Mr. Bigler stated people
will not be permitted to build 6500 sq. ft. homes on 1/4 acre lots,
but they should be given the opportunity if they have large lots.
Mr. Bigler stated the amendment to the grading will encourage
developers to step the homes down into the hillside and follow the
contour of the land.
Mr. Dick Randall, 22348 Regnart Rd., stated more restrictions make
it more difficult to develop homes and restrictions should be tied
to the size of the lot. He noted the house size should have some
direct relation to the size of the lot. He expressed concern about
the 2000 sq. ft. limitation on grading and noted this puts serious
restrictions on the architecture and design of the home. He stated
people should be sensi ti ve to the rural environment, but there
should be more flexibility in the ordinance.
Mr. Cowan pointed out that the Planning Commission is establishing
minimum thresholds and exceptions can be applied for if an
applicant wants to deviate from the thresholds.
The public hearing was closed.
Com. Austin stated she would
relationship to the lot size.
are all connected and should
like to reconsider the house size in
She noted slope density and grading
be addressed.
Com. Doyle pointed out that if a developer wants an exception, this
must be reviewed by the planning Commission, who can have
flexibility.
Com. Roberts expressed concern about the implementation of the
proposed lot area zoning designations and asked staff to provide
examples as to how this would be implemented. He stated he would
like to expand the discussion to include house size.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 7
Com. Harris stated if the Planning commission wish to expand the
discussion to include house size this should be separately
advertised as she believes this is an important aspect.
In response to Com. Harris' question regarding the history of the
RHS zoning, Planner Robillard reviewed the process which the city
council and Planning commission went through to establish the RHS
zone.
Com. Harris stated the Planning Commission should review problem
areas brought before them.
Com. Doyle stated he does not want to review the RHS zoning
designation as this was reviewed in great detail at several
meetings. Regarding the house size and flat yard area, he believes
it is appropriate to address these on an individual bases.
Planner Robillard pointed out that in addition to the 6500 sq. ft.
cap there is also a FAR requirement.
Com. Austin spoke in support of staff's recommendations for Lot
Area zoning Designation, Maximum Graded Flat Yard Area and the
Second story Off-set. She stated she would like to revisit maximum
house size again, in relationship to lot size.
Com. Harris asked about subdivisions in the hillsides?
Planner Robillard stated there is a minimum lot size in the
subdivision act, which allows a subdivision of 20 acres. He stated
it would be based on slope density formulas.
Com. Harris spoke in support of staff's recommendations for Lot
Area Zoning Designation, Maximum Graded Flat Yard Area, but
expressed concern about the Second Story Off-Set. She believes if
staff's amendment is imposed, houses built in the hillsides would
be of similar design. She stated she would support this, but these
sections need to treated in the spirit that they do not want to
define architectural style.
Com. Roberts stated he supports Lot Area Zoning Designation, but is
concerned about Maximum Graded Flat Yard Area. He noted the second
story off-set proposed by staff is a step in the right direction,
but should allow more flexibility.
Regarding the Maximum Graded Flat Yard Area, Com. Roberts stated
there were other objectives the Planning Commission considered when
they decided on the maximum 1000 sq. ft. yard area. He stated the
problem is large homes on steep slopes and this needs to be given
serious consideration. He believes the Planning Commission needs
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 8
more information before making a decision on this. Com. Roberts
stated if the Planning commission relax on this criteria, it has a
cumulative affect and he could not support it, as proposed, at this
time.
Com. Doyle asked how many potential sites will be affected by the
lot area zoning designation proposed?
City Planner Wordell stated the seminary property, Kaiser property
and approximately 10 hillside properties will be affected. She
stated if there are lots, such as the Seminary or Kaiser property
which have not been subdivided, staff would propose to leave it RHS
wi thout a number. She noted if property is not subject to
subdivision, and already achieved its subdivision ability under the
existing general Plan, a number could be put on it. She noted the
zoning would occur at the time of subdivision.
Com. Doyle spoke in support of the lot area zoning designation and
would support the maximum graded flat yard area proposed, but would
not eliminate the 2500 cubic yards. He expressed concern about the
second story off-set and noted the wording would have to reflect
that the second story must be at least the same wall plane as the
first story.
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
ABSENT:
Com. Austin moved to continue this item to June 13, 1994
Com. Roberts
Passed 4-0-1
Com. Mahoney
5.
Application No(s):
Applicant:
Location:
1-Z-94 and 2-EA-94
City of Cupertino
West Foothills of cupertino
REZONING various hillside properties encompassing 185 net
acres in the Regnart Canyon Area
MOTION:
Com. Austin moved to continue Item 5, Application No. 1-
Z-94 and 2-EA-94 to the meeting of June 13, 1994.
Com. Harris
Passed 4-0-1
Chr.
SECOND:
VOTE:
ABSENT:
6.
Application No(s):
Applicant:
Property Owner:
Location:
5-U-94 and 15-EA-94
Landmark Development
Same
Gardenside & Rainbow
USE PERMIT to construct 6 townhomes on an ll,761 sq. ft.
parcel in a Planned Development residential zoning district.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
paqe 9
staff Presentation: Planner Bjurman presented the staff report
noting this is a request to obtain a conditional use permit for a
6 unit townhome project. She noted four items of concern are
parking, privacy, private outdoor space and General Plan
conformity, as outlined in the staff report.
Parking: Planner Bjurman reviewed the parking requirement for this
townhome project and noted there is a deficit of 11 parking spaces.
She noted the site plan shows two parking spaces adjacent to the
entrance drive, but public works does not permit these because of
safety issues. She stated this increases the deficiency to 13
spaces.
General Plan Conformity: Planner Bjurman noted the density for
this property is 20-35 units per acre and the applicant's proposal
is 17.6 units per acre. She stated there are strategies in the
General Plan which encourage residential property development at
the upper limits of the density range. She noted due to site
constraints, the site could yield two additional units for a total
of 8 units, reduce the total building area and reconfigure the
parking arrangement, they could then achieve a 24 dwelling unit per
acre. She stated staff recommends denial due to inadequate on-site
parking and failure to comply with residential density
requirements.
Com. Austin questioned the parking requirement for apartments?
Mr. Cowan stated there is a greater demand, in theory, for parking
for the larger townhomes than there is for a smaller apartment.
Com. Harris asked if this particular proposal reduced the number of
bedrooms, would this help the parking deficit?
Planner Bjurman stated it would, but there would still be a parking
deficiency. In response to Com. Harris' question regarding moving
the two entrance parking spaces east and west, Ms. Bjurman stated
it could not be done.
The public hearing was opened.
Aoolicant Presentation: Mr. Larry Guy, Landmark Development,
passed out handouts to the commissioners. He stated the site is
11,700 sq. ft. but there is a 20 ft. easement along the westerly
portion of the site. He noted they may be able to obtain 5 ft.
from the Sanitation District. He noted the rear of the property is
restricted by 10 ft. because of the PG&E requirement. He added
this leaves approximately 8,500 sq. ft. usable land. Mr. Guy noted
he did discuss other options for this site with staff, but believes
the best proposal is the six units proposed. Mr. Guy reviewed the
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 10
parking ordinance for multiple use developments from other cities,
as outlined in the handout. He reviewed the parking provided in
the Gardenside project and noted if there is excessive parking,
people may convert garages into living space. Mr. Guy believes
that financing would not be available for apartments and if there
was more density this would cause more traffic problems. He added
the townhomes proposed will upgrade the neighborhood and there is
a lot of architectural detail to make the project more attractive.
Mr. Guy addressed the two parking spaces at the entrance and noted
a meandering sidewalk, as discussed with Public Works, would allow
for appropriate visibility. He noted this is not an adequate site
for rental housing and there are other sites in town more
appropriate for high density apartments.
Com. Harris asked Mr. Guy how he feels about the condition in the
parking regarding garages for parking vehicles only?
Mr. Guy stated they are agreeable to this and garages should not be
used for storage. He noted they would also restrict the guest
parking for guests only.
Mr. Michael Nielson, 20643 Gardenside Circle, Gardenside Homeowners
Association, reviewed the General Plan zoning of this area. He
noted Rainbow Drive is no longer a straight road and therefore any
increase in traffic will be hazardous because of highway 85. He
stated the parking requirement is excessive. He spoke in support
of the development as proposed, but would like to see the project
shifted 5 ft.
Mr. Doug Timewell, president, Gardenside Homeowners Association,
stated as a community they support the proposed development and are
opposed to high density along Rainbow. He noted the property in
question is on a hairpin turn and higher density will cause more
traffic problems and overflow parking onto adjoining sites. He
noted garages should be for parking of vehicles only and this
should be enforced. He added this is not an adequate site for high
density.
The public hearing was closed.
Com. Austin asked about moving the project 5 ft. as addressed by
the developer?
Planner Bjurman stated this would not affect the parking unless
they reduce the size of the units.
Mr. Cowan stated the Planning commission should look at the
aesthetics of cars parking in the public right-of-way.
~- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 11
Ms. Bjurman noted the size of the units include the garages.
Com. Harris stated the parking deficit is not acceptable and there
is an existing parking problem on Rainbow Drive. She stated the
Planning commission need to decide if there should be apartments
with parking under, or five units with more parking.
Mr. Cowan stated the General Plan indicates 20-35 units per acres,
and the Planning commission must make a finding if they deviate
from this. He noted staff is being consistent with the General
Plan in asking for the higher density range.
Com. Harris stated if this project is approved it would require a
General Plan change and more parking. She noted all the
surrounding units are townhomes, so this would not be inconsistent
with what is developed and what is planned to be developed. She
noted parking is not adequate for six units proposed.
Com. Doyle stated during the General Plan hearings the Planning
commission decided the density along this corridor and now the
challenge is to come up with proposals that will meet the density
requirements. He stated he has a concern when deviating from the
General Plan.
Com. Roberts believes it would be a step backwards to approve lower
density.
Com. Austin stated there is a parking deficit problem and the
density of the General Plan should be adhered to.
Cams. Harris, Doyle and Roberts concurred.
Mr. Larry Guy stated he would like a decision from Planning
commission at this time and would appeal the denial to the city
Council.
SECOND:
VOTE:
ABSTAIN:
Com. Austin moved to deny application 5-U-94 subject to
the findings and subconclusions of the hearing as
outlined in the model resolution.
Com. Roberts
Passed 4-0-l
Com. Mahoney
MOTION:
OLD BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
8.
Presentation by the
historical value of
Cupertino Historical
a residence located
Society on the
on the Anderson
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 12
property, 10943 Phil Lane, Cupertino, CA.
Ms. Tenassa Handl, 10721 Morenga Dr., read a story she wrote for
school regarding the historical home.
Ms. Jeannie Ryder, Historical society, stated the children in the
neighborhood love this house. She gave a brief history of the home
and stated she has known this house since 1959. Ms. Ryder read a
proposal made to the City council in 1975 regarding the
preservation of historical homes. She stated in 1975 when the
report was written the Anderson house was in San Jose. She stated
in 1977 the house was to be implemented in the preservation of
historical homes, it never happened. She stated the city should
consider saving this historical home and the developer of this
property is agreeable to this. She does not believe that the
additions proposed to this home will affect the historical value.
Ms. Ryder noted many people have great interest in preserving the
historical home.
Planner Bjurman pointed out, because of the Planned Development
zoning, the City can require a consistency in the architecture.
Ms. Henretta Marcott stated she has seen many changes to cupertino
and historical homes have not been saved. She believes this home
should be repaired and not changed.
Ms. Emily Chen, Developer of property, stated she is in favor of
keeping the historical home, but does not want to move it.
Ms. Lisa Christiansen stated she works in a historical building and
believes this home should be saved and put to good use.
9. Draft Housing Mitigation Manual
Staff Presentation: Ms. Vera Gil, Housing Specialist, presented
the staff report. She noted the document establishes the
procedures to implement the housing mitigation as required by the
General Plan Housing Element. Ms. Gil stated the guidelines for
this element were discussed by the Affordable Housing Committee and
the Planning commission and were implemented in the General Plan.
She noted they now exist in the General Plan as programs. She
noted the office and industrial component was adopted in November
1993 and the residential component is similar to the
office/industrial with a few differences. Ms. Gil reviewed the in-
lieu fees for up to 7 units and the housing mitigation for 7 units
or more and also reviewed policy 2.2.2, Mitigation Requirements.
Com. Roberts questioned the 10% criteria as stated in section 2.2.2
and addressed the mitigation requirement for office/industrial.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 13
Ms. Gil stated the figure for the office/industrial was agreed upon
by the three major companies and the City Council. She noted the
Affordable Housing Committee and the Planning Commission
recommended a higher percentage for residential mitigation, but
this was lowered by the City Council. She stated the nexus study
shows that all development generates a need for housing. She noted
the office/industrial is lower than what is recommended by the
nexus study.
Mr. Michael Bruner, 1144 Debyshire, Sobrato Development, stated
that the industrial mitigation assumes a developer has built
100,000 sq. ft. He stated it should be clarified in the document
as to why the City has not required retail development to provide
mitigation. Regarding the in-lieu fees, Mr. Bruner stated no
consideration has been given to the diverse housing in Cupertino.
Mr. Bruner when through section II: Residential Mitigation of the
document and made several changes. These changes were presented to
staff to be incorporated into the document if necessary.
Com. Harris stated many issues were raised by Mr. Burner which are
valid. She noted she would like to have his comments reviewed
before approving this.
Com. Roberts questioned the in-lieu fee option for both residential
and office/industrial and how this fee is used?
Ms. Gil stated the fee goes into the general fund, but is
restricted to be used for affordable housing only. If it is not
used for affordable housing it will be returned to the developer.
She noted if the money is not used within five years it is also
returned to the developer. She stated there is a list in the
manual which prioritize what the funds can be used for.
Com. Harris stated this statement should be included in the text
and also stated that if the money is not used it will be returned
to the developer.
Com. Doyle suggested the Affordable Housing Committee review Mr.
Burner's comments for applicability.
Com. Harris expressed concern about policy 2.2.2 regarding the
rental units being sold. She asked if some units were sold below
market rate (BMR) and the rest of the complex was converted to
rental, would the developer be required to have BMR rentals?
Ms. Gil stated the BMR units sold would
requirement for this particular development.
be deed restrictions on all ownership units.
meet the mitigation
She noted there would
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 14
Com. Harris also expressed concern about the in-lieu fee and
believes this fee should be raised. She noted it should be
indicated how the in-lieu fee is determined. She added there
should be a statement which prevents a developer from developing in
six unit blocks. She suggested some language to address contiguous
development to a previously approved project in the last 3 to 5
years.
Planning Director Cowan stated when property is divided to create
the phasing, the Planning commission has control.
Com. Harris addressed policy 2.2.6, noting priority should be given
to children and parents of current cupertino residents.
Ms. Gil stated the Affordable Housing Committee left this out as
they felt it could be abused. She noted if this is added to the
document it should have tight restrictions.
Com. Harris stated she would like to see it in the overall
statement.
Ms. Gil noted for the office/industrial, the goal of the Council
and the Major Companies was to reduce the commuters and priority
was given to employees. She pointed out that a management company
will administer this.
Com. Harris stated she would like to see a comment regarding the
administration of this.
Com. Harris addressed policy 2.6.2 and stated she would like to see
some comments regarding hardships and an appeal process.
Ms. Gil stated they could cite examples similar to what is stated
in the office/industrial.
Com. Austin stated she concurs with Com. Harris regarding how the
in-lieu fee is determined. She also noted the $l per sq. ft. is
not adequate and should be addressed. She concurred with Com.
Harris regarding the appeal process under section 2.6.2. Com.
Austin stated retail does generate the need for housing and maybe
this can be revisited.
Com. Harris stated retail over a certain size should be considered.
Mr. Cowan stated he can bring this before the council.
There was a consensus of the Commission to reconsider housing
mitigation for large retail or hotels over a certain size.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 15
Com. Doyle asked what the process would be to change the $1 per sq.
ft. ?
Ms. Gil stated this can be sent back to the Affordable Housing
Committee with direction to determine a new fee.
Mr. Cowan stated this was a Council decision. He suggested that
this request and the request for revisiting the retail be brought
before the council, before the Housing Affordable Committee
considers this.
Com. Roberts requested that the Council reconsider the 10% criteria
as addressed in 2.2.2.
Mr. Cowan addressed the gap between the market rate and below
market rate units for some of the high end residential units and
asked if this is a concern of the Planning commission?
Com. Harris stated this was not a concern to her because of the
higher profit for the higher priced homes. She stated maybe there
should be a separate in-lieu fee for higher priced homes.
Ms. Gil explained how the in-lieu was developed, noting a
recommendation was sent to the council that it be 3% of the selling
price of other homes in the complex and the Council stated it would
be 2% of some land value to be determined at a later time. She
noted if the developer cannot build homes on-site they can be build
elsewhere or convert existing units into affordable housing units.
Com. Roberts addressed 2.2.10 and noted there are no BMR units in
the hillsides among $1 million homes and asked how this can be
addressed?
Mr. Cowan stated staff will address this.
This item was continued to the meeting of May 23, 1994.
10. Discussion of possible meeting dates for the Heart of the city
Specific Plan.
City Planner Wordell stated there will be a workshop on June 7th
for the public. She noted possible dates are June 13 or June 27
for a joint meeting with city Council and she would discuss this
with the city Council and Michael Freedman.
REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Com. Harris addressed a May tag Balloon Man.
Mr. Cowan stated every business is allowed special promotional
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 9, 1994
Page 16
items and will look into this.
Com. Harris also address the paper sign at the Home Improvement
Center.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Com. Austin addressed the Santa Clara County Manufacturers Group
Child Care Guidelines.
Mr. Cowan stated they did not discuss housing and this will be
reviewed in October.
DISCUSSION OF NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS
- None
ADJOURNMENT:
adjourned at
at 6:00 p.m.
Having concluded business the Planning commission
lO:25 p.m. to the next regular meeting of May 23, 1994
for Field Trip
Respectfully submitted,
catherine M. Robillard
Minute Clerk
Approved by the Planning Commission at the Regular Meeting of May
23, 1994.
Al .1J7 I
V~ ;f//7
Orrin Mahoney, Chair
Attest:
þMt~
Kim smith, city Clerk