PC 03-28-83
CITY OF (;ùPERTINO. STATE OF CALlFORNJA
1-0300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014
Tè1ephone: (408) 252-4505
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HINùTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD ON MARCH 28, 1983 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY HALL
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
Ch;¡irpers""" Adams called the meeting to order at 7 :30 p.m. in the
Conference Room of City Hall.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
Commissioner Present: Binneweg, Blaine, Claudy, Koenitzer, Chairperson
Adams
St'\ff Preserlt:
Director of Planning and Development Sisk
Deputy City Clerk VilJarante
Director of Public Works Viskovich
Assistant Planning Director Cowan
Associate Planner Piasecki
City Attorney Kilian
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 14, 1983.
It was moved by Com. Claudy, seconded by Com. Koenitzer dnd passed with
Com. Binnew('g abstaining to approve the February 14, 1983 ffilnutes with
t hv follm.ling amendments:
PagL 5, paragraph 2, add, liThe motion was passed unanimously."
It was moved by Com. Claudy, seconded by Com. Koenitzer
ímollsly to continue Items 4, 5 and 6 L> April 25, 1983.
staled that he ~ill De absent on April 25.
I
,
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and passed unanJ¡'
Com. Koenitzer
" ·dll \I
Page 11, paragraph 7, removed wa1 and insert stated. II
POSTPONEMENTS OR NEW AGENDA ITEMS:
WRITTEN CG~UNICATIONS:
A tetter was received from Mr. Jim Martin with proposed traffic solu-
tions. A letter was also received from Terranomics.
ORAL CO~UNiCATIONS: None
PUßLlC HEARINGS
1. Application I-GPA-83 of City of Cupertino: General Plan Amendment
to consider possible changes to the land use amendment involving de-
velopment intensity and road alignments for approximtely 15 acres otl
land generally located south of San Juan Road and west of El Cerritu
Road in the Inspiration Heights Subdivision. First Hearing.
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MINUTES OF THE MARCH 28, 1983 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Assistant Planning Director Cowan êxplained to the Planning Commission
that the meeting was to consider GPA land use amendment for possible
changes to the land use amendment involving development intensity and
road alignments for approximately 15 acres of land located south of
San Juan Road and west off El Cerrito Road in the Inspiration Heights
Subdivision. He went on to state that the principal area involving
development was property owned by Mr. Bianchi and presented maps and
diagrams of the area to the Commission.
Com. Claudy questioned staff as to whether or not there had been any
new information gathered on the Inspiration Heights area since 1976.
City Attorney Kilian stated to the Commission that there had been some
new items in regard to the Inspiration Heights area, one being that in
1976 the property was considered to be in the County and now it was in
the City of Cupertino. Also, since the 1978 GPA was adopted, Mr. Bianchi
had applied for and obtained permission to build from the County but
he has never exercised that r~ght and now his property is within the
City. He went on to state that Mr. Bianchi had title to the adjacent
parcels and since 1978 transferred those parcels out to various family
members and as a result it is making it more difficult to merge with
respect to his particular parcel and the adjacent parcels.
Com. Claudy stated that it was his understanding that if a property
owner owned adjacent parcels they could not transfer ownership of
those parcels and expect to build on them, they were required to maintain
those parcels in one ownership and consolidate them.
City Attorney Kilian stated that he was correct, but that Mr. Bianchi
had transferred ownership while still in the County.
Discussed ensued between staff and commission regarding the current
road conditions and current home sites in the Inspiration Heights area.
Leo Bianchi stated to Commission that he did not make any illegal sales
of property, all sales were recorded.
Chairperson Adams questioned Mr. Bianchi as to the time frame of the
sales.
Mr. Bianchi stated to the Commission that the time frame started on
his application of 1976 at which time he enetered into a contract of
sale and proved his feasibility to the County, after which the sales
were then consummated. After the sales the properties were then annexed.
He went on to explain various aspects of the development and that he had
had both geological and structural studies done on the property.
Discussion followed between the Commis~ion and Mr. Bianchi regarding
access to his property.
Carol Haskell, Santa Lucia Road, stated to the Commission that she would
like to see something done about Cordova and San Juan Roads to improve
the traffic and that all the traffic on Cordova Road blow their horns
when they corne to the blind curve and it is extremely annoying. She
continued by saying that she thought a one way street might be effective.
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 28, 1983 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
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Corn. Binneweg stated that she concurred with Ms. Haskell's
making a one way road.
idea of
Barbara West, 10670 Cordova Road, stated to the Commission that she was
concerned about the traffic pattern if the area was opened up to sub-
stantial development, and especially concerned with traffic accidents
occurring on Cordova Road at the blind curve. In reply to a statement
made by staff regarding flooding in the area, Ms. West stated that she
was concerned about the flooding as she had up to a foot of water in
her back yard during the heavy rains. She went on to state that she
would like the City Council to seriously consider minimal development
in the area.
Louis Paviso stated to the Commission that all the roads in the Inspira-
tion Heights area are 40 ft. wide and that they all belong to the Count
He also remarked that when the area was annexed into the City, it was
promised that San Juan Road would be fixed and that it has not. Mr.
Paviso stated that there had not been a meeting with the current resi-
dents by staff on the current application and in reply to Mr. Cowan's
remakrs on erosion, he stated that there was none. Mr. Paviso also
explained the reasoning behind the current gate on El Cerrito Road.
Discussed ensued between Mr. Paviso and the Commission regarding
access to El Cerrito Road.
City Attorney Kilian explained to the Commission that there are two re-
quirements for road dedication, one being that it must first be offered
and two, that they be accepted by the jurisdiction before they actually
become road. He also stated that as long as the roads are not' accepted
they are neither County or City owned roads.
Director of Public Works Viskovich explained to the Commission that
whether the roads in the Inspiration Heights area are City or County
is really moot and that in the new plan lines they would construct roa~s,
get new dedications and start allover.
City Attorney Kilian explained that ownership of the roads could be
established by resolutions which would be on file.
Discussion followed between staff and Planning Commis~ion regardi~g de-
velopment of roads and lot definition in the area.
Stephen Hayes, 22681 San Juan Road, relayed several questions to the
Commission regarding aesthetics, character, environmental aspects and
bearing of direct and indirect costs related to the development.
He continued with a slide show of the Inspiration Heights area showing
varous aspects of erosion and road conditions.
Chairperson Adams suggested to Mr. Hayes that he present the slides to
the City Council.
Mr. Bianchi proceeded to use Mr. Hayes' slides to bring up information
with regard to his right of way.
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MINUTES OF THE MARCH 28, 1983 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Mrs. Item explained to the Commission that they had installed a water
well to divert rain water.
Uennis West, 10670 Cordova Road, stated to the Commission his concern
as to the amount of land that would have to be moved in order to widen
the roads. He remarked that he did not believe that roads were the proper
way to make drainage off the hill and reiterated the fact that Cordova
and San Juan Roads are marginal and that he felt the first issue that
should be addressed was access to the development.
Nancy Hertert, San Juan Road, addressed several items to the Commission,
up-to-date revisions of maps of the area, recommendation that Cordova
Road be made one way and whether or not part of her property adjacent
to Portola Road is buildable. She also questioned the use of drainage
across private property and made mention of varying amounts of rain
in the area. Ms. Hertert questioned staff as to how the area would
develop if the plan were adopted.
Assistant Planning Director Cowan replied by ðtating that the only dif-
ference in the planned development zone and cne hillside residential
zone is that there is a different review process.
The Planning Commissioners made individual comments with regard to the
information presented at the public hearing.
Assistant Planning Director Cowan reiterated the fact that a need was
indicated for a more thorough geologic and engineering study and that
the Commission may want to address that issue to City Council before
any building takes place, also covering the questions of cost.
City Attorney Kilian suggest to the Commission that they might consider
recommending to the City Council a merger of the lots that are adjacent
to one another under single ownership. After relating history of ~e
laws pertaining tomergirgof lots, Mr. Kilian stated that basically
the legislature has sa1d that if the City wants to merge lots that are
inconsistent with the GPA it must adopt an ordinance merging those lots
and sending out notice to all the property owners, etc. under it~
discretion as a City: but ·they. a,e. r;t<:>t. <ilutl)I)latj.cilJ}y .merg"d.
Mr. Pav iso reiterated to the Commission that he would like to keep his
three lots separate.
Dennis West stated to the Commission that they should recommend to City
Council that Cordova and San Juan Roads be an issue for consideration.
:1r. Bianchi stated that he f.elt they should consider staff's recommendation.
It was moved by Com. Koenitzer, seconded by Com. Blaine and passed
unanimously to close the public hearing.
Discussion followed between the Commission and staff as to various
recommendations to the City Council.
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 28, 1983 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
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It was moved by Com. Claudy, seconded by Com. Blaine and passed
unanimously to recommend to the City Council to retain the cu~rent
for the Inspiration Heights area.
GPA
It was moved by Com. Claudy, seconded by Com. Blaine and passed with
Com. Binneweg dissenting to approve a minute order that adjacent lots
under the same ownership be merged and that a traffic study be con-
tracted or authorized, to develop a road and circulation system for the
Inspiration Heights and adjacent areas that will ensure access to the
merged lots.
Director of Planning and Development Sisk stated that there will be
a public hearing set at the City Council level on this ..issue again.
The public hearing will be at the April 18, 1983 City Council meeting.
RECESS: 10:10- 10:25 p.m.
It was moved by Com. Claudy, seconded by Com. Binneweg and passed
unanimously to postpone the Monta Vista Design Guidelines for consider a
tion to the meeting of Tuesday, April 5, 1983.
2. Application l-GPA-80 of City of Cupertino General Plan Amendment:
Continued Public Hearing to consider a comprehensive amendment of the
City of Cupertino General Plan and a Specific Plan for the Stevens
Creek Boulevard Planning Area. The General Plan will concentrate on
land use., traffic circulation, housing and economic issues which
affect the entire community. The Stevens Creek Boulevard Specific
Plan will concentrate on the development of a more detailed land use,
circulation and urban design plan for properties which abut the reach
of Stevens Creek Boulevard between Stelling Road on the west and Stern
Avenue on the east.
. I
The Director of Public Works, Viskovich presented a staff report to the
Commission on the application including background, first and second
tier assessments, categorys of land use and a summary of revenue~
versus expenditures. He went on-to explain methods of fee collection
being considered, programming improvement of capital improvements,
financial liability of the City and staff recommendations.
Discussion insued between Director of Public Works Viskovich and
Commission with regards to the presentation of the development fee
schedule and recommendations.
Com. Blaine questioned staff in regards to the payment of development
fees from housing development with BMR units.
Com. Binneweg stated to staff that she felt that the fees were dis-
proportionate.
/"-
Director of Planning and Development Sisk stated to Commission that
in their cover memo was a statement from the City Council stating that
the BNR programs may be partially underwritten by fees from non res-
idential developers.
MINUTES OF THE ~1ARCH 28, 1983 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
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City Attorney Kilian explained an item not eluded to in the memo regarding
probable legal mech"nisms for extracting fees by virtue of development
."1greements.
Com. Adams questioned staff as to whether or not the City can go after develop-
ment agreements.
City Attorney Kilian explained the standard condition of the use permit is
that the developer will entt~r into a development agreement if he wants tier
2 along the guidelines outlined by the City for consideration. He stated
that development could be conditioned in tier 2 upon the execution of such an
agreement. He went on to state that this does giJe benefits to the property
owner in that it gives him vested rights well before the building permit
stage and protects him from changes in the General Plan and from zoning changes
Discussion ensued between staff and Commission regarding types of fee collectio
suggested by the City Council.
Chairperson Adams stated that Commission would not be able to discuss all
topics related to this application and would pass the other two items to be
continued on April 11, 1983.
Walter Ward, Vallco Park stated that he felt that $3.00 was way to high for
such a small City. He felt that $1.00 was affordable. He went on to state
that developers would want a development agreement and that it would be much
more advantagious to have an assess~ent district for fees. He emphasized that
VaUco should have credit for what they h:we built so far and thought it wrong
to put the commercial office buildings in the 3ame category as the commercial.
He felt that the fees need more study.
Joe Madigan, Vice President of the Government Relations Committee of the Chambe
of Commerce stated to the Planning Commission that he was required to report
back to his committee regarding the General Plan Amendment and that he did not
understand the fee calculations. He questioned staff as to why beneficial fact, rs
from different development projects were not factored into the fee calculatione.
Director of Public Works Vickovich replied to Mr. Madigan that although it was
hot stated in the current report it had been discussed in previous reports.
Joe Madigan stated that he was concerned that staff had not taken into consider -
tioD the feasibility of the fees for developers. He stated that he also felt
some concern of the fees which were stated as being unal10cated and that if
it were to be a tax then it should be called such.
Com. Koenitzer explained to Mr. Madigan how the fees would work.
City Attorney commented that the funds do not have to be earmarked.
Director of Planning and Development Sisk recommended that the application be
continued to April 4, 1983.
Robert Wagner, Town Center questioned staff on two points, tier 1 fees and
basis for tier 2 development. He stated that they could not bear $3.00 and
$4.00 fees.
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. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 28, 1983 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Director of Public Works Viskovich replied to Mr. Wagner that there would be
00 Jdjtlstment and the fees he was questioning would be additional funds because
;t would be difficult to constantly change the fee structure. Basis was quickl
eroded from the time when it was 400,000 square feet since there were applica-
tions which were approved that ate up a good portion of the square footage.
Beverly Lawrence, Penisula Citizens for Fair Housing stated that she was happy
to hear the Commission speaking on the possibility of using some of the fees
toward the development of affordable housing.
Bill Lewis resident of Cupertino questioned the fees for Vall co and whether
the 3 1/2 million will cover our Capital Improvement costs.
Director of Public Works Viskovich stated that Vallco was placed in 1st tier
because it wasn't given any special increases in intensity.
Andrew Jarr, representing the owners of the Mark Thomas Building stated he
would like clarification where the 2nd tier is coming from.
Tt H;1S moved bv Com. Claudv~ seconded by Commissioner Koenitzer and passed
unaoimoúsly.to continue Application l-GPA-80 to the meeting of April 5, 1983.
ADJOURNMENT 12:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
APPROVED:
attaòJ~
City Clerk
Deputy