PC 05-11-77
CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014
Telephone: 252-4505
PC-254
Page 1
MlL'ruTES OF THE REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSIO
HELD ON MAY 11, 1977 IN THE COUNCIL CHAM.BER, CITY HALL
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Chairman Koenitzer called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM with the
Salute to the Flag.
"
ROLL CALL
Comm. present: Adams, Blaine, Gatto, Markkula (7 :40 PM),
Chairman Koenitzer
Comm. absent: None
Staff present: Assistant Planning Director Cowan
Assistant Planner Piasecki
Deputy Assistant City Attorney Foster
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. Application 2-V-77 of VICTOR C. STEVENS: VARIANCE request
from Section 9.4 of Ordinance 780 to allow reduction of
required rear yard setback for a two-story building from
25 feet to 20 feet. Said property is located adjacent to
and northerly of Baxley Court approximately 290 feet westerly
of the intersection of Baxley Court and Linda Vista Drive.
First Hearing.
The Assistant Planner described the proposal, as detailed in the
May 6, 1977 staff report. He noted that the lot width setback
line on these lots in this cul-de-sac is 45 to 50 feet rather than
the normal 70 feet, for which a previous variance was obtained.
This ±s a rather minor variance request in that the proposed
2-story structure would protrude into the setback in certain
portions. A drawing was displayed on the screen showing the
configuration of the lot and the proposed home footprint on it.
Mr. Victor C. Stevens, 3623 Cody Court, Santa Clara, stated that
this is a narrow lot by City standards. You have to go back 48 fe t
before you reach the 60 foot width required for the building
setback. His basic point was that he has a narrow, deep, pie-
shaped lot. If his lot were only 100 feet instead of 126 feet
deep he could build this without a variance.
PC-254
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, 5/11/77
The Deputy Assistant City Attorn~y answered Comm. Gatto that if this
application is approv~d by th~ Planning Commission the eKhibit showing
the specific variance area can be attached to the Resolution to the
City Council.
Mr. Joseph Evelich, 10862 Linda Vista Driv~, Cup~rtino, said he owns
the house on th~ adjac~nt lot, and he has only a 5 foot side yard
setback on that side. He fe~ls this proposal will put the houses too
clos~ togeth~r. H~ f~els the g~ntleman is trying to put too large a
house on this prop~rty. He wonder~d if there would also be a balcony
on the s~cond story of it.
Mr. Stevens answered Mr. Evelich that he, was considering a balcony but
if that means not getting the variance he would be willing to del~te it.
Mr. Barry Scott, 7507 Moltzen Drive, San Jose, said he owns th~ lot
along-sid~ that of Mr. Stev~ns. H~ just got his building permit. He
believes the variance should be granted. He beli~Mes it is an unfair
penalty becaus~ this is not a rectangular lot. Becaus~ of the shape of
his lot, he would prefer his n~ighbor's landscaped front yard be next
to his house rather than his neighbor"s house.
Mr. St~vens answered Comm. Adams that he has b~en studying house plans
for ov~r two years to try to come up with one that is right for this
lot.
Moved by Comm. Blain~, seconded by Comm. Markkula to clos~ the public
hearing.
Motion carried, 5~O
Comm. Gatto said the variance r~quest is relatively minor, but when you
look at th~ building envelope it app~ars th~r~ must be anoth~r house plan
that would fit on it. H~ believes that with minor changes to these plans
it will fit within the building envelop~ without n~~d for a varianc~.
2-V-77
denied
Comm. Blaine comm~nted that one reason for the setback for two-story
homes is th~ privacy intrusion of adjacent lots.
Chairman Koenitzer obtained from the staff reconfirmation of a 25' from setback.
Moved by Comm. Gatto, s~conded by Comm. Markkula to deny application
2-V-77 .
AYES:
NOES:
Comm. Adams, Blain~, Gatto, Markkula, Chairman Koenitzer
Non~
Motion carri~d, 5-0
MINUTES OF 'tHE REGU'LAlt ADJOtmNED PLANNING COMMISSION MEE'!ING 5/11/ 7 PC-254
Page 3
Findings: The Planning Commission finds that the applicant has
failed to demonstrate the presence of exceptional and extra-
ordinary circumstances compelling variations from setback standard
contained in Ordinance 780. Further, the earlier granting of a
variance to allow closer proxiĊity to the front property line
allows ample room for construction of a residence on this lot.
Mr. Stevens was told this would go to the City Council on
May 18, 1977.
12. Application 3-V-77 of DONALD P. VAN BUREN AND qµENIE L.
"
VAN BUREN: VARIANCE request from Section 16.28.040 of the
Municipal Code to allow applicant to place a 6 foot fence
on the side lot line in lieu of a required 12 foot setback
line. Said property is located at the northeast corner of
the intersection of Janice Avenue and Cass Place. First
Hearing.
The Assistant Planning Director stated the Municipal Code indicate
deviation from the Fence Ordinance requires an exception rather
than a variance.
!he applicant agreed to proceed with. this public hearing rather
than start over again with an application for an exception.
The Assistant Planning Director stated the staff has reviewed the
proposal and does not believe there is a basis for approval of it.
Mr. Don Van Buren, 10208 Cass Place, Cupertino, said he is asking
for privacy for two bedroom and a bathroom windows fronting on
this wall and also to obtain better usage of his property.
With a monolithiC: sidewalk, there is more area for landscaping
the front. He would like to see a 12 foot strip added, but would
be willing to compromise for something less. All the neighbors
he has spoken with about this agreed it was a good plan. He
said his neighbor to the rear has a driveway running along the
rear property line. He said he has had one ¡o.ndow screen removed
from one of the bedroom windows.
Mrs. Greenie Van Buren, 10208 Cass Place, Cupertino, said she felt
someone stole the screen off that window and it gave her a "spooky'
feeling. She feels that they will be less vulnerable with a fence
up.
Moved by Comm. Gatto, seconded by Comm. Adams to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried, 5-0
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 5/11/77
Chairman Koenitzer said this may not be the best home design, but it is not
unique. Others in the City with the same problem have screened the windows
very sucessfully with plants.
Comm. Blaine said that because of the location of this house on this
lot, she feels some sort of fence would help protect the safety and
welfare of these people. She would be willing to consider other
alternatives, however.
Moved by Comm. Gatto, seconded by Comm. Markkula to deny 3-V-77.
AYES:
NOES:
Comm. Adams, Gatto, Markkula, Chairman Koenitzer
Comm. Blaine
Motion carried, 4-Í
Findings: Location on the street side of a corner lot does not confer
exceptional nor extraordinary circumstances to the property involved,
nor is the granting of the exception necessary to preserve the sub-
stantial property rights of the petitioner.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: Comm. Markkula suggested the staff research the possibility
of including provision for TV reception in the Planned Development Ordinance.
REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION; None.
REPORT OF PLANNING DIRECTOR: None.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Koenitzer adjourned this meeting at 8:35 PM.
APPROVED:
TTEST:
, City Clerk