Community Vision 2040cupertino general plan
Community Vision 2015-2040
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CITY COUNCIL
Barry Chang, Mayor
Savita Vaidhyanathan, Vice Mayor
Rod Sinks, Council Member
Gilbert Wong, Council Member
Darcy Paul, Council Member
Orrin Mahoney, Council Member (former)
Mark Santoro, Council Member (former)
PLANNING COMMISSION
Winnie Lee, Chair
Alan Takahashi, Vice Chair
Margaret Gong, Commissioner
Don Sun, Commissioner
Geoffrey Paulsen, Commissioner
CITY STAFF
David Brandt, City Manager
Aarti Shrivastava, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director
Carol Korade, City Attorney
Colleen Winchester, Assistant City Attorney
Gary Chao, Assistant Community Development Director
Piu Ghosh, Principal Planner
Rebecca Tolentino, Senior Planner
Christopher Valenzuela, Senior Planner
George Schroeder, Associate Planner
Ellen Yau, Assistant Planner
Angela Tsui, Economic Development Manager
Carol Atwood, Director of Recreation and Community Services
Rick Kitson, Director of Public Affairs
Timm Borden, Public Works Director
Albert Salvador, Building Official
Chad Mosely, Senior Civil Engineer
David Stillman, Senior Traffic Engineer
Teri Gerhardt, GIS Manager
Adam Araza, GIS Department
Aki Snelling
Alex Wykoff
Andrea Sanders
Alyssa Carlsen
Beth Ebben
Cheri Donnelly
Chylene Osborne
Colleen Lettire
Diana Pancholi
Donna Henriques
Erick Serrano
Erin Cooke
Erwin Ching
Gian Paolo Martire
Grace Schmidt
Hella Sanders
Jeff Greef
Julia Kinst
Kaitie Groeneweg
Kirsten Squarcia
Kristina Alfaro
Louis Sarmiento
Melissa Names
Melissa Tronquet
Michelle Combs
Pete Coglianese
Rei Delgado
Robert Kim
Ron Bullock
Ryan Roman
Simon Vuong
Stephen Rose
Sylvia Mendez
Tiffanie Cardena
Tiffany Brown
Winnie Pagan
CITY STAFF (Community Outreach)CONSULTANT TEAM
MIG, INC.
Daniel Iacofano, CEO/Principal
Chris Beynon, Principal
Laura Stetson, Principal
Dan Amsden, Senior Project Manager
Ellie Fiore, Outreach and Policy Specialist
Genevieve Sharrow, Project Manager
Jeff Liljegren, Project Associate
Marissa Reilly, Project Associate
Sydney Cespedes, Project Associate
Jamillah Jordan, Project Associate
Lillian Jacobson, Project Associate
BAE URBAN ECONOMICS
Janet Smith-Heimer, President
David Shiver, Principal
Ray Kennedy, Vice President
Stephanie Hagar, Senior Associate
GREENSFELDER CRE
David Greensfelder, Managing Principal
VERONICA TAM & ASSOCIATES
Veronica Tam, Principal
Jessica Suimanjaya, Associate
PLACEWORKS
Steve Noack, Principal
Terri McCracken, Senior Associate
HEXAGON TRANSPORTATION
Gary Black, President
Jill Hough, Vice President
AMENDMENTS TO GENERAL PLAN
COMMUNITY VISION 2015-2040
Date Ordinance Number Description
10/20/2015 CC 15-087
Amendment to the Community Vision 2040 policy, text, and
figures pertaining to citywide issues, and a change to the
general plan land use map to modify the land use designation
of one property located at 10950 N Blaney Avenue from
Industrial/Residential to Industrial/Commercial/Residential.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION..................................................................I-1
Purpose of Community Vision 2040...............................................................I-2
Vision Statement...................................................................................................I-3
Guiding Principles.................................................................................................I-4
Organization of the Document..........................................................................I-6
Community Vision 2040 Adoption...................................................................I-7
Community Vision 2040 Implementation......................................................I-8
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS.........................................................PA-1
Introduction..............................................................................................................PA-2
Special Areas...........................................................................................................PA-3
Neighborhoods..................................................................................PA-16
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT........LU-1
Introduction..............................................................................................................LU-2
Context.......................................................................................................................LU-3
Looking Forward.....................................................................................................LU-8
Citywide Goals and Policies..............................................................................LU-10
Planning Area Goals and Policies................................................................LU-40
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT.......................................................HE-1
Introduction.............................................................................................................HE-2
Housing Needs Assessment............................................................................. HE-4
Regional Housing Needs and Allocations...................................................HE-14
Housing Resources.............................................................................................HE-15
Housing Plan..........................................................................................................HE-18
Qualified Objectives.............................................................................................HE-19
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT.........................................................M-1
Introduction................................................................................................................M-2
Context.........................................................................................................................M-3
Looking Forward.....................................................................................................M-12
Goals and Policies..................................................................................................M-13
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES ELEMENT.........................ES-1
Introduction.....................................................................................................................ES-2
Context..............................................................................................................................ES-3
Looking Forward........................................................................................................ES-12
Goals and Policies........................................................................................................ES-13
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT.......................................HS-1
Introduction.....................................................................................................................HS-2
Context..............................................................................................................................HS-3
Looking Forward........................................................................................................HS-24
Goals and Policies......................................................................................................HS-25
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT...........................................INF-1
Introduction....................................................................................................................INF-2
Context.............................................................................................................................INF-3
Looking Forward..........................................................................................................INF-7
Goals and Policies.....................................................................................................INF-9
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY
SERVICE ELEMENT.................................................................................RPC-1
Introduction..................................................................................................................RPC-2
Context...........................................................................................................................RPC-3
Looking Forward......................................................................................................RPC-18
Goals and Policies....................................................................................................RPC-20
TECHNICAL APPENDICES
Appendix A: Land Use Definitions...............................................................................A-1
Appendix B: Housing Element Technical Report..................................................B-1
Appendix C: Air Quality....................................................................................................C-1
Appendix D: Community Noise Fundamentals......................................................D-1
Appendix E: Geologic and Seismic Hazards............................................................E-1
Appendix F: Slope Density.............................................................................................F-1
1introduction
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
I-2
Community Vision 2040 is a roadmap to the future that encompasses the
hopes, aspirations, values and dreams of the Cupertino community. The
underlying purpose of this document is to establish the policy and regulatory
framework necessary to build a great community that serves the needs of its
residents, maximizes the sense of connection between neighborhoods and
enhances Cupertino as a great place to live, work, visit and play.
Community Vision 2040 provides a framework for integrating the aspirations
of residents, businesses, property owners and public officials into a
comprehensive strategy for guiding future development and managing
change. It describes long-term goals and guides daily decision making by
the City Council and appointed commissions. This document functions as
the City of Cupertino’s State-mandated General Plan, and covers a time
frame of 2015–2040. As such, the goals, policies and strategies contained in
this document lay the foundation for ensuring there is appropriate land use
and community design, transportation networks, housing, environmental
resources and municipal services established between now and 2040.
Due to the breadth of topics covered in Community Vision 2040, conflicts
between mutually-desirable goals are inevitable. For instance, increased
automobile mobility may conflict with a safe, walkable community. This
document reconciles these conflicts in the interest of building a cohesive
community. Per State law, every goal and policy in this plan has equal weight.
The City recognizes that the interests of residents of a particular street or
neighborhood may need to be balanced with the overall needs and potentially
greater goal of building a community. These are conscious choices that the
City makes in the interest of building community.
Purpose of Community Vision 2040
CONTENTS:
I-2 Purpose of Community Vision 2040
I-3 Vision Statement
I-4 Guiding Principles
I-6 Organization of the Document
I-7 Community Vision 2040 Adoption
I-8 Community Vision 2040 Implementation
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
In order to prioritize goals and actions, the City developed an overarching
vision statement based on extensive community input received during the
2013-14 General Plan Amendment process. This input culminated in “A Vision
for Cupertino”, shown below, which reflects ideas, thoughts and desires from
residents, local business and property owners, study area stakeholders, elected
and appointed officials, and other members of the Cupertino community.
This updated vision expresses the community’s desires for Cupertino’s future.
It describes the community’s overall philosophy regarding the character and
accessibility of existing and new neighborhoods and mixed-use corridors.
Ultimately, all goals, policies and strategies contained in this document must be
consistent with the vision statement.
Cupertino aspires to be a balanced
community with quiet and attractive
residential neighborhoods; exemplary
parks and schools; accessible open
space areas, hillsides and creeks; and
a vibrant, mixed-use “Heart of the
City.” Cupertino will be safe, friendly,
healthy, connected, walkable,
bikeable and inclusive for all residents
and workers, with ample places and
opportunities for people to interact,
recreate, innovate and collaborate.
I-3
VISION STATEMENT
A Vision for Cupertino
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
I-4
The Guiding Principles provide additional detail about Cupertino’s desired future
necessary to fully articulate the ideas contained in the vision statement. Similarly,
the Guiding Principles were developed based on extensive community input.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1
2
3
4
5
6 SUPPORT VIBRANT AND MIXED-USE BUSINESSES
Ensure that Cupertino’s major mixed-use corridors and commercial nodes
are vibrant, successful, attractive, friendly and comfortable with inviting active
pedestrian spaces and services that meet the daily needs of residents
and workers.
ENSURE A BALANCED COMMUNITY
Offer residents a full range of housing choices necessary to accommodate the
changing needs of a demographically and economically diverse population,
while also providing a full range of support uses including regional and local
shopping, education, employment, entertainment, recreation, and daily needs
that are within easy walking distance.
ENHANCE MOBILITY
Ensure the efficient and safe movement of cars, trucks, transit, pedestrians,
bicyclists and disabled persons throughout Cupertino in order to fully
accommodate Cupertino’s residents, workers, visitors and students of all ages and
abilities. Streets, pedestrian paths and bike paths should comprise an integrated
system of fully connected and interesting routes to all destinations.
IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY
Create a well-connected and safe system of trails, pedestrian and bicycle paths,
sidewalks and streets with traffic calming measures that weave the community
together, enhance neighborhood pride and identity, and create access to
interesting routes to different destinations.
IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Promote public health by increasing community-wide access to healthy foods;
ensure an adequate amount of safe, well-designed parks, open space, trails
and pathways; and improve safety by ensuring all areas of the community
are protected from natural hazards and fully served by disaster planning and
neighborhood watch programs, police, fire, paramedic and health services.
DEVELOP COHESIVE NEIGHBORHOODS
Ensure that all neighborhoods are safe, attractive and include convenient
pedestrian and bicycle access to a “full-service” of local amenities such as
parks, schools, community activity centers, trails, bicycle paths and shopping.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
I-5
7
8
9
10
11
ENSURE A RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT
Continue to be a regional leader in accessible and transparent municipal
government; promote community leadership and local partnerships with
local and regional agencies; and remain flexible and responsive to changing
community needs.
ENSURE FISCAL SELF RELIANCE
Maintain fiscal self-reliance in order to protect the City’s ability to deliver
essential, high-quality municipal services and facilities to the community.
PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT
Preserve Cupertino’s environment by enhancing or restoring creeks and
hillsides to their natural state, limiting urban uses to existing urbanized areas,
encouraging environmental protection, promoting sustainable design concepts,
improving sustainable municipal operations, adapting to climate change,
conserving energy resources and minimizing waste.
SUPPORT EDUCATION
Preserve and support quality community education by partnering with local
school districts, community colleges, libraries and other organizations to
improve facilities and programs that enhance learning and expand
community-wide access.
EMBRACE DIVERSITY
Celebrate Cupertino’s diversity by offering a range of housing, shopping
and community programs that meet the needs of the full spectrum of the
community, while ensuring equal opportunities for all residents and workers
regardless of age, cultural or physical differences.
ENSURE ATTRACTIVE COMMUNITY DESIGN
Ensure that buildings, landscapes, streets and parks are attractively designed
and well maintained so they can complement the overall community fabric
by framing streets and offering a variety of active, relaxing and intimate
pedestrian spaces.
12
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Every General Plan is also required to address a collection of seven “elements”
or subject categories. The City has the authority to address these elements in
whatever organization makes the most sense for Cupertino. The following table
identifies how the sections of the plan address each State-required element.
Community Vision 2040 Chapters State-Required Topics
or Elements
1. Introduction Not Applicable
2. Planning Areas Not Applicable
3. Land Use and Community Design Land Use
4. Housing Housing
5. Mobility Circulation
6. Environmental Resources and Sustainability Conservation, Open Space
7. Health and Safety Noise, Safety
8. Public Infrastructure (optional element)
9. Recreation and Community Services (optional element)
Each topical chapter, or “Element,” of Community Vision 2040 includes an
introduction, background context and information, and a summary of key
opportunities or objectives looking forward. They also include topical goals,
policies and strategies that function in three unique ways:
• Goal: a broad statement of values or aspirations needed to achieve
the vision.
• Policy: a more precise statement that guides the actions of City staff,
developers and policy makers necessary to achieve the goal.
• Strategy: a specific task that the City will undertake to implement the
policy and work toward achieving the goals.
I-6
California state law requires that each city and county adopt a General Plan
for the “physical development of the county or city, and any land outside its
boundaries which bears relation to its planning.” The role of the General Plan is
to act as a community’s “constitution,” a basis for rational decisions regarding
long-term physical development and incremental change. Community Vision
2040 expresses the community’s development and conservation goals, and
embodies public policy relative to the distribution of future land uses, both
public and private.
ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
I-7
Community Vision 2040 is a living document, and can be adopted or modified
over time as community needs change. Each amendment needs to include
a public review process and environmental impact analysis. Public review
occurs prior to public hearings through community meetings, study sessions
and advisory committee meetings. Public hearings allow the community to
express its views prior to City Council approval.
State law limits the number of General Plan amendments to four per year.
Cupertino ordinances require that the City Council determine if a public hearing
should be set to consider a General Plan amendment.
COMMUNITY VISION 2040 ADOPTION
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
I-8
Community Vision 2040 is the foundation for planning in Cupertino. All
physical development must be consistent with it. State law also requires
that zoning be consistent with the plan. The various goals, policies and
strategies are carried out through a myriad of City plans and approval
procedures, such as special planning areas, use permits, subdivisions, the
Capital Improvement Program and park planning.
The annual review of Community Vision 2040 provides the opportunity
to evaluate the City’s progress in implementing the plan and to assess if
mitigation measures are being followed and if new policy direction should
be considered.
COMMUNITY VISION 2040 IMPLEMENTATION
2planning areas 2planning areas
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-2
Cupertino benefits from having many established and vibrant areas—each
with its own unique function, character, uses and services. Community
Vision 2040 organizes the city into 21 distinct Planning Areas, divided into
two categories:
1. Special Areas that are expected to transition over the life of the
General Plan
2. Neighborhoods where future changes are expected to be minimal
This chapter provides an overview of each Planning Area, including its
current context and future vision. Specific goals, policies and strategies for
each area are included in the various topical elements of the General Plan
(i.e., Chapters 3 through 9).
Introduction
CONTENTS:
PA-2 Introduction
PA-3 Special Areas
Heart of the City
Vallco Shopping District
North Vallco Park
North De Anza
South De Anza
Homestead
Bubb Road
Monta Vista Village
Other Non-Residential/Mixed-
Use Are as
PA-16 Neighborhoods
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Rancho Rinconada
Fairgrove
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Cupertino is defined by its four major roadways: Homestead Road, Wolfe Road, De
Anza Boulevard and Stevens Creek Boulevard. These major mixed-use corridors
have been the center of retail, commercial, office and multi-family housing in
Cupertino for decades. They act as the “spines” of the community–connecting
residential neighborhoods to major employment centers, schools and colleges,
civic uses, parks, highways and freeways, and adjacent cities. In order to support
local and regional commercial, office and housing needs, each of these corridors
must be improved. They should be enhanced with more pedestrian, bicycle and
transit facilities; supported by focused development standards; and encouraged to
redevelop in order to meet the current and future needs of the community.
As shown in Figure PA-1, there are nine Special Areas within Cupertino. Each
Special Area is located along one of the four major mixed-use corridors in the
city, which represent key areas within Cupertino where future development and
reinvestment will be focused. The following is a summary of the location, major
characteristics, uses and vision for each of the city’s nine Special Areas.
PA-3
SPECIAL AREAS
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-1
Figure PA-1
SPECIAL AREAS
PA-4
North Vallco
Park Special
Area
Heart of the City
Special Area
South De Anza
Special Area
North De Anza
Special Area
Homestead
Special Area Vallco Shopping District
Special Area
Bubb Road
Special Area
Monta Vista
Village Special
Area
west
crossroads central east
South Vallco Park
Gateway
City
Center
Node
Oaks Gateway
North Crossroads Node
North Vallco
Gateway
Stelling Gateway
North
De Anza
Gateway
Civic
Center
Node
De Anza College Node
Community Recreation Node
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Special Areas
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Heart of the City
Vallco Shopping District
North Vallco Park
North De Anza
South De Anza
Homestead
Bubb Road
Monta Vista Village
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-5
HEART OF THE CITY
CONTEXT
The Heart of the City Special Area is a key mixed-use, commercial corridor
in Cupertino. The area encompasses approximately 635 acres along Stevens
Creek Boulevard between Highway 85 and the eastern city limit. Development
within this Special Area is guided by the Heart of the City Specific Plan which
is intended to create a greater sense of place, more community identity, and
a positive and memorable experience for residents, workers and visitors
of Cupertino. The Heart of the City Specific Plan area includes five specific
subareas, each with unique characteristics, land uses and streetscape elements.
The subareas include: West Stevens Creek Boulevard; Crossroads; Central
Stevens Creek Boulevard; City Center; and East Stevens Creek Boulevard.
The West Stevens Creek Boulevard subarea is located between Highway 85 and
Stelling Road. The primary use for this area is quasi-public/public facilities, with
supporting uses including mixed commercial/residential. The De Anza College
Node defines the southern half of the West Stevens Creek Boulevard subarea.
Also included within this area are the Oaks Gateway and Community Recreation
Node consisting of Memorial Park, the Senior Center, Sports Center and Quinlan
Community Center.
The Crossroads subarea is located between Stelling Road and De Anza
Boulevard and is the historic core of Cupertino. This area consists of specialty
shops, grocery stores and restaurants that form a strong central focal point.
The primary use in this area is commercial/retail, with commercial office above
the ground level allowed as a secondary use. Limited residential is also allowed
as a supporting use per the Housing Element. The North Crossroads Node
encompasses the northern half of the subarea.
The Central Stevens Creek Boulevard subarea is located on the north side of
Stevens Creek Boulevard between De Anza Boulevard and Torre Avenue, and on
the north and south sides of Stevens Creek Boulevard between Torre Avenue
and Portal Avenue. The primary use for this area is commercial/commercial
office, with office above ground level as the secondary use. Residential/
residential mixed uses are allowed as a supporting use.
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-6
The City Center subarea is located south of the Central Stevens Creek Boulevard
subarea, between De Anza and Torre Avenue/Regnart Creek. The primary use
for this area is office/residential/hotel/public facilities/commercial retail/mixed-
uses. This subarea is further defined into the City Center Node and Civic Center
Node. The City Center Node includes Cali Plaza. The Civic Center Node includes
City Hall, Cupertino Community Hall, Cupertino Public Library, as well as the
Library Plaza and Library Field.
The East Stevens Creek Boulevard subarea is located at the east end of the
Heart of the City Specific Plan area and extends from Portal Avenue to the
eastern city limit. The area is largely defined by the South Vallco Park Gateway
immediately east of the Vallco Shopping District, which includes Nineteen 800
(formerly known as Rosebowl), The Metropolitan and Main Street developments.
This area is intended as a regional commercial district with retail/commercial/
office as the primary uses. Office above ground level retail is allowed as a
secondary use, with residential/residential mixed-use as a supporting use per
the Housing Element.
VISION
The Heart of the City area will continue being a focus of commerce, community
identity, social gathering and pride for Cupertino. The area is envisioned as a
tree-lined boulevard that forms a major route for automobiles, but also supports
walking, biking and transit. Each of its five subareas will contribute their
distinctive and unique character, and will provide pedestrian and bicycle links
to adjacent neighborhoods through side street access, bikeways and pathways.
While portions of the area is designated as a Priority Development Area (PDA),
which allows some higher intensity near gateways and nodes, development will
continue to support the small town ambiance of the community. The Stevens
Creek Boulevard corridor will continue to function as Cupertino’s main mixed-
use, commercial and retail corridor. Residential uses, as allowed per the Housing
Element, should be developed in the “mixed-use village” format described later
in the Land Use and Community Design Element.
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-7
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
STEVENS CREEK BLVD
DE ANZA BLVDWOLFE RDSTELLING RDBLANEY AVETANTAU AVE81
81
26
23
55
25
53
55
25
54
26
51
53
23
55
323
323 101
101
182
323
280
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
De Anza
College
The
Oaks
Cupertino
Memorial
Park
City
Center
Public Facilities
Neighborhood Center
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
HEART OF THE CITY SPECIAL AREA DIAGRAM
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-8
The Vallco Shopping District Special Area encompasses Cupertino’s most
significant commercial center, formerly known as the Vallco Fashion Park. This
Special Area is located between Interstate 280 and Stevens Creek Boulevard
in the eastern part of the city. The North Blaney neighborhood, an established
single-family area, is adjacent on the west side of the Vallco Shopping District.
Wolfe Road bisects the area in a north-south direction, and divides Vallco
Shopping District into distinct subareas: Vallco Shopping District Gateway
West and Vallco Shopping District Gateway East. In recent years there has
been some façade improvement to the Vallco Fashion Mall; however, there has
been no major reinvestment in the mall for decades. Reinvestment is needed
to upgrade or replace older buildings and make other improvements so that
this commercial center is more competitive and better serves the community.
Currently, the major tenants of the mall include a movie theater, bowling
alley and three national retailers. The Vallco Shopping District is identified
as a separate Special Area given its prominence as a regional commercial
destination and its importance to future planning/redevelopment efforts
expected over the life of the General Plan.
VISION
The Vallco Shopping District will continue to
function as a major regional and community
destination. The City envisions this area
as a new mixed-use “town center” and
gateway for Cupertino. It will include an
interconnected street grid network of bicycle
and pedestrian-friendly streets, more
pedestrian-oriented buildings with active
uses lining Stevens Creek Boulevard and
Wolfe Road, and publicly-accessible parks
and plazas that support the pedestrian-
oriented feel of the revitalized area. New
development in the Vallco Shopping
District should be required to provide
buffers between adjacent single-family
neighborhoods in the form of boundary walls,
setbacks, landscaping or building transitions.
VALLCO SHOPPING DISTRICT
CONTEXT
Quasi-Public / Commercial
Medium (10-20 DU/Ac.)
Residential Land U se Designations
Medium / High Density (20-35 DU/Ac.)
Public Facilities
City B ound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Residential
Non-Res idential Land Use Designations
Low / Medium Density (5-10 DU/Ac.)
Transportation
High Density (>35 DU/Ac.)
Neighborhood Commercial / Residential
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Ac.)
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards
Avenues
Neighborhood Connectors
Neighborhood Center
Commercial Center
Employment Center
Education/Cultural Center
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
Office/�nd�strial/Commercial/Residential
�nd�strial/Residential
�nd�strial/Commercial/Residential
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
Commercial/Office/Residential
Parks and Open Space
��asi����lic/�nstit�tional
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
LEGEND
Commercial/Office/Residential
81
26
23 101
101
182
323
26
280
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
VALLCO SHOPPING DISTRICT
SPECIAL AREA DIAGRAM
Quasi-Public / Commercial
Medium (10-20 DU/Ac.)
Residential Land Use Designatio ns
Medium / High Density (20-35 DU/Ac.)
Public Facilities
City B ound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Residential
Non-Residential Land Use Designati ons
Low / Medium Density (5-10 DU/Ac.)
Transportation
High Density (>35 DU /Ac.)
Neighborhood Commercial / Residential
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Ac.)
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards
Avenues
Neighborhood Connectors
Neighborhood Center
Commercial Center
Employment Center
Education/Cultural Center
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
Office/�nd�strial/Commercial/Residential
�nd�strial/Residential
�nd�strial/Commercial/Residential
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
Commercial/Office/Residential
Parks and Open Space
��asi����lic/�nstit�tional
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
LEGEND
Commercial/Office/Residential
81
26
23 101
101
182
323
26
280
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-9
NORTH VALLCO PARK
SPECIAL AREA DIAGRAM
The North Vallco Park Special Area encompasses 240 acres and is an important
employment center for Cupertino and the region. The area is bounded by
Homestead Road to the north and Interstate 280 to the south. The eastern edge
is defined by the properties that line the eastern frontage of Tantau Avenue, and
the western edge includes the commercial development west of Wolfe Road.
The North Vallco Gateway is located within this Planning Area, and includes a
medium-density multi-family residential project east of Wolfe Road and two
hotels and the Cupertino Village Shopping Center west of Wolfe Road. Cupertino
Village offers cafes and restaurants for nearby workers and serves as a village
center for the residential uses in this area. The remainder of the Planning Area
is defined by the new Apple Campus 2 development located on the east side of
Wolfe Road.
VISION
The North Vallco Park area is
envisioned to become a sustainable
office and campus environment
surrounded by a mix of connected,
high-quality and pedestrian-
oriented neighborhood center,
hotels and residential uses. Taller
heights may be allowed in the
North Vallco Gateway per the
Land Use and Community Design
Element and additional residential
development may be allowed per
the Housing Element.
NORTH VALLCO PARK
CONTEXT
Quasi-Public / Commercial
Medium (10-20 DU/Ac.)
Resi dential Land Use Designatio ns
Medium / High Density (20-35 DU/Ac.)
Public Facilities
City Bound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Residential
No n-Res ident ial Land Use Designati ons
Low / Medium Density (5-10 DU/Ac.)
Transportation
High Density (>35 DU /Ac.)
Neighborhood Commercial / Residential
Monta V ista Land Us e Designations
Residential (0-4.4 DU/A c.)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
ALVES DRMARY AVELAZANZEO DR
RODRIGUE S A V EPACIFICA DR
BARNHART AVE
KIRWIN LNORANGE AVEVISTA DRMIRA VISTA RDGREENLEAF DR
FINCH AVEPHARLAP AVEVOSS AVE PORTAL AVEMANN DRCOLUMBUS AVE
HYANNISPORT DR
LINDA VISTA DRSunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Neighborhood Connectors
N
Main Street
Avenues (Minor Collectors)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Oak
ValleyCreston-
Pharlap
Homestead
Villa
Garden
Gate
Jollyman
Monta Vista
North
Inspiration
Heights
North
Blaney
South
Blaney
Fairgrove
Monta Vista
South
Rancho
Rinconada
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
01000
0500
20003000
00.51Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Fairgrove
Rancho Rinconada Calabazas Creek 81
26
182
81
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
280WOLFE RDTANTAU AVEHOMESTEAD RD
Apple Campus II
Neighborhood Center
PR
U
N
E
R
I
D
G
E
A
V
E
Quasi-P ublic / Commercial
Medi um (10-20 DU /Ac.)
Resi dential Land U se Designatio ns
Medi um / High Density (20-35 DU/A c.)
Public F acilities
City B ound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Residential
No n-Res ident ial Land Use Desig nati ons
Low / Medium Density (5-10 DU/A c.)
Transportation
High Dens ity (>35 DU/Ac.)
Nei ghborhood Commercial / Residential
Monta V ista Land Us e Desig nat ions
Resident ial (0-4.4 DU/A c.)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
ALVES DRMARY AVELAZANZEO DR
RODRIGUES AVE
PACIFICA DR
BARNHART AVE
KIRWIN LNORANGE AVEVISTA DRMIRA VISTA RDGREENLEAF DR
FINCH AVEPHARLAP AVEVOSS AVE PORTAL AVEMANN DRCOLUMBUS AVE
HYANNISPORT DR
LINDA VISTA DRSunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Neighborhood Connectors
N
Main Street
Avenues (Minor Collectors)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Oak
ValleyCreston-
Pharlap
Homestead
Villa
Garden
Gate
Jollyman
Monta Vista
North
Inspiration
Heights
North
Blaney
South
Blaney
Fairgrove
Monta Vista
South
Rancho
Rinconada
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
01000
0500
20003000
00.51Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Fairgrove
Rancho Rinconada Calabazas Creek 81
26
182
81
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
280WOLFE RDTANTAU AVEHOMESTEAD RD
Apple Campus II
Neighborhood Center
P
R
U
N
E
R
I
D
G
E
A
V
E
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-10
The North De Anza Special Area encompasses 150 acres and includes the
portion of North De Anza Boulevard generally between Interstate 280 and
Stevens Creek Boulevard. De Anza Boulevard bisects the area in a north-south
direction. The area predominantly consists of office and campus uses with come
commercial and hotel service uses. The street network in this area provides
connections from the Garden Gate neighborhood to schools and services on the
east side of De Anza Boulevard.
VISION
The North De Anza area is expected to remain a predominantly office area.
However, its designation as a Priority Development Area (PDA), and increase
in foot traffic due to workers taking advantage of restaurants and services
in the Heart of the City Planning Area, opens opportunities to locate higher
density office uses along the corridor. This would include better connections to
uses along Stevens Creek Boulevard in order to make the environment more
pedestrian and bicycle-friendly. Streets in this
area are envisioned to function as a walkable,
bikeable grid that enhances connections for
school children and residents from the Garden
Gate neighborhood to Lawson Middle School
and other services on the east side.
NORTH DE ANZA
CONTEXT
Quasi-P ublic / Commercial
Medium (10-20 DU/Ac.)
Resi dential Land Use Designations
Medium / High Density (20-35 DU/Ac.)
Public Facilities
City B ound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Residential
No n-Resident ial Land Use Designati ons
Low / Medium Density (5-10 DU/A c.)
Transportation
Hig h Density (>35 DU/Ac.)
Neighborhood Commercial / Residential
Monta V ista Land Us e Desig nat ions
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Ac.)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
ALVES DRMARY AVELAZANZEO DR
RODRIGUE S A V EPACIFICA DR
BARNHART AVE
KIRWIN LNORANGE AVEVISTA DRMIRA VISTA RDGREENLEAF DR
FINCH AVEPHARLAP AVEVOSS AVE PORTAL AVEMANN DRCOLUMBUS AVE
HYANNISPORT DR
LINDA VISTA DRSunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
���ere o� In�uence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Neighborhood Connectors
N
Main Street
Avenues (Minor Collectors)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Oak
ValleyCreston-
Pharlap
Homestead
Villa
Garden
Gate
Jollyman
Monta Vista
North
Inspiration
Heights
North
Blaney
South
Blaney
Fairgrove
Monta Vista
South
Rancho
Rinconada
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
���ere o� In�uence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Fairgrove
Rancho Rinconada
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
Office/Industrial/Commercial/Residential
Industrial/Residential
Industrial/Commercial/Residential
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
Commercial/Office/Residential
Parks and Open Space
Quasi-Public/Institutional
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
Commercial/Office/Residential
LEGEND
Office/Industrial/Commercial/Residential
Quasi-Public/Institutional Overlay
280
55
182
AppleInc
DE ANZA BLVDBANDLEY DRNORTH DE ANZA
SPECIAL AREA DIAGRAM
Quasi-Public / Commercial
Medium (10-20 DU /Ac.)
Resi dential Land U se Designatio ns
Medium / High Density (20-35 DU/A c.)
Public Facilities
City B ound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formul a)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Residential
No n-Res ident ial Land Use Designati ons
Low / Medium Densi ty (5-10 DU/A c.)
Transportation
Hig h Density (>35 DU /Ac.)
Neighborhood Commerci al / Residential
Monta V ista Land Us e Desig nat ions
Resident ial (0-4.4 DU/A c.)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
ALVES DRMARY AVELAZANZEO DR
RODRIGUE S A V EPACIFICA DR
BARNHART AVE
KIRWIN LNORANGE AVEVISTA DRMIRA VISTA RDGREENLEAF DR
FINCH AVEPHARLAP AVEVOSS AVE PORTAL AVEMANN DRCOLUMBUS AVE
HYANNISPORT DR
LINDA VISTA DRSunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
���ere o� In�uence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Neighborhood Connectors
N
Main Street
Avenues (Minor Collectors)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Oak
ValleyCreston-
Pharlap
Homestead
Villa
Garden
Gate
Jollyman
Monta Vista
North
Inspiration
Heights
North
Blaney
South
Blaney
Fairgrove
Monta Vista
South
Rancho
Rinconada
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
01000
0500
20003000
00.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
���ere o� In�uence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Fairgrove
Rancho Rinconada
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
Office/Industrial/Commercial/Residential
Industrial/Residential
Industrial/Commercial/Residential
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
Commercial/Office/Residential
Parks and Open Space
Quasi-Public/Institutional
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
Commercial/Office/Residential
LEGEND
Office/Industrial/Commercial/Residential
Quasi-Public/Institutional Overlay
280
55
182
Apple
Inc
DE ANZA BLVDBANDLEY DR
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-11
The South De Anza Special Area encompasses the portion of South De Anza
Boulevard between Stevens Creek Boulevard and Bollinger Road, and the
western portion of South De Anza Boulevard between Highway 85 and Prospect
Road. The South De Anza Boulevard Conceptual Plan establishes land uses,
standards and guidelines for development and change of use for properties
located within this Planning Area.
VISION
The South De Anza area will remain a predominantly general commercial area
with supporting existing mixed residential uses. The policies in this area are
intended to encourage lot consolidation (in order to resolve the fragmented
and narrow lot pattern), promote active retail and service uses, and improve
bike and pedestrian connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods. For parcels that
are not appropriately-located or configured to accommodate successful retail,
commercial and commercial/office uses may be allowed in accordance with the
City Municipal Code.
SOUTH DE ANZA
CONTEXT
SOUTH DE ANZA
SPECIAL AREA DIAGRAM
Quasi-Public / Commercial
Medium (10-20 DU/Ac.)
Residential Land Use Designatio ns
Medium / High Density (20-35 DU/Ac.)
Public F acilities
City B ound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Resident ial
Non-Res ident ial Land Use Designati ons
Low / Medium Density (5-10 DU/A c.)
Transportation
High Density (>35 DU/Ac.)
Neighborhood Commercial / Residential
Monta V ista Land Use Designations
Resident ial (0-4.4 DU/Ac.)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
ALVES DRMARY AVELAZANZEO DR
RODRIGUE S A V EPACIFICA DR
BARNHART AVE
KIRWIN LNORANGE AVEVISTA DRMIRA VISTA RDGREENLEAF DR
FINCH AVEPHARLAP AVEVOSS AVE PORTAL AVEMANN DRCOLUMBUS AVE
HYANNISPORT DR
LINDA VISTA DRSunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Neighborhood Connectors
N
Main Street
Avenues (Minor Collectors)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Oak
ValleyCreston-
Pharlap
Homestead
Villa
Garden
Gate
Jollyman
Monta Vista
North
Inspiration
Heights
North
Blaney
South
Blaney
Fairgrove
Monta Vista
South
Rancho
Rinconada
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
01000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Fairgrove
Rancho Rinconada
Quasi-Public / Commercial
Medium (10-20 DU/Ac.)
Residential Land Use Designatio ns
Medium / High Density (20-35 DU/Ac.)
Public F acilities
City B ound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Resident ial
Non-Res ident ial Land Use Designati ons
Low / Medium Density (5-10 DU/A c.)
Transportation
High Density (>35 DU/Ac.)
Neighborhood Commercial / Residential
Monta V ista Land Use Designations
Resident ial (0-4.4 DU/Ac.)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
ALVES DRMARY AVELAZANZEO DR
RODRIGUE S A V EPACIFICA DR
BARNHART AVE
KIRWIN LNORANGE AVEVISTA DRMIRA VISTA RDGREENLEAF DR
FINCH AVEPHARLAP AVEVOSS AVE PORTAL AVEMANN DRCOLUMBUS AVE
HYANNISPORT DR
LINDA VISTA DRSunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Neighborhood Connectors
N
Main Street
Avenues (Minor Collectors)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Oak
ValleyCreston-
Pharlap
Homestead
Villa
Garden
Gate
Jollyman
Monta Vista
North
Inspiration
Heights
North
Blaney
South
Blaney
Fairgrove
Monta Vista
South
Rancho
Rinconada
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
01000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Fairgrove
Rancho Rinconada
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
55
25
53
55
25
53
DE ANZA BLVDRegnart Creek
Neighborhood Center DE ANZA BLVDQuasi-P ublic / Commercial
Medium (10-20 DU /Ac.)
Resi dential Land U se Designatio ns
Medium / High Densi ty (20-35 DU/A c.)
Public Facilities
City B ound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formul a)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Resident ial
No n-Res ident ial Land Use Desig nati ons
Low / Medium Density (5-10 DU/Ac.)
Transportation
Hig h Density (>35 DU /Ac.)
Neighborhood Commercial / Residential
Monta V ista Land Use Designat ions
Residential (0-4.4 DU/A c.)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
ALVES DRMARY AVELAZANZEO DR
RODRIGUE S A V EPACIFICA DR
BARNHART AVE
KIRWIN LNORANGE AVEVISTA DRMIRA VISTA RDGREENLEAF DR
FINCH AVEPHARLAP AVEVOSS AVE PORTAL AVEMANN DRCOLUMBUS AVE
HYANNISPORT DR
LINDA VISTA DRSunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Neighborhood Connectors
N
Main Street
Avenues (Minor Collectors)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Oak
ValleyCreston-
Pharlap
Homestead Villa Garden
Gate
Jollyman
Monta Vista
North
Inspiration
Heights
North
Blaney
South
Blaney
Fairgrove
Monta Vista
South
Rancho
Rinconada
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Fairgrove
Rancho Rinconada
Quasi-P ublic / Commercial
Medium (10-20 DU /Ac.)
Resi dential Land U se Designatio ns
Medium / High Densi ty (20-35 DU/A c.)
Public Facilities
City B ound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formul a)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Resident ial
No n-Res ident ial Land Use Desig nati ons
Low / Medium Density (5-10 DU/Ac.)
Transportation
Hig h Density (>35 DU /Ac.)
Neighborhood Commercial / Residential
Monta V ista Land Use Designat ions
Residential (0-4.4 DU/A c.)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
ALVES DRMARY AVELAZANZEO DR
RODRIGUE S A V EPACIFICA DR
BARNHART AVE
KIRWIN LNORANGE AVEVISTA DRMIRA VISTA RDGREENLEAF DR
FINCH AVEPHARLAP AVEVOSS AVE PORTAL AVEMANN DRCOLUMBUS AVE
HYANNISPORT DR
LINDA VISTA DRSunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Neighborhood Connectors
N
Main Street
Avenues (Minor Collectors)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Oak
ValleyCreston-
Pharlap
Homestead Villa Garden
Gate
Jollyman
Monta Vista
North
Inspiration
Heights
North
Blaney
South
Blaney
Fairgrove
Monta Vista
South
Rancho
Rinconada
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Fairgrove
Rancho Rinconada
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
55
25
53
55
25
53
DE ANZA BLVDRegnart Creek
Neighborhood Center DE ANZA BLVDQuasi-Public / Commercial
Medium (10-20 DU /Ac.)
Resi dential Land U se Designations
Medium / High Density (20-35 DU/Ac.)
Public Facilities
City B ound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Residential
No n-Residential Land Use Desig nations
Low / Medium Density (5-10 DU/Ac.)
Transportation
High Density (>35 DU /Ac.)
Neighborhood Commercial / Residential
Monta V ista Land Us e Desig nat ions
Residential (0-4.4 DU/A c.)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
ALVES DRMARY AVELAZANZEO DR
RODRIGUE S A V EPACIFICA DR
BARNHART AVE
KIRWIN LNORANGE AVEVISTA DRMIRA VISTA RDGREENLEAF DR
FINCH AVEPHARLAP AVEVOSS AVE PORTAL AVEMANN DRCOLUMBUS AVE
HYANNISPORT DR
LINDA VISTA DRSunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Neighborhood Connectors
N
Main Street
Avenues (Minor Collectors)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Oak
ValleyCreston-
Pharlap
Homestead
Villa
Garden
Gate
Jollyman
Monta Vista
North
Inspiration
Heights
North
Blaney
South
Blaney
Fairgrove
Monta Vista
South
Rancho
Rinconada
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
01000
0500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Fairgrove
Rancho Rinconada
Quasi-Public / Commercial
Medium (10-20 DU /Ac.)
Resi dential Land U se Designations
Medium / High Density (20-35 DU/Ac.)
Public Facilities
City B ound ary
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Parks and Open Space
Land Use Map
Commercial / Residential
No n-Residential Land Use Desig nations
Low / Medium Density (5-10 DU/Ac.)
Transportation
High Density (>35 DU /Ac.)
Neighborhood Commercial / Residential
Monta V ista Land Us e Desig nat ions
Residential (0-4.4 DU/A c.)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
ALVES DRMARY AVELAZANZEO DR
RODRIGUE S A V EPACIFICA DR
BARNHART AVE
KIRWIN LNORANGE AVEVISTA DRMIRA VISTA RDGREENLEAF DR
FINCH AVEPHARLAP AVEVOSS AVE PORTAL AVEMANN DRCOLUMBUS AVE
HYANNISPORT DR
LINDA VISTA DRSunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Neighborhood Connectors
N
Main Street
Avenues (Minor Collectors)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Oak
ValleyCreston-
Pharlap
Homestead
Villa
Garden
Gate
Jollyman
Monta Vista
North
Inspiration
Heights
North
Blaney
South
Blaney
Fairgrove
Monta Vista
South
Rancho
Rinconada
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
01000
0500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
4QIFSFPG*OˍVFODF
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Fairgrove
Rancho Rinconada
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
55
25
53
55
25
53
DE ANZA BLVDRegnart Creek
Neighborhood Center DE ANZA BLVD
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-12
The Homestead Special Area is located in the northern portion of the city
and includes residential, commercial, office and hotel uses along Homestead
Road, between Interstate 280 and the Sunnyvale city limit. This major mixed-
use corridor continues to be a predominantly mixed-use area with a series
of neighborhood commercial centers and multi-family housing. The northern
portion of this corridor is in Sunnyvale and is lined mostly with commercial
and lower-intensity residential uses. Additional commercial uses include a
hotel along De Anza Boulevard within the North De Anza Gateway. The Stelling
Gateway, which consists primarily of commercial and residential uses, is also
located in this area. Community facilities within the Homestead Planning Area
include Franco Park and Homestead High School. The Apple Campus 2 project is
located at the eastern end of this corridor in the North Vallco Park Planning Area
and is a major regional employment center.
VISION
The Homestead area will continue to be a predominantly mixed-use area with
residential uses and a series of neighborhood centers providing services to
local residents. Bike and pedestrian improvements in this area will provide
better connections for residents and workers to access services. Tree-lined
streets and sidewalks will provide an inviting environment and will link existing
and new uses.
HOMESTEAD
CONTEXT
HOMESTEAD SPECIAL AREA DIAGRAM
280 DE ANZA BLVDSTELLING RDHOMESTEAD RD
BLANEY AVEHomestead
Square
Shopping
Center
Oakmont
Square
PG&E
Franco
Park
182
101
55
55
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Neighborhood Center
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
280 DE ANZA BLVDSTELLING RDHOMESTEAD RD
BLANEY AVEHomestead
Square
Shopping
Center
Oakmont
Square
PG&E
Franco
Park
182
101
55
55
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Neighborhood Center
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
280 DE ANZA BLVDSTELLING RDHOMESTEAD RD
BLANEY AVEHomestead
Square
Shopping
Center
Oakmont
Square
PG&E
Franco
Park
182
101
55
55
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Neighborhood Center
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-13
The Bubb Road Special Area is located south of Stevens Creek Boulevard
between the Southern Pacific railroad tracks and Highway 85, on the north side
of McClellan Road. This area is approximately 30 acres in size and consists
primarily of low-rise industrial and research and development uses. The area is
adjacent to Monta Vista Village to the west, Monta Vista North neighborhood to
the south, and the mixed-use area of Monta Vista Village to the north. This area
is one of the few existing industrial areas in Cupertino.
VISION
The Bubb Road area is envisioned to become a tree-lined avenue that is more
bike and pedestrian friendly. It will have an improved street grid necessary to
accommodate increased foot traffic from local workers, and school children
from the northern and eastern sections of Cupertino who travel to the tri-school
area. Allowed uses in the Bubb Road Planning Area consist of those described
in the ML-RC ordinance. In addition, neighborhood commercial and limited
residential uses will continue to be allowed. Non-industrial uses in this area
should be carefully reviewed to ensure that they do not impact the operations of
existing industrial uses in this area. Development directly abutting low-intensity
residential use should provide appropriate landscape buffers and setbacks.
BUBB ROAD
CONTEXT
BUBB ROAD SPECIAL AREA DIAGRAM
85
STEVENS CREEK BLVD
MCCLELLAN RDBUBB RDLEGEND
Public Facilities
Industrial/Commercial/Residential
85
STEVENS CREEK BLVD
MCCLELLAN RDBUBB RDLEGEND
Public Facilities
Industrial/Commercial/Residential
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-14
The Monta Vista Village Special Area is an older neighborhood which served
as an attractive farming and second home community since the late 1800s. It
includes several important points of historic interest. Uses in this area consist
of mixed neighborhood commercial, small commercial office, and multi-family
and single-family residential uses. The area was incrementally annexed by
the City starting in the 1960s, ending with complete annexation in 2004, from
the unincorporated Santa Clara County. Roadway and utility infrastructure in a
portion of this area needs upgrading and improvements. Monta Vista Village has
a small town character and provides necessary services to the adjacent Monta
Vista North and South neighborhoods. The streets within this area serve as a
travel route for school children to the tri-school area in Monta Vista (Lincoln
Elementary, Kennedy Middle and Monta Vista High Schools).
VISION
Monta Vista Village’s small town character as a pedestrian-oriented, small
scaled, mixed-use residential, neighborhood commercial and industrial area
will be retained and enhanced with new
development and redevelopment. Improved
pedestrian and bicycle access within the Area
and to adjacent neighborhoods will promote
the concept of complete, connected and
walkable neighborhoods and improve travel
routes to the tri-school area in Monta Vista.
MONTA VISTA VILLAGE
CONTEXT
MONTA VISTA VILLAGE
SPECIAL AREA DIAGRAM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Quasi-Public/Institutional Overlay
STEVENS CREEK BLVD
BUBB RDMCCLELLAN RD
Post
Office
51
Neighborhood Center
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Quasi-Public/Institutional Overlay
STEVENS CREEK BLVD
BUBB RDMCCLELLAN RD
Post
Office
51
Neighborhood Center
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-15
OTHER NON-RESIDENTIAL/MIXED-USE AREAS
CONTEXT
In addition to the Special Areas described previously, other Non-Residential/
Mixed-Use Special Areas are located throughout Cupertino. These other Non-
Residential/Mixed-Use Special Areas include the following: west side of Stevens
Canyon Road across from McClellan Road; intersection of Foothill Boulevard and
Stevens Creek Boulevard; Homestead Road near Foothill Boulevard; northwest
corner of Bollinger Road and Blaney Avenue; and all other non-residential
properties not referenced in an identified commercial area.
VISION
Neighborhood centers within other Non-Residential/Mixed-Use Areas should
be redeveloped using the “neighborhood center” concept described in the Land
Use and Community Design Element. Areas not designated as “neighborhood
centers” are encouraged to provide commercial uses with a traditional storefront
appearance. Second-level areas may be commercial office or residential.
Residential uses, if allowed per the Housing Element, should be developed in the
“mixed-use village” format as described later in the Land Use and Community
Design Element. Buildings are typically one to two stories in height, but may be
up to three stories in some instances where it is allowed.
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-16
Cupertino has a special community character which contributes to its unique
quality of life and sense of place enjoyed by people who live and work in the city.
Neighborhoods play a vital role in supporting this great community’s quality of
life. While Cupertino has grown and expanded over the years, neighborhoods have
continued to serve as unique and identifiable areas that have great pride for local
residents. In order to maintain the unique character and vitality of Cupertino’s
neighborhoods, these areas must be served by needed community services
such as schools, parks and neighborhood shopping. Connectivity within each
neighborhood and to surrounding areas is also highly encouraged to promote
social interaction and community engagement.
Figure PA-2 highlights 12 identifiable neighborhoods within Cupertino. Each
neighborhood is unique in its location, development pattern, identity and access
to community services. Most of these areas are fully developed. However, as
redevelopment opportunities arise, it is important that the policies outlined in the
General Plan with respect to neighborhood preservation, connectivity, mobility and
access to services are implemented. The following is a summary of the location,
major characteristics, uses and vision for each of the city’s 12 neighborhoods.
NEIGHBORHOODS
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) LU-1Figure PA-2
NEIGHBORHOODS
PA-17FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Oak
Valley Creston-
Pharlap
Homestead
Villa
Garden
Gate
Jollyman
Monta Vista
North
Inspiration
Heights
North
Blaney
South
Blaney
Fairgrove
Monta Vista
South
Rancho
Rinconada
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Oak Valley
Creston-Pharlap
Inspiration Heights
Monta Vista North
Monta Vista South
Homestead Villa
Garden Gate
Jollyman
North Blaney
South Blaney
Fairgrove
Rancho Rinconada
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-18
The Oak Valley neighborhood is located in the northwestern corner of Cupertino
in a natural hillside transition with plentiful private and public open space.
The neighborhood is bounded by Interstate 280, the City of Los Altos, Foothill
Boulevard, Stevens Creek Boulevard and Santa Clara County open space/
quarry uses. The Oak Valley development, located west of the railroad tracks, is
predominantly defined by single-family residential homes developed in the late
1990s or early 2000s. Oak Valley is primarily accessed from Cristo Rey Drive west
of Foothill Boulevard. Development has been directed away from steep slopes,
view sheds, riparian corridors and areas of tree cover and architectural styles
complement the natural setting. Other uses in the Oak Valley area include the
PG&E Monta Vista Electrical Substation, The Forum senior living community and
skilled nursing facility, Maryknoll Catholic Seminary (in Los Altos) and the Gate of
Heaven Cemetery. Housing in this neighborhood includes detached single-family
homes and senior independent and assisted living units. This area is served
by several amenities including Santa Clara County’s Rancho San Antonio Park,
Canyon Oak Park and Little Rancho Park.
The areas south and east of the Union Pacific Railroad include low to medium
density residential development, mostly in the form of clustered residential,
and development designed with residential hillside standards to ensure that
the impacts are limited. The neighborhood has access to limited services within
walking distance including a small neighborhood center at the intersection of
Stevens Creek and Foothill Boulevards.
VISION
The Oak Valley neighborhood will continue to be primarily a detached, single-
family residential area. The area is fully developed, but there may be limited
growth at The Forum and Gate of Heaven sites. No other land use changes are
anticipated in this area.
Development intensity in the detached single-family residential portion is
governed by a development agreement that includes a use permit and other
approvals. These approvals describe development areas, intensity and styles
of development, public park dedication, tree protection, access and historic
preservation. The theme of the approvals is to balance development with
environmental protection by clustering development, setting it back from sensitive
OAK VALLEY
CONTEXT
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-19
environmental areas and preserving large areas in permanent open space.
Neighborhood connections and safe routes to Stevens Creek Elementary school
on the east side of Foothill Boulevard will be enhanced with bike and pedestrian-
friendly improvements along Foothill Boulevard and its key intersections.
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
STEVENS CREEK BLVD N FOOTHILL BLVD51
Gate of Heaven
Cemetery
Whispering Creek
Equestrian Center
n
e
n
t
e
C
r
e
e
k
Perm
a
OAK VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-20
The Creston-Pharlap neighborhood is a single-family residential area that
includes the last remaining unincorporated pocket within the Cupertino urban
service area. The Creston portion was subdivided in the mid 1950s but has
remained unincorporated. The surrounding Pharlap portion was generally
subdivided between the mid 1950s to mid/late 1960s. This neighborhood is
developed with single-family homes, including the Creston area which has been
pre-zoned with a single-family designation. The Creston-Pharlap neighborhood
is served by Stevens Creek Elementary School, Varian Park and Somerset Park.
Also included in this neighborhood is the Sunny View Retirement Community,
which is a residential care facility for the elderly that provides skilled nursing
and independent living. Stevens Creek meanders through the neighborhood
in a general north-south direction. This neighborhood is separated from the
Oak Valley neighborhood by Foothill Boulevard. The Homestead Crossings
neighborhood center and the neighborhood center at the corner of Stevens
Creek Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard are located a short distance away and
provide neighborhood serving uses.
VISION
The Creston-Pharlap area is largely developed and is anticipated to maintain its
single-family character. The Creston portion will ultimately be annexed into the
City of Cupertino with a single-family zoning designation to reflect the existing
uses, consistent with the surrounding Pharlap portion. Potential trail connections
within the Creston-Pharlap neighborhood may be considered to create trail
linkages with the existing and planned trail system in the area. While this
neighborhood does not include services within its boundary, the neighborhood
commercial center at the intersection of Foothill and Stevens Creek Boulevards
is within walking and biking distance to the southern part of the neighborhood.
Bike and pedestrian-friendly improvements along Foothill Boulevard and its
intersections will help enhance connections from the neighborhood to services
on the west side.
CRESTON-PHARLAP
CONTEXT
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-21
280
8551
51Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM STEVENS CREEKResidential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBMN. FOOTHILL BLVD.S T E V E N S C R E E K B LVD.
Stevens
Creek
Elementary
Varian
Park
Somerset
Park
CRESTON-PHARLAP NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-22
The Inspiration Heights neighborhood is situated in the western foothills of
Cupertino and offers uninterrupted vistas of the San Francisco Peninsula. The
neighborhood is largely comprised of the undeveloped foothills along Cupertino’s
western and southern edge and extends north to Stevens Creek Boulevard
and east to Foothill Boulevard/Stevens Canyon Road. Larger lot residential
hillside homes are nestled along the foothills and accessed primarily via private
drives. The Inspiration Heights foothills portion can be characterized as an
environmentally sensitive area given the topography, vegetation, urban wildlife
interface and proximity to two inferred earthquake faults. The lower elevation
portions are more urbanized and consist of smaller lot and duplex developments
closer to Stevens Creek and Foothill Boulevards, which provide a transition with
the adjoining neighborhoods on the valley floor. Stevens Creek County Park and
the Fremont Older space, operated by the Midpeninsula Open Space District, are
located to the south and west of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is also
served by Monta Vista Park, located along the west side of Foothill Boulevard,
and two small neighborhood service centers (one at the intersection of Foothill
Boulevard and Stevens Creek Boulevard and the other at the intersection of
Stevens Canyon Road and McClellan Road). Stevens Canyon Road is also a
popular bicycle route for people accessing the open space preserves through
this neighborhood.
VISION
The Inspiration Heights neighborhood will continue to be a low-intensity and
hillside residential area. The lower elevation areas are largely developed;
however, there remains some limited development potential in the foothills.
Cupertino’s hillsides are an irreplaceable resource that provides important
habitat for wildlife, recreational opportunities for residents, and visual relief.
Given the sensitive environmental conditions found in the hillsides, greater
attention is needed in the review and consideration of any future development
proposals within this neighborhood. Enhancing the bicycle and pedestrian
environment along Foothill Boulevard and Stevens Canyon Road up to the
southern edge of the city will help improve neighborhood connectivity to services
as well as the environment for hikers and bikers who like to use the road to
access open space areas to the south and west.
INSPIRATION HEIGHTS
CONTEXT
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-23
STEVENS CREEK BLVD
FOOTHILL BLVDSTEVENS CANYON RDVOSS AVENUE
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Monta Vista
Park
Stevens
Creek
Market
Neighborhood Center
INSPIRATION HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
STEVENS CREEK BLVD
FOOTHILL BLVDSTEVENS CANYON RDVOSS AVENUE
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Monta Vista
Park
Stevens
Creek
Market
Neighborhood Center
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-24
The Monta Vista North neighborhood is located in the western portion of
Cupertino and is generally bounded by Stevens Creek Boulevard to the north,
Regnart Creek/Road to the south, Foothill Boulevard to the west and Highway
85 to the east. This neighborhood is directly adjacent to the Monta Vista Village
Special Area. The Monta Vista North neighborhood encompasses the tri-school
area of Lincoln Elementary School, Kennedy Middle School and Monta Vista
High School, and also includes community facilities such as Blackberry Farm,
McClellan Ranch Preserve, Linda Vista Park and Stevens Creek County Park.
Located directly to the south of this neighborhood in the unincorporated county
is the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, operated by the Midpeninsula Open
Space District.
Stevens Creek meanders through the western portion of the neighborhood
through Blackberry Farm Golf Course and the privately owned and operated
Deep Cliff Golf Course. Both golf courses are depressed in elevation in relation
to the surrounding residential homes and are therefore subject to flooding. A
number of Cupertino’s historic and commemorative sites are located in this
neighborhood near Stevens Creek. A former quarry site is also located near
the southwest portion of the neighborhood. Much of the neighborhood east of
Stevens Creek is located along the valley floor; however, the topography in the
southwestern portion of the neighborhood consists of steep slopes and hilly
terrain.
VISION
The Monta Vista North neighborhood is largely built out with the exception
of the former McDonald-Dorsa quarry site and an adjacent 42-acre property
currently under the same ownership. A portion of this undeveloped land may be
considered for limited future low-density residential development, which could
include trails that would connect the City’s recreational facilities (McClellan
Ranch Preserve and Linda Vista Park) to Stevens Creek County Park and the
Fremont Older Open Space Preserve.
MONTA VISTA NORTH
CONTEXT
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-25
MCCLELLAN RD.BUBB RD.S. FOOTHILL BLVD. CANYON RDSTEVENS STEVEN S C R E E K B L V D
85
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Monta Vista
High School
Lincoln
Elementary
John F Kennedy
Middle School
Former
Quarry
Linda Vista
Park
Deep Cliff
Golf
Course Stevens Creek51
Neighborhood Center
MCCLELLAN RD.BUBB RD.S. FOOTHILL BLVD. CANYON RDSTEVENS STE VE N S C R E E K B L V D
85
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Monta Vista
High School
Lincoln
Elementary
John F Kennedy
Middle School
Former
Quarry
Linda Vista
Park
Deep Cliff
Golf
Course Stevens Creek51
Neighborhood Center
MONTA VISTA NORTH NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-26
The Monta Vista South neighborhood is located along the southern edge of
Cupertino and is bounded by Regnart Road/Creek to the north, the City of
Saratoga to the south across Prospect Road, the unincorporated County to
the south and west, and Highway 85 and the City of San Jose to the east.
The neighborhood can be divided into two general areas with very distinct
characteristics. The west side of the Monta Vista South neighborhood is located
in the southwestern foothills and zoned for residential hillside development.
Lots in this area are primarily over one acre in size, and in some instances up to
13 acres. The east side of the Monta Vista South neighborhood is located on the
valley floor and is developed in a more traditional residential subdivision pattern
with lots generally 6,000 square feet in size. Regnart Elementary School, Three
Oaks Park and Hoover Park are located in the eastern portion of the Monta Vista
South neighborhood. Also located at the southern edge of this neighborhood is
the 37-acre Seven Springs Ranch that was listed on the California Register of
Historic Places and determined eligible for the National Register in 2011.
VISION
The Monta Vista South neighborhood is envisioned to remain a residential area.
There remains some limited subdivision potential within the residential hillsides,
which would be subject to the City’s hillside policies and standards. In the
eastern portion of the neighborhood, no change is anticipated with the exception
of the Seven Springs area at the south edge of Cupertino that may have potential
for limited development. Given the historic designation of the Seven Springs
Ranch property, any future development would be subject to compliance with the
Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic Resources.
MONTA VISTA SOUTH
CONTEXT
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-27
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
85
RAINBOW DR S. STELLING RDBUBB RDPROSPECT RD
Regnart
Elementary
Three OaksPark
Hoover
Park
MONTA VISTA SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
85
RAINBOW DR S. STELLING RDBUBB RDPROSPECT RD
Regnart
Elementary
Three Oaks
Park
Hoover
Park
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-28
The Homestead Villa neighborhood is located at the northern edge of Cupertino
at the northwest quadrant of Interstate 280 and Highway 85. The City of Los
Altos is located to the west and north of this neighborhood, across Homestead
Road. Housing within this neighborhood includes a mixture of traditional single-
family homes, clustered homesites, townhomes, condominiums and duplexes.
The area does not contain any public parks or schools; however, there is a
private school located near the northeast corner of the neighborhood. The
neighborhood is served by West Valley Elementary School and Cupertino Middle
School across Homestead Road to the north, and Homestead High School to the
east. The neighborhood is also served by the Homestead Crossing neighborhood
center which currently includes coffee shops, a sandwich shop, personal service
uses and a bank. Also located directly adjacent on the west, within the City of Los
Altos, is a neighborhood shopping center that currently includes a pharmacy and
specialty grocery store.
VISION
The Homestead Villa neighborhood is largely developed and is not anticipated to
change in character. A trail along Foothill Boulevard is identified in the General
Plan as a proposed trail linkage that will connect to Stevens Creek in Mountain
View and points north. Bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Homestead
Road will help the neighborhood connect to schools and services.
HOMESTEAD VILLA
CONTEXT
HOMESTEAD VILLA NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
280
85
51
101182
HOMESTEAD RD
F
O
O
T
H
I
L
L
EXPYSTEVE
N
S
CREEK
Homestead
Crossing
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Neighborhood Center
280
85
51
101182
HOMESTEAD RD
F
O
O
TH
I
L
L
EXPYSTEVE
N
S
CREEK
Homestead
Crossing
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Neighborhood Center
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-29
The Garden Gate neighborhood is located in the central portion of Cupertino
and is predominantly defined by single-family residential homes with pockets
of duplexes and apartments, including the Villages of Cupertino apartment
site. Bounded by Interstate 280, Mary Avenue, the Heart of the City Special
Area and the North De Anza Special Area, this area is served by several
amenities including shopping and employment opportunities along Stevens
Creek and De Anza Boulevards, Garden Gate Elementary, Mary Avenue Dog
Park, Memorial Park and the Quinlan Community Center. A substantial portion
of the neighborhood was originally developed in the early 1950s and was in
unincorporated Santa Clara County until it was annexed to Cupertino in 2001.
The remaining neighborhood near Mary Avenue was developed in the late
1960s. There has been substantial redevelopment of existing homes in the
neighborhood since the 1990s with varying architectural styles and building
sizes. Lot sizes are generally larger than other single-family residential
neighborhoods in other parts of the city.
VISION
The Garden Gate neighborhood will continue to be mainly a residential area.
Existing single-family residences will continue to develop in accordance with
the R1 Ordinance, and there may be redevelopment of some existing apartment
and duplex uses. No other land use changes are anticipated in this area. Bicycle
and pedestrian-friendly improvements to Stelling Road will help strengthen
connections to Quinlan Center and Memorial Park.
GARDEN GATE
CONTEXT
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-30
25 51
101
53
182280
85
STELLING RDResidential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Garden
Gate
Elementary
YMCA
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
GARDEN GATE NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-31
The Jollyman neighborhood is located in the central portion of Cupertino, south
of Stevens Creek Boulevard. This area is predominantly defined by single-family
residential homes and is generally located on the valley floor with minimal
changes in grade. Bounded by Highway 85, Stevens Creek Boulevard and De
Anza Boulevard, this area is served by several amenities including a large park
and several churches along Stelling Road. McClellan Road is a major east-west
corridor through the area. The McClellan Square Shopping Center, located in the
South De Anza Special Area, includes grocery stores, pharmaceutical services
and a variety of small restaurants and neighborhood serving uses. Housing types
located in this neighborhood include fourplexes, townhomes and apartments.
Jollyman Park and Faria Elementary School are also located in the Jollyman
Neighborhood.
VISION
The Jollyman neighborhood will continue to be a residential area. It is anticipated
that there may be limited residential growth in this area on sites that may be
subdivided. No other changes are anticipated in this area. McClellan Road is a
key school route and is envisioned to become a bicycle and pedestrian route
to improve the east-west connection to connect neighborhoods to the east and
west to the tri-school area.
JOLLYMAN
CONTEXT
JOLLYMAN NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
85
MCLELLAN RD
STELLING RDWilliam Faria
Elementary
Jollyman
Park
Regnart Creek
53 5525 323
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
LEGEND
85
MCLELLAN RD
STELLING RDWilliam Faria
Elementary
Jollyman
Park
Regnart Creek
53 5525 323
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
LEGEND
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-32
NORTH BLANEY
CONTEXT
The North Blaney neighborhood is located in the eastern portion of Cupertino,
north of Stevens Creek Boulevard and east of De Anza Boulevard. This area,
predominantly defined by single-family residential homes, is on the valley
floor with minimal grade changes. Bounded generally by De Anza Boulevard,
Highway 280, Stevens Creek Boulevard, and Perimeter Road, this area is served
by amenities including Portal Park, which includes a number of recreational
amenities such as a tot lot and a recreation building. The Junipero Serra
drainage channel runs along the northern edge of the neighborhood along
Interstate 280. North Blaney is a major north-south corridor through the area.
The Portal Plaza Shopping Center, located in the Heart of the City Special Area,
includes grocery facilities and a variety of neighborhood serving uses. Proximity
to the Vallco Shopping Mall in the Heart of the City Special Area provides
opportunities for shopping for this neighborhood within close walking distance.
Housing types located in this neighborhood include duplexes, townhomes and
apartments closer to the freeway. The North Blaney Neighborhood includes
Collins Elementary School and Lawson Middle School.
VISION
The North Blaney neighborhood will continue to be mainly
a residential area. It is anticipated that there may be
limited residential growth in this area on sites that may
be subdivided or redeveloped. No other land use changes
are anticipated in this area. Bicycle and pedestrian
enhancements to North Blaney Avenue will improve the
north-south connection through the city. There is also a
potential to improve the east-west pedestrian and bicycle
connection along the Junipero Serra channel along
Interstate 280.
NORTH BLANEY NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
51
101 182
CollinsElementary
Portal
Park
Lawson
Middle
School
DE ANZA BLVDBLANEY AVE280
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
51
101 182
Collins
Elementary
Portal
Park
Lawson
Middle
School
DE ANZA BLVDBLANEY AVE280
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-33
The South Blaney neighborhood is located in the eastern portion of Cupertino,
south of Stevens Creek Boulevard and east of De Anza Boulevard. This area is
predominantly defined by single-family residential homes on the valley floor with
minimal changes in grade. Bounded generally by Bollinger Road, Miller Road,
De Anza Boulevard and Stevens Creek Boulevard, this area is served by several
amenities including proximity to the Cupertino Library and two large parks:
Wilson Park and Creekside Park. South Blaney Avenue is a major north-south
corridor through the area. Two creeks run through this neighborhood. Regnart
Creek has mainly a concrete channel and Calabazas Creek has a more natural
channel. The De Anza Plaza Shopping Center, located in the South De Anza
Special Area, includes a variety of small restaurants and neighborhood serving
uses. Housing types located in this neighborhood include townhomes and
duplexes that line Miller Avenue and Bollinger Road. Eaton Elementary School is
also located in the South Blaney Neighborhood.
VISION
The South Blaney neighborhood will continue to be a residential area. It is
anticipated that there may be limited residential growth in this area on sites that
may be subdivided or redeveloped with multi-family uses. No other changes are
anticipated in this area. Enhancements to De Anza Boulevard, Blaney Avenue and
Bollinger Road with a bicycle and pedestrian route will improve the north-south
and east-west connections in this neighborhood.
SOUTH BLANEY
CONTEXT
SOUTH BLANEY NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
25
26BLANEY AVE MILLER AVE BOLLINGER RD
Wilson
Park
Eaton
Elementary
Creekside
Park
CreekCalaba
z
a
s
Neighborhood Center
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Commercial/Residential
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
LEGEND
25
26BLANEY AVE MILLER AVE BOLLINGER RD
Wilson
Park
Eaton
Elementary
Creekside
Park
CreekCalaba
z
a
s
Neighborhood Center
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-34
RANCHO RINCONADA
CONTEXT
The Rancho Rinconada neighborhood is located in the southeastern portion
of Cupertino, bounded by Stevens Creek Boulevard, Tantau Avenue, Lawrence
Expressway, Bollinger Road and the Fairgrove Neighborhood. This area is
predominantly defined by single-family residential homes with some duplexes
and apartments. The area is served by several amenities including shopping and
employment opportunities along Stevens Creek Boulevard, Sterling Barnhart
Park, Sedgwick Elementary School, Cupertino High School, Lutheran Church of
Our Saviour, Bethel Lutheran Church and Saratoga Creek. The neighborhood
was originally developed in the late 1940s/early 1950s and the majority of
the neighborhood was in unincorporated Santa Clara County until it was
annexed to Cupertino in 1999. There has been substantial redevelopment of
existing homes in the neighborhood since the 1990s with varying architectural
styles and building sizes. Lot sizes are generally smaller than other single-
family residential neighborhoods in the city. This area is served by the newly
constructed Sterling Barnhart Park at the eastern end of the neighborhood. In
addition, the Rancho Rinconada Park and Recreation District operates a swim
and recreation center at the southern end of the neighborhood, which are
available to the residents of the Rancho Rinconada area. Neighborhood centers
serving the area are along Stevens Creek Boulevard and Tantau Avenue to
the north.
VISION
The Rancho Rinconada neighborhood will continue to be mainly a residential
area. Existing single-family residences will continue to redevelop in accordance
with the R1 Ordinance, and there may be redevelopment of some existing
apartment and duplex uses. No other major land use changes are anticipated in
this area. This area has the potential for a future park along the Saratoga/San
Tomas Creek Trail west of Lawrence Expressway.
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-35TANTAU AVEBOLLINGER RD
BARNHARDT AVE
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
pre-zoned, outside of city limits
Cupertino
High School
Sedgwick
Elementary
Bethel LutheranSchoolCalabazas CreekMILLER
AVE
25
26
RANCHO RINCONADA
NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING AREAS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PA-36
FAIRGROVE
CONTEXT
The Fairgrove neighborhood is located in the southeastern portion of Cupertino
and includes the area bounded by Phil Lane to the north, Tantau Avenue to the
east, Bollinger to the south, and Miller Avenue to the west. The neighborhood
is zoned “R1e-Eichler Single Family” and consists of a group of distinct 220
Eichler homes built in the early 1960s. Hyde Middle School is located within the
Fairgrove neighborhood.
VISION
The Fairgrove neighborhood will continue to be mainly a low density single-
family residential area. The City will continue to encourage application of the
Eichler Design Handbook Guidelines in the Fairgrove neighborhood to preserve
the neighborhood’s unique character and architectural identity.
26
25MILLER AVETANTAU AVEBOLLINGER RD
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
LEGEND
Residential Land Use Designations
Very Low Density (1/2 Acre Slope Density Formula)
Very Low Density (Slope Density Formula)
Low Density (1-5 DU/Acre)
Low Density (1-6 DU/Acre) Rancho Rinconada
Low/Medium Density (5-10 DU/Acre)
Medium Density (10-20 DU/Acre)
Medium/High Density (20-35 DU/Acre)
Very Low Density (5-20 Acre Slope Density Formula)
High Density (>35 DU/Acre)
Non-Residential Land Use Designations
Commercial/Residential
0ˎDF*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
*OEVTUSJBM$PNNFSDJBM3FTJEFOUJBM
Public Facilities
Quasi-Public
$PNNFSDJBM0ˎDF3FTJEFOUJBM
Parks and Open Space
2VBTJ1VCMJD*OTUJUVUJPOBM
Riparian Corridor
Creek
Transit Route
Monta Vista Land Use Designations
Residential (4.4-7.7 DU/Acre)
Residential (4.4-12 DU/Acre)
Residential (10-15 DU/Acre)
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Residential (0-4.4 DU/Acre)
26
0B3EF9
Hyde Middle
School
FAIRGROVE NEIGHBORHOOD DIAGRAM
land use and
community
design
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY CHARACTER ELEMENT | cupertino community vision 2040
2
The Land Use and Community Design Element is the keystone of Community
Vision 2040. It unifies and informs the other Elements by providing an overall
policy context for future physical change. It deals with the issues of future
growth and helps define the desired balance among social, environmental and
economic considerations, while enhancing quality of life in the community.
As Cupertino implements Community Vision 2040, it aspires to preserve
and enhance the distinct character of each planning area to create a vibrant
community with inviting streets and public spaces, preserved, connected and
walkable neighborhoods, exceptional parks and community services, and a
vibrant economy with a strong tax base.
This Element includes goals, policies and strategies that provide direction on
land use and design principles that will shape future change in Cupertino. In
turn, each of the other Elements in Community Vision 2040 support the land
use and design assumptions included in this Element.
Introduction
LU-2 Introduction
LU-3 Context
Development History
Land Use and Transportation
Patterns
Historic Preservation
Hillsides
Neighborhood Preservation
Regional Land Use Planning
Cupertino’s Demographics
Climate Action Plan and
Sustainable Development
Principles
Economic Vitality
LU-8 Looking Forward
LU-10 Citywide Goals and Policies
Balanced Community
Community Identity
Site and Building Design
Streetscape Design
Connectivity
Historic Preservation
Arts and Culture
Fiscal Stability
Economic Development
Regional Cooperation and
Coordination
Access to Community Facilities
and Services
Hillsides
LU-40 Planning Area Goals
and Policies
Special Areas
Heart of the City Special Area
West Stevens Creek Boulevard
Subarea
Crossroads Subarea
City Center Subarea
Central Stevens Creek Boulevard
Subarea
East Stevens Creek Boulevard
Subarea
Vallco Shopping District
Special Area
North Vallco Park Special Area
North De Anza Special Area
South De Anza Special Area
Homestead Special Area
Bubb Road Special Area
Monta Vista Village
Other Non-Residential/
Mixed-Use Special Areas
Neighborhoods
Inspiration Heights
Neighborhood
Oak Valley Neighborhood
Fairgrove Neighborhood
CONTENTS:
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
Cupertino was incorporated in 1955 and grew from a lightly settled agricultural
community of 2,500 people into a mostly suburban community during Silicon
Valley’s expansion from the 1960s through the 1980s. Cupertino’s attractive
natural setting and close proximity to employment centers and regional
transportation networks makes it a highly desirable place to live.
LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION PATTERNS
Cupertino’s land use pattern was largely built on a conventional suburban
model, with predominantly single-family residential subdivisions and distinct
commercial and employment centers. This development pattern was also heavily
influenced by the topography of the area, with more intensive growth located on
the valley floor and lower design residential on the foothills. The western area by
the foothills is semi-rural with steep terrain, larger residential lots and access to
open space. The pattern becomes more suburban immediately west of Highway
85 where residential neighborhoods have a more uniform pattern with smaller
lots and older commercial and industrial areas along Stevens Creek Boulevard
and Bubb Road. The land use pattern becomes more urban east of Highway 85,
with a relatively connected street grid and commercial development along major
boulevards such as Stevens Creek, De Anza, Homestead, Stelling and Wolfe. This
area also has significant amounts of multi-family development in and around the
major boulevards.
The suburban pattern is also reflected in building locations, with most of the
older buildings set back from the street with parking lots in the front. Streets
have also been historically widened to accommodate larger volumes of traffic,
often to the detriment of other forms of transportation such as walking, biking
and transit. In the last 20 years, the City has made strides towards improving
walkability and bikeability by retrofitting existing streets to include bike lanes;
creating sidewalks lined with trees along major boulevards; and encouraging
development to provide a more pedestrian-oriented frontage with active uses,
gathering places and entries lining the street.
As the City seeks to implement sustainability and community health objectives,
future growth and retrofitting of existing infrastructure will create vibrant mixed-
use, commercial, employment and neighborhood centers; pedestrian-oriented
and walkable spaces for the community to gather; and distinct and connected
neighborhoods with easy walkable and bikeable access to services, including
schools, parks and shopping.
LU-3
CONTEXT
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The Cupertino area was originally settled by the Ohlone Indians, who lived in the
Rancho San Antonio area for over 3,000 years. In 1776 the area was explored by
Spanish soldiers during an expedition led by Colonel Juan Bautista De Anza. The
area was later settled by European immigrants who established farms on the
valley’s fertile land and enjoyed a thriving agricultural economy.
In the late nineteenth century, the village of Cupertino sprang up at the
crossroads of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road (De Anza Boulevard) and Stevens Creek
Road. It was first known as the West Side. However, by 1898 the post office at
the Crossroads needed a new name to distinguish it from other similarly named
towns. The name “Cupertino” came from a local creek and winery owned by John
T. Doyle, a San Francisco lawyer and historian. In 1904, the Cupertino name was
officially applied to the Crossroads post office. At the same time, the Home Union
Store at the Crossroads location was renamed the Cupertino Store and moved to
the northeast corner of the Crossroads.
HILLSIDES
Cupertino’s hillsides are an irreplaceable resource shared by the entire Santa
Clara Valley. They provide important habitat for plants and wildlife; watershed
capacity to prevent flooding in downstream areas; a wide vegetative belt that
cleanses the air of pollutants; creates recreational opportunities for residents;
and a natural environment that provides a contrast to the built environment. The
City balances the needs of property owners in hillside areas with those of the
environment and the community by allowing low-intensity residential and other
uses in these areas, while requiring preservation of natural habitat and riparian
corridors when selecting building sites.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION
Cupertino is a city with diverse and unique neighborhoods that vary in character
and composition. As Cupertino matures, the city must continue to look at
preserving and enhancing its built environment. Cupertino’s vision is to preserve
the distinct character of neighborhoods; provide walking and biking connections
to services including parks, schools and shopping; and revitalize neighborhood
centers as community gathering places. The City will welcome citizens as
partners in making sure that their neighborhoods are the kind in which they
want to live in the future.
LU-4
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-5
REGIONAL LAND USE PLANNING
The Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (SB 375)
calls on each of the State’s 18 metropolitan areas to develop a Sustainable
Communities Strategy (SCS) to accommodate future population growth and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks. Plan Bay Area,
jointly adopted in 2013 by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), is the region’s first
Sustainable Communities Strategy to meet the requirements of SB 375 through
the year 2040.
Plan Bay Area anticipates that the Bay Area’s population will grow from about
7 million today to approximately 9 million by 2040 with employment growth of
about 1.1 million jobs. The Plan provides a strategy for meeting 80 percent of
the region’s future housing needs in Priority Development Areas (PDAs). These
are neighborhoods within walking distance of frequent transit service, offering a
wide variety of housing options, and featuring amenities such as grocery stores,
community centers and restaurants (see page LU-7).
CUPERTINO’S DEMOGRAPHICS
Cupertino’s population has grown from 3,664 in 1960 to over 58,000 in 2010 per
the U.S. Census Bureau. Most of the population growth has been from annexation
of areas into the city and from tract development during the 1970s and 1980s.
The city’s population is projected to grow to 66,110 by 2040 (Plan Bay Area,
2013). The diversity of its population has grown and changed over the years.
In 1960, 94 percent of the population was white while only 6 percent of the
population comprised of other races per the U.S. Census. This statistic held fairly
steady until 1980 when the population of whites steadily started to decline with
only 91 percent being white. By 1990, the population of whites had plunged to 74
percent and the Asian population had increased to 23 percent. In the following
decade, the white population continued to decline steadily to 50 percent, while
Asian population stood at 44 percent. By 2010 the Asian population in Cupertino
accounted for almost two thirds of the population (63 percent). A sizeable
portion of the City’s 2010 population, almost 50 percent are foreign born while
only seven percent of the 1960 population was foreign born; indicating a large
immigrant population.
The population of Cupertino is also growing older. Per the 1970 census, the
median age in the city was 26. The 2010 census reveals that the median age in
Cupertino has increased to 39.9. In 1970, only three percent of the population
was 65 years or over in age; however, the 2010 census indicates that 12.5
percent of the population is 65 years or over.
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
With the changing demographic and ethnic values, housing needs are changing
as more immigrant families care for parents in their homes, younger workers
look for more affordable housing, close to services and employment, and the
older generation looks to downsize from their single-family homes into smaller,
single-level homes within walking distance to shopping and entertainment.
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
PRINCIPLES
A major challenge today is meeting the energy needs of a growing population
while protecting the environment and natural resources. The Global Warming
Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) and Executive Order S-3-05 set a target to reduce
California’s greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by year 2020 and by
80 percent below the 1990 levels by year 2050. The City is in the process of
completing its Climate Action Plan (CAP), which aims to achieve statewide and
Bay Area emissions reduction targets.
The CAP is based on 2040 growth projections for Cupertino and identifies
policies and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a municipal
and community-wide level. Similar to most neighboring cities, Cupertino has
historically had an imbalance of land uses (housing, services and jobs) with
a roadway infrastructure primarily dedicated to the automobile. When this
imbalance is multiplied at a regional level, there are regional consequences
including, traffic congestion, high housing costs, increased air pollution and lack
of accessibility for the young, elderly and disabled.
ECONOMIC VITALITY
Cupertino is fortunate in its location in the heart of Silicon Valley. Despite its
mostly suburban characteristics to the west and south, the city is home to
a number of small, medium and large software, technology and biomedical
companies. Community Vision 2040 includes more office growth to support
a strong fiscal revenue and a stable tax base. In particular, policies focus on
retaining and increasing the number of small, medium and major businesses in
key sectors and provide flexible space for innovative startups that need non-
traditional office environment. Policies for commercial areas seek to revitalize
the Vallco Shopping District, and enhance commercial centers and neighborhood
centers, which contribute to the City’s tax base and serve community needs.
LU-6
In 2008, ABAG and the MTC created a regional initiative to allow local governments
to identify Priority Development Areas (PDAs). PDAs are areas where new
development will support the day-to-day needs of residents and workers in a
pedestrian-friendly environment served by transit. While PDAs were originally
established to address housing needs in infill communities, they have been
broadened to advance focused employment growth. PDAs are critical components
for implementing the region’s proposed long term growth strategy. The level of
growth in each PDA reflects its role in achieving regional objectives and how it
fits into locally designated priority growth plans. Cupertino’s PDA area includes
properties within a quarter mile of Stevens Creek Boulevard from Highway 85 to its
eastern border and a portion of North and South De Anza Boulevards.
PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT
AREAS
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
PDA Boundary
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-8
PLANNING FOR CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS.
The City needs to plan not only for existing families which form a larger
percentage of our population, but also for the growing demographic of
seniors and younger workers through new housing, services, shopping,
entertainment and community facilities.
LOCAL AND REGIONAL LAND USE PLANNING AND COLLABORATION.
The City will take an active part in regional collaborative planning
processes related to housing, transportation, sustainability, health,
transportation and infrastructure financing in order to ensure local land
use and transportation decisions are coordinated with regional efforts.
INTEGRATING COMMUNITY HEALTH INTO LAND USE PLANNING.
Integrating community health into land use planning. The City will
enhance and improve health of people who live and work in our
community. This includes integrating land use and transportation
networks to reduce reliance on auto usage and improving alternative
choices for transportation by focusing growth and change in corridors
that support all modes of transit, providing neighborhoods with easy
access to schools, parks and neighborhood centers.
Maintaining and enhancing Cupertino’s great quality of life is the keystone of
Community Vision 2040. The City will look towards focusing future change within
Special Areas that are located on Cupertino’s major mixed-use corridors. These
areas already have a mix of commercial, office, hotel and residential uses, and are
located along roadways that will be enhanced with “Complete Streets” features
(see Mobility Element), improved landscaping and expanded public spaces (e.g.,
parks and plazas). In turn, the City will also protect and enhance Neighborhoods
throughout Cupertino to ensure these largely residential areas continue to support
the community’s great quality of life. As we look forward, the following are ways
the City will address key challenges and opportunities facing Cupertino:
LOOKING FORWARD
1
2
3
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-9
LAND USE AND ECONOMICS.
The City will look to diversify the City’s tax base, support and retain
existing businesses, increase the vitality of aging commercial centers
with redevelopment, seek to diversify shopping opportunities so that
the community has the opportunity to satisfy their shopping needs
within Cupertino.
URBAN DESIGN, FORM AND CHARACTER.
The City will seek high-quality development to achieve desired
physical environment in Planning Areas, including walkable,
connected neighborhoods, inviting streets that allow for different
modes of transportation, and vibrant and walkable special areas, and
neighborhood centers in keeping with Community Vision 2040.
PRESERVATION OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND HILLSIDES.
Cupertino is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including
hillsides, creek corridors, and sensitive animal and plant habitats along
the foothills. Much of this land is preserved in low-intensity residential
and agricultural uses or open space. As redevelopment occurs, the City
will strive to preserve these natural areas through land use and building
design decisions.
ECONOMIC VITALITY AND FISCAL STABILITY.
As Cupertino’s population grows and ages, demands on community
resources will increase. In order to maintain and enhance the
community’s quality of life, the City will ensure that existing businesses
are encouraged to reinvest and grow in Cupertino, and that the city
continues to attract new businesses and investment.
4
5
6
7
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
CITYWIDE GOALS AND POLICIES
LU-10
Cupertino is a collection of many different neighborhoods, employment centers,
streets, parks and open space areas that all have their own unique character and
constraints. While there are specific planning and design considerations for these
areas (see Planning Area Goals and Policies later in this Element), many growth,
design and planning policies and strategies apply citywide. The following section
describes the goals, policies and strategies that are applicable to all property in
the city.
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
BALANCED COMMUNITY
The City seeks to balance future growth and development in order create a more
complete community. This includes ensuring a mix of land uses that support
economic, social and cultural goals in order to preserve and enhance Cupertino’s
great quality of life.
POLICY LU-1.1: LAND USE AND
TRANSPORTATION
Focus higher land use intensities
and densities within a half-mile of
public transit service, and along major
corridors.
POLICY LU-1.2: DEVELOPMENT
ALLOCATION
Maintain and update the development
allocation table (Table LU-1) to ensure
that the allocations for various land
uses adequately meet city goals.
STRATEGIES:
LU-1.2.1: Planning Area Allocations.
Development allocations are assigned
for various Planning Areas. However,
some flexibility may be allowed
for transferring allocations among
Planning Areas provided no significant
environmental impacts are identified
beyond those already studied in the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for
Community Vision 2040.
LU-1.2.2: Major Employers.
Reserve a development allocation for
major companies with sales office and
corporate headquarters in Cupertino.
Prioritize expansion of office space for
existing major companies. New office
development must demonstrate that
the development positively contributes
to the fiscal well-being of the city.
GOAL LU-1
Create a balanced community with a mix of
land uses that supports thriving businesses,
all modes of transportation, complete
neighborhoods and a healthy community
LU-11
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-1.2.3: Unused Development
Allocation.
Unused development allocations
may be re-assigned to the citywide
allocation table per Planning Area,
when development agreements and
development permits expire.
LU-1.2.4: Neighborhood Allocation.
Allocate residential units in
neighborhoods through the building
permit process unless subdivision
or development applications are
required.
POLICY LU-1.3: LAND USE IN ALL
CITYWIDE MIXED-USE DISTRICTS
Encourage land uses that support the
activity and character of mixed-use
districts and economic goals.
STRATEGIES:
LU-1.3.1: Commercial and Residential
Uses.
Review the placement of commercial
and residential uses based on the
following criteria:
1. All mixed-use areas with
commercial zoning will require
retail as a substantial component.
The North De Anza Special Area is
an exception.
2. All mixed-use residential projects
should be designed on the “mixed-
use village” concept discussed
earlier in this Element.
3. On sites with a mixed-use
residential designation, residential
is a permitted use only on Housing
Element sites and in the Monta
Vista Village Special Area.
4. Conditional use permits will be
required on mixed-use Housing
Element sites that propose units
above the allocation in the Housing
Element, and on non-Housing
Element mixed-use sites.
LU-1.3.2: Public and Quasi-Public Uses.
Review the placement of public and
quasi-public activities in limited areas
in mixed-use commercial and office
zones when the following criteria
are met:
1. The proposed use is generally
in keeping with the goals for
the Planning Area, has similar
patterns of traffic, population
or circulation of uses with the
area and does not disrupt the
operations of existing uses.
2. The building form is similar to
buildings in the area (commercial
or office forms). In commercial
areas, the building should maintain
a commercial interface by
providing retail activity, storefront
appearance or other design
considerations in keeping with the
goals of the Planning Area.
LU-12
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-1.4: PARCEL ASSEMBLY
Encourage parcel assembly and
discourage parcelization to ensure
that infill development meets City
standards and provides adequate
buffers to neighborhoods.
POLICY LU-1.5: COMMUNITY HEALTH
THROUGH LAND USE
Promote community health through
land use and design.
POLICY LU-1.6: JOBS/HOUSING
BALANCE
Strive for a more balanced ratio of
jobs and housing units.
Table LU-1: Citywide Development Allocation Between 2014-2040
commercial (s.f.)office (s.f.)hotel (rooms)residential (units)
current built
(Oct 7,2014)
buildout available current built
(Oct 7,2014)
buildout available current built
(Oct 7,2014)
buildout available current built
(Oct 7,2014)
buildout available
Heart of
the City 1,351,730 214,5000 793,270 2,447,500 2,464,613 17,113 404 526 122 1,336 1,805 469
Vallco
Shopping
District**
1,207,774 120,7774 --2,000,000 2,000,000 148 339 191 -389 389
Homestead 291,408 291,408 -69,550 69,550 -126 126 -600 750 150
N. De Anza 56,708 56,708 -2,081,021 2,081,021 -126 126 -49 146 97
N. Vallco 133,147 133,147 -3,069,676 3,069,676 -123 123 -554 1154 600
S. De Anza 352,283 352,283 -130,708 130,708 -315 315 -6 6 -
Bubb ---444,753 444,753 -------
Monta Vista
Village 94,051 99,698 5,647 443,140 456,735 13,595 ---828 878 50
Other 144,964 144964,-119,896 119,896 ----18,039 18,166 127
Major
Employers ---109,935 633,053 523,118 ------
Citywide 3,632,065 4,430,982 798,917 8,916,179 11,470,005 2,553826,1116 1429 313 21,412 23,294 1,882
** Buildout totals for Office and Residential allocation within the Vallco Shopping District are contingent upon a Specific Plan being adopted for this area by May 31, 2018. If a Specific Plan is
not adopted by that date, City will consider the removal of the Office and Residential allocations for Vallco Shopping District. See the Housing Element (Chapter 4) for additional information
and requirements within the Vallco Shopping District.
LU-13
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL LU-2
Ensure that buildings, sidewalks, streets and
public spaces are coordinated to enhance
community identity and character
COMMUNITY IDENTITY
The City will seek to promote community identity and design consistency through
the development review process and infrastructure master plans.
POLICY LU-2.1: GATEWAYS
Implement a gateway plan for the
city’s entry points (Figure LU-1)
and identify locations and design
guidelines for gateway features. Look
for opportunities to reflect the gateway
concept when properties adjacent to
defined gateways are redeveloped.
POLICY LU-2.2: PEDESTRIAN-ORIENTED
PUBLIC SPACES
Require developments to incorporate
pedestrian-scaled elements along the
street and within the development
such as parks, plazas, active uses
along the street, active uses, entries,
outdoor dining and public art.FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDP RUNERIDGE AVE
STEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT
ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
00.5 1Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
N
Gateway
LU-14
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-1
FIGURE LU-1
GATEWAYS
FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDP RUNERIDGE AVE
STEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT
ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
00.5 1Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
N
Gateway
LU-15
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Hill
s
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Tra
n
s
i
t
i
o
n
280
280
280
85
85
SARATOGA
SUNNYVALE
SANTA CLARA
STEVENS CREEK BLVDWOLFE RD DE ANZA BLVDDE ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD RD
Homestead Special Area
Maximum Residential Density
As indicated in the General Plan Land Use Map;
15 units per acre for Neighborhood Commercial Sites
Maximum Height
30 feet
Homestead Special Area
North Vallco Park Special Area
Maximum Residential Density
Up to 35 units per acre per General Plan Land Use Map
15 units per acre (southeast corner of Homestead Road
and Blaney Avenue)
Maximum Height
30 feet, or 45 feet (south side between De Anza and Stelling)
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
60 feet
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
Maximum Residential Density
25 (north of Bollinger) or 5-15 (south of 85) units per acre
Maximum Height
30 feet
Monta Vista Village Special Area
Maximum Residential Density
20 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
West of Wolfe Rd
Maximum Residential Density
35 units per acre
Maximum Height
Per Specific Plan
East of Wolfe Rd
Maximum Residential Density
35 units per acre
Maximum Height
Per Specific Plan
Maximum Residential Density
25 or 35 (South Vallco) units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet, or 30 feet where designated by hatched line
Maximum Residential Density
Up to 15 units per acre per General Plan Land Use Map
Maximum Height
Up to 30 feet
Heart of the City Special Area
North De Anza Special Area
South De Anza Special Area
Monta Vista Village Special Area
Bubb Road Special Area
Vallco Shopping District Special Area
Neighborhoods
North De Anza Gateway
Maximum Residential Density
35 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
Stelling Gateway
West of Stelling Road:
Maximum Residential Density
15 units per acre (southwest
corner of Homestead and
Stelling Roads) 35 units per
acre (northwest corner of
I-280 and Stelling Road)
Maximum Height
30 feet
East of Stelling Road:
Maximum Residential Density
35 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
Oaks Gateway
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
North Crossroads Node
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
South Vallco Park
Maximum Residential Density
35 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet, or 60 feet with retail
North Vallco Gateway
West of Wolfe Road:
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
60 feet
East of Wolfe Road:
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
75 feet (buildings located within 50 feet
of the property lines abutting Wolfe
Road, Pruneridge Avenue and Apple
Campus 2 site shall not exceed 60 feet)
City Center Node
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet or as existing, for existing buildings
Building Planes:
• Maintain the primary building bulk below a 1:1 slope line drawn from the arterial/boulevard curb line or lines except for the Crossroads Area.
• For the Crossroads area, see the Crossroads Streetscape Plan.
• For projects adjacent to residential areas: Heights and setbacks adjacent to residential areas will be determined during project review.
• For the North and South Vallco Park areas (except for the Vallco Shopping District Special Area): Maintain the primary building bulk below a 1.5:1 (i.e., 1.5 feet of setback for every 1 foot of
building height) slope line drawn from the Stevens Creek Blvd. and Homestead Road curb lines and below 1:1 slope line drawn from Wolfe Road and Tantau Avenue curb line.
Rooftop Mechanical Equipment: Rooftop mechanical equipment and utility structures may exceed stipulated height limitations if they are
enclosed, centrally located on the roof and not visible from adjacent streets.
Priority Housing Sites: Notwithstanding the heights and densities shown above, the maximum heights and densities for Priority Housing Sites
identified in the adopted Housing Element shall be as reflected in the Housing Element.
Legend
City Boundary
Special Areas
Homestead
North Vallco Park
Vallco Shopping District
North De Anza
South De Anza
Bubb Road
Monta Vista Village
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Boulevards (Arterials)
Key Intersections
Neighborhood Centers
Heart of the City Hillside Transition
Urban Service Area
Sphere of Influence
Urban Transition
Avenues (Minor Collectors)
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods
Figure LU-1
COMMUNITY FORM DIAGRAM
LU-16
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Hill
s
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Tra
n
s
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n
280
280
280
85
85
SARATOGA
SUNNYVALE
SANTA CLARA
STEVENS CREEK BLVDWOLFE RD DE ANZA BLVDDE ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD RD
Homestead Special Area
Maximum Residential Density
As indicated in the General Plan Land Use Map;
15 units per acre for Neighborhood Commercial Sites
Maximum Height
30 feet
Homestead Special Area
North Vallco Park Special Area
Maximum Residential Density
Up to 35 units per acre per General Plan Land Use Map
15 units per acre (southeast corner of Homestead Road
and Blaney Avenue)
Maximum Height
30 feet, or 45 feet (south side between De Anza and Stelling)
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
60 feet
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
Maximum Residential Density
25 (north of Bollinger) or 5-15 (south of 85) units per acre
Maximum Height
30 feet
Monta Vista Village Special Area
Maximum Residential Density
20 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
West of Wolfe Rd
Maximum Residential Density
35 units per acre
Maximum Height
Per Specific Plan
East of Wolfe Rd
Maximum Residential Density
35 units per acre
Maximum Height
Per Specific Plan
Maximum Residential Density
25 or 35 (South Vallco) units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet, or 30 feet where designated by hatched line
Maximum Residential Density
Up to 15 units per acre per General Plan Land Use Map
Maximum Height
Up to 30 feet
Heart of the City Special Area
North De Anza Special Area
South De Anza Special Area
Monta Vista Village Special Area
Bubb Road Special Area
Vallco Shopping District Special Area
Neighborhoods
North De Anza Gateway
Maximum Residential Density
35 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
Stelling Gateway
West of Stelling Road:
Maximum Residential Density
15 units per acre (southwest
corner of Homestead and
Stelling Roads) 35 units per
acre (northwest corner of
I-280 and Stelling Road)
Maximum Height
30 feet
East of Stelling Road:
Maximum Residential Density
35 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
Oaks Gateway
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
North Crossroads Node
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet
South Vallco Park
Maximum Residential Density
35 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet, or 60 feet with retail
North Vallco Gateway
West of Wolfe Road:
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
60 feet
East of Wolfe Road:
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
75 feet (buildings located within 50 feet
of the property lines abutting Wolfe
Road, Pruneridge Avenue and Apple
Campus 2 site shall not exceed 60 feet)
City Center Node
Maximum Residential Density
25 units per acre
Maximum Height
45 feet or as existing, for existing buildings
Building Planes:
• Maintain the primary building bulk below a 1:1 slope line drawn from the arterial/boulevard curb line or lines except for the Crossroads Area.
• For the Crossroads area, see the Crossroads Streetscape Plan.
• For projects adjacent to residential areas: Heights and setbacks adjacent to residential areas will be determined during project review.
• For the North and South Vallco Park areas (except for the Vallco Shopping District Special Area): Maintain the primary building bulk below a 1.5:1 (i.e., 1.5 feet of setback for every 1 foot of
building height) slope line drawn from the Stevens Creek Blvd. and Homestead Road curb lines and below 1:1 slope line drawn from Wolfe Road and Tantau Avenue curb line.
Rooftop Mechanical Equipment: Rooftop mechanical equipment and utility structures may exceed stipulated height limitations if they are
enclosed, centrally located on the roof and not visible from adjacent streets.
Priority Housing Sites: Notwithstanding the heights and densities shown above, the maximum heights and densities for Priority Housing Sites
identified in the adopted Housing Element shall be as reflected in the Housing Element.
Legend
City Boundary
Special Areas
Homestead
North Vallco Park
Vallco Shopping District
North De Anza
South De Anza
Bubb Road
Monta Vista Village
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Boulevards (Arterials)
Key Intersections
Neighborhood Centers
Heart of the City Hillside Transition
Urban Service Area
Sphere of Influence
Urban Transition
Avenues (Minor Collectors)
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods
Figure LU-1
COMMUNITY FORM DIAGRAM
LU-17
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL CENTERS
Many of the City’s Housing Element sites are located in major corridors to reduce
traffic and environmental impacts and preserve neighborhoods (Figure LU-2).
Housing Element sites, which are further identified and defined in the Housing
Element, represent the City’s priority for residential development. Residential uses
on sites with mixed-use zoning should be designed on the “mixed-use village”
concept discussed below.
1. Parcel assembly. Parcel assembly of the site is required. Further parcelization
is highly discouraged in order to preserve the site for redevelopment in the
future.
2. Plan for complete redevelopment. A plan for complete redevelopment of the
site is required in order to ensure that the site can meet development standards
and provide appropriate buffers.
3. “Mixed-Use Village” layout. An internal street grid with streets and alleys using
“transect planning” (appropriate street and building types for each area), that is
pedestrian-oriented, connects to existing streets, and creates walkable urban
blocks for buildings and open space.
4. Uses. Include a substantial viable, retail component. Retail and active uses such
as restaurants, outdoor dining, and entries are required along the ground floor
of main street frontages. Mix of units for young professionals, couples and/
or active seniors who like to live in an active “mixed-use village” environment.
Office uses, if allowed, should provide active uses on the ground floor street
frontage, including restaurants, entries, lobbies, etc.
5. Open space. Open space in the form of a central town square with additional
plazas and “greens” for community gathering spaces, public art, and
community events. The locations and sizes will depend on the size of the site.
6. Architecture and urban design. Buildings should have high-quality, pedestrian-
oriented architecture, and an emphasis on aesthetics, human scale, and
creating a sense of place.
7. Parking. Parking in surface lots shall be located to the side or rear of buildings.
Underground parking under buildings is preferred. Above grade structures
shall not be located along major street frontages. In cases, where above-grade
structures are allowed along internal street frontages, they shall be lined with
retail, entries and active uses on the ground floor. All parking structures should
be designed to be architecturally compatible with a high-quality “town center”
environment.
8. Neighborhood buffers. Setbacks, landscaping and/or building transitions to
buffer abutting single-family residential areas.
MIXED-USE URBAN VILLAGES
Neighborhood Commercial Centers serve adjacent neighborhoods and provide
shopping and gathering places for residents. Retaining and enhancing neighborhood
centers within and adjacent to neighborhoods throughout Cupertino supports
the City’s goals for walkability, sustainability and creating gathering places for
people. Figure LU-2 shows the location of the Neighborhood Commercial Centers
in Cupertino. The Guiding Principles of sustainability and health in Community
Vision 2040 support the retention and enhancement of neighborhood centers
throughout the community, and providing pedestrian and bike connections to them
from neighborhoods. Mixed-residential use may be considered if it promotes
revitalization of retail uses, creation of new gathering spaces, and parcel assembly.
Housing Element sites represent the City’s priority for residential development.
Residential uses should be designed on the “mixed-use village” concept discussed
in this Element.
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY CHARACTER ELEMENT | cupertino community vision 2040CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-19
GOAL LU-3
Ensure that project site planning and
building design enhance the public realm
through a high sense of identity and
connectivity
SITE AND BUILDING DESIGN
The City will seek to ensure that the site and building design of new projects
enhance the public realm (e.g., streets, parks, plazas and open space areas) and
that there is a focus on integrating connections to adjacent neighborhoods,
where appropriate.
POLICY LU-3.1: SITE PLANNING
Ensure that project sites are planned
appropriately to create a network
of connected internal streets that
improve pedestrian and bicycle
access, provide public open space and
building layouts that support city goals
related to streetscape character for
various Planning Areas and corridors.
POLICY LU-3.2: BUILDING HEIGHTS AND
SETBACK RATIOS
Maximum heights and setback ratios
are specified in the Community Form
Diagram (Figure LU-2). As indicated in
the figure, taller heights are focused
on major corridors, gateways and
nodes. Setback ratios are established
to ensure that the desired relationship
of buildings to the street is achieved.
POLICY LU-3.3: BUILDING DESIGN
Ensure that building layouts and
design are compatible with the
surrounding environment and enhance
the streetscape and pedestrian
activity.
STRATEGIES:
LU-3.3.1: Attractive Design.
Emphasize attractive building and
site design by paying careful attention
to building scale, mass, placement,
architecture, materials, landscaping,
screening of equipment, loading
areas, signage and other design
considerations.
LU-19
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-3.3.2: Mass and Scale.
Ensure that the scale and
interrelationships of new and old
development complement each other.
Buildings should be grouped to create
a feeling of spatial unity.
LU-3.3.3: Transitions.
Buildings should be designed
to avoid abrupt transitions with
existing development, whether they
are adjacent or across the street.
Consider reduced heights, buffers
and/or landscaping to transition to
residential and/or low-intensity uses
in order to reduce visual and
privacy impacts.
LU-3.3.4: Compatibility.
Ensure that the floor area ratios of
multi-family residential developments
are compatible with buildings in the
surrounding area. Include a mix of
unit types and avoid excessively
large units.
LU-3.3.5: Building Location.
Encourage building location and
entries closer to the street while
meeting appropriate landscaping and
setback requirements.
LU-3.3.6: Architecture and Articulation.
Promote high-quality architecture,
appropriate building articulation
and use of special materials and
architectural detailing to enhance
visual interest.
LU-3.3.7: Street Interface.
Ensure development enhances
pedestrian activity by providing active
uses within mixed-use areas and
appropriate design features within
residential areas along a majority
of the building frontage facing the
street. Mixed-use development should
include retail, restaurant, outdoor
dining, main entries, etc. Residential
development should include main
entrances, lobbies, front stoops and
porches, open space and other
similar features.
LU-3.3.8: Drive-up Services.
Allow drive-up service facilities only
when adequate circulation, parking,
noise control, architectural features
and landscaping are compatible with
the expectations of the Planning
Area, and when residential areas are
visually buffered. Prohibit drive-up
services in areas where pedestrian-
oriented activity and design are highly
encouraged, such as Heart of the City,
North De Anza Boulevard, Monta Vista
Village and neighborhood centers.
LU-3.3.9: Specific and Conceptual Plans.
Maintain and update Specific/
Conceptual plans and design
guidelines for Special Areas such
as Heart of the City, Crossroads,
Homestead Corridor, Vallco Shopping
District, North and South De Anza
corridors and Monta Vista Village.
LU-20
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-3.3.10: Entrances.
In multi-family projects where
residential uses may front on streets,
require pedestrian-scaled elements
such as entries, stoops and porches
along the street.
LU-3.3.11: Multiple-Story Buildings and
Residential Districts.
Allow construction of multiple-
story buildings if it is found that
nearby residential districts will not
suffer from privacy intrusion or be
overwhelmed by the scale of a building
or group of buildings.
POLICY LU-3.4: PARKING
In surface lots, parking arrangements
should be based on the successful
operation of buildings; however,
parking to the side or rear of buildings
is desirable. No visible garages shall
be permitted along the street frontage.
Above grade structures shall not be
located along street frontages and
shall be lined with active uses on
the ground floor on internal street
frontages. Subsurface/deck parking
is allowed provided it is adequately
screened from the street and/or
adjacent residential development.
LU-21
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
STREETSCAPE DESIGN
The City will seek to improve streetscapes throughout Cupertino with attractive
landscaping, and complete and safe sidewalks.
POLICY LU-4.1: STREET AND
SIDEWALKS
Ensure that the design of streets,
sidewalks and pedestrian and bicycle
amenities are consistent with the
vision for each Planning Area and
Complete Streets policies.
POLICY LU-4.2: STREET TREES AND
LANDSCAPING
Ensure that tree planting and
landscaping along streets visually
enhances the streetscape and is
consistent for the vision for each
Planning Area (Special Areas and
Neighborhoods):
1. Maximize street tree planting
along arterial street frontages
between buildings and/or parking
lots.
2. Provide enhanced landscaping
at the corners of all arterial
intersections.
3. Enhance major arterials and
connectors with landscaped
medians to enhance their visual
character and serve as traffic
calming devices.
4. Develop uniform tree planting
plans for arterials, connectors and
neighborhood streets consistent
with the vision for the Planning
Area.
5. Landscape urban areas with
formal planting arrangements.
6. Provide a transition to rural
and semi-rural areas in the city,
generally west of Highway 85,
GOAL LU-4
Promote the unique character of planning
areas and the goals for community
character, connectivity and complete streets
in streetscape design
LU-22
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL LU-5
Ensure that employment centers and
neighborhoods have access to local retail
and services within walking or bicycling
distance
CONNECTIVITY
The City will ensure that employment centers and neighborhoods have access to
desired and convenient amenities, such as local retail and services.
POLICY LU-5.1: NEIGHBORHOOD
CENTERS
Retain and enhance local
neighborhood shopping centers and
improve pedestrian and bicycle access
to neighborhoods to improve access to
goods and services.
POLICY LU-5.2: MIXED-USE VILLAGES
Where housing is allowed along major
corridors or neighborhood commercial
areas, development should promote
mixed-use villages with active ground-
floor uses and public space. The
development should help create an
inviting pedestrian environment and
activity center that can serve adjoining
neighborhoods and businesses.
POLICY LU-5.3: ENHANCE CONNECTIONS
Look for opportunities to enhance
publicly-accessible pedestrian
and bicycle connections with new
development or redevelopment.
LU-23
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-6.1: HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
Maintain and update an inventory of
historically significant structures and
sites in order to protect resources
and promote awareness of the city’s
history in the following four categories:
Historic Sites, Commemorative Sites,
Community Landmarks and Historic
Mention Sites (Figure LU-3).
POLICY LU-6.2: HISTORIC SITES
Projects on Historic Sites shall meet
the Secretary of Interior Standards for
Treatment of Historic Properties.
POLICY LU-6.3: HISTORIC SITES,
COMMEMORATIVE SITES AND
COMMUNITY LANDMARKS
Projects on Historic Sites,
Commemorative Sites and Community
Landmarks shall provide a plaque,
reader board and/or other educational
tools on the site to explain the historic
significance of the resource. The
plaque shall include the city seal,
name of resource, date it was built, a
written description and photograph.
The plaque shall be placed in a
location where the public can view
the information.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Cupertino has a rich and varied cultural history; however, only a few historic
buildings and resources are preserved today. The City seeks to encourage
preservation of these precious historic resources and encourage their
enhancement in the future.
GOAL LU-6
Preserve and protect the city’s historic and
cultural resources
LU-24
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-6.4: PUBLIC ACCESS
Coordinate with property owners
of public and quasi-public sites to
allow public access of Historic and
Commemorative Sites to foster
public awareness and education.
Private property owners will be highly
encouraged, but not required, to
provide public access to Historic and
Commemorative Sites.
POLICY LU-6.5: HISTORIC MENTION
SITES
These are sites outside the City’s
jurisdiction that have contributed
to the City’s history. Work with
agencies that have jurisdiction over
the historical resource to encourage
adaptive reuse and rehabilitation and
provide public access and plaques
to foster public awareness and
education.
POLICY LU-6.6: INCENTIVES FOR
PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC
RESOURCES
Utilize a variety of techniques to serve
as incentives to foster the preservation
and rehabilitation of Historic
Resources including:
1. Allow flexible interpretation of the
zoning ordinance not essential
to public health and safety. This
could include land use, parking
requirements and/or setback
requirements.
2. Use the California Historical
Building Codes standards
for rehabilitation of historic
structures.
3. Tax rebates (Milles Act or Local tax
rebates).
4. Financial incentives such
as grants/loans to assist
rehabilitation efforts.
POLICY LU-6.7: HERITAGE TREES
Protect and maintain the city’s
heritage trees in a healthy state.
STRATEGY:
LU-6.7.1: Heritage Tree List.
Establish and periodically revise a
heritage tree list that includes trees of
importance to the community.
POLICY LU-6.8: CULTURAL RESOURCES
Promote education related to the city’s
history through public art in public and
private developments.
LU-25
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | cupertino community vision 2040
LU-1
FIGURE LU-3
HISTORIC RESOURCES
FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Hanson Permanente
Monta Vista Neighborhood
Cupertino Historical Museum
Memorial Park, Community Center, Sports Complex
De Anza College
De Anza Industrial Park
Cupertino Civic Center
Vallco Shopping District
Vallco Industrial Park
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Maryknoll Seminary
Snyder Hammond House
De La Vega Tack House
Baer Blacksmith
Enoch J. Parrish Tank House
Nathan Hall Tank House
Gazebo Trim
Union Church of Cupertino
Old Collins School
Miller House
Glendenning Barn
McClellan Ranch Barn
Seven Springs Ranch
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
12
12 13
13
De Anza Knoll
Doyle Winery
“Cupertino Wine Company”
Stocklmeir Farmhouse
Elisha Stephens Place
Arroyo De San Joseph Cupertino
Hazel Goldstone Variety Store
Woelffel Cannery
Engles Grocery “Paul and Eddie’s”
Apple One Building
Baldwin Winery
Le Petit Trianon
and Guest Cottages
Interim City Hall
City of Cupertino Crossroads
St. Joseph’s Church
1
7
8
53
A
I
D H
C
E
F
B
9
10
11
2
4
G
6
2
1
3
4
8
12
7
14
2
10
1
114
5
133
9
6
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Heart of the City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Historic Sites Commemorative Sites
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Community Landmarks
Montebello School, 1892
Perrone Ranch Stone Cellar,
now part of Ridge Vineyards
Picchetti Brothers Winery and Ranch
Woodhills Estate
1
2
3
4
Sites of Historic Mention
(outside city jurisdicition)
LU-26
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | cupertino community vision 2040
Snyder Hammond House
22961 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Old Collins School
20441 Homestead Road
Cupertino De Oro Club
Maryknoll Seminary
2300 Cristo Rey Drive
Glendenning Barn
10955 N Tantau Avenue
Baer Blacksmith
22221 McClellan Road
McClellan Ranch Park
Gazebo Trim
Mary & Stevens Creek Blvd.
Memorial Park
Nathan Hall Tank House
22100 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Enoch J. Parrish Tank House
22221 McClellan Road
McClellan Ranch Park
De La Vega Tack House
Rancho Deep Cliff Club
House
Union Church of Cupertino
20900 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Miller House
10518 Phil Place
Historic Sites
McClellan Ranch Barn
22221 McClellan Road
Seven Springs Ranch
11801 Dorothy Anne Way
LU-27
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Elisha Stephens Place
22100 Stevens Creek
Boulevard
Existing Plaque
Doyle Winery
“Cupertino Wine Company”
Visible from McClellan
Ranch Park (no photo
available)
De Anza Knoll
Off of Cristo Rey Drive
Le Petit Trianon and
Guest Cottages
1250 Stevens Creek
Boulevard
Foothill-De Anza
Community College
Stocklmeir Farm House
22120 Stevens Creek Rd.
Woelffel Cannery
10120 Imperial Avenue
Demolished
St. Josephs Church
10110 North de Anza
Boulevard
Apple One Building
10240 Bubb Road
Arroyo De San Joseph
Cupertino
21840 McClellan Road –
Monta Vista High School,
State of California Historical
Landmark #800
The Crossroads
Intersection at Stevens
Creek Boulevard and De
Anza Boulevard
Interim City Hall
10321 South De Anza
Boulevard
LU-28
Commemorative Sites
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Baldwin Winery
1250 Stevens Creek
Boulevard, Foothill-De
Anza Community College
Engles Grocery
“Paul and Eddie’s”
1619 Stevens Creek
Boulevard
Hazel Goldstone Variety
Store, 21700 Stevens
Creek Boulevard
Perrone Ranch Stone
Cellar: Ridge Vineyards
17100 Montebello Road,
Mid-Peninsula Regional
Open Space District
Woodhills Estate
Cupertino/Saratoga Hills,
End of Prospect Road –
Mid-Peninsula Regional
Open Space District,
National Register of
Historic Places
Picchetti Brothers Winery
13100 Montebello Road –
Mid-Peninsula Regional
Open Space District
Montebello School
15101 Montebello Road
LU-29LU-29
Commemorative Sites (continued)
Sites of Historic Mention
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-7.1: PUBLIC ART
Stimulate opportunities for the
arts through development and
cooperation with agencies and the
business community.
STRATEGIES:
LU-7.1.1: Public Art Ordinance.
Maintain and update an ordinance
requiring public art in public as well
as private projects of a certain size.
LU-7.1.2: Gateways.
Promote placement of visible artwork
in gateways to the city.
LU-7.1.3: Artist Workspace.
Encourage the development of artist
workspace, such as live/work units,
in appropriate location in the city.
Note: see the Recreation and
Community Services Element for
policies related to programming.
LU-30
GOAL LU-7
Promote a civic environment where
the arts express an innovative spirit,
cultural diversity and inspire community
participation
ARTS AND CULTURE
Cupertino history and diversity provides a rich background for community art and
culture. The City seeks to encourage support public art and the arts community
through development.
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL LU-5
Ensure that employment centers and
neighborhoods have access to local retail
and services within walking or bicycling
distance
GOAL LU-8
Maintain a fiscally sustainable city
government that preserves and enhances
the quality of life for its residents, workers
and visitors
FISCAL STABILITY
The City will seek to identify strategies and programs that ensure the long-term
fiscal health of the City.
POLICY LU-8.1: FISCAL IMPACTS
Evaluate fiscal impacts of converting
office/commercial uses to residential
use, while ensuring that the city meets
regional housing requirements.
POLICY LU-8.2: LAND USE
Encourage land uses that generate
City revenue.
STRATEGY:
LU-8.2.1: Fiscal Impacts.
Evaluate fiscal impacts of converting
office/commercial uses to residential
use, while ensuring that the city meets
regional housing requirements.
POLICY LU-8.3: INCENTIVES FOR
REINVESTMENT
Provide incentives for reinvestment in
existing, older commercial areas.
STRATEGIES:
LU-8.3.1: Mixed-Use.
Consider mixed-use (office,
commercial, residential) in certain
commercial areas to encourage
reinvestment and revitalization of
sales-tax producing uses, when
reviewing sites for regional housing
requirements.
LU-31
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-8.3.2: Shared or Reduced Parking.
Consider shared or reduced parking,
where appropriate as incentives to
construct new commercial and mixed-
use development, while increasing
opportunities for other modes of
transportation.
LU-8.3.3: Infrastructure and Streetscape
Improvements.
Consider infrastructure and
streetscape improvements in
areas, such as the Crossroads or
South Vallco area to encourage
redevelopment as a pedestrian-
oriented area that meets community
design goals.
LU-8.3.4: High Sales-Tax Producing
Retail Uses.
Consider locations for high sales-tax
producing retail uses (such as life-
style and hybrid commodity-specialty
centers) provided the development is
compatible with the surrounding area
in terms of building scale and traffic.
POLICY LU-8.4: PROPERTY ACQUISITION
Maximize revenue from City-owned
land and resources, and ensure that
the City’s land acquisition strategy is
balanced with revenues.
POLICY LU-8.5: EFFICIENT OPERATIONS
Plan land use and design projects to
allow the City to maintain efficient
operations in the delivery of services
including, community centers, parks,
roads, and storm drainage, and other
infrastructure.
LU-32
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL LU-5
Ensure that employment centers and
neighborhoods have access to local retail
and services within walking or bicycling
distance
GOAL LU-9
Promote a strong local economy that
attracts and retains a variety of businesses
POLICY LU-9.1: COLLABORATION WITH
BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Collaborate with the business
community to facilitate growth,
development and infrastructure
improvements that benefit residents
and businesses.
STRATEGIES:
LU-9.1.1: Economic Development
Strategy Plan.
Create and periodically update an
Economic Development Strategy Plan
in order to ensure the City’s long-term
fiscal health and stability and to make
Cupertino an attractive place to live,
work and play.
LU-9.1.2: Partnerships.
Create partnerships between the
City and other public, and private and
non-profit organizations to provide
improvements and services that
benefit the community.
LU-9.1.3: Economic Development and
Business Retention.
Encourage new businesses and retain
existing businesses that provide
local shopping and services, add to
municipal revenues, contribute to
economic vitality and enhance the
City’s physical environment.
LU-9.1.4: Regulations.
Periodically review and update land
use and zoning requirements for retail,
commercial and office development
in order to attract high-quality
sales-tax producing businesses and
services, while adapting to the fast-
changing retail, commercial and office
environment.
LU-9.1.5: Incubator Work Space.
Encourage the development of flexible
and affordable incubator work space
for start-ups and new and emerging
technologies.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The City will seek to identify strategies and programs that support and retain local
businesses, and attract new businesses and investment.
LU-33
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-9.1.6: Development Review.
Provide efficient and timely review
of development proposals, while
maintaining quality standards in
accordance with city codes. Look for a
solution-based approach to problems
while being responsive to community
concerns and promote positive
communication among parties.
POLICY LU-9.2: WORK ENVIRONMENT
Encourage the design of projects to
take into account the well-being and
health of employees and the fast-
changing work environment.
STRATEGIES:
LU-9.2.1: Local Amenities.
Encourage office development to
locate in areas where workers
can walk or bike to services such
as shopping and restaurants, and
to provide walking and bicycling
connections to services.
LU-9.2.2: Workplace Policies.
Encourage public and private
employers to provide workplace
policies that enhance and improve
the health and well-being of their
employees.
LU-34
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL LU-10
Promote effective coordination with regional
and local agencies on planning issues
REGIONAL COOPERATION AND COORDINATION
The City will work with regional agencies to coordinate with regional plans and
address community priorities by participating in the planning process.
POLICY LU-10.1: REGIONAL DECISIONS
Coordinate with regional and local
agencies on planning, transportation,
economic development and
sustainability issues to ensure that the
decisions improve fiscal health and the
quality of life for Cupertino residents
and businesses.
POLICY LU-10.2: REGIONAL PLANNING
COORDINATION
Review regional planning documents
prior to making decisions at the local
level.
POLICY LU-10.3: NEIGHBORING
JURISDICTIONS
Collaborate with neighboring
jurisdictions on issues of mutual
interest.
POLICY LU-10.4: URBAN SERVICE AREA
Work with neighboring jurisdictions to
create boundaries that are defined by
logical municipal service areas.
STRATEGY:
LU-10.4.1: Tax-Sharing Agreements.
Consider entering into tax-sharing
agreements with adjacent jurisdictions
in order to facilitate desired boundary
realignments.
POLICY LU-10.5: ANNEXATION
Actively pursue the annexation of
unincorporated properties within the
City’s urban service area, including
the Creston neighborhoods, which
will be annexed on a parcel-by-parcel
basis with new development. Other
remaining unincorporated islands will
be annexed as determined by the City
Council.
LU-35
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL LU-11
Maintain and enhance community access
to library and school services provided by
other agencies
POLICY LU-11.1: CONNECTIVITY
Create pedestrian and bicycle access
between new developments and
community facilities. Review existing
neighborhood circulation to improve
safety and access for students to
walk and bike to schools, parks, and
community facilities such as the
library.
POLICY LU-11.2: DE ANZA COLLEGE
Allow land uses not traditionally
considered part of a college to be
built at De Anza College, provided
such uses integrate the campus into
the community, provide facilities and
services not offered in the City and/
or alleviate impacts created by the
college.
LU-36
ACCESS TO COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
The City will seek to improve connectivity and access to public facilities and
services, including De Anza College.
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL LU-12
Preserve and protect the City’s hillside
natural habitat and aesthetic values
LU-37
POLICY LU-12.1: LAND USE
REGULATIONS
Establish and maintain building and
development standards for hillsides
that ensure hillside protection.
STRATEGIES:
LU-12.1.1: Ordinance and
Development Review.
Through building regulations
and development review, limit
development on ridgelines, hazardous
geological areas and steep slopes.
Control colors and materials and
minimize the illumination of outdoor
lighting. Reduce visible building mass
with measures including, stepping
structures down the hillside, following
natural contours, and limiting the
height and mass of the wall plane
facing the valley floor.
LU-12.1.2: Slope-Density Formula.
Apply a slope-density formula to very
low intensity residential development
in the hillsides. Density shall be
calculated based on the foothill
modified, foothill modified ½ acre and
the 5-20 acre slope density formula.
Actual lot sizes and development
areas will be determined through
zoning ordinances, clustering and
identification of significant natural
features and geological constraints.
HILLSIDES
The City seeks to establish clear hillside policy in order to provide for the
realistic use of privately-owned hillside lands, while preserving natural and
aesthetic features.
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-12.1.3: 1976 General Plan-
Previously Designated Very Low
Density: Semi-Rural 5-Acre.
Properties previously designated Very
Low-Density Residential: Semi-Rural
5-acre per the 1976 General Plan may
be subdivided utilizing that formula.
Properties that have already been
since subdivided in conformance with
the above designation have no further
subdivision potential for residential
purposes.
LU-12.1.4: Existing lots in Foothill
Modified and Foothill Modified 1/2–Acre
Slope Density Designations.
Require discretionary review with a
hillside exception for hillside or R1
properties if development is proposed
on substandard parcels on slopes per
the R1 and RHS zoning.
POLICY LU-12.2: CLUSTERING
SUBDIVISIONS
Cluster lots in major subdivisions
and encourage clustering in minor
subdivisions, for projects in the
5-20-acre slope density designation.
Reserve 90 percent of the land in
private open space to protect the
unique characteristics of the hillsides
from adverse environmental impacts.
Keep the open space areas contiguous
as much as possible.
POLICY LU-12.3: RURAL IMPROVEMENT
STANDARDS IN HILLSIDE AREAS
Require rural improvement standards
in hillside areas to preserve the
rural character of the hillsides.
Improvement standards should
balance the need to furnish adequate
utility and emergency services against
the need to protect the hillside,
vegetation and animals.
STRATEGIES:
LU-12.3.1: Grading.
Follow natural land contours and
avoid mass of grading of sites during
construction, especially in flood
hazard or geologically sensitive areas.
Grading hillside sites into large, flat
areas shall be avoided.
LU-12.3.2: Roads.
Roads should be narrowed to avoid
harming trees and streambeds.
LU-12.3.3: Trees.
Retain significant specimen trees,
especially when they grow in groves
or clusters and integrate them into the
developed site.
POLICY LU-12.4: HILLSIDE VIEWS
The Montebello foothills at the south
and west boundary of the valley floor
provide a scenic backdrop, adding
to the City’s scale and variety. While
it is not possible to guarantee an
unobstructed view of the hills from
every vantage point, an attempt
should be made to preserve views of
the foothills.
LU-38
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-39
STRATEGIES:
LU-12.4.1: Views from Public Facilities.
Design public facilities, particularly
open spaces, so they include views
of the foothills or other nearby
natural features, and plan hillside
developments to minimize visual
and other impacts on adjacent public
open space.
LU-12.4.2: Developments near Public
Space.
Located private driveways and
building sites as far as possible from
property boundaries adjoining public
open space preserves and parks
to enhance the natural open space
character and protect plant and
animal habitat.
POLICY LU-12.5: DEVELOPMENT IN THE
COUNTY JURISDICTION
Development in the County,
particularly if located near Cupertino’s
hillsides and urban fringe area, should
consider the goals and policies in
Community Vision 2040.
STRATEGY:
LU-12.5.1: County Development.
Development in these areas should
be compatible with Cupertino’s
hillside policies of low-intensity
residential, agricultural or open space
uses. Preservation of the natural
environment, clustering sites to
minimize impact and dedication of
open space are encouraged. Visual
impacts, access, traffic and other
impacts, and service demands should
be assessed in consultation with
Cupertino’s goals and policies.
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-40
PLANNING AREA GOALS AND POLICIES
As outlined in the Planning Areas chapter, Community Vision 2040 organizes
the city into 21 distinct Planning Areas, divided into two categories: (1) Special
Areas that are expected to transition over the life of the General Plan and (2)
Neighborhoods where future changes are expected to be minimal. The following
goals, policies and strategies are specific to the Planning Areas and provide
guidance for future change in accordance with the community vision. Figure LU-2
shows maximum heights and residential densities allowed in each Special Area.
SPECIAL AREAS
Special Areas are located along major mixed-use corridors and nodes that
have access to a variety of different forms of transportation. Future growth in
Cupertino will be focused in these areas to manage growth while minimizing
traffic, greenhouse gas and health impacts on the community. The discussion
for each Special Area outlines goals, policies and strategies related to land use,
building form, streetscape, connectivity, open space, landscaping, and the urban/
rural ecosystem in order to help implement the community vision for these
areas.
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL LU-13
Ensure a cohesive, landscaped boulevard
that supports all modes of transportation,
links its distinct and active commercial
and mixed-use sub-areas and notes, and
creates a high-quality, distinct community
image and a vibrant heart for Cupertino
POLICY LU-13.1: HEART OF THE CITY
SPECIFIC PLAN
The Heart of the City Specific Plan
provides design standards and
guidelines for this area, which
promote a cohesive, landscaped
boulevard that links its distinct sub-
areas and is accessible to all modes
of transportation.
POLICY LU-13.2: REDEVELOPMENT
Encourage older properties along
the boulevard to be redeveloped
and enhanced. Allow more intense
development only in nodes and
gateways as indicated in the
Community Form Diagram
(Figure LU-2).
HEART OF THE CITY SPECIAL AREA
The Heart of the City will remain the core commercial corridor in Cupertino, with a
series of commercial and mixed-use centers and a focus on creating a walkable,
bikeable boulevard that can support transit. General goals, policies and strategies
will apply throughout the entire area; while more specific goals, policies and
strategies for each subarea are designed to address their individual settings and
characteristics.
LU-41
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-13.3: PARCEL ASSEMBLY
Encourage the assembly of parcels
to foster new development projects
that can provide high-quality
development with adequate buffers
for neighborhoods.
POLICY LU-13.4: NEIGHBORHOOD
CENTERS AND ACTIVITY AREAS
A majority of the commercial
development allocation should be
devoted to rehabilitating neighborhood
centers and major activity centers
with a focus on creating pedestrian-
oriented, walkable and bikeable areas
with inviting community gathering
places. Land uses between the activity
centers should help focus and support
activity in the centers. Neighborhood
centers should be retrofitted and
redeveloped using the “neighborhood
commercial centers” concept
discussed earlier in this Element.
POLICY LU-13.5: LAND USE
The Heart of the City area allows
a mix of retail, commercial, office
and residential uses. Specific uses
are provided in the Heart of the City
Specific Plan. See Figure LU-2 for
residential densities and criteria.
POLICY LU-13.6: BUILDING FORM
Buildings should be high-quality, with
pedestrian-oriented and active uses
along the street.
POLICY LU-13.7: STREETSCAPE AND
CONNECTIVITY
Create a walkable and bikeable
boulevard with active uses and a
distinct image for each subarea.
STRATEGIES:
LU-13.7.1: Streetscape.
Provide active uses along the street
frontage, bike lanes, sidewalks that
support pedestrian-oriented activity,
improved pedestrian crossings at
street intersections, and attractive
transit facilities (e.g., bus stops,
benches, etc.).
LU-13.7.2: Street trees and Landscaping.
Create a cohesive visual image
with street tree plantings along the
corridor, but with distinct tree types
for each sub-area to support its
distinct character and function.
LU-13.7.3: Connectivity.
Properties within a block should be
inter-connected with shared access
drives. Provide pedestrian paths to
enhance public access to and through
the development. New development,
particularly on corner lots, should
provide pedestrian and bicycle
improvements along side streets to
enhance connections to surrounding
neighborhoods.
LU-42
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-13.7.4: Traffic Calming.
Evaluate options on Stevens Creek
Boulevard to improve the pedestrian
environment by proactively managing
speed limits, enforcement, and traffic
signal synchronization.
LU-13.7.5: Neighborhood Buffers.
Consider buffers such as setbacks,
landscaping and/or building
transitions to buffer abutting single-
family residential areas from visual
and noise impacts.
LU-43
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-14.1: LAND USE
Primary land uses include quasi-
public/public facilities, with
supporting mixed commercial/
residential uses.
POLICY LU-14.2: STREETSCAPE
Street tree planting that supports
an active, pedestrian-oriented
environment. Street tree planting
should provide a connection with the
adjacent foothills with trees such as
oaks.
POLICY LU-14.3: GATEWAY CONCEPT
Buildings should be high-quality in
keeping with the gateway character
of the area. Projects should provide or
contribute towards gateway signs and
landscaping.
POLICY LU-14.4: DE ANZA COLLEGE
NODE
Buildings should be designed
to fit into the surroundings with
pedestrian-orientation. Externalizing
activities by providing cafeterias,
bookstores and plazas along
the street and near corners is
encouraged.
POLICY LU-14.5: OAKS GATEWAY NODE
This is a gateway retail and shopping
node. New residential, if allowed,
should be designed on the “mixed-use
village” concept discussed earlier in
this Element.
POLICY LU-14.6: COMMUNITY
RECREATION NODE
Contribute to the high-quality
streetscape with trees, sidewalks,
building and site design, and active
uses such as main entries, lobbies or
similar features along the street to
reinforce pedestrian orientation.
GOAL LU-14
Create a public and civic gateway supported
by mixed-commercial and residential uses
WEST STEVENS CREEK BOULEVARD SUBAREA
LU-44
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-15.1: CROSSROADS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
Create a streetscape plan for the
Crossroads Subarea that provides
design standards and guidelines for an
attractive, walkable, vibrant shopping
village, where commercial and
roadway design encourage pedestrian
activity. The plan will include the
following elements:
1. Land use plan specifying the type,
intensity and arrangement of land
uses to promote pedestrian and
business activity.
2. Streetscape plan that provides
for an attractive pedestrian
streetscape.
3. Design guidelines that foster
pedestrian activity and a sense of
place.
STRATEGIES:
LU-15.1.1: Uses.
Include in this subarea primary uses
such as retail, office and commercial.
Ground floor uses shall have
active retail uses with storefronts.
Commercial office and office uses
may be allowed on upper levels.
In the case of deep lots, buildings
along the street should provide retail
and buildings in the back may be
developed with allowed uses. See
Figure LU-2 for residential densities
and criteria.
LU-15.1.2: Streetscape.
Primary ground-floor entrances shall
face the street. The streetscape shall
consist of wide pedestrians sidewalks
with inviting street furniture, street
trees, pedestrian-scaled lighting with
banners, small plazas, art/water
features, pedestrian crosswalks
CROSSROADS SUBAREA
GOAL LU-15
Create an active, pedestrian-oriented
shopping district with vibrant retail uses and
entries along the street, outdoor dining and
plazas or public gathering spaces
LU-45
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
with special paving, and other
elements identified in the Crossroads
Streetscape Plan.
LU-15.1.3: Building Form.
Buildings should be moderately-
scaled with high-quality, pedestrian-
oriented scaled, active uses along the
street.
LU-15.1.4: Shared Parking.
Require shared parking and access
arrangements throughout the area,
with overall parking standards
reflecting the shared parking.
LU-15.1.5: De Anza Boulevard/Stevens
Creek Boulevard Landmark.
Secure permanent landscape
easements as a condition of
development from properties at the
intersection of De Anza and Stevens
Creek Boulevards for construction of
a future landmark. The landmark may
include open space, landscaping and
other design elements at the corners.
Land at the southeast corner will
remain a publicly accessible park
.
LU-46
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-16.1: CITY CENTER NODE
Establish the City Center Node as a
moderately-scaled, medium-density
mixed-use office, hotel, retail and
residential area, with an integrated
network of streets and open space.
STRATEGIES:
LU-16.1.1: Uses.
A mix of uses including, office,
hotel, retail, residential and civic
uses. The ground floor of buildings
along the street should be activated
with pedestrian-oriented, active
uses including retail, restaurants,
and entries. See Figure LU-2 for
residential densities and criteria.
LU-16.1.2: Connectivity.
New development should improve
the connectivity within the block and
with surrounding streets, including
connections to the Crossroads
Subarea.
LU-16.1.3: Building Form.
Buildings should be moderately-
scaled to transition from existing
taller buildings to the scale of the
surrounding area. Taller buildings
should provide appropriate transitions
to fit into the surrounding area.
LU-16.1.4: Gateway Concept.
Buildings should be designed
with high-quality architecture and
landscaping befitting the gateway
character of the site.
LU-16.1.5: Open Space.
A publicly-accessible park shall be
retained at the southeast corner of
Stevens Creek and De Anza Boulevard
and shall include public art, seating
areas and plazas for retail and
restaurant uses along the ground floor
of adjacent buildings.
POLICY LU-16.2: CIVIC CENTER NODE
Create a civic heart for Cupertino
that enables community building
by providing community facilities,
meeting and gathering spaces, public
art, and space for recreation and
community events.
CITY CENTER SUBAREA
GOAL LU-16
Maintain a mixed-use and civic district
that will enhance community identity and
activity, and support the crossroads subarea
LU-47
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-17.1: LAND USE
Allow a mix of uses including
commercial, retail, commercial
office and limited residential uses.
The ground floor of buildings along
the street should be activated with
pedestrian-oriented, active uses
including retail, restaurants, entries,
etc. Neighborhood centers shall be
remodeled or redeveloped using
the “neighborhood commercial
centers” concept described earlier
in this Element. See Figure LU-2 for
residential densities and criteria.
GOAL LU-17
Retain and enhance as a walkable, bikeable,
commercial mixed-use boulevard with
neighborhood centers, office and limited
residential uses
CENTRAL STEVENS CREEK BOULEVARD SUBAREA
LU-48
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-18.1: LAND USE
Allow regional commercial with
retail, commercial, office and hotels
as the primary uses, with residential
mixed-use as a supporting use. Retail,
restaurant and other actives uses
are highly encouraged on the ground
floor facing the street. In case of
office complexes, active uses such as
entries, lobbies or plazas should be
provided on the ground floor along
the street. Neighborhood centers
shall be remodeled or redeveloped
using the “neighborhood commercial
centers” concept described earlier
in this Element. See Figure LU-2 for
residential densities and criteria.
POLICY LU-18.2 SOUTH VALLCO
Retain and enhance the South Vallco
area as a mixed-use retail, office and
residential district with a pedestrian-
oriented, downtown atmosphere.
STRATEGIES:
LU-18.2.1: Uses.
Encourage a mix of retail, commercial,
office, residential and hotel uses.
Provide active retail uses on the
ground floor facing the street or
outdoor pedestrian corridor with
connections to adjacent development.
Office sites to the north of Vallco
Parkway are encouraged to provide
retail uses. However, if retail is not
provided, office sites should provide
entries and active uses along the
street frontage.
LU-18.2.2: Vallco Parkway.
Vallco Parkway is envisioned as
a parkway with bike lanes, wide
sidewalks, street-trees and on-street
parking. The street will connect to
a future street grid in the Vallco
Shopping District.
EAST STEVENS CREEK BOULEVARD SUBAREA
GOAL LU-18
Create a walkable, bikeable mixed-use
boulevard with pedestrian-oriented regional
and neighborhood commercial, retail, hotel
and office uses
LU-49
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-19.1: SPECIFIC PLAN
Create a Vallco Shopping District
Specific Plan prior to any development
on the site that lays out the land uses,
design standards and guidelines, and
infrastructure improvements required.
The Specific Plan will be based on the
following strategies:
STRATEGIES:
LU-19.1.1: Master Developer.
Redevelopment will require a
master developer in order remove
the obstacles to the development of
a cohesive district with the highest
levels of urban design.
LU-19.1.2: Parcel Assembly.
Parcel assembly and a plan for
complete redevelopment of the site
is required prior to adding residential
and office uses. Parcelization is highly
discouraged in order to preserve the
site for redevelopment in the future.
LU-19.1.3: Complete Redevelopment.
The “town center” plan should be
based on complete redevelopment
of the site in order to ensure that the
site can be planned to carry out the
community vision.
LU-19.1.4: Land Use.
The following uses are allowed on the
site (see Figure LU-2 for residential
densities and criteria):
GOAL LU-19
Create a distinct and memorable mixed-use
"town center" that is a regional destination
and a focal point for the community
VALLCO SHOPPING DISTRICT SPECIAL AREA
The City envisions a complete redevelopment of the existing Vallco Fashion Mall
into a vibrant mixed-use “town center” that is a focal point for regional visitors
and the community. This new Vallco Shopping District will become a destination
for shopping, dining and entertainment in the Santa Clara Valley.
LU-50
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
1. Retail: High-performing retail,
restaurant and entertainment
uses. Maintain a minimum of
600,000 square feet of retail that
provide a good source of sales tax
for the City. Entertainment uses
may be included but shall consist
of no more than 30 percent of
retail uses.
2. Hotel: Encourage a business class
hotel with conference center
and active uses including main
entrances, lobbies, retail and
restaurants on the ground floor.
3. Residential: Allow residential
on upper floors with retail and
active uses on the ground floor.
Encourage a mix of units for
young professionals, couples
and/or active seniors who like
to live in an active “town center”
environment.
4. Office: Encourage high-quality
office space arranged in a
pedestrian-oriented street grid
with active uses on the ground
floor, publicly-accessible streets
and plazas/green space.
LU-19.1.5: “Town Center” Layout.
Create streets and blocks laid out
using “transect planning” (appropriate
street and building types for each
area), which includes a discernible
center and edges, public space at
center, high quality public realm, and
land uses appropriate to the street
and building typology.
LU-19.1.6: Connectivity.
Provide a newly configured
complete street grid hierarchy of
streets, boulevards and alleys that
is pedestrian-oriented, connects to
existing streets, and creates walkable
urban blocks for buildings and open
space. It should also incorporate
transit facilities, provide connections
to other transit nodes and coordinate
with the potential expansion of Wolfe
Road bridge over Interstate 280
to continue the walkable, bikeable
boulevard concept along Wolfe Road.
The project should also contribute
towards a study and improvements to
a potential Interstate 280 trail along
the drainage channel south of the
freeway and provide pedestrian and
bicycle connections from the project
sites to the trail.
LU-19.1.7: Existing Streets.
Improve Stevens Creek Boulevard
and Wolfe Road to become more bike
and pedestrian-friendly with bike
lanes, wide sidewalks, street trees,
improved pedestrian intersections
to accommodate the connections to
Rosebowl and Main Street.
LU-51
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-19.1.8: Open Space.
Open space in the form of a central
town square on the west and east
sides of the district interspersed
with plazas and “greens” that create
community gathering spaces,
locations for public art, and event
space for community events.
LU-19.1.9: Building Form.
Buildings should have high-quality
architecture, and an emphasis on
aesthetics, human scale, and create a
sense of place. Taller buildings should
provide appropriate transitions to fit
into the surrounding area.
LU-19.1.10: Gateway Character.
High-quality buildings with
architecture and materials befitting
the gateway character of the site.
The project should provide gateway
signage and treatment.
LU-19.1.11: Phasing Plan.
A phasing plan that lays out the timing
of infrastructure, open space and land
use improvements that ensures that
elements desired by the community
are included in early phases.
LU-19.1.12: Parking.
Parking in surface lots shall be
located to the side or rear of buildings.
Underground parking beneath
buildings is preferred. Above grade
structures shall not be located along
major street frontages. In cases,
where above-grade structures
are allowed along internal street
frontages, they shall be lined with
retail, entries and active uses
on the ground floor. All parking
structures should be designed to be
architecturally compatible with a high-
quality “town center” environment.
LU-19.1.13: Trees.
Retain trees along the Interstate
280, Wolfe Road and Stevens Creek
Boulevard to the extent feasible, when
new development are proposed.
LU-19.1.14: Neighborhood Buffers.
Consider buffers such as setbacks,
landscaping and/or building
transitions to buffer abutting single-
family residential areas from visual
and noise impacts.
LU-52
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-20.1: LAND USE
This area is a major employment
node with office, and research and
development uses. Retail and hotel
uses are allowed on the west side of
Wolfe Road. Redevelopment of the
retail site at the corner of Wolfe and
Homestead Roads should be based
on the “neighborhood commercial
centers” concept described earlier
in this Element. Retail uses are not
required on the Hamptons site. See
Figure LU-2 for residential densities
and criteria.
POLICY LU-20.2: STREETSCAPE
AND CONNECTIVITY
Future roadway improvements on
Wolfe Road, Homestead Road and
Tantau Avenue should be coordinated
with planned improvements to
improve pedestrian, bike and
transit connections. Streetscape
improvements will enhance the
pedestrian environment with
street trees, attractive bus shelters
and street furniture. The campus
site should provide an attractive
landscaped edge along the street.
Future improvements to the Wolfe
Road bridge should be coordinated to
preserve the vision for this area.
GOAL LU-20
Support a sustainable campus environment
that is served by a mix of pedestrian-
oriented retail and commercial uses in a
walkable and bikeable environment
NORTH VALLCO PARK SPECIAL AREA
The North Vallco Park Special Area is envisioned to become a sustainable,
office and campus environment surrounded by a mix of connected, high-quality,
pedestrian-oriented retail, hotels and residential uses. Taller buildings could be
built at gateway nodes close to Interstate 280.
LU-53
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-20.3: BUILDING FORM
Buildings in the retail and hotel area
should provide active, pedestrian-
oriented uses along the street.
Buildings should transition to fit the
scale of the surrounding area. Taller
buildings should provide appropriate
transitions to fit into the surrounding
area. In addition to the height limits
established in the Community Form
Diagram, buildings abutting the
campus shall incorporate appropriate
setbacks, landscaped buffering, and
building height transitions to minimize
privacy and security impacts.
POLICY LU-20.4: PEDESTRIAN AND
BICYCLE CONNECTIONS
Pedestrian-oriented retail and hotel
development will support a diverse
population of workers and residents
in the area. Trail routes, and alternate
trail routes to address security and
privacy concerns of major employers,
shall be developed to provide
pedestrian and bicycle connections to
other destinations.
POLICY LU-20.5: GATEWAY CONCEPT
Building and landscape design
should be of high quality and reflect
the fact that this area is a gateway
into Cupertino from Interstate
280 and points north. The project
should provide gateway signage and
treatment.
POLICY LU-20.6: NEIGHBORHOOD
BUFFERS
Provide building transitions, setbacks
and/or landscaping to buffer
development from adjoining single-
family residential uses.
LU-54
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-21.1: CONCEPTUAL PLAN
Amend the North De Anza Conceptual
Plan to create a cohesive set of land
use and streetscape regulations and
guidelines for the North De Anza area.
POLICY LU-21.2: LAND USE
Primarily office, and research and
development uses supplemented with
limited commercial and residential
uses. See Figure LU-2 for residential
densities and criteria.
POLICY LU-21.3: STREETSCAPE AND
CONNECTIVITY
North De Anza is envisioned as a
walkable, bikeable boulevard with
wide sidewalks with street trees and
roadway improvements for bike lanes
and pedestrian crossings. Pedestrian
and bike improvements and enhanced
pedestrian crossings are also
envisioned along other streets in this
area to create an interconnected grid.
Such improvements will also improve
school routes from the Garden Gate
neighborhood to Lawson school to
the east and provide access to
transit routes.
GOAL LU-21
Maintain an employment node served
by a mix of pedestrian-oriented retail,
commercial and hotel uses in a walkable
and bikeable environment
NORTH DE ANZA SPECIAL AREA
The North De Anza Special Area is expected to remain an employment node.
Its designation as a Priority Development Area (PDA) and the availability of
restaurants and services in the Heart of the City Special Area opens opportunities
to locate higher density office uses along the corridor with connections to
Stevens Creek Boulevard in a pedestrian and bicycle-oriented format. The streets
in this area are envisioned to work as a walkable, bikeable grid that enhance
connections for school children and residents from the Garden Gate neighborhood
to Lawson Middle School and other services on the east side.
LU-55
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-21.4: BUILDING DESIGN
Locate buildings along the street
with parking areas to the rear. Break
up massing of large office buildings
along the street with pedestrian
scaled elements and locate building
entries and active uses along the
street frontage to improve the
pedestrian character of the area.
Mixed-use buildings should include
entries, active uses and gathering
spaces along the street.
POLICY LU-21.5: GATEWAY CONCEPT
Building and landscape design should
be of high quality and reflect the
fact that this area is a gateway into
Cupertino from Interstate 280 and
points north.
POLICY LU-21.6: NEIGHBORHOOD
BUFFER
Provide building transitions, setbacks
and/or landscaping to buffer
development from adjoining single-
family residential uses.
LU-56
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-22.1: CONCEPTUAL PLAN
Maintain and implement the existing
South De Anza and Sunnyvale-
Saratoga Conceptual Plans
POLICY LU-22.2: LAND USE
General commercial and retail uses
with limited commercial office, office
and residential uses. Neighborhood
centers should be redeveloped in
the “neighborhood commercial
centers” concept discussed earlier
in this Element. See Figure LU-2 for
residential densities and criteria.
POLICY LU-22.3: PARCEL ASSEMBLY
Highly encourage assembly of parcels
to resolve the fragmented and narrow
lot pattern and encourage high-quality
development with adequate buffers for
neighborhoods.
POLICY LU-22.4: STREETSCAPE AND
CONNECTIVITY
South De Anza is envisioned as a
walkable, bikeable boulevard with
sidewalks, street trees and roadway
improvements for bike lanes and
pedestrian crossings. Side streets
SOUTH DE ANZA SPECIAL AREA
The South De Anza Special Area will remain a predominantly general commercial
area with supporting existing mixed residential uses with neighborhood centers
providing services to neighborhoods and nodes. The policies in this area are
intended to encourage parcel assembly to resolve the fragmented and narrow
lot pattern, promote active retail and service uses, bike and pedestrian friendly
improvements, and connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods.
GOAL LU-22
Maintain a commercial boulevard with
neighborhood centers, commercial office
and residential uses that provide services
and gathering spaces for the community in
a walkable and bikeable environment
LU-57
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
are also envisioned with pedestrian
and bicycle improvements to ensure
walkable connections from adjacent
neighborhoods.
POLICY LU-22.5: SHARED ACCESS
Since South De Anza is a heavily
traveled route, properties in the same
block should be connected with auto
and pedestrian access through shared
access easements to reduce impacts
on the corridor.
POLICY LU-22.6: BUILDING DESIGN
Locate buildings and commercial pads
along the street with parking areas to
the side and rear. Provide pedestrian-
scaled elements and active uses
including retail, restaurants, and
entries along the street. Outdoor plaza
and activity areas can be located
along the street with sidewalk and
street trees to buffer them from
through traffic.
POLICY LU-22.7: GATEWAY CONCEPT
Building and landscape design should
be of high quality and reflect the fact
that this area has gateways from
Highway 85 and at the southern and
eastern borders of Cupertino.
POLICY LU-22.8: NEIGHBORHOOD
BUFFER
Provide building transitions, setbacks
and/or landscaping to buffer
development from adjoining single-
family residential uses.
LU-58
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-23.1: CONCEPTUAL PLAN
Create a conceptual plan for the
Homestead Road Special Area
with a cohesive set of land use
and streetscape regulations and
guidelines.
POLICY LU-23.2: LAND USE
Primarily retail, commercial and
residential uses, with some limited
quasi-public use. Redevelopment of
neighborhood centers should be based
on the “neighborhood center” concept
discussed earlier in this element. See
Figure LU-2 for residential densities
and criteria.
HOMESTEAD SPECIAL AREA
The Homestead Special Area will continue to be a predominantly mixed-use
retail commercial area with residential uses and neighborhood centers providing
services to local residents. Bike and pedestrian improvements to the roadways
in this area will provide better connections for residents and workers to access
services. Tree-lined streets and sidewalks will provide an inviting environment
and will link existing and new uses.
GOAL LU-23
Retain a commercial and residential
boulevard that forms a gateway into
Cupertino with neighborhood centers,
commercial office and residential uses that
provide services and gathering spaces for
the community in a walkable and bikeable
environment
LU-59
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-23.3: CONNECTIVITY
Homestead Road is envisioned to
become a boulevard with bike and
pedestrian improvements and new
bicycle and pedestrian crossings at
De Anza Boulevard, Blaney Avenue,
Wolfe Road, and Tantau Avenue.
This will provide better access for
people moving east/west through the
city north of Interstate 280, linking
neighborhoods in the western part of
the city with Homestead High School,
Homestead Square Shopping Center
and Apple Campus 2 to the east.
POLICY LU-23.4: BUILDING DESIGN
Buildings will be located closer to
the street with parking mostly to the
side and rear. In the case of larger
sites, large buildings may be placed
behind parking; however a substantial
portion of the front of the site should
be lined with active uses such as
retail/restaurant pads, and plazas.
Buildings should include pedestrian-
oriented elements with entries, retail,
lobbies, and active uses along the
street. Parking areas along the street
will be screened with street trees.
Residential buildings will provide
stoops and porches along the street
and side streets. Taller buildings
should provide appropriate transitions
to fit into the surrounding area.
POLICY LU-23.5: GATEWAY CONCEPT
Building and landscape design should
be of high quality and reflect the fact
that this area is a gateway into the
northern part of Cupertino.
POLICY LU-23.6: NEIGHBORHOOD
BUFFER
Provide building transitions, setbacks
and/or landscaping to buffer
development from adjoining single-
family residential uses.
LU-60
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-24.1: LAND USE
Allowed uses in the Bubb Road Special
Area will consist of those described
in the ML-RC ordinance with limited
commercial and residential uses.
POLICY LU-24.2: STREETSCAPE AND
CONNECTIVITY
Bubb Road is envisioned as a
walkable, bikeable corridor with
sidewalks, street trees and roadway
improvements for bike lanes and
pedestrian crossings. Pedestrian and
bike improvements and enhanced
pedestrian crossings are also
envisioned along other streets in
this area to create an interconnected
grid. Such improvements will also
improve routes from the northern and
eastern neighborhood to the tri-school
area, parks and services and reduce
impacts caused by to school and
employment traffic.
GOAL LU-24
Maintain an employment area with light-
industrial, and research and development
uses in walkable and bikeable environment
that connects to surrounding nodes and
services
BUBB ROAD SPECIAL AREA
The Bubb Road Special Area is envisioned to become a tree-lined avenue that
is bike and pedestrian friendly with an improved public and internal street grid,
since it is a well-traveled route by school children from the northern and eastern
sections of the city to the tri-school area to the south, and increased foot traffic
from workers in the area.
LU-61
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-24.3: BUILDING AND SITE
DESIGN
Locate buildings along the street
with parking areas to the rear. Break
up massing of large office buildings
along the street with pedestrian-
scaled elements and locate building
entries and active uses along the
street frontage to improve the
pedestrian character of the area.
POLICY LU-24.4: COMPATIBILITY OF USE
The compatibility of non-industrial
uses with industrial uses must be
considered when reviewing new
development.
POLICY LU-24.5: NEIGHBORHOOD
BUFFERS
New industrial uses should provide
building transitions, setbacks and
landscaping to provide a buffer for
adjoining low-intensity residential
uses.
LU-62
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-25.1: CONCEPTUAL PLAN
Continue to govern Monta Vista’s
commercial area through the Monta
Vista Design Guidelines. The guidelines
provide direction for architecture,
landscaping and public improvements.
Create a Monta Vista Village
Conceptual Plan to with a cohesive set
of updated regulations and guidelines
for this area.
POLICY LU-25.2: LAND USE
Encourage the commercial district to
serve as a neighborhood commercial
center for Monta Vista Village and its
adjoining neighborhoods. Mixed-use
with residential is encouraged. The
industrial area should be retained to
provide small-scale light industrial
and service industrial opportunities,
while remaining compatible with
the surrounding residential and
commercial uses. See Figure LU-2 for
residential densities and criteria.
POLICY LU-25.3: BUILDING AND SITE
DESIGN
Encourage buildings to be designed in
a way that promotes the small-scale,
older and mixed-use character of
the area. Buildings should be located
along the street with pedestrian-scale
architecture and retail and active uses
on the ground floor. Parking should be
located to the rear.
GOAL LU-25
Retain and enhance Monta Vista Village's
small town character as a pedestrian-
oriented, small scale, mixed-use residential,
neighborhood commercial and industrial area
MONTA VISTA VILLAGE
The Monta Vista Village Special Area is envisioned to be retained as a small town,
pedestrian-oriented mixed-use area within Cupertino. As incremental change
occurs, the City will identify opportunities to enhance the areas uses that are
consistent with the small town character.
LU-63
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
STRATEGIES:
LU-25.3.1: Storefront appearance.
Commercial and office buildings shall
include a storefront appearance to
the public street, and shall not be
separated from the public sidewalk
by extensive landscaping or changes
in elevation. Office buildings shall
be designed to accommodate future
entrances from the sidewalk for
future retail uses.
LU-25.3.2: Parking.
Commercial properties or commercial
portions of properties may rely on
public parking on Pasadena and
Imperial Avenues to meet their off-
site parking needs within the area
bounded by Granada Avenue, Stevens
Creek Boulevard, Orange Avenue and
the Union Pacific right-of-way (see
diagram to the right).
POLICY LU-25.4: STREET DESIGN AND
CONNECTIVITY
Maintain Monta Vista Village as
a walkable, bikeable mixed-use
neighborhood with sidewalks, street
trees and roadway improvements for
bike lanes and sidewalks with routes
to the tri-school area. Automobile,
pedestrian and bicycle improvements
are envisioned along other streets in
this area to create an interconnected
grid and with new development to
remove street blockages and promote
a network of streets. On-street
parking is encouraged. Roadway
and sidewalk improvements will
also improve school routes from the
northern neighborhoods to the tri-
school area.
STRATEGIES:
LU-25.4.1: Interconnected access.
Individual properties shall have
interconnected pedestrian and vehicle
access and shared parking.
LU-25.4.2. Residential streets.
Residential street improvements may
have a semi-rural appearance based
on the Municipal Code requirements.
Safe routes to school streets, or any
others designated by the City Council
shall be required to have sidewalks
and street trees.
LU-64
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL LU-26
Retain commercial areas adjacent to
neighborhoods and retrofit or encourage
redevelopment as neighborhood centers
in a pedestrian-oriented and bike-friendly
environment
POLICY LU-26.1: LAND USE
Retrofit or redevelop neighborhood
centers using the “neighborhood
commercial centers” concept
discussed earlier in this Element.
Areas that are not designated
as "neighborhood centers" are
encouraged to provide commercial
uses with active uses such as entries,
lobbies, seating areas or retail along
the street. See Figure LU-2 for
residential densities and criteria.
POLICY LU-26.2: BUILDING AND SITE
DESIGN
Encourage buildings to be designed
in a pedestrian-oriented format.
Buildings should be located along
the street with pedestrian-scale
architecture and retail and active
uses on the ground floor. Parking
should be located to the sides or rear.
Buildings may be one to two stories
in height. In some instances where
taller heights are allowed, buildings
may be three stories in height.
OTHER NON-RESIDENTIAL/MIXED-USE SPECIAL AREAS
In addition to the major mixed-use corridors described above, other Non-
Residential/Mixed-Use Areas are located throughout the city. These include
the following: west side of Stevens Canyon Road across from McClellan Road;
intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Stevens Creek Boulevard; Homestead
Road near Foothill Boulevard; northwest corner of Bollinger Road and Blaney
Avenue; and all other non-residential properties not referenced in an identified
Special Area.
LU-65
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-26.3: STREET DESIGN AND
CONNECTIVITY
Create neighborhood centers that
are walkable, bikeable areas with
sidewalks, street trees and roadway
improvements for bike lanes and
sidewalks to provide connections to
the neighborhoods that they serve.
POLICY LU-26.4: NEIGHBORHOOD
BUFFERS
Encourage projects to include building
transitions, setbacks and landscaping
to provide a buffer for adjoining low-
intensity residential uses.
LU-66
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-27.1: COMPATIBILITY
Ensure that new development
within and adjacent to residential
neighborhoods is compatible with
neighborhood character.
STRATEGIES:
LU-27.1.1: Regulations.
Maintain and update design
regulations and guidelines for single-
family development that address
neighborhood compatibility and visual
and privacy impacts.
LU-27.1.2: Neighborhood Guidelines.
Identify neighborhoods that have a
unique architectural style, historical
background or location and develop
plans that preserve and enhance
their character. Support and
budget for special zoning or design
guidelines (e.g., the Fairgrove Eichler
neighborhood) and single-story
overlay zones in neighborhoods, where
there is strong neighborhood support.
GOAL LU-27
Preserve neighborhood character and
enhance connectivity to nearby services to
create complete neighborhoods
NEIGHBORHOODS
The City has many neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive character and
setting. These neighborhoods play a vital role in supporting Cupertino’s great
quality of life. Neighborhood goals and policies help preserve and enhance the
quality of life by protecting neighborhood character and improving walking and
biking connections to parks, schools and services. Neighborhoods typically offer a
variety of housing choices to meet a spectrum of community needs. The following
general goal, policies and strategies apply to all neighborhoods in the city.
LU-67
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-27.1.3: Flexibility.
When neighborhoods are in transition,
add flexibility for requirements for
new development that acknowledge
the transition while continuing to
respect the existing neighborhood.
LU-27.1.4: Late Night Uses.
Discourage late-evening
entertainment activities such as night-
clubs in commercial areas where
parcels are especially narrow, abut
single-family residential development,
and cannot adequately provide visual
and noise buffers.
POLICY LU-27.2: RELATIONSHIP TO THE
STREET
Ensure that new development in and
adjacent to neighborhoods improve
the walkability of neighborhoods by
providing inviting entries, stoops and
porches along the street frontage,
compatible building design and
reducing visual impacts of garages.
POLICIES LU-27.3: ENTRIES
Define neighborhood entries
through architecture, or landscaping
appropriate to the character of the
neighborhood. Gates are discouraged
because they isolate developments
from the community.
POLICY LU-27.4: CONNECTIONS
Support pedestrian and bicycling
improvements that improve access
with neighborhoods to parks,
schools and local retail, and between
neighborhoods. Support traffic
calming measures rather than
blocking the street to reduce traffic
impacts on neighborhoods.
POLICY LU-27.5: STREETS
Determine appropriate street widths,
bike lane, sidewalk and streetlight
design to define the unique character
of neighborhoods, where appropriate.
POLICY LU-27.6: MULTI-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
Maintain an attractive, livable
environment for multi-family
dwellings.
STRATEGIES:
LU-27.6.1: Provision of Outdoor Areas.
Provide outdoor areas, both passive
and active, and generous landscaping
to enhance the surroundings for
multi-family residents. Allow public
access to the common outdoor areas
whenever possible
LU-27.6.2: Ordinance Updates.
Update the Planned Development
(residential) and R-3 ordinances
to achieve the policies and
strategies applicable to multi-family
development in neighborhoods.
POLICY LU-27.7: COMPATIBILITY
OF LOTS
Ensure that zoning, subdivision and
lot-line adjustment requests related
to lot size or lot design consider the
need to preserve neighborhood lot
patterns.
LU-68
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
STRATEGIES:
LU-27.7.1: Lot Size.
Ensure that subdivision and lot-
line adjustment requests respect
the neighborhood lot size patterns.
Consider revisions to lot size
requirements if the neighborhood lot
pattern is different from the zoning
requirements.
LU-27.7.2: Flag Lots.
Allow flag lots only in cases where
they are the sole alternative to
integrate subdivisions with the
surrounding neighborhood.
POLICY LU-27.8: PROTECTION
Protect residential neighborhoods
from noise, traffic, light, glare,
odors and visually intrusive effects
from more intense development
with landscape buffers, site and
building design, setbacks and other
appropriate measures.
POLICY LU-27.9: AMENITIES AND
SERVICES
Improve equitable distribution of
community amenities such as parks
and access to shopping within
walking and bicycling distance of
neighborhoods.
LU-69
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-28.1: CONNECTIVITY
Improve bicycle and pedestrian
environment along Foothill Boulevard
and Stevens Canyon Road to improve
neighborhood connectivity to
services as well for hikers and bikers
accessing natural open space areas
in the vicinity.
POLICY LU-28.2: MERRIMAN-SANTA
LUCIA NEIGHBORHOOD
Allow legal, non-conforming duplexes
to remain in the area bounded by
Santa Lucia Road, Alcalde Road and
Foothill Boulevard.
INSPIRATION HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD
The Inspiration Heights neighborhood will continue to be a low-intensity and
hillside residential area. Future development should consider preservation
of hillsides, riparian corridors, and plant and animal wildlife habitat through
sensitive site and building design. This area has developments that were
annexed from the county. Legal, non-conforming uses and buildings in such
areas are granted additional flexibility.
GOAL LU-28
Retain Inspiration Heights as a low-intensity
residential area in a natural, hillside setting
LU-70
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL LU-29
Retain and enhance the Oak Valley as a
unique neighborhood surrounded by natural
hillside areas and private and public space
POLICY LU-29.1: DEVELOPMENT
INTENSITY
Require development intensity for the
single-family Oak Valley neighborhood
to be consistent with the development
agreement that includes the use
permit and other approvals. The
development agreement describes
development areas, intensity and
styles of development, public park
dedication, tree protection, access and
historic preservation. The theme of the
approvals is to balance development
with environmental protection by
clustering development, setting it
back from sensitive environmental
areas and preserving large areas as
permanent open space.
POLICY LU-29.2: DESIGN ELEMENTS
Require buildings to reflect the
natural hillside setting as required
in residential hillside zones with
traditional architectural styles and
natural materials and colors. Larger
building elements should be scaled to
respect the existing development in
the surrounding area.
OAK VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD
LU-71
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY LU-30.1: DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS
Require all new construction to
conform to the R1-e zoning (Single-
Family Residential–Eichler).
POLICY LU-30.2: DESIGN GUIDELINES
Encourage residents to incorporate
the design guidelines illustrated in the
Eichler Design Guidelines.
GOAL LU-30
Preserve the unique character of the Eichler
homes in the Fairgrove Neighborhood
FAIRGROVE NEIGHBORHOOD
LU-72
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING | cupertino community vision 2040
4housing
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-2
Cupertino is a community with a high quality of life, a renowned school
system, and a robust high-technology economy. The long term vitality of
Cupertino and the local economy depend upon the availability of all types of
housing to meet the community’s diverse housing needs. As Cupertino looks
towards the future, increasing the range and diversity of housing options
will be integral to the City’s success. Consistent with the goal of being a
balanced community, this Housing Element continues the City’s commitment
to ensuring new opportunities for residential development, as well as for
preserving and enhancing our existing neighborhoods.
CONTENTS:
H-2 Introduction
Role and Content of Housing
Element
H-4 Housing Needs Assessment
Demographic Trends in
Cupertino
Housing Stock Characteristics
Income and Market Conditions
Related to Housing Costs
Special Housing Needs
Introduction
H-14 Regional Housing Needs and
Allocation
H-15 Housing Resources
H-18 Housing Plan
H-19 Quantified Objectives
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
The Housing Element is a comprehensive eight-year plan to address housing
needs in Cupertino. This updated Housing Element focuses on housing needs
from January 31, 2015 through January 31, 2023, in accordance with the housing
element planning period established by State law for San Francisco Bay Area
jurisdictions.
This Housing Element is the City’s primary policy document regarding the
development, rehabilitation, and preservation of housing for all economic
segments of the population. Per State Housing Element law, the document must
be periodically updated to:
• Outline the community’s housing production objectives consistent with
State and regional growth projections
• Describe goals, policies and implementation strategies to achieve local
housing objectives
• Examine the local need for housing with a focus on special needs
populations
• Identify adequate sites for the production of housing serving various
income levels
• Analyze potential constraints to new housing production
• Evaluate the Housing Element for consistency with other General Plan
elements
This element outlines the community’s projected housing needs and defines the
actions the City will take to address them. General Plan Appendix B provides
detailed background information to meet all requirements of State Housing
Element law.
ROLE AND CONTENT OF HOUSING ELEMENT
H-3
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-4
HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
This section describes the demographic, housing, and economic conditions in
Cupertino; assesses the demand for housing for households at all income levels;
and documents the demand for housing to serve special needs populations. The
Housing Needs Assessment establishes the framework for defining the City’s
housing goals and formulating policies and strategies that address local housing
needs.
A community’s population characteristics can affect the amount and type of
housing needed. Factors such as population growth, household type, and whether
or not households are more likely to rent or buy their homes influence the type of
housing needed.
DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS IN CUPERTINO AND THE REGION
POPULATION
The City’s population increased by 15 percent between 2000 and 2010, exceed-
ing the growth rate of Santa Clara County (six percent), the San Francisco Bay
area (five percent), and the State of California (10 percent) (see Table HE-1).
During this period, Cupertino grew from 50,546 to 58,302 residents. A portion of
this population growth can be attributed to the annexation of 168 acres of land
between 2000 and 2008. Annexation of Garden Gate, Monta Vista, and scattered
County “islands” added 1,600 new residents. After removing the population in-
creases from these annexations, Cupertino experienced a 12-percent increase in
its population during the previous decade.
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-5
HOUSEHOLDS
A household is defined as a person or group of persons living in a housing
unit, as opposed to persons living in group quarters, such as dormitories,
convalescent homes, or prisons. In 2010, Cupertino was home to 20,181
households (see Table HE-1). The City added approximately 2,000 new
households between 2000 and 2010, an increase of 11 percent. Approximately
600 of these households, however, resulted from annexations. After adjusting for
household increases due to annexation, the number of households grew by only
eight percent between 2000 and 2010. During the same time period, the number
of households increased by 6.8 percent in Santa Clara County.
HOUSEHOLD TYPE
Households are divided into two different types, depending on their composition.
Family households are those consisting of two or more related persons living
together. Non-family households include persons who live alone or in groups
of unrelated individuals. Cupertino has a large proportion of family households.
In 2011, family households comprised 77 percent of all households in the City,
compared with 71 percent of Santa Clara County households (see Table HE-1).
HOUSEHOLD TENURE
Households in Cupertino are more likely to own than rent their homes.
Approximately 63 percent of Cupertino households owned their homes in 2010.
By comparison, 58 percent of Santa Clara County households owned homes
(see Table HE-1).
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LONG-TERM PROJECTIONS
Table HE-2 shows population, household, and job growth projections for
Cupertino, Santa Clara County, and the nine-county Bay Area region between
2010 and 2040 and represents the analysis conducted by the Association of Bay
Area Governments (ABAG) using 2010 Census data and a variety of local sources.
Between 2010 and 2040, Cupertino’s population is expected to grow by 12,898
residents—from 58,302 to 71,200. This translates into an increase of 22 percent
over 30 years. ABAG projects both Santa Clara County and the ABAG region will
experience much larger growth over the same time period (36 percent and 31
percent, respectively). Cupertino’s job growth is expected to continue to outpace
population and household growth between 2010 and 2020, compounding the
“jobs rich” nature of the City and the region. By 2020, Cupertino is anticipated
to have a jobs-to-housing ratio of 1.40 (up from 1.29 in 2010, but mirroring the
regional average of 1.40). Job growth in Cupertino is projected to level off after
2020 to a comparable pace with population and household growth. Similar
trends are also projected for the County and the ABAG region as a whole.
HOUSING STOCK CHARACTERISTICS
A community’s housing stock is defined as the collection of all types of housing
located within the jurisdiction. The characteristics of the housing stock—
including condition, type, and affordability—are important in determining the
housing needs for Cupertino.
DISTRIBUTION OF UNITS BY STRUCTURE TYPE
A majority of housing units in Cupertino are single-family detached homes (57
percent in 2013). While still representing the majority house type, this represents
a decrease from 2000, when 61 percent of all homes were single-family
detached. In comparison, single-family detached homes in both Santa Clara
County and the Bay Area comprised 54 percent of all homes in 2013.
Large multi-family buildings (defined as units in structures containing five or
more dwellings) represent the second largest housing category in Cupertino (21
percent), followed by single-family attached dwellings (12 percent). Between
2000 and 2013, these two housing types experienced an increase of 24 and 26
percent, respectively.
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table HE-1: Population and Household Trends, 2000-2010/2011
2000 2010/2011 Total Change
2000-2010
Percent Change
2000-2011
City of Cupertino
Population 50,546 58,302 7,756 15.3%
Households 18,204 20,181 1,977 10.9%
Average Household Size
(a)2.75 2.83
Household Type (a)
Families 74.8%77.4%
Non-Families 25.2%22.6%
Tenure
Owner 63.6%62.6%
Renter 36.4%37.4%
Santa Clara County
Population 1,682,585 1,781,642 99,057 5.9%
Households 565,863 604,204 38,341 6.8%
Average Household Size
(a)2.92 2.89
Household Type (a)
Families 69.9%70.8%
Non-Families 30.1%29.2%
Tenure
Owner 59.8%57.6%
Renter 40.2%42.4%
Bay Area (b)
Population 6,783,760 7,150,739 366,979 5.4%
Households 2,466,019 2,608,023 142,004 5.8%
Average Household Size
(a)2.69 2.69
Household Type (a)
Families 64.7%64.8%
Non-Families 35.3%35.2%
Tenure
Owner 57.7%56.2%
Renter 42.3%43.8%
California
Population 33,871,648 37,253,956 3,382,308 10.0%
Households 11,502,870 12,577,498 1,074,628 9.3%
Average Household Size
(a)2.87 2.91
Household Type (a)
Families 68.9%68.6%
Non-Families 31.1%31.4%
Tenure
Owner 56.9%55.9%
Renter 43.1%44.1%
Notes:
(a) Average household size and household type figures from American Community Survey (ACS), 2007-2011.
(b) Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties.
Source: Association of Bay area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013
H-7
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
TABLE HE-2: Population, Household, and Job Projections, 2010-2040
Years Percent Change
2010 2020 2030 2040 2010-
2020
2020-
2030
2030-
2040
City of Cupertino
Population 58,302 62,100 66,300 71,200 6.5%6.8%7.4%
Households 20,181 21,460 22,750 24,040 6.3%6.0%5.7%
Jobs 26,090 29,960 31,220 33,110 14.8%4.2%6.1%
Santa Clara
County
Population 1,781,642 1,977,900 2,188,500 2,423,500 11.0%10.6%10.7%
Households 604,204 675,670 747,070 818,400 11.8%10.6%9.5%
Jobs 926,270 1,091,270 1,147,020 1,229,520 17.8%5.1%7.2%
Bay Area (a)
Population 6,432,288 7,011,700 7,660,700 8,394,700 9.0%9.3%9.6%
Households 2,350,186 2,560,480 2,776,640 2,992,990 8.9%8.4%7.8%
Jobs 3,040,110 3,579,600 3,775,080 4,060,160 17.7%5.5%7.6%
Notes:
a) Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties.
Source:
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
H-8
INCOME AND MARKET CONDITIONS RELATED TO HOUSING COSTS
The cost of housing is dependent on a variety of factors, including underlying
land costs, market characteristics, and financing options. In the Bay Area,
the technology boom has increased the demand for new housing at all
income levels, resulting in both lower-earning residents and well-paid area
professionals competing for housing in an overcrowded and expensive market.
High housing costs can price lower-income families out of the market, cause
extreme cost burdens, or force households into overcrowded conditions.
Cupertino has some of the highest housing costs in the region.
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RENTAL MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND TRENDS
A review of rental market conditions in Cupertino was conducted for this
Housing Element by reviewing advertised apartment listings. The survey found
that market-rate rents averaged:
• $1,608 per month for studio units
• $2,237 per month for one-bedroom units
• $2,886 per month for two-bedroom units
• $3,652 per month for three-bedroom units
Rental prices in Cupertino ranged from $1,400 for a studio unit to $5,895 for
a five-bedroom unit. As can be expected, smaller units are generally more
affordable than larger units. The overall median rental price for all unit sizes
surveyed was $2,830, and the average price was $2,919.
HOME SALE TRENDS
While other areas of the State and nation experienced downturns in the housing
market during the national recession that began in 2008, Cupertino home values
have continued to grow. During the depth of the housing market crash (between
2008 and 2010), the median home price in Cupertino held steady at around
$1,000,000. Since 2011, home prices in Cupertino have increased substantially.
The 2013 median home sales price of $1,200,000 in Cupertino was nearly double
that of the County median price ($645,000), and prices continued to rise in 2014.
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HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
According to the federal government, housing is considered “affordable” if it
costs no more than 30 percent of a household’s gross income. Often, affordable
housing is discussed in the context of affordability to households with different
income levels. Households are categorized as very low income, low income,
moderate income, or above moderate income based on percentages of the area
median income established annually by the California Department of Housing
and Community Development (HCD). In 2014, the area median income for Santa
Clara County was $105,500 for a family of four.
SPECIAL HOUSING NEEDS
Certain groups have more difficulty finding decent, affordable housing due to
their special circumstances. Special circumstances may be related to one’s
income-earning potential, family characteristics, the presence of physical or
mental disabilities, or age-related health issues. As a result, certain groups
typically earn lower incomes and have higher rates of overpayment for housing,
or they may live in overcrowded residences. Housing Element law specifically
requires an analysis of the special housing needs of the elderly, the disabled,
female-headed households, large families, farmworkers, and homeless persons
and families. Table HE-3 summarizes demographics for these special needs
groups in Cupertino.
SENIORS
Many senior residents face a unique set of housing needs, largely due to physical
limitations, fixed incomes, and health care costs. Affordable housing cost, unit
sizes and accessibility to transit, family, health care, and other services are
critical housing concerns for seniors.
In 2010, 20 percent of Cupertino householders were 65 years old or older,
slightly higher than the proportion of senior households in Santa Clara County
(18.5 percent). A large majority of these senior households owned their homes;
86 percent of elderly households were homeowners, compared to only 58
percent of householders under 64 years old.
Cupertino’s elderly renter households are more likely to be lower income
than elderly owner households. Approximately 62 percent of elderly renter
households earned less than 80 percent of the area median income compared to
42 percent of senior homeowners. Elderly households also tend to pay a larger
portion of their income on housing costs than do other households.
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Table HE-3: Special Needs Groups in Cupertino
Special Needs Group Person or
Household Renter Owner Percent of
Total
Senior-Headed Households 3,983 785 (19.7%)3,198 (80.3%)19.7%
Households with a Senior Member 5,069 n/a n/a 25.1%
Seniors Living Alone 1,612 516 (32.0%)1,096 (68.0%)8.0%
Large Households 1,883 619 (32.9%)1,264 (67.1%)9.3%
Single-Parent Households 883 n/a n/a 4.4%
Female Single-Parent Households 667 n/a n/a 6.9%
Persons with Disabilities (a)3,445 n/a n/a 5.9%
Agricultural Workers (b)36 n/a n/a <1%
Persons living in Poverty (b)2,330 n/a n/a 4.0%
Homeless (c)112 n/a n/a <1%
Notes:
(a) 2010 Census data not available for persons with disabilities. Estimate is from the 2008-2012 ACS. Estimate is
for persons 5 years of age and older.
(b) 2010 Census data not available. Estimate is from the 2007-2011 ACS.
(c) 2010 Census data not available. Estimate is from 2013 Santa Clara County Homeless Point-In-Time Census
and Survey Comprehensive Report. Of the 112 homeless persons counted in Cupertino in 2013, 92 persons were
unsheltered and 20 were sheltered.
Sources: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013; U.S.
Census, American Community Survey (ACS), 2008-2012; 2013 Santa Clara County Homeless Point-In-Time
Census and Survey Comprehensive Report
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LARGE HOUSEHOLDS
Large households are defined as those with five or more members. Large
households are identified as a special needs group because of limited
opportunities for adequately sized and affordable housing. Cupertino has a
smaller proportion of large households than Santa Clara County as a whole (9.3
percent in Cupertino compared to 15 percent in Santa Clara County). In the City,
large households are more likely to be homeowners (67 percent) than renters
(33 percent). Approximately 64 percent of the housing units in Cupertino have
three or more bedrooms and can accommodate large households.
SINGLE-PARENT HOUSEHOLDS
Single-parent households often require special consideration and assistance
because of their greater need for affordable housing and accessible day care,
health care, and other supportive services. Female-headed single-parent
households with children, in particular, tend to have a higher need for affordable
housing than other family households in general. In addition, these households
are more likely to need childcare since the mother is often the sole source of
income in addition to being the sole caregiver for the children in the household.
In 2010, 667 female-headed single-parent households with children under 18
years of age lived in Cupertino, representing 3.3 percent of all households in
the City. A significant proportion of these households were living in poverty (21
percent).
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
A disability is a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life
activities. Persons with disabilities generally have lower incomes and often face
barriers to finding employment or adequate housing due to physical or structural
obstacles. This segment of the population often needs affordable housing that
is located near public transportation, services, and shopping. Persons with
disabilities may require units equipped with wheelchair accessibility or other
special features that accommodate physical or sensory limitations. Depending on
the severity of the disability, people may live independently with some assistance
in their own homes, or may require assisted living and supportive services in
special care facilities. Approximately six percent of Cupertino residents and eight
percent of Santa Clara County residents had one or more disabilities in 2010.
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RESIDENTS LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL
Families with incomes below the poverty level, specifically those with extremely
low and very low incomes, are at the greatest risk of becoming homeless and
often require assistance in meeting their rent and mortgage obligations in order
to prevent homelessness. Census data suggest that four percent of all Cupertino
residents were living below the poverty level in 2010. Specifically, about three
percent of family households and two percent of families with children were
living below the poverty level. These households may require specific housing
solutions such as deeper income targeting for subsidies, housing with supportive
services, single-room occupancy units, or rent subsidies and vouchers.
HOMELESS
Demand for emergency and transitional shelter in Cupertino is difficult to
determine given the episodic nature of homelessness. Generally, episodes of
homelessness among families or individuals can occur as a single event or
periodically. The county-wide 2013 Santa Clara County Homeless Census &
Survey reported a point-in-time count of 7,631 homeless people on the streets
and in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and domestic violence shelters
throughout the County. This estimate includes 112 homeless individuals in
Cupertino. The count, however, should be considered conservative because many
unsheltered homeless individuals may not be visible at street locations, even
with the most thorough methodology.
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-14
PROGRESS TOWARD THE REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION
The City of Cupertino may count housing units constructed, approved, or
proposed since January 1, 2014 toward satisfying its RHNA goals for this
planning period. Between January 1 and May 31, 2014, building permits for 14
single-family housing units and three second units were approved in Cupertino.
In addition, six single-family homes and seven apartments received Planning
approvals. Also included in the RHNA credits are 32 second units projected to
be developed within the planning period. This projection is based on historical
approvals of second units during the past Housing Element planning period. With
these credits, the City has a remaining RHNA of 1,002 units: 356 extremely low/
very low-income units, 207 low-income units, 196 moderate-income units, and
243 above moderate-income units.
Table HE-4: RHNA, Cupertino, 2014-2022
Income Category Projected Need Percent of Total
Extremely Low/Very Low (0-50% of AMI)356 33.5%
Low (51-80% of AMI)207 19.5%
Moderate (81-120% of AMI)231 21.7%
Above Moderate (over 120% AMI)270 25.4%
Total Units 1,064 100.0%
Source: ABAG Regional Housing Needs Assessment, 2014.
REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65584, the State, regional
councils of government (in this case, ABAG), and local governments must
collectively determine each locality’s share of regional housing need allocation
(RHNA). In conjunction with the State mandated housing element update cycle
that requires Bay Area jurisdictions to update their elements by January 31, 2015,
ABAG has determined housing unit production needs for each jurisdiction within
the Bay Area. These allocations set housing production goals for the planning
period that runs from January 1, 2014 through October 31, 2022 (Table HE-4).
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HOUSING RESOURCES
OVERVIEW OF AVAILABLE SITES FOR HOUSING
The purpose of the adequate sites analysis is to demonstrate that a sufficient
supply of land exists in the City to accommodate the fair share of the region’s
housing needs during the RHNA projections period (January 1, 2014 – October
31, 2022). The Government Code requires that the Housing Element include
an “inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacant
sites and sites having the potential for redevelopment”((Section 65583[a][3]). It
further requires that the Element analyze zoning and infrastructure on these
sites to ensure housing development is feasible during the planning period.
Figure HE-1 indicates the available residential development opportunity sites
to meet and exceed the identified regional housing need pursuant to the RHNA.
The opportunity sites can accommodate infill development of up to 1,400
residential units on properties zoned for densities of 20 dwelling units to the
acre or more. The potential sites inventory is organized by geographic area and
in particular, by mixed use corridors. As shown in Table HE-5, sites identified
to meet the near-term development potential lie within the North Vallco Park
Special Area, the Heart of the City Special Area, and the Vallco Shopping
District Special Area.
One particular site will involve substantial coordination for redevelopment
(Vallco Shopping District, Site A2). Due to the magnitude of the project, the City
has established a contingency plan to meet the RHNA if a Specific Plan is not
approved within three years of Housing Element adoption. This contingency
plan (called Scenario B and discussed further in General Plan Appendix B),
would involve the City removing Vallco Shopping District, adding more priority
sites to the inventory, and also increasing the density/allowable units on other
priority sites.
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-16
North Vallco
Park:
600 Units
Heart of the
City:
411 Units
Vallco
Shopping
District:
389 Units
FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
A3: Oaks
200 units
A5: Vacant
11 units
A1: Hamptons
600 units
A2: Vallco
389 units
A4: Marina
200 units
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Special Areas
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
North Vallco Park
Heart of the City
Housing Elements
Sites
VTA Priority
Development Area
(PDA)
Site
units Site Number:
Realistic Capacity.
Note: Realistic capacity is generally
85% of maximum capacity allowed
Vallco Shopping District
Priority Housing Element Sites: Scenario A
Applicable if Vallco Specific Plan is adopted by May 31, 2018
If Vallco Specific Plan is not adopted by May 31, 2018, the designated Priority Housing Element Sites will be as shown in General Plan
Appendix B, Section 5.5: Residential Sites Inventory - Scenario B.
LU-1
FIGURE HE-1
HOUSING ELEMENT: SITES TO MEET THE RHNA
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-17
Table HE-5: Summary of PRIORITY HOUSING ELEMENT SITES To Meet the RHNA - Scenario A
Site Adopted General Plan/
Adopted Zoning Special Area
Max
Density
(DUA)
Max Height
Realistic
Capacity
(units)
Site A1 (The Hamptons)High Density
P(Res)
North Vallco
Park 85 75 ft; or 60 ft in certain locations*;600 net
Site A2 (Vallco Shopping District)RS/O/R
P(Regional Shopping) & P(CG)
Vallco
Shopping
District
35
height to be determined in Vallco
Shopping District Specific Plan 389
Site A3 (The Oaks Shopping
Center)
C/R
P(CG, Res)
Heart of the
City 30
45 ft
200
Site A4 (Marina Plaza)C/O/R
P(CG, Res)
Heart of the
City 35 45 ft 200
Site A5 (Barry Swenson)C/O/R
P(CG, Res)
Heart of the
City 25 45 ft 11
Total 1,400
Notes: Zoning for Site A2 (Vallco) will be determined by Specific Plan to allow residential uses. Site A1 (Hamptons) height limit of 60 feet is applicable for
buildings located within 50 feet of property lines abutting Wolfe Rd, Pruneridge Ave. & Apple Campus 2 site. Site A2 (Vallco) height will be determined by
Specific Plan. For more detail on height limits, see Land Use and Community Design Element, Figure LU-2.
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-18
HOUSING PLAN
This section presents the quantified objectives for new housing unit construction,
conservation, and rehabilitation during the 2014-2022 projections period, as well
as the policies and strategies to meet these objectives and address local housing
needs. Policies and strategies are grouped into the following goals:
• Goal HE-1: An Adequate Supply of Residential Units for all Economic
Segments
• Goal HE-2: Housing that is Affordable for a Diversity of Cupertino
Households
• Goal HE-3: Enhanced Residential Neighborhoods
• Goal HE-4: Energy and Water Conservation
• Goal HE-5: Services for Extremely Low-Income Households and Special
Needs Neighborhoods
• Goal HE-6: Equal Access to Housing Opportunities
• Goal HE-7: Coordination with Regional Organizations and Local School
Districts
This section also identifies the responsible party and timeline for each
implementation strategy.
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-19
Table HE-6: Quantified Objectives
Income Category
New
Construction
(RHNA)
Rehabilitation Conservation
Extremely Low 178 10 8
Very Low 178 10 -
Low 207 20 -
Moderate 231 --
Above Moderate 270 --
Total 1,064 40 8
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVES
Table HE-6 outlines the proposed housing production, rehabilitation, and
conservation objectives for the eight-year Housing Element planning period.
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GOAL HE-1
An adequate supply of residential units for
all economic segments
POLICY HE-1.1: PROVISION OF ADEQUATE
CAPACITY FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION
NEED
Designate sufficient land at
appropriate densities to accommodate
Cupertino’s Regional Housing Needs
Allocation of 1,064 units for the 2014-
2022 planning period.
POLICY HE-1.2: HOUSING DENSITIES
Provide a full range of densities for
ownership and rental housing.
POLICY HE-1.3: MIXED-USE
DEVELOPMENT
Encourage mixed-use development
near transportation facilities and
employment centers.
STRATEGIES:
HE-1.3.1: Land Use Policy and Zoning
Provisions.
To accommodate the Regional Housing
Needs Allocation (RHNA), the City will
continue to:
• Provide adequate capacity
through the Land Use Element
and Zoning Ordinance to
accommodate the RHNA of
1,064 units while maintaining
a balanced land use plan
that offers opportunities
for employment growth,
commercial/retail activities,
services, and amenities.
• Monitor development standards
to ensure they are adequate and
appropriate to facilitate a range
of housing in the community.
• Monitor the sites inventory and
make it available on the City
website.
• Monitor development activity
on the Housing Opportunity
Sites to ensure that the City
maintains sufficient land
to accommodate the RHNA
during the planning period. In
the event a housing site listed
in the Housing Element sites
inventory is redeveloped with
PROVISION OF NEW HOUSING
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-21
a non-residential use or at a
lower density than shown in the
Housing Element sites inventory,
ensure that the City has
adequate capacity to meet the
RHNA by making the findings
required by Government Code
Section 65863 and identifying
alternative site(s) within the City
if needed.
Priority Housing Sites: As part of
the Housing Element update, the
City has identified five priority sites
under Scenario A (see Table HE-5)
for residential development over the
next eight years. The General Plan and
zoning designations allow the densities
shown in Table HE-5 for all sites
except the Vallco Shopping District
site (Site A2). The redevelopment of
Vallco Shopping District will involve
significant planning and community
input. A specific plan will be required
to implement a comprehensive
strategy for a retail/office/residential
mixed use development. The project
applicant would be required to work
closely with the community and the
City to bring forth a specific plan that
meets the community’s needs, with
the anticipated adoption and rezoning
to occur within three years of the
adoption of the 2014-2022 Housing
Element (by May 31, 2018). The
specific plan would permit 389 units by
right at a minimum density of 20 units
per acre.
If the specific plan and rezoning are
not adopted within three years of
Housing Element adoption (by May 31,
2018), the City will schedule hearings
consistent with Government Code
Section 65863 to consider removing
Vallco as a priority housing site
under Scenario A, to be replaced by
sites identified in Scenario B (see
detailed discussion and sites listing of
“Scenario B” in Appendix B - Housing
Element Technical Appendix). As part
of the adoption of Scenario B, the City
intends to add two additional sites to
the inventory: Glenbrook Apartments
and Homestead Lanes, along with
increased number of permitted units
on The Hamptons and The Oaks
sites. Applicable zoning is in place
for Glenbrook Apartments; however
the Homestead Lanes site would
need to be rezoned at that time to
permit residential uses. Any rezoning
required will allow residential uses by
right at a minimum density of 20 units
per acre.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community
Development/Planning Division
Time Frame
Ongoing; Adopt Specific Plan and rezoning for
Vallco by May 31, 2018; otherwise, conduct public
hearings to consider adoption of “Scenario B” of
sites strategy.
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
1064 units (178 extremely low-, 178 very
low-, 207 low-, 231 moderate- and 270 above
moderate- income units)
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H-22
HE-1.3.2: Second Dwelling Units.
The City will continue to implement
the Second Dwelling Unit Ordinance
and encourage the production of
second units.
HE-1.3.3: Lot Consolidation.
To facilitate residential and mixed
use developments, the City will
continue to:
• Encourage lot consolidation
when contiguous smaller,
underutilized parcels are to be
redeveloped.
• Encourage master plans for
such sites with coordinated
access and circulation.
• Provide technical assistance
to property owners of adjacent
parcels to facilitate coordinated
redevelopment where
appropriate.
• Encourage intra- and inter-
agency cooperation in working
with applicants at no cost prior
to application submittal for
assistance with preliminary
plan review.
HE-1.3.4: Flexible Development
Standards.
The City recognizes the need to
encourage a range of housing options
in the community. The City will
continue to:
• Offer flexible residential
development standards in
planned residential zoning
districts, such as smaller
lot sizes, lot widths, floor
area ratios and setbacks,
particularly for higher
density and attached housing
developments.
• Consider granting reductions in
off-street parking on a case-by-
case basis for senior housing.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community
Development/Planning Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
Four second units annually for a total of 32
units over eight years
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community
Development/Planning Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
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HE-1.3.5: Heart of the City Specific Plan.
To reduce constraints to housing
development, and in order to ensure
that the designated sites can obtain
the realistic capacity shown in the
Housing Element, the City will review
revisions to the Heart of the City
Specific Plan residential density
calculation requirement, to eliminate
the requirement to net the non-
residential portion of the development
from the lot area.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community
Development/Planning Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community
Development/Planning Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-24 GOAL M-1 Actively participate in regional planning processes to coordinate local planning and to advocate for decisions that meet and complement the needs of CupertinoGOAL HE-2
Housing is affordable for a diversity of
Cupertino households
POLICY HE-2.1: HOUSING MITIGATION
Ensure that all new developments—
including market-rate residential
developments—help mitigate project-
related impact on affordable housing
needs.
POLICY HE-2.2: RANGE OF HOUSING
TYPES
Encourage the development of
diverse housing stock that provides
a range of housing types (including
smaller, moderate cost housing)
and affordability levels. Emphasize
the provision of housing for lower-
and moderate-income households
including wage earners who provide
essential public services (e.g., school
district employees, municipal and
public safety employees, etc.).
POLICY HE-2.3: DEVELOPMENT OF
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOUSING
FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Maintain and/or adopt appropriate
land use regulations and other
development tools to encourage the
development of affordable housing.
Make every reasonable effort to
disperse units throughout the
community but not at the expense of
undermining the fundamental goal of
providing affordable units.
STRATEGIES:
HE-2.3.1: Office and Industrial Housing
Mitigation Program.
The City will continue to implement
the Office and Industrial Housing
Mitigation Program. This program
requires that developers of office,
commercial, and industrial space pay
a mitigation fee, which will then be
used to support affordable housing in
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-25
the City of Cupertino. These mitigation
fees are collected and deposited in the
City’s Below Market-Rate Affordable
Housing Fund (BMR AHF).
HE-2.3.2: Residential Housing Mitigation
Program.
The City will continue to implement
the Residential Housing Mitigation
Program to mitigate the need for
affordable housing created by new
market-rate residential development.
This program applies to new
residential development. Mitigation
includes either the payment of
the “Housing Mitigation” fee or the
provision of a Below Market-Rate
(BMR) unit or units. Projects of seven
or more for-sale units must provide
on-site BMR units. Projects of six units
or fewer for-sale units can either
build one BMR unit or pay the Housing
Mitigation fee. Developers of market-
rate rental units, where the units
cannot be sold individually, must pay
the Housing Mitigation fee to the BMR
AHF. The BMR program specifies the
following:
• Priority. To the extent permitted
by law, priority for occupancy
is given to Cupertino residents,
Cupertino full-time employees
and Cupertino public service
employees as defined in
Cupertino’s Residential Housing
Mitigation Manual.
• For-Sale Residential
Developments. Require 15% for-
sale BMR units in all residential
developments where the
units can be sold individually
(including single-family homes,
common interest developments,
and condominium conversions
or allow rental BMR units as
allowed in (d) below).
• Rental Residential
Developments: To the extent
permitted by law, require
15% rental very low and low-
income BMR units in all rental
residential developments. If
the City is not permitted by law
to require BMR units in rental
residential developments,
require payment of the Housing
Mitigation Fee.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
BHR AHF
Quantified Objectives
N/A
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
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• Rental Alternative. Allow
rental BMR units in for-sale
residential developments, and
allow developers of market-rate
rental developments to provide
on-site rental BMR units, if
the developer: 1) enters into
an agreement limiting rents
in exchange for a financial
contribution or a type of
assistance specified in density
bonus law (which includes a
variety of regulatory relief); and
2) provides very low-income and
low-income BMR rental units.
• Affordable Prices and Rents.
Establish guidelines for
affordable sales prices and
affordable rents for new
affordable housing and update
the guidelines each year as new
income guidelines are received;
• Development of BMR Units
Off Site. Allow developers to
meet all or a portion of their
BMR or Housing Mitigation
fee requirement by making
land available for the City or a
nonprofit housing developer to
construct affordable housing, or
allow developers to construct
the required BMR units off
site, in partnership with a
nonprofit. The criteria for land
donation or off-site BMR units
(or combination of the two
options) will be identified in the
Residential Housing Mitigation
Manual.
• BMR Term. Require BMR units
to remain affordable for a
minimum of 99 years; and
enforce the City’s first right of
refusal for BMR units and other
means to ensure that BMR units
remain affordable.
HE-2.3.3: Below Market-Rate (BMR)
Affordable Housing Fund (AHF).
The City’s BMR AHF will continue to
support affordable housing projects,
strategies and services, including but
not limited to:
• BMR Program Administration
• Substantial rehabilitation
• Land acquisition
• Acquisition of buildings for
permanent affordability, with or
without rehabilitation
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division and Housing Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
BHR AHF
Quantified Objectives
20 BMR units over eight years
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
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• New construction
• Preserving “at-risk” BMR units
• Rental operating subsidies
• Down payment assistance
• Land write-downs
• Direct gap financing
• Fair housing
The City will target a portion of the
BMR AHF to benefit extremely low-
income households and persons with
special needs (such as the elderly,
victims of domestic violence, and
the disabled, including persons with
developmental disabilities), to the
extent that these target populations
are found to be consistent with
the needs identified in the nexus
study the City prepares to identify
the connection, or “nexus” between
new developments and the need for
affordable housing.
To ensure the mitigation fees continue
to be adequate to mitigate the impacts
of new development on affordable
housing needs, the City will update its
Nexus Study for the Housing Mitigation
Plan by the end of 2015.
HE-2.3.4: Housing Resources.
Cupertino residents and developers
interested in providing affordable
housing in the City have access to a
variety of resources administered by
other agencies. The City will continue
to provide information on housing
resources and services offered by the
County and other outside agencies.
These include, but are not limited to:
• Mortgage Credit Certificate
(MCC) – Santa Clara County
Housing and Community
Development Department.
• First-Time Homebuyer
Assistance and Developer Loans
for Multi-Family Development
- Housing Trust Silicon Valley
(HTSV).
• Housing Choice Vouchers
(Section 8) - Housing Authority
of Santa Clara County (HASCC).
• Affordable housing development
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division and Housing Division
Time Frame
Ongoing/annually publish RFPs to solicit projects;
update Nexus Study by the end of 2015
Funding Sources
BHR AHF
Quantified Objectives
N/A
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-28
- Santa Clara County HOME
Consortium.
The City will also continue to explore
and pursue various affordable housing
resources available at the local,
regional, state, and federal levels that
could be used to address housing
needs in the community.
HE-2.3.5: Surplus Properties for Housing.
The City will explore opportunities on
surplus properties as follows:
• Work with local public agencies,
school districts and churches,
to identify surplus properties
or underutilized properties that
have the potential for residential
development.
• Encourage long-term land
leases of properties from
churches, school districts, and
corporations for construction of
affordable units.
• Evaluate the feasibility of
developing special housing for
teachers or other employee
groups on the surplus
properties.
Research other jurisdictions’ housing
programs for teachers for their
potential applicability in Cupertino.
HE-2.3.6: Incentives for Affordable
Housing Development.
The City will continue to offer a
range of incentives to facilitate the
development of affordable housing.
These include:
• Financial assistance through
the City’s Below Market-Rate
Affordable Housing Fund
(BMR AHF) and CDBG funds.
• Partner with CDBG and/or
support the funding application
of qualified affordable housing
developers for regional, state,
and federal affordable housing
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division and Housing Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division
Time Frame
Ongoing; evaluate housing programs for teachers
in 2015
Funding Sources
BHR AHF
Quantified Objectives
N/A
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-29
funds, including HOME funds,
Low Income Housing Tax Credits
(LIHTC), and mortgage revenue
bonds.
• Density bonus incentives (see
Strategy HE-2.3.7).
• Flexible development standards
• Technical assistance.
• Waiver of park dedication fees
and construction tax.
• Parking ordinance waivers.
• Expedited permit processing.
The City joined the Santa Clara County
HOME Consortium so that HOME
funds for eligible affordable housing
projects within the City of Cupertino
are available beginning federal fiscal
year 2015.
HE-2.3.7: Density Bonus Ordinance.
The City will encourage use of density
bonuses and incentives, as applicable,
for housing developments which
include one of the following:
• At least 5 percent of the housing
units are restricted to very low
income residents.
• At least 10 percent of the
housing units are restricted to
lower income residents.
• At least 10 percent of the
housing units in a for-sale
common interest development
are restricted to moderate
income residents.
• The project donates at least
one acre of land to the city or
county large enough for 40
very low income units; the land
has the appropriate general
plan designation, zoning,
permits, approvals, and access
to public facilities needed for
such housing; funding has
been identified; and other
requirements are met.
A density bonus of up to 20 percent
must be granted to projects that
contain one of the following:
• The project is a senior citizen
housing development (no
affordable units required).
• The project is a mobile home
park age restricted to senior
citizens (no affordable units
required).
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division and Housing Division
Time Frame
Ongoing incentives (annually publish RFPs to solicit
projects); joined HOME Consortium in 2014
Funding Sources
BMR AHF; CDBG; HOME; General Fund
Quantified Objectives
N/A
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-30
For projects that contain on-site
affordable housing, developers may
request one to three regulatory
concessions, which must result
in identifiable cost reductions and
be needed to make the housing
affordable.
The City will update the density bonus
ordinance as necessary to respond to
future changes in State law.
HE-2.3.8: Extremely Low-Income Housing
and Housing for Persons with Special
Needs.
The City will continue to encourage
the development of adequate housing
to meet the needs of extremely low-
income households and persons
with special needs (such as the
elderly, victims of domestic violence,
and the disabled, including persons
with developmental disabilities).
Specifically, the City will consider the
following incentives:
• Provide financing assistance
using the Below Market-Rate
Affordable Housing Fund
(BMR AHF) and Community
Development Block Grant funds
(CDBG).
• Allow residential developments
to exceed planned density
maximums if they provide
special needs housing and
the increase in density will
not overburden neighborhood
streets or hurt neighborhood
character.
• Grant reductions in off-street
parking on a case-by-case
basis.
• Partner with and/or support
the funding application of
qualified affordable housing
developers for regional, state,
and federal affordable housing
funds, including HOME funds,
Low Income Housing Tax Credits
(LIHTC), and mortgage revenue
bond.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division and Housing Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required.
Quantified Objectives
N/A
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division and Housing Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
BMR AHF; CDBG; HOME
Quantified Objectives
N/A
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
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HE-2.3.9: Employee Housing.
The City permits employee housing in
multiple zoning districts. Pursuant to
the State Employee Housing Act, any
employee housing consisting of no
more than 36 beds in a group quarters
or 12 units or spaces designed for
use by a single family or household
shall be deemed an agricultural
land use. No conditional use permit,
zoning variance, or other zoning
clearance shall be required of this
employee housing that is not required
of any other agricultural activity
in the same zone. The permitted
occupancy in employee housing in a
zone allowing agricultural uses shall
include agricultural employees who
do not work on the property where
the employee housing is located.
The Employee Housing Act also
specifies that housing for six or fewer
employees be treated as a residential
use. The City amended the Zoning
Ordinance to be consistent with the
State law in 2014 and will continue to
comply with the Employee Housing Act
where it would apply.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division and Housing Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
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POLICY HE-3.1: HOUSING
REHABILITATION
Pursue and/or provide funding for the
acquisition/rehabilitation of housing
that is affordable to very low-, low-,
and moderate-income households.
Actively support and assist non-profit
and for-profit developers in producing
affordable units.
POLICY HE-3.2: MAINTENANCE AND
REPAIR
Assist lower-income homeowners and
rental property owners in maintaining
and repairing their housing units.
POLICY HE-3.3: CONSERVATION OF
HOUSING STOCK
The City’s existing multi-family units
provide opportunities for households
of varied income levels. Preserve
existing multi-family housing stock by
preventing the net loss of multi-family
housing units in new development and
the existing inventory of affordable
housing units that are at risk of
converting to market-rate housing.
STRATEGIES:
HE-3.3.1: Residential Rehabilitation.
The City will continue to:
• Utilize its Below Market-Rate
Affordable Housing Fund
(BMR AHF) and Community
Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds to support
residential rehabilitation
efforts in the community. These
include:
• Acquisition/rehabilitation of
rental housing.
• Rehabilitation of owner-
occupied housing.
• Provide assistance for home
safety repairs and mobility/
accessibility improvements
to income-qualified owner-
occupants using CDBG funds.
The focus of this strategy is
on the correction of safety
hazards. GOAL M-1 Actively participate in regional planning processes to coordinate local planning and to advocate for decisions that meet and complement the needs of CupertinoGOAL HE-3
Stable and physically sound residential
neighborhoods
MAINTAINING EXISTING HOUSING STOCK
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-33
• Partner with and/or support
the funding application of
qualified affordable housing
developers for regional, state,
and federal affordable housing
funds, including HOME funds,
Low Income Housing Tax Credits
(LIHTC), and mortgage revenue
bonds.
HE-3.3.2: Preservation of At-Risk
Housing Units.
One housing project – Beardon Drive
(eight units) – is considered at risk
of converting to market-rate housing
during the next ten years. The City will
proactively contact the property owner
regarding its intent to remain or opt
out of the affordable program. In the
event the project becomes at risk of
converting to market-rate housing, the
City will work with the property owner
or other interested nonprofit housing
providers to preserve the units. The
City will also conduct outreach to the
tenants to provide information on any
potential conversion and available
affordable housing assistance
programs.
The City will continue to monitor its
entire portfolio of affordable housing
for-sale and rental inventory annually.
The City will monitor its affordable
for-sale inventory by requiring Below
Market-Rate (BMR) homeowners
to submit proof of occupancy
such as utility bills, mortgage loan
documentation, homeowner’s
insurance, and property tax bills. The
City will further monitor its affordable
for-sale inventory by ordering title
company lot books, reviewing property
profile reports and updating its public
database annually. The City will
monitor its affordable rental inventory
by verifying proof of occupancy and
performing annual rental income
certifications for each BMR tenant.
The City records a Resale Restriction
Agreement against each affordable
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Housing Division; West Valley Community Services
Time Frame
Ongoing/annually publish RFPs to solicit projects
Funding Sources
BMR AHF; CDBG; HOME
Quantified Objectives
Rehabilitate five units per year for a total of 40 units
over eight years
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-34
BMR for-sale unit and a Regulatory
Agreement for BMR rental units to help
ensure long-term affordability. To help
further preserve the City’s affordable
housing stock, the City may consider
providing assistance to rehabilitate
and upgrade the affordable units as
well.
HE-3.3.3: Condominium Conversion.
The existing Condominium Conversion
Ordinance regulates the conversion
of rental units in multi-family housing
development in order to preserve the
rental housing stock. Condominium
conversions are not allowed if the
rental vacancy rate in Cupertino
and certain adjacent areas is less
than five percent at the time of the
application for conversion and has
averaged five percent over the past
six months. The City will continue
to monitor the effectiveness of this
ordinance in providing opportunities
for homeownership while preserving
a balanced housing stock with
rental housing.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Housing Division
Time Frame
Annually monitor status of affordable projects;
contact property owner of at risk project at least one
year in advance of potential conversion date.
Funding Sources
BMR AHF; CDBG; HOME
Quantified Objectives
N/A
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
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HE-3.3.4: Housing Preservation Program.
When a proposed development or
redevelopment of a site would cause
a loss of multi-family housing, the City
will grant approval only if:
• The project will comply with
the City’s Below Market-Rate
Program;
• The number of units provided
on the site is at least equal to
the number of existing units;
and
• Adverse impacts on displaced
tenants, in developments
with more than four units, are
mitigated.
In addition, indirect displacement may
be caused by factors such as increased
market rents as areas become more
desirable. The City will participate,
as appropriate, in studies of regional
housing need and displacement, and
consider policies or programs to
address the indirect displacement of
lower income residents as appropriate.
HE-3.3.5 Neighborhood and Community
Clean-Up Campaigns.
The City will continue to encourage and
sponsor neighborhood and community
clean-up campaigns for both public
and private properties.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division and Housing Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
General Funds
Quantified Objectives
N/A
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POLICY HE-4.1: ENERGY AND WATER
CONSERVATION
Encourage energy and water
conservation in all existing and new
residential development.
STRATEGIES:
HE-4.1.1: Enforcement of Title 24.
The City will continue to enforce
Title 24 requirements for energy
conservation and will evaluate
utilizing some of the other
suggestions as identified in
the Environmental Resources/
Sustainability element.GOAL M-1 Actively participate in regional planning processes to coordinate local planning and to advocate for decisions that meet and complement the needs of CupertinoGOAL HE-4
Energy and water conservation
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development
Department/Building Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
SUSTAINABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
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HE-4.1.2: Sustainable Practices.
The City will continue to implement
the Landscape Ordinance for water
conservation and the Green Building
Ordinance (adopted in 2013) that
applies primarily to new residential
and nonresidential development,
additions, renovations, and tenant
improvements of ten or more units.
To further the objectives of the
Green Building Ordinance, the City
will evaluate the potential to provide
incentives, such as waiving or
reducing fees, for energy conservation
improvements at affordable housing
projects (existing or new) with
fewer than ten units to exceed
the minimum requirements of the
California Green Building Code. This
City will also implement the policies
in its climate action plan to achieve
residential-focused greenhouse gas
emission reductions and further
these community energy and water
conservation goals.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division and Building Division
Time Frame
Ongoing; consider further incentives in 2015 to
encourage green building practices in smaller
developments
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
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POLICY HE-5.1: LOWER-INCOME AND
SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSEHOLDS
Support organizations that provide
services to lower-income households
and special need households in the
City, such as the homeless, elderly,
disabled and single parent households.
STRATEGIES:
HE-5.1.1: Emergency Shelters.
The City will continue to facilitate
housing opportunities for special
needs persons by allowing emergency
shelters as a permitted use in the
“BQ” Quasi-Public zoning district. The
City will subject emergency shelters
to the same development standards
as other similar uses within the
BQ zoning district, except for those
provisions permitted by State law and
provided in the Zoning Ordinance for
emergency shelters.
GOAL M-1 Actively participate in regional planning processes to coordinate local planning and to advocate for decisions that meet and complement the needs of CupertinoGOAL HE-5
Special services for lower-income and
special needs households
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Planning Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
LOWER INCOME AND SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSING
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-39
HE-5.1.2: Supportive Services for
Lower-Income Households and Persons
with Special Needs.
The City will continue to utilize
its Below Market-Rate Affordable
Housing Fund, Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funds, and General Fund Human
Service Grants (HSG) funds to provide
for a range of supportive services
for lower-income households and
persons with special needs.
HE-5.1.3: Rotating Homeless Shelter.
The City will continue to support the
operation of a Rotating Homeless
Shelter program.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Housing Division
Time Frame
Annually through the Action Plan funding application
process allocate CDBG and HSG to organizations
that cater to the needs of lower income and special
needs households
Funding Sources
BMR AHF; CDBG; HSG
Quantified Objectives
N/A
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Housing Division; Faith in Action
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-40 GOAL M-1 Actively participate in regional planning processes to coordinate local planning and to advocate for decisions that meet and complement the needs of CupertinoGOAL HE-6
Equal access to housing opportunities
POLICY HE-6.1: HOUSING
DISCRIMINATION
The City will work to eliminate
on a citywide basis all unlawful
discrimination in housing with respect
to age, race, sex, sexual orientation,
marital or familial status, ethnic
background, medical condition, or
other arbitrary factors, so that all
persons can obtain decent housing.
STRATEGY:
HE-6.1.1: Fair Housing Services.
The City will continue to:
• Provide fair housing services,
which include outreach,
education, counseling, and
investigation of fair housing
complaints.
• Retain a fair housing service
provider to provide direct
services for residents, landlords,
and other housing professionals.
• Coordinate with efforts of the
Santa Clara County Fair Housing
Consortium to affirmatively
further fair housing.
• Distribute fair housing
materials produced by various
organizations at public counters
and public events.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development/
Housing Division; Santa Clara County Fair Housing
Consortium; Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity
(ECHO)
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
BMR AHF; CCDBG
Quantified Objectives
N/A
FAIR HOUSING PRACTICES
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
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POLICY HE-7.1: COORDINATION WITH
LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS
The Cupertino community places a
high value on the excellent quality of
education provided by the three public
school districts which serve residents.
To ensure the long-term sustainability
of the schools in tandem with the
preservation and development of
vibrant residential areas, the City
will continue to coordinate with
the Cupertino Union School District
(CUSD), Fremont Union High School
District (FUHSD), and Santa Clara
Unified School District (SCUSD).
POLICY HE-7.2: COORDINATION WITH
REGIONAL EFFORTS TO ADDRESS
HOUSING-RELATED ISSUES
Coordinate efforts with regional
organizations, including ABAG and
the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District (BAAQMD), as well as
neighboring jurisdictions, to address
housing and related quality of life
issues (such as air quality and
transportation).
POLICY HE-7.3: PUBLIC-PRIVATE
PARTNERSHIPS
Promote public-private partnerships
to address housing needs in the
community, especially housing for the
workforce.
STRATEGY:
HE-7.3.1: Coordination with Outside
Agencies and Organizations.
The City recognizes the importance of
partnering with outside agencies and
organizations in addressing local and
regional housing issues.
These may include, but are not limited
to, the following:
• School districts
• Housing providers
• Neighboring jurisdictions
GOAL HE-7
Coordination with regional organizations and
local school districts
MAINTAINING EXISTING HOUSING STOCK
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
H-42
• Association of Bay Area
Governments (ABAG)
• Air Quality Management District
• Housing Trust Silicon Valley
• Santa Clara County Fair
Housing Consortium
• Santa Clara County HOME
Consortium
• Santa Clara County Continuum
of Care (COC)
• Housing Authority of Santa
Clara County (HASCC)
• Valley Transportation Authority
(VTA)
Specifically, the City will meet
with these agencies/organizations
periodically to discuss the changing
needs, development trends,
alternative approaches, and
partnering opportunities.
Responsible Agencies
Cupertino Department of Community Development
Planning Division and Housing Division
Time Frame
Ongoing
Funding Sources
None Required
Quantified Objectives
N/A
mobility 5
1
Cupertino’s transportation system is multi-faceted. It integrates walkways,
sidewalks, bicycle routes, bus transit facilities, local streets, major roadways
and freeways into a single, integrated system that supports the city’s
high quality of life. At the local level, this includes facilities that connect
neighborhoods with pedestrian, bicycle and automobile routes. Longer
distance connections include links to major boulevards, expressways,
commuter rail and the regional freeway system.
This Element includes goals, policies and strategies that the City will use in
making decisions regarding transportation network improvements needed to
accommodate Cupertino’s anticipated growth. The purpose for this Element
is to implement strategies that make alternative modes of transportation
attractive choices. This will help reduce strain on the automobile network and
improve health and quality of life for Cupertino residents and businesses.
Introduction
M-2 Introduction
M-3 Context
Regional Transportation
Planning
Link between Land Use and
Transportation
Complete Streets
Greenhouse Gases and
Transportation
Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Performance Measurement
Transportation Network
M-12 Looking Forward
M-13 Goals and Policies
Regional Coordination
Complete Streets
Walkability and Bikeability
Transit
Safe Routes to Schools
Vehicle Parking
Transportation Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and
Air Quality
Roadway System Efficiency
Transportation Infrastructure
CONTENTS:
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Cupertino’s circulation system was developed mostly in a suburban and auto-
oriented pattern during the 1950s and 1960s. Over the years, the City has
enhanced its roadway infrastructure with a system of bike lanes, trails, bridges,
better sidewalks and publicly accessible connections in new development.
Cupertino is also served by many important regional transportation facilities such
as Highway 85, Interstate 280, Lawrence Expressway, and bus transit service
provided by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).
The community anticipates reductions in auto traffic impacts, enhancements to
the walking and biking environment, improvements to existing transit service,
and connections to key transit nodes including Caltrain. As such, the goals in this
Element respond to current conditions and present policies to adequately address
future change.
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
Cupertino’s local transportation infrastructure is supplemented by regional
facilities and services through agencies such as the VTA, the local congestion-
management agency, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the
Bay Area’s regional transportation authority, and Caltrans, the State Department
of Transportation. Each agency has a long-term plan consisting of policies and
projects which are connected to the operational success of Cupertino’s local
transportation network. Key projects for these agencies include:
• Interchange Improvements at Interstate 280/Highway 85 (MTC–Plan
Bay Area)
• Stevens Creek Bus Rapid Transit (MTC–Plan Bay Area)
Regional transit service primarily includes bus lines operated by VTA that run
along the city’s major corridors, including Stevens Creek Boulevard, De Anza
Boulevard and Wolfe Road, and portions of Homestead Road, Stelling Road
and Tantau Avenue. Regional facilities include a bus transit station at De Anza
College and within the Vallco Shopping District. As new development projects are
proposed, the City will continue to identify opportunities for improvements to bus
stop facilities, such as the new Apple Campus 2 area at Wolfe Road, Homestead
Road and Tantau Avenue and the Main Street project at Tantau Avenue and
Stevens Creek Boulevard.
M-3
CONTEXT
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
M-4
A relatively new trend in regional commute transportation is the implementation
of private bus and shuttle services to connect workers and major employers
throughout the Bay Area. While currently this activity is not regulated or
organized among these employers, it is beneficial in the regional effort to reduce
the reliance on Single Occupancy Vehicles (SOVs).
The One Bay Area Grant Program is a new funding approach that better
integrates the region’s federal transportation program with California’s
landmark climate change law (Assembly Bill 32, 2006) and Sustainable
Communities Strategy program (Senate Bill 375, 2008). Funding distribution to
the counties considers progress toward achieving local land use and housing
policies by:
• Supporting the Sustainable Communities Strategy for the Bay Area by
promoting transportation investments in Priority Development Areas (PDAs);
and
• Providing a higher proportion of funding to local agencies and additional
investment flexibility to invest in bicycle and pedestrian improvements,
local streets and roadway preservation and planning activities, while also
providing specific funding opportunities for Safe Routes to School (SR2S)
and Priority Conservation Areas.
The goals and policies included in this Element and the Land Use and
Community Design Element seek to take advantage of regional planning and
funding efforts. They implement strategies that encourage the location of
future growth in Cupertino’s Priority Development Areas along Stevens Creek
Boulevard and portions of De Anza Boulevard, and by advocating for improved
service and improvements to regional infrastructure.
LINK BETWEEN LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION
In order to maintain and enhance the quality of life for Cupertino residents and
businesses, it is important to ensure that future growth does not overwhelm the
transportation network, identify ways to limit greenhouse gas emissions, and
improve the health of our community. Land use and mobility policies included
in the General Plan seek to do so by working together to focus future growth
along major mixed-use corridors and within PDAs. Mobility policies also seek to
improve the walking/biking environment and enhance transit to ensure that the
transportation network is accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
M-5
school children, the disabled and the elderly. These policies also promote
connectivity between neighborhoods and services, and between key nodes in
order to reduce reliance on the automobile as the sole mode of transportation.
COMPLETE STREETS
The California Complete Streets Act (2008) places the planning, designing
and building of “Complete Streets” into the larger planning framework of the
General Plan by requiring jurisdictions to plan for multi-modal transportation
networks. Complete Streets are designed and operated to enable safe access
for all users including pedestrians, bicyclists, the disabled, motorists, seniors,
users of public transportation and movers of commercial goods. These networks
allow people to effectively travel to key destinations within their community and
the larger region. In addition, all transportation projects should be evaluated
as to their ability to improve safety, access and mobility for all travelers and
recognize pedestrian, bicycle and transit modes as integral elements of their
transportation system.
Cupertino has already begun the work of reviewing the existing street network
and looking for new opportunities to improve alternative modes of transportation
through the construction of sidewalks, walking paths, bike lanes, trails and
bridges across pedestrian barriers, such as the Don Burnett Bridge at Mary
Avenue. The goals and policies in this Element seek to continue the work of
making enhancements to the transportation network to encourage all modes of
transportation.
GREENHOUSE GASES AND TRANSPORTATION
A major challenge of today is meeting the energy needs of a growing population
while also protecting air quality and natural resources. The majority of
greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to carbon dioxide emissions
from the transportation sector. A 2010 inventory of Cupertino’s community-
wide emissions shows that transportation accounts for almost 41 percent of
community-wide emissions. Therefore, reducing the number of automobile trips,
particularly from single-occupancy vehicles, can provide the greatest benefit in
reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Cupertino.
The goals and policies in this Element work in tandem with other General Plan
policies to address issues of sustainability, health and air quality by taking
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
advantage of opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Low-carbon
fuels, new and improved vehicle technologies, and land use strategies and
infrastructure improvements to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled can
reduce transportation-related emissions significantly.
PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS
Cupertino has made considerable strides improving walkability and bikeability
with new or improved bike lanes, sidewalks and pedestrian connections.
However, many older commercial areas and neighborhoods continue to lack a
pedestrian and bike-friendly environment where students can safely walk and
bike to school, and families can walk or bike to parks and nearby community
facilities and shopping. This was a consistent theme expressed by participants
during public workshops conducted as part of the General Plan Amendment.
Areas are generally considered walkable if people can safely walk to schools,
parks and services within a half mile (less than10-14 minutes) distance. A bike-
friendly city provides a network of streets and paths where people can bike
safely and conveniently to community facilities, employment and shopping. The
goals and policies of this Element, along with the City’s Bicycle Transportation
Plan and Pedestrian Plan, seek to further improve and enhance the walking
and biking environment through capital improvement projects, development
review, and retrofitting existing facilities within older commercial areas and
neighborhoods. Figure M-1 identifies existing and planned improvements to
bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the city.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
Senate Bill 743 (2013) created a process to change the way that transportation
impacts are analyzed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The
process helps achieve the State’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and traffic-related air pollution, promotes the development of a multi-modal
transportation system, and provides clean, efficient access to major destinations.
Specifically, the law requires an alternative to automobile level of service (LOS)
for evaluating transportation impacts. Particularly within areas served by transit,
alternative criteria are required to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions, the development of multi-modal transportation networks, and a
diversity of land uses.
M-6
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
M-7
Like many cities, Cupertino has used LOS as a performance measure to evaluate
traffic impacts. Historically, this has led cities to focus entirely on improvements
to auto infrastructure, often to the detriment of other modes of transportation.
Consistent with State law, this Element seeks to look at performance measures
that balance the needs of all modes of transportation, including automobile,
walking, biking and transit. Such new measures can range from looking at
vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as a measure of balancing land uses to reviewing
seconds of delay for all travel modes as a measure of impacts to traffic. This will
allow the City to develop and maintain a Transportation Improvement Plan that
includes pedestrian, bicycle, transit and automobile network enhancements, and
Transportation Systems Management (TSM) and Travel Demand Management
(TDM) measures to improve efficiency of the network.
TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
Cupertino’s transportation network consists of a variety of street types and
pathways. The network determines not only how various land uses are
connected but also the modes of transportation used by people to access
them. Table M-1 defines the various street types and paths in terms of their
character, adjoining current and future land uses, modes of travel that they
currently support, and improvements needed to enhance access for all modes of
transportation.
Close alignment of the City’s Capital Improvement Program with Community
Vision 2040 priorities will allow the City to strategically plan and direct resources
to develop this multi-modal transportation infrastructure. Figure M-2 shows the
geographical locations of the major roadways.
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD TANTAU Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Heart of the City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
* Note: see Complete Streets policy for implementation
Bike Lanes on Street
Bike Paths Off Street
Bike Route
Right of Way Public Access
N
LU-1
FIGURE M-1
CURRENT (2014) AND PROPOSED BICYCLE NETWORK
M-8
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
MANAGEMENT (TSM)
TSM is an approach to congestion mitigation that identifies improvements to enhance the
capacity of existing roadways through better operations. These techniques help improve traffic
flow, air quality and movement of vehicles and goods, as well as enhance system accessibility
and safety. TSM strategies are low-cost and effective, and typically include: intersection and
signal improvements; data collection to monitor system performance; and/or special events
management strategies.
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND
MANAGEMENT (TDM)
TDM seeks to reduce travel demand (specifically that of single-occupancy car) by encouraging
other modes of travel through requirements and/or incentives. TDM strategies typically include:
commute trip reduction programs; parking policies; and/or incentives to take transit or other
modes of transportation.
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table M-1: Street Typology
Type Mode(s) of
Transportation Guidelines
Freeway Limited access, part of a regional and/or State network subject to State design standards.
Expressway Limited access, regional and part of a county network subject to County design standards.
Boulevard (Arterial)Access and safe crossing for all modes of travel along a regional transportation corridor. May include medians to separate directional travel.
City or multi-jurisdictional design standards apply.
Main Street Balances all modes of transportation, includes on-street parking and connects to highly pedestrian-oriented uses. Vehicular performance
measures may be lowered to prioritize walking and biking.
Avenue (Major and Minor Collector)Connector that distributes trips to commercial and residential areas from boulevards, and provides balanced levels of service for auto, bikes and pedestrians.
Neighborhood Connector Primarily serves and connects neighborhoods and neighborhood services, and facilitates safe walking and biking. May contain elements
of Avenues including landscaped median or bus service.
Residential Street Provides access to low-intensity residential uses, prioritizes walking and biking, and are typically good candidates for traffic calming.
Regional Pedestrian/Bike Pathway Part of regional network providing high quality pedestrian and bike paths to connect to other regional destinations.
Local Pedestrian/Bike Pathway Connects to regional network but part of local infrastructure, provides quality pedestrian and bike paths connecting local destinations.
M-10
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
ALVES DRMARY AVELAZANZEO DR
RODRIGUES A V E
PACIFICA DR
BARNHART AVE
KIRWIN LNORANGE AVEVISTA DRMIRA VISTA RDGREENLEAF DR
FINCH AVEPHARLAP AVEVOSS AVE PORTAL AVEMANN DRCOLUMBUS AVE
HYANNISPORT DR
LINDA VISTA DRSunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Freeway and Expressways
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Boulevards (Arterials)
Avenues (Major Collectors)
Neighborhood Connectors
N
Main Street
Avenues (Minor Collectors)
LU-1
FIGURE M-2
CIRCULATION NETWORK
M-11
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LOOKING FORWARD
Maintaining Cupertino’s great quality of life – including convenient access, clean
air, and reduced traffic – requires careful management of growth. The City will
identify ways to locate appropriate land uses along major mixed-use corridors,
improving overall access and connectivity, enhancing the attractiveness of non-
vehicular transportation modes, and reducing demand on the roadway network.
The following are ways the City will address key challenges and opportunities
facing Cupertino:
BETTER LINKAGES BETWEEN LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION.
How we use our land directly impacts our transportation facilities,
modes of travel and vice versa. A primary cornerstone of Community
Vision 2040 is to focus growth on major mixed-use corridors; support
alternate modes of transportation including walking, biking and transit;
and encourage a mix of compatible and complementary uses on key
sites. These strategies will allow the City to manage growth with reduced
traffic, air quality and greenhouse gas impacts.
IMPROVED REGIONAL COORDINATION.
The City should continue to participate in regional projects and
infrastructure planning to ensure consistency with local planning, and
pursue funding for City transportation projects.
ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY.
A key objective of the City is to improve connections through streetscape
and pathway improvements to ensure that the community enjoys
easy walking and biking access to services including parks, schools
and shopping. Other strategies seek to supplement existing modes of
transportation such as community shuttles through partnerships and
agreements and providing links between key transportation nodes.
REDUCED DEMAND.
The strategies in this Element seek to reduce demand on the City’s
roadway infrastructure through careful land use planning, encourage
alternative modes of transportation and utilize best practices in
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Transportation Systems
Management (TSM).
1
2
3
4
M-12
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
M-13
POLICY M-1.1: REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
Participate in regional transportation
planning processes to develop
programs consistent with the goals and
policies of Cupertino’s General Plan
and to minimize adverse impacts on
the City’s circulation system. Work with
neighboring cities to address regional
transportation and land use issues of
mutual interest.
POLICY M-1.2: TRANSPORTATION IMPACT
ANALYSIS
Participate in the development of
new multi-modal analysis methods
and impact thresholds as required by
Senate Bill 743. However, until such
impact thresholds are developed,
continue to optimize mobility for all
modes of transportation while striving
to maintain the following intersection
Levels of Service (LOS) at a.m. and p.m.
peak traffic hours:
• Major intersections: LOS D
• Stevens Creek Boulevard and De
Anza Boulevard: LOS E+
• Stevens Creek Boulevard and
Stelling Road: LOS E+
• De Anza Boulevard and Bollinger
Road: LOS E+
POLICY M-1.3: REGIONAL TRAIL
DEVELOPMENT
Continue to plan and provide for a
comprehensive system of trails and
pathways consistent with regional
systems, including the Bay Trail,
Stevens Creek Corridor and Ridge Trail.
REGIONAL COORDINATION
Regional transportation and land use decisions affect the operation of the
transportation network in Cupertino. A key consideration of the General Plan is for
the City to participate in regional planning initiatives in order to coordinate local
improvements with regional initiatives, advocate for Cupertino’s needs, and take
advantage of programs that can support Cupertino’s transportation infrastructure.
GOAL M-1
Actively participate in regional planning
processes to coordinate local planning and
to advocate for decisions that meet and
complement the needs of Cupertino
GOAL M-1
Actively participate in regional planning
processes to coordinate local planning and
to advocate for decisions that meet and
complement the needs of Cupertino
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
COMPLETE STREETS
Complete Streets policies encourage the design of streets that respond to
the needs of all members of the community, balance different modes of
transportation, promote the health and well-being of the community, and support
environmental sustainability.
M-14
POLICY M-2.1: STREET DESIGN
Adopt and maintain street design
standards to optimize mobility for
all transportation modes including
automobiles, walking, bicycling and
transit.
POLICY M-2.2: ADJACENT LAND USE
Design roadway alignments, lane
widths, medians, parking and bicycle
lanes, crosswalks and sidewalks
to complement adjacent land uses
in keeping with the vision of the
Planning Area. Strive to minimize
adverse impacts and expand
alternative transportation options
for all Planning Areas (Special Areas
and Neighborhoods). Improvement
standards shall also consider
the urban, suburban and rural
environments found within the city.
STRATEGIES:
M-2.2.1: Rural Road Improvement
Standards.
Consider candidate rural roads and
develop specific street improvement
standards that preserve the rural
character of these streets. Rural
roads would typically feature natural
landscaping, no sidewalks and narrow
unpaved shoulders.
M-2.2.2: Semi-Rural Road Improvement
Standards.
Consider candidate semi-rural roads
where curb and gutter improvements,
and no sidewalks, are appropriate.
GOAL M-2
Promote improvements to city streets that
safely accommodate all transportation
modes and persons of all abilities
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
M-15
M-2.2.3: Urban Road Improvement
Standards.
Develop urban improvement
standards for arterials such
as Stevens Creek and De Anza
Boulevards. In these areas, standards
may include wide sidewalks, tree
wells, seating, bike racks and
appropriate street furniture.
M-2.2.4: Suburban Road Improvement
Standards.
Develop suburban road improvement
standards for all streets not
designated as rural, semi-rural or in
the Crossroads Area.
POLICY M-2.3: CONNECTIVITY
Promote pedestrian and bicycle
improvements that improve
connectivity between planning areas,
neighborhoods and services, and
foster a sense of community.
POLICY M-2.4: COMMUNITY IMPACTS
Reduce traffic impacts and support
alternative modes of transportation
rather than constructing barriers
to mobility. Do not close streets
unless there is a demonstrated safety
or over-whelming through traffic
problem and there are no acceptable
alternatives since street closures
move the problem from one street to
another.
POLICY M-2.5: PUBLIC ACCESSIBILITY
Ensure all new public and private
streets are publicly accessible to
improve walkability and reduce
impacts on existing streets.
POLICY M-2.6: TRAFFIC CALMING
Consider the implementation of best
practices on streets to reduce speeds
and make them user-friendly for
alternative modes of transportation,
including pedestrians and bicyclists.
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
M-16
WALKABILITY AND BIKEABILITY
Walkability and bikeability policies encourage a livable, healthy, sustainable
and connected city with a safe and comfortable pedestrian network among its
various neighborhoods, parks, trails, employment centers, community facilities,
neighborhood centers and commercial centers.
POLICY M-3.1: BICYCLE AND
PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN
Adopt and maintain a Bicycle and
Pedestrian master plan, which outlines
policies and improvements to streets,
extension of trails, and pathways to
create a safe way for people of all ages
to bike and walk on a daily basis, and
as shown in Figure M-1.
POLICY M-3.2: DEVELOPMENT
Require new development and
redevelopment to increase
connectivity through direct and safe
pedestrian connections to public
amenities, neighborhoods, shopping
and employment destinations
throughout the city.
POLICY M-3.3: PEDESTRIAN AND
BICYCLE CROSSINGS
Enhance pedestrian and bicycle
crossings and pathways at key
locations across physical barriers such
as creeks, highways and road barriers.
POLICY M-3.4: STREET WIDTHS
Preserve and enhance citywide
pedestrian and bike connectivity by
limiting street widening purely for
automobiles as a means of improving
traffic flow.
POLICY M-3.5: CURB CUTS
Minimize the number and the width of
driveway openings.
GOAL M-3
Support a safe pedestrian and bicycle street
network for people of all ages and abilities
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
STRATEGIES:
M-3.5.1: Shared Driveway Access.
Encourage property owners to
use shared driveway access and
interconnected roads within blocks,
where feasible. Require driveway
access closures, consolidations or
both when a site is remodeled or
redeveloped.
M-3.5.2: Direct Access from Secondary
Streets.
Encourage property with frontages
on major and secondary streets to
provide direct access to driveways
from the secondary street.
POLICY M-3.6: SAFE SPACES FOR
PEDESTRIANS
Require parking lots to include
clearly defined paths for pedestrians
to provide a safe path to building
entrances.
POLICY M-3.7: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM
Plan for improvements to pedestrian
and bicycle facilities and eliminate
gaps along the pedestrian and bicycle
network as part of the City’s Capital
Improvement Program.
POLICY M-3.8: BICYCLE PARKING
Require new development and
redevelopment to provide public and
private bicycle parking.
POLICY M-3.9: OUTREACH
Actively engage the community in
promoting walking and bicycling
through education, encouragement
and outreach on improvement projects
and programs.
POLICY M-3.10: PROACTIVE
ENFORCEMENT
Prioritize enforcement of traffic
speeds and regulations on all streets
with bike lanes, bike routes, and
around schools.
M-17
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
M-18
TRANSIT
Transit policies encourage planning and coordination of regional and local transit
services, both public and private, to accommodate diverse community needs and
to make transit a safe, comfortable and efficient option
POLICY M-4.1: TRANSIT AGENCIES
Coordinate with VTA to improve
transportation service, infrastructure
and access in the city, and to connect
to transportation facilities such as
Caltrain and VTA light rail stations.
POLICY M-4.2: LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES
Create or partner with transit
providers, employers, educational
institutions, and major commercial
entities to minimize gaps within local
transportation services.
POLICY M-4.3: CONNECTING SPECIAL
AREAS
Identify and implement new or
enhanced transit services to connect
all Special Areas as identified in
Figure PA-1 (Chapter 2: Planning
Areas).
POLICY M-4.4: TRANSIT FACILITIES
WITH NEW DEVELOPMENT
Work with VTA and/or major
developments to ensure all new
development projects include
amenities to support public transit
including bus stop shelters, space for
transit vehicles as appropriate and
attractive amenities such as trash
receptacles, signage, seating and
lighting.
GOAL M-4
Promote local and regional transit that
is efficient, frequent and convenient and
reduces traffic impacts
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY M-4.5: ACCESS TO TRANSIT
SERVICES
Support right-of-way design and
amenities consistent with local transit
goals to improve transit as a viable
alternative to driving.
POLICY M-4.6: BUS AND SHUTTLE
PROGRAMS
Work with large regional employers
and private commuter bus/shuttle
programs to provide safe pick-up,
drop-off, and park and rides in order to
reduce single occupancy vehicle trips.
POLICY M-4.7: VALLCO SHOPPING
DISTRICT TRANSFER STATION
Work with VTA and/or other
transportation service organizations
to study and develop a transit transfer
station that incorporates a hub for
alternative transportation services
such as, car sharing, bike sharing and/
or other services.
M-19
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
M-20
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
Safe routes to schools policies protect the safety of school children and promote
health, environmental sustainability and social interaction. They leverage local,
regional and national Safe Routes to Schools Program resources to support
increased walking and bicycling to schools.
POLICY M-5.1: SAFE ROUTES TO
SCHOOLS
Promote Safe Routes to Schools
programs for all schools serving the
city.
STRATEGIES:
M-5.1.1. Coordination with School
Districts.
Coordinate with the School Districts
to develop plans and programs that
encourage car/van-pooling, stagger
hours of adjacent schools, establish
drop-off locations, and encourage
walking and bicycling to school.
M-5.1.2. Teen Commission.
Encourage the Teen Commission to
work with schools to encourage year-
round programs to incentivize walking
and biking to school.
POLICY M-5.2: PRIORITIZING PROJECTS
Ensure that bicycle and pedestrian
safety improvements include projects
to enhance safe accessibility to
schools.
POLICY M-5.3: CONNECTIONS TO TRAILS
Connect schools to the citywide trail
system.
POLICY M-5.4: EDUCATION
Support education programs that
promote safe walking and bicycling to
schools.
GOAL M-5
Ensure safe and efficient pedestrian and
bicycle access to schools while working to
reduce school-related congestion
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY M-6.1: PARKING CODES
Maintain efficient and updated parking
standards to ensure that development
provides adequate parking, both on-
street and off-street depending on the
characteristics of the development,
while also reducing reliance on the
automobile.
POLICY M-6.2: OFF-STREET PARKING
Ensure new off-street parking is
properly designed and efficiently used.
VEHICLE PARKING
Vehicle parking policies encourage efficient and adequate parking, avoid negative
effects on the pedestrian environment or surrounding neighborhoods, and
support the City’s goals for Complete Streets, walkability, bikeability and effective
transit.
M-21
GOAL M-6
Promote innovative strategies to provide
efficient and adequate vehicle parking
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
M-22
TRANSPORTATION IMPACT ANALYSIS
Transportation Impact Analysis policies enable effective, informed transportation
planning by using a more balanced system of indicators, data and monitoring to
evaluate the city’s multi-modal transportation system and optimize travel by all
transportation modes.
POLICY M-7.1: MULTI-MODAL
TRANSPORTATION IMPACT ANALYSIS
Follow guidelines set by the VTA
related to transportation impact
analyses, while conforming to State
goals for multi-modal performance
targets.
POLICY M-7.2: PROTECTED
INTERSECTIONS
Consider adopting a Protected
Intersection policy, which would
identify intersections where
improvements would not be
considered, which would degrade
levels of service for non-vehicular
modes of transportation. Potential
locations include intersections in
Priority Development Areas (PDAs)
and other areas where non-vehicular
transportation is a key consideration,
such as, near shopping districts,
schools, parks and senior citizen
developments.
GOAL M-7
Review and update TIA policies and
guidelines that allow for adequate
consideration for all modes of
transportation including automobiles,
walking, bicycles and transit
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY M-8.1: GREENHOUSE GAS
EMISSIONS
Promote transportation policies
that help to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
POLICY M-8.2: LAND USE
Support development and
transportation improvements that help
reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by reducing per capita Vehicle Miles
Traveled (VMT), reducing impacts
on the City’s transportation network
and maintaining the desired levels of
service for all modes of transportation.
POLICY M-8.3: TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT (TSM)
PROGRAMS
Employ TSM strategies to improve
efficiency of the transportation
infrastructure including strategic
right-of-way improvements,
intelligent transportation systems
and optimization of signal timing to
coordinate traffic flow.
POLICY M-8.4: TRANSPORTATION
DEMAND MANAGEMENT (TDM)
PROGRAMS
Require large employers, including
colleges and schools, to develop and
maintain TDM programs to reduce
vehicle trips generated by their
employees and students and develop a
tracking method to monitor results.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND AIR QUALITY
Greenhouse gas emissions and air quality policies in this Element work in tandem
with other General Plan policies to reduce municipal and community-wide
greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality throughout Cupertino.
M-23
GOAL M-8
Promote policies to help achieve state,
regional and local air quality and
greenhouse gas emission reduction targets
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
M-24
POLICY M-8.5: DESIGN OF NEW
DEVELOPMENTS
Encourage new commercial
developments to provide shared office
facilities, cafeterias, daycare facilities,
lunchrooms, showers, bicycle parking,
home offices, shuttle buses to transit
facilities and other amenities that
encourage the use of transit, bicycling
or walking as commute modes to
work. Provide pedestrian pathways
and orient buildings to the street to
encourage pedestrian activity.
POLICY M-8.6: ALTERNATIVE FUEL
CHARGING STATIONS
Develop a city-wide strategy to
encourage the construction of
a network of public and private
alternative fuel vehicle charging/
fueling stations.
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE AND COMMUNITY CHARACTER ELEMENT | cupertino community vision 2040
POLICY M-9.1: EFFICIENT AUTOMOBILE
INFRASTRUCTURE
Strive to maximize the efficiency of
existing infrastructure by locating
appropriate land uses along
roadways and retrofitting streets
to be accessible for all modes of
transportation.
POLICY M-9.2: REDUCED TRAVEL
DEMAND
Promote effective TDM programs for
existing and new development.
POLICY M-9.3: STREET WIDTH
Except as required by environmental
review for new developments, limit
widening of streets as a means of
improving traffic efficiency and focus
instead on operational improvements
to preserve community character.
STRATEGIES:
M-9.3.1. Wolfe Road Overcrossing.
Consider alternate designs for the
Wolfe Road/I-280 Interchange (e.g.,
from partial cloverleaf design to
diamond design) when evaluating
the need to widen the freeway
overcrossing.
M-9.3.2. Streetscape Design.
When reviewing the widening of an
existing street, consider aesthetically
pleasing enhancements and amenities
to improve the safe movement of
pedestrians and bicyclists in keeping
with the vision of the Planning Area.
ROADWAY SYSTEM EFFICIENCY
Roadway system efficiency policies make effective use of roadway capacity
by encouraging strategic roadway improvements and complementary policies
promoting transit, walking, bicycling and complete streets.
M-25
GOAL M-9
Promote effective and efficient use of the
city's transportation network and services
CHAPTER 5: MOBILITY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
M-26
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Transportation infrastructure policies promote safe, attractive and well-
maintained facilities for walking, bicycling, transit and automobiles.
POLICY M-10.1: TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Develop and implement an updated
citywide transportation improvement
plan necessary to accommodate
vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle
transportation improvements to meet
the City’s needs.
POLICY M-10.2: TRANSPORTATION
IMPACT FEE
Ensure sustainable funding levels for
the Transportation Improvement Plan
by enacting a transportation impact
fee for new development.
POLICY M-10.3: MULTI-MODAL
IMPROVEMENTS
Integrate the financing, design and
construction of pedestrian and bicycle
facilities with street projects. Build
pedestrian and bicycle improvements
at the same time as improvements
for vehicular circulation to enable
travelers to transition from one mode
of transportation to another (e.g.,
bicycle to bus).
POLICY M-10.4: ROADWAY
MAINTENANCE FUNDING
Identify and secure new funding
sources to fund the on-going routine
maintenance of roadways.
GOAL M-10
Ensure that the City's transportation
infrastructure is well-maintained for all
modes of transportation and that projects
are prioritized on their ability to meet the
City's mobilities goals
environmental
resources and
sustainability 6
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
ES-2
Cupertino’s long-term environmental, economic and social prosperity
depends on ensuring that land use planning and development recognizes the
link between the built and natural environments. Today, more than half the
planet’s population live in either a city or suburb, and it is projected that by
2050 more than 80 percent of all people will live within urban areas. Water
and other natural resources that support cities originates in natural areas,
which have become places of vast resource extraction to feed the needs
of a growing human population. As a result, once “untouched” and pristine
ecological systems have become strained by the enormous impact of
human activity.
To support these growing urban and suburban populations, while seeking to
mitigate their continued demands on our landscape, cities need to identify
and systemically prioritize ways because human activity has such a large
impact on the environment, cities need to identify ways to protect and restore
natural ecosystems through land use decisions, building designs and resource
conservation. This entails that community guardians and planners apply
the principals of sustainability, only achieved by embedding social equity,
economic and the environmental considerations throughout the development
process, including mobility, infrastructure, water and energy use, buildings,
streetscape and landscape, and land use planning.
This Element includes goals, policies and strategies that help Cupertino think
more holistically about sustainability, and in doing so, improve the ecological
health and the quality of life for the community.
Introduction
ES-2 Introduction
ES-3 Context
Climate Change
Air Quality
Energy
Buildings
Natural Resources
Mineral Resources
Water
ES-12 Looking Forward
ES-13 Goals and Policies
Planning and Regional Coordination
Energy Sustainability
Sustainable Buildings
Air Quality
Urban and Rural Ecosystems
Mineral Resources
Water
CONTENTS:
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
CLIMATE CHANGE
In 2006, the California Legislature and Governor took significant steps to address
climate change concerns with the passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act
(AB 32). The law set a target to reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions to
1990 levels by year 2020. In addition, the Governor also signed Executive Order
S-3-05 that required California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 80
percent below the 1990 levels by year 2050.
Many initiatives at the State, regional and local levels are being implemented to
help achieve these goals. These include:
• The Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (SB
375) supports the State’s climate action goals to reduce GHG emissions
through coordinated transportation and land use planning. Each of
California’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations must prepare a
Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) as an integral part of its Regional
Transportation Plan (RTP) to achieve these targets. For the nine-county Bay
Area, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission (MTC) have prepared the One Bay Area Plan as
its SCS. This plan contains land use, housing and transportation strategies
that allow the region to meet its GHG reduction targets.
• The One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program, which implements transportation
funding in coordination with the strategies in the One Bay Area Plan.
• The City is in the process of completing its Climate Action Plan (CAP), which
aims to address GHG reductions per the targets set in AB 32 and S-3-05. The
CAP is based on 2040 growth projections for Cupertino. It aims to capture the
shortfall projected from State initiatives by identifying policies and strategies
to reduce GHG at a municipal and community-wide level.
CONTEXT
ES-3
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
AIR QUALITY
Clean air is a basic need for human and environmental health. Air pollution
comes from both mobile sources (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes) and stationary
sources (e.g., agricultural and industrial uses). Air quality standards are
established by both the State Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has
the responsibility to create strategies and monitor the targets set by State and
Federal standards for the Bay Area. Due to air quality planning efforts, regional
air quality has improved significantly over the past several decades, even though
the population, traffic and industrialization have increased.
BAAQMD’s 2010 Clean Air Plan works in tandem with the One Bay Area Plan
and identifies strategies to address four categories of pollutants including
ground-level ozone, particulate matter, air toxics and GHG. The City’s CAP aims
to capture the shortfall projected from State initiatives to reduce GHG at a
municipal and community-wide level. While standards are a key component
in improving air quality, the City’s approach towards land use, mobility,
infrastructure and operations can have a huge impact.
ENERGY
Energy consumption in the United States and in Cupertino is mainly fossil-
fuel based (e.g., coal, oil, natural gas, etc.). The continuously rising cost of
energy production, together with diminishing non-renewable fossil fuels, has
necessitated a change towards reduction and efficient use of fossil fuels, and
identifying and increasing the use of alternative, renewable energy sources.
Energy providers are also looking to move their portfolio towards alternative
energy sources including wind turbine, nuclear and solar generation. The
diminishing cost of installing smaller solar power generation systems is
encouraging the increased use of such facilities by consumers. Additionally,
strides in automobile technology utilizing electric batteries and improvements
to the network of charging stations allows users confidence in the use of electric
cars. Finally, rising energy costs and Federal and State standards on energy
usage are encouraging more people to replace existing appliances and other
equipment with more energy efficient equipment.
ES-4
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Cupertino has continued to express its commitment to conserving energy by
improving municipal operations in order to reduce energy use (e.g., retrofitting
or replacing street equipment, vehicles and facilities), and providing resources
and information to professionals, residents, businesses and schools to achieve
energy and associated cost savings.
BUILDINGS
The 2010 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for Cupertino indicates that
buildings account for about 55 percent of GHG emissions in the city. This means
that State and local efforts towards energy conservation in buildings can
significantly affect the community’s air quality. While green building strategies
can effectively target GHG, they also improve the health of occupants, preserve
habitat and natural landscapes, reduce water pollution and conserve other
natural resources. State and local efforts to encourage green buildings include
the following:
• The State routinely updates building code standards to include new energy
conservation and green building concepts. The 2013 CalGreen Building
Code outlines mandatory and voluntary measures to encourage sustainable
practices in all aspects of construction such as planning and design; energy
and water efficiency and conservation; material conservation; resource
efficiency; and environmental quality.
• Cupertino has adopted a Green Building Ordinance that ensures that new
buildings and renovations exceed the sustainability and ecological standards
set by the State.
NATURAL RESOURCES
BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity refers to the diversity, or variety, of plants and animals in a
particular ecosystem, area or region. Cupertino’s commitment to sustainability
includes sustaining the diversity of species in each ecosystem as we plan for
human activities that affect the use of land and natural resources. Cupertino’s
ecosystem ranges from the urban environment in the flatlands to semi-rural
and rural environment in the western foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
ES-5
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
The City has always recognized the importance of sustaining biodiversity in the
foothills and along riparian corridors. However, a commitment to sustainability
will require a different way of thinking about the urban ecosystem. The City has
already preserved an 18-acre site and restored creek habitat right in the city
to maintain biodiversity and ecological integrity of our local natural systems.
The City is now looking at opportunities in the built and natural environment to
sustain and enhance biodiversity.
URBAN ECOSYSTEMS
While an urban environment can be stressful for some species due to pollution
and habitat fragmentation, others may thrive in this environment because
humans create favorable microhabitats or abundant resources for them.
Modified habitats including greenhouses, basements, compost piles and green
roofs can help certain plant and animal species thrive better than in natural
environments. As Cupertino continues to change and grow, the City is committed
to enhancing the urban ecosystem in the form of urban forestry management,
integration of green infrastructure, treatment of parks and open space,
landscape and building requirements.
RURAL ECOSYSTEMS
Cupertino’s rural plant and animal resources are located in the relatively
undeveloped western foothills and mountains, near the Rancho San Antonio
Open Space Preserve and along Stevens Creek. Each ecosystem of vegetation
provides food and shelter to support a variety of wildlife. The diversity of plant
and animal life supported in different ecosystems is identified in Table ES-1 and
Figure ES-1.
ES-6
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Ecosystem Location Plant Resources Animal Resources
Riparian • Grows along stream courses • Valuable habitat for wildlife due to presence of water, lush vegetation and high insect populations
• Stevens Creek• Permanente Creek• Regnart Creek• Heney Creek• Calabazas Creek
• Willow• California Buckeye• Coast Live Oak• Coyote Brush• Poison Oak• California blackberry
Relatively undisturbed riparian areas support a wide variety of wildlife species including:• Amphibians• Reptiles• Birds• Mammals
Grasslands• Composed primarily of non-native grasses • Formerly used as pasture
• Occur on lower slopes of western foothills • Scattered locations on higher elevations in Montebello Ridge system
• Wild oat• Clover• Rye grass• Vetch• Spring wild flower bloom (such as California Poppy,
Plantago or Owl Clover)
Reptilian and mammal species adapted to dry conditions including:• Western Fence Lizard• Western Rattlesnake• Common King Snake
• Burrowing rodents (such as Meadow mice or California ground squirrel
Brushlands• Scrubby, dense vegetation that often integrates with Woodlands
• Found on dry, rocky and steep slopes • Coyote brush• Poison oak• California sage• Ceanothus
• Mule deer• Brush rabbit• Bobcat• Coyote
Foothill Woodlands and Forests• Scattered Oak trees with an undergrowth in some areas of plants • Large trees
• Foothills• Higher elevations • Oak trees• Mixed Hardwood trees• Evergreens including redwoods
• Insect/seed eating birds and mammals• Raptors, including owls• Large mammals including deer, coyote
Table ES-1: Plant and Animal Resources
ES-7
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) SantaCruz
C
ountySantaClaraCounty Riparian
Intermitant
Riparian
Wet Soil
Grassland
Riparian
Flowing
Riparian
Flowing
Grassland
Foothill
Woodland
Quarry
Quarry
Grass-land
Riparian
Intermitant
Deciduous Forest
Foothill
Woodland
Deciduous Forest / Chaparral
Grassland
Grassland
RiparianPermanent
Mixed
Evergreen Forest
Chaparral
Coniferous
Forest
Grassland
Quarry
Riparian
IntermitantFOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAStevens Creek
Reservoir
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Forest
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
N
LU-1
FIGURE ES-1
VEGETATION
ES-8
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
MINERAL RESOURCES
The State of California, recognizing the value of preserving mineral deposits to
achieve a more sustainable future, enacted the Surface Mining and Reclamation
Act (SMARA) in 1975. The objective of SMARA is to assist local governments in
conserving mineral deposits for future use.
There are several mineral resource areas located both in Cupertino’s sphere of
influence and within the city limit. These mineral resource areas are shown in
Figure ES-2. The figure identifies natural resource areas that will be conserved
for future extraction, which are outside of the city limits.
Two quarries within the city’s sphere of influence, Hanson Permanente and
Stevens Creek, have been designated by the State as having mineral deposits of
regional or state significance. These quarries are located in the unincorporated
area outside city limits, and therefore, Santa Clara County has regulatory
jurisdiction. The County’s mineral resource policies are directed toward
preserving existing resource areas and, where feasible, designating new areas
and expanding existing sites.
The McDonald-Dorsa quarry, which used to operate south of the Deep Cliff Golf
Course and Linda Vista Park, was closed in the 1970s and is not a current source
of minerals. The site has since been designated as residential, while the portion
that is now Linda Vista Park is designated for parks and open space. However,
since it was closed prior to SMARA, redevelopment in the area should address
soils stabilization and reclamation issues.
ES-9
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Mineral Resource Areas
Urban / Low Density
Hillside BoundarySource: State of California
Resources Agency.
Department of Conservation.
Los Altos
MRZ-2 Areas where adequate
information indicates that significant
mineral deposits are present, or
where it is judged that a high
likelihood for their presence exists.
MRZ-3 Areas containing mineral
deposits the significance of which
cannot be evaluated from available
data.
2
3
Urban / Suburban
Developed -
Unsuitable
for
Extraction
Low Density
Hillside -
Incompatible
with
Extraction
Unincorporated
Area Outside the
Urban Service Area
is Appropriate
for Conservation
and Future
Extraction
3
3
2
3
3
Depleted2
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Heart of the City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
N
LU-1
FIGURE ES-2
MINERAL RESOURCES
ES-10
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
WATER
Cupertino’s sustainable future is, in part, dependent upon the supply and use of
water as well as the effective management of natural watershed resources. In
recent years, water resource management has moved away from supply side
efforts (e.g., creation of dams and reservoirs) to managing how water is used.
In particular, this includes emphasizing conservation, stormwater treatment
and efficiency in infrastructure planning, design and construction of buildings,
and land use planning. The following is a list of existing State, regional and local
efforts towards water conservation.
• The Santa Clara Valley Water District is the groundwater management
agency in Santa Clara County. The Santa Clara Valley Groundwater sub-basin
provides approximately half of the total county water demands. The District
works to maximize water supply, protect the basins from contamination and
ensure that groundwater supply is sustained.
• The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)
implements the Clean Water Act for the Bay Area region including the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Storm
Water permit which regulates both point source and non-point source
pollutants to improve ground water resources and reduce pollution in the
bay. This program is discussed in detail in the Infrastructure Element.
• Senate Bill X7-7 was enacted in November 2009, requiring all water
suppliers to increase water use efficiency and sets a goal of reducing per
capita urban water use by 20 percent by 2020. The bill includes a short-term
target of a 10 percent reduction in per capita urban water use by 2015.
• The City of Cupertino has adopted a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and
Green Building Ordinance to ensure that the city can meet State and regional
targets.
ES-11
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LOOKING FORWARD
Future growth and change in Cupertino provides both a challenge and an
opportunity for the City and community. Cupertino is blessed with an abundance
of natural and urban ecosystems. In the past, the City has relied on a limited
toolkit of policies to ensure that growth and development do not negatively impact
natural resources. Great strides have been made in the last decade to promote
sustainability, and community support for these initiatives has been growing.
In response, the City has created a suite of services and policies, to ensure our
community’s growth and achievement of its development potential enhances, not
hinders, natural resources and bolsters, not impacts, human health. The City now
has a much larger array of resources to manage growth, including sustainability
practices, new planning and development tools, and performance measures to
maintain or enhance natural resources and overall environmental health.
REGIONAL COOPERATION.
Federal, State and regional agencies have been at the forefront of
legislation related to sustainability and environmental health. The City
should strive to exceed these requirements in areas that are of priority
to the community and strengthen regional partnerships to bring in
resources for implementing new policies and programs.
ECOSYSTEMS.
In recent years, cities have begun to realize that urban and suburban
areas can provide habitat for many plant and animal species. The
City will focus policies on a citywide approach (urban and natural
environments) towards sustaining and improving urban and suburban
ecosystems.
SUSTAINABILITY BEST PRACTICES.
The City will use sustainability principles, striving always to balance
social equity with economic and environmental health, when
evaluating all aspects of new development; mobility and infrastructure
improvements; building design and operation; streetscapes and
landscaping; and citywide land use planning.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.
The City will encourage community participation in the planning and
implementation of sustainability-related programs.
1
2
3
4
ES-12
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL ES-1
Ensure a sustainable future
for the city of Cupertino
POLICY ES-1.1: PRINCIPLES OF
SUSTAINABILITY
Incorporate the principles of
sustainability into Cupertino’s
planning, infrastructure and
development process in order to
improve the environment, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and meet
the needs of the community without
compromising the needs of future
generations.
STRATEGIES:
ES-1.1.1: Climate Action Plan (CAP).
Adopt, implement and maintain
a Climate Action Plan to attain
greenhouse gas emission targets
consistent with state law and
regional requirements. This qualified
greenhouse gas emissions reduction
plan, by BAAQMD’s definition,
will allow for future project CEQA
streamlining and will identify
measures to:
• Reduce energy use through
conservation and efficiency;
• Reduce fossil fuel use through
multi-modal and alternative
transportation;
• Maximize use of and, where
feasible, install renewable energy
resources;
• Increase citywide water
conservation and recycled water
use;
• Accelerate Resource Recovery
through expanded recycling,
composting, extended producer
responsibility and procurement
practices; and
• Promote and incentivize each
of those efforts to maximize
ES-13
The City seeks to coordinate its local sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction
planning efforts with Federal, State and regional plans and programs to ensure a
consistent, integrated and efficient approach to a sustainable future.
PLANNING AND REGIONAL COORDINATION
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
community participation and
impacts;
• Integrate multiple benefits of
green infrastructure with climate
resiliency and adaptation.
ES-1.1.2: CAP and Sustainability
Strategies Implementation.
Periodically review and report on the
effectiveness of the measures outlined
in the CAP and the strategies in this
Element. Institutionalize sustainability
by developing a methodology to ensure
all environmental, social and lifecycle
costs are considered in project,
program, policy and budget decisions.
ES-1.1.3: Climate Adaptation and
Resiliency.
Conduct a climate vulnerability
assessment and set preparedness
goals and strategies to safeguard
human health and community
assets susceptible to the impacts of
a changing climate (e.g., increased
drought, wildfires, flooding).
Incorporate these into all relevant
plans, including the Emergency
Preparedness Plan, Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan, Dam Failure Plan,
Climate Action Plan, Watershed
Protection Plan, and Energy
Assuredness Plan.
POLICY ES-1.2: REGIONAL GROWTH AND
TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION
Coordinate with local and regional
agencies to prepare updates to
regional growth plans and strategies,
including the Regional Housing
Allocation Needs Allocation (RHNA),
One Bay Area Plan, Regional
Transportation Plan (RTP) and
Sustainable Communities
Strategy (SCS).
STRATEGY:
ES-1.2.1: Local Plan Consistency with
Regional Plans.
Update and maintain local plans and
strategies so they are consistent
with One Bay Area Plan to qualify for
State transportation and project CEQA
streamlining.
ES-14
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY ES-2.1: CONSERVATION AND
EFFICIENT USE OF ENERGY RESOURCES
Encourage the maximum feasible
conservation and efficient use of
electrical power and natural gas
resources for new and existing
residences, businesses, industrial and
public uses.
STRATEGIES:
ES-2.1.1: Coordination.
Continue to evaluate, and revise as
necessary, applicable City plans,
codes and procedures for inclusion
of Federal, State and regional
requirements and conservation
targets.
ES-2.1.2: Comprehensive Energy
Management.
Prepare and implement a
comprehensive energy management
plan for all applicable municipal
facilities and equipment to achieve the
energy goals established in the City’s
Climate Action Plan. Track the City’s
energy use and report findings as part
of the Climate Action Plan reporting
schedule. Embed this plan into the
City’s Environmentally Preferable
Procurement Policy to ensure
measures are achieved through all
future procurement and construction
practices.
ES-2.1.3: Energy Efficient Replacements.
Continue to use life cycle cost analysis
to identify City assets for replacement
with more energy efficient technology.
Utilize available tools to benchmark
and showcase city energy efficiency
achievements (i.e. EPA Portfolio
Manager, statewide Green Business
Program).
ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY
Since energy consumption is the largest contributor to GHG emissions, the City
seeks to conserve energy to reach state and regional emissions targets.
GOAL ES-2
Promote conservation of
energy resources
ES-15
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
ES-2.1.4: Incentive Program.
Consider incentive programs for
projects that exceed mandatory
requirements and promote incentives
from state, county and federal
governments for improving energy
efficiency and expanding renewable
energy installations.
ES-2.1.5: Urban Forest.
Encourage the inclusion of additional
shade trees, vegetated stormwater
treatment and landscaping to reduce
the “heat island effect” in development
projects.
ES-2.1.6: Alternate Energy Sources.
Promote and increase the use of
alternate and renewable energy
resources for the entire community
through effective policies, programs
and incentives.
ES-2.1.7: Energy Co-generation Systems.
Encourage the use of energy co-
generation systems through the
provision of an awareness program
targeting the larger commercial and
industrial users and public facilities.
ES-2.1.8: Energy Audits and Financing.
Continue to offer and leverage regional
partners’ programs to conduct energy
audits and/or subvention programs
for homes, commercial, industrial
and city facilities, and recommend
improvements that lead to energy
and cost savings opportunities for
participants and encourage adoption
of alternative energy technologies.
Encourage energy audits to include
emerging online and application-based
energy analytics and diagnostic tools.
Share residential and commercial
energy efficiency and renewable
energy financing tools through
outreach events and civic media
assets.
ES-2.1.9: Energy Efficient Transportation
Modes.
Continue to encourage fuel-efficient
transportation modes such as
alternative fuel vehicles, driverless
vehicles, public transit, car and van-
pooling, community and regional
shuttle systems, car and bike sharing
programs, safe routes to schools,
commuter benefits, and pedestrian and
bicycle paths through infrastructure
investment, development incentives,
and community education.
ES-2.1.10: Community Choice Energy.
Collaborate with regional partners to
evaluate feasibility for development of
a Community Choice Energy Program.
ES-16
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY ES-3.1: GREEN BUILDING DESIGN
Set standards for the design and
construction of energy and resource
conserving/efficient building.
STRATEGIES:
ES-3.1.1: Green Building Program.
Periodically review and revise the
City’s Green Building ordinance to
ensure alignment with CALGreen
requirements for all major private and
public projects that ensure reduction
in energy and water use for new
development through site selection
and building design.
ES-3.1.2: Staff Training.
Continue to train appropriate City
staff in the design principles, costs
and benefits of sustainable building
and landscape design. Encourage
City staff to attend external trainings
on these topics and attain relevant
program certifications (e.g., Green
Point Rater, Leadership in Energy
& Environmental Design (LEED)
Accredited Professional).
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS
The City seeks to improve building efficiency from planning, construction and
operations to help improve indoor air quality and conserve materials and natural
resources.
GOAL ES-3
Improve building efficiency
and energy conservation
ES-17
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
ES-3.1.3: Green Buildings Informational
Seminars.
Conduct and/or participate in Green
Building informational seminars
and workshops for members of the
design and construction industry, land
development, real estate sales, lending
institutions, landscaping and design,
the building maintenance industry and
prospective project applicants.
ES-3.1.4: Green Building Demonstration.
Pursue municipal facility retrofits,
through a Green Capital Improvement
Program (CIP), and new construction
projects that exceed CalGreen and
achieve third-party certification criteria
(e.g., LEED, Living Building Challenge,
Zero Net Energy) as a means of
creating demonstration spaces for
developer and community enrichment.
ES-18
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY ES-4.1: NEW DEVELOPMENT
Minimize the air quality impacts
of new development projects and
air quality impacts that affect new
development.
STRATEGIES:
ES-4.1.1: Toxic Air Contaminants.
Continue to review projects for
potential generation of toxic air
contaminants at the time of approval
and confer with Bay Area Air Quality
Management District on controls
needed if impacts are uncertain.
ES-4.1.2: Dust Control.
Continue to require water application
to non-polluting dust control measures
during demolition and the duration of
the construction period.
ES-4.1.3: Planning.
Ensure that land use and
transportation plans support air
quality goals.
POLICY ES-4.2: EXISTING DEVELOPMENT
Minimize the air quality impacts of
existing development.
STRATEGIES:
ES-4.2.1: Public Education Program.
Establish a citywide public education
program providing information
on ways to reduce and control
emissions; and continue to provide
information about alternative
commutes, carpooling and restricting
exacerbating activities on “Spare the
Air” high-emissions days.
AIR QUALITY
The City seeks to identify ways to improve air quality in order to reduce emissions
and improve overall community health.
GOAL ES-4
Maintain healthy air quality levels
ES-19
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
ES-4.2.2: Home Occupations.
Review and consider expanding the
allowable home-based businesses
in residentially zoned properties to
reduce the need to commute to work.
ES-4.2.3: Tree Planting in Private
Development.
Review and enhance the City’s tree
planting and landscaping program and
requirements for private development
to reduce air pollution levels.
ES-4.2.4: Fuel-efficient Vehicles and Use.
Prioritize the purchase, replacement
and ongoing use of fuel-efficient
and low polluting City fleet vehicles.
Update applicable policies and
programs to require life cycle cost
analyses and include alternative
fueling infrastructure review and
related funding allocations. Update
the Vehicle Use Policy and pursue
fleet management best practices to
support fuel conservation, scheduled
maintenance and fleet fuel tracking.
Pursue available grant funding to
offset the cost of implementing these
programs.
ES-4.2.5: Point Sources of Emissions.
Continue to seek the cooperation of the
BAAQMD to monitor emissions from
identified point sources that impact
the community. In addition, for sources
not within the regulatory jurisdiction
of the City, seek cooperation from
the applicable regulatory authority to
encourage reduction of emissions and
dust from the point source.
POLICY ES-4.3: USE OF OPEN FIRES AND
FIREPLACES
Discourage high pollution fireplace
use.
STRATEGIES:
ES-4.3.1: Education.
Continue to make BAAQMD literature
on reducing pollution from fireplace
use available.
ES-4.3.2: Fireplaces.
Continue to prohibit new wood-burning
fireplaces, except EPA certified wood
stoves as allowed by the Building Code.
ES-20
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY ES-5.1: URBAN ECOSYSTEM
Manage the public and private
development to ensure the protection
and enhancement of its urban
ecosystem.
STRATEGIES:
ES-5.1.1: Landscaping.
Ensure that the City’s tree planting,
landscaping and open space policies
enhance the urban ecosystem by
encouraging medians, pedestrian-
crossing curb-extensions planting
that is native, drought-tolerant, treats
stormwater and enhances urban plant,
aquatic and animal resources in both,
private and public development.
ES-5.1.2: Built Environment.
Ensure that sustainable landscaping
design is incorporated in the
development of City facilities, parks
and private projects with the inclusion
of measures such as tree protection,
stormwater treatment and planting of
native, drought tolerant landscaping
that is beneficial to the environment.
POLICY ES-5.2: DEVELOPMENT NEAR
SENSITIVE AREAS
Encourage the clustering of new
development away from sensitive
areas such as riparian corridors,
wildlife habitat and corridors, public
open space preserves and ridgelines.
New developments in these areas
must have a harmonious landscaping
plan approved prior to development.
URBAN AND RURAL ECOSYSTEMS
Protecting Cupertino’s natural and urban ecosystems supports the City
commitment to protect ecosystems and improve sustainability.
GOAL ES-5
Protect the city’s urban and
rural ecosystems
ES-21
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
STRATEGY:
ES-5.2.1: Riparian Corridor Protection.
Require the protection of riparian
corridors through the development
approval process.
POLICY ES-5.3: LANDSCAPING IN AND
NEAR NATURAL VEGETATION
Preserve and enhance existing natural
vegetation, landscape features and
open space when new development
is proposed within existing natural
areas. When development is proposed
near natural vegetation, encourage
the landscaping to be consistent with
the palate of vegetation found in the
natural vegetation.
STRATEGIES:
ES-5.3.1: Native Plants.
Continue to emphasize the planting of
native, drought tolerant, pest resistant,
non-invasive, climate appropriate
plants and ground covers, particularly
for erosion control and to prevent
disturbance of the natural terrain
ES-5.3.2: Hillsides.
Minimize lawn area in the hillsides.
POLICY ES-5.4: HILLSIDE WILDLIFE
MIGRATION
Confine fencing on hillside property
to the area around a building, rather
than around an entire site, to allow for
migration of wild animals.
POLICY ES-5.5: RECREATION AND
NATURAL VEGETATION
Limit recreation in natural areas to
activities compatible and appropriate
with preserving natural vegetation,
such as hiking, horseback riding,
mountain biking and camping.
POLICY ES-5.6: RECREATION AND
WILDLIFE
Provide open space linkages within
and between properties for both
recreational and wildlife activities,
most specifically for the benefit of
wildlife that is threatened, endangered
or designated as species of special
concern.
STRATEGIES:
ES-5.6.1: Creek and Water Course
Identification.
Require identification of creeks,
water courses and riparian areas on
site plans and require that they be
protected from adjacent development.
ES-5.6.2: Trail Easements.
Consider requiring easements for trail
linkages if analysis determines that
they are needed.
ES-22
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY ES-6.1: MINERAL RESOURCE
AREAS
Cooperatively work with Santa Clara
County to ensure that plans for
restoration and mining operations at
Lehigh Hanson and Stevens Creek
quarries consider environmental
impacts and mitigations.
STRATEGIES:
ES-6.1.1: Public Participation.
Encourage Santa Clara County
to engage with the affected
neighborhoods when considering
changes to restoration plans and
mineral extraction activity.
ES-6.1.2: Recreation in Depleted Mining
Areas.
Consider designating abandoned
quarries for passive recreation to
enhance plant and wildlife habitat and
rehabilitate the land.
MINERAL RESOURCES
The City seeks to minimize the impacts of mineral resource operations on the
community.
GOAL ES-6
Minimize impacts of
available mineral resources
ES-23
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY ES-7.1: NATURAL WATER BODIES
AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
In public and private development,
use Low Impact Development (LID)
principles to manage stormwater
by mimicking natural hydrology,
minimizing grading and protecting or
restoring natural drainage systems.
STRATEGIES:
ES-7.1.1: Development Plans.
Continue to require topographical
information; identification of creeks,
streams and drainage areas; and
grading plans for both public and
private development proposals to
ensure protection and efficient use of
water resources.
POLICY ES-7.2: REDUCTION OF
IMPERVIOUS SURFACES
Minimize stormwater runoff and
erosion impacts resulting from
development and use low impact
development (LID) designs to treat
stormwater or recharge groundwater
STRATEGIES:
ES-7.2.1: Lot Coverage.
Consider updating lot coverage
requirements to include paved
surfaces such as driveways and on-
grade impervious patios to incentivize
the construction of pervious surfaces.
ES-7.2.2: Pervious Walkways and
Driveways.
Encourage the use of pervious
materials for walkways and driveways.
If used on public or quasi-public
property, mobility and access for the
disabled should take precedence.
WATER
The City seeks to ensure that current and future water supplies are adequate by
reducing water demand and protecting sources of water.
GOAL ES-7
Ensure protection and efficient use of all
water resources
ES-24
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
ES-7.2.3: Maximize Infiltration.
Minimize impervious surface areas,
and maximize on-site filtration and the
use of on-site retention facilities.
POLICY ES-7.3: POLLUTION AND FLOW
IMPACTS
Ensure that surface and groundwater
quality impacts are reduced through
development review and voluntary
efforts.
STRATEGIES:
ES-7.3.1: Development Review.
Require LID designs such as vegetated
stormwater treatment systems and
green infrastructure to mitigate
pollutant loads and flows.
ES-7.3.2: Creek Clean Up.
Encourage volunteer organizations
to help clean creek beds to reduce
pollution and help return waterways to
their natural state.
POLICY ES-7.4: WATERSHED BASED
PLANNING
Review long-term plans and
development projects to ensure good
stewardship of watersheds.
STRATEGIES:
ES-7.4.1: Storm Drainage Master Plan.
Develop and maintain a Storm
Drainage Master Plan which identifies
facilities needed to prevent “10-year”
event street flooding and “100-year”
event structure flooding and integrate
green infrastructure to meet water
quality protection needs in a cost
effective manner.
ES-7.4.2: Watershed Management Plans.
Work with other agencies to develop
broader Watershed Management
Plans to model and control the City’s
hydrology.
ES-7.4.3: Development.
Review development plans to ensure
that projects are examined in the
context of impacts on the entire
watershed, in order to comply with
the City’s non-point source Municipal
Regional Permit.
POLICY ES-7.5: GROUNDWATER
RECHARGE SITES
Support the Santa Clara Valley
Water District efforts to find and
develop groundwater recharge sites
within Cupertino and provide public
recreation where possible.
POLICY ES-7.6: OTHER WATER SOURCES
Encourage the research of other water
sources, including water reclamation.
ES-25
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY ES-7.7: INDUSTRIAL WATER
RECYCLING
Encourage industrial projects, in
cooperation with the Cupertino
Sanitary District, to have long-term
conservation measures, including
recycling equipment for manufacturing
and water supplies in the plant.
POLICY ES-7.8: NATURAL WATER
COURSES
Retain and restore creek beds,
riparian corridors, watercourses and
associated vegetation in their natural
state to protect wildlife habitat and
recreation potential and assist in
groundwater percolation. Encourage
land acquisition or dedication of such
areas.
STRATEGY:
ES-7.8.1: Inter-Agency Coordination.
Work with the Santa Clara Valley Water
District and other relevant regional
agencies to enhance riparian corridors
and provide adequate flood control
by use of flow increase mitigation
measures, such as hydromodification
controls as established by the
Municipal Regional Permit.
POLICY ES-7.9: INTER-AGENCY
COORDINATION FOR WATER
CONSERVATION
Continue to coordinate citywide water
conservation and regional water
supply problem solving efforts with
the Santa Clara Valley Water District
(SCVWD), San Jose Water Company
and California Water Company.
STRATEGY:
ES-7.9.1: Water Conservation Measures.
Implement water conservation
measures and encourage the
implementation of voluntary water
conservation measures from the City’s
water retailers and SCVWD.
POLICY ES-7.10: PUBLIC EDUCATION
REGARDING RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Provide public information regarding
resource conservation.
STRATEGIES:
ES-7.10.1: Outreach.
Continue to send educational
information and notices to households
and businesses with water
prohibitions, water allocations and
conservation tips. Continue to offer
featured articles in the Cupertino
Scene and Cupertino Courier.
Consider providing Public Service
Announcements on the City’s Channel
and Cupertino Radio.
ES-26
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
ES-7.10.2: Demonstration Gardens.
Consider including water-wise
demonstration gardens in some
parks where feasible as they are re-
landscaped or improved using drought
tolerant native and non-invasive, and
non-native plants.
POLICY ES-7.11: WATER CONSERVATION
AND DEMAND REDUCTION MEASURES
Promote efficient use of water
throughout the City in order to meet
State and regional water use reduction
targets.
STRATEGIES:
ES-7.11.1: Urban Water Management
Plan.
Collaborate with water retailers
serving the City in the preparation
of their Urban Water Management
Plan, including water conservation
strategies and programs.
ES-7.11.2: Water Conservation
Standards.
Comply with State water conservation
standards by either adopting the State
standards or alternate standards that
are equally efficient.
ES-7.11.3: Recycled Water System.
Continue to work with water retailers
to promote and expand the availability
of recycled water in the City for public
and private use.
ES-7.11.4: Recycled Water in Projects.
Encourage and promote the use of
recycled water in public and private
buildings, open space and streetscape
planting.
ES-7.11.5: On-site Recycled Water.
Encourage on-site water recycling
including rainwater harvesting and
gray water use.
ES-7.11.6: Water Conservation
Programs.
Benchmark and continue to track the
City’s public and private municipal
water use to ensure ongoing
accountability and as a means of
informing prioritization of future
agency water conservation projects.
ES-7.11.7: Green Business Certification
and Water Conservation.
Continue to support the City’s Green
Business Certification goals of long-
term water conservation within City
facilities, vegetated stormwater
infiltration systems, parks and
medians, including installation of
low-flow toilets and showers, parks,
installation of automatic shut-off
valves in lavatories and sinks and
water efficient outdoor irrigation.
ES-27
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
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ES-28
health and safety 7
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
HS-2
Community health and public safety responsibilities have to evolve to address
the community’s growth and changing needs. The City is committed to
maintaining a high level of preparedness to protect the community from risks
to life, property and the environment associated with both natural and human-
caused disasters and hazards. In the future, more emphasis will be placed on
sustainable approaches to community health and safety, including crime and
fire prevention through design, improved use of technology, management of
hazardous materials and improved disaster planning.
This Element includes goals, policies and strategies that address the potential
risks associated with these hazards, actions the City can take to reduce
these risks, and ways the City and community can take more sustainable
approaches for preventing or minimizing injuries to life and damages to
property.
Introduction
CONTENTS:
HS-2 Introduction
HS-3 Context
Emergency Preparedness
Fire Safety
Public Safety
Hazardous Materials
Electromagnetic Fields
Geologic and Seismic Hazards
Flood Hazards
Noise
HS-24 Looking Forward
HS-25 Goals and Policies
Regional Coordination
Emergency Preparedness
Fire Safety
Public Safety
Geologic Seismic Hazards
Hazardous Materials
Flooding
Noise
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Emergencies can severely impact the health of a community and a city or
agency’s ability to provide needed services. Emergencies can include natural
disasters such as earthquakes, floods and forest fires, or others events such as
infrastructure disruptions, security incidents or hazardous spills. Emergency
preparedness includes activities that are undertaken before an emergency
occurs so there is an effective and coordinated response.
Emergency preparedness requires the integration of the following elements
into each of the City’s functions: emergency planning, coordination, mitigation,
training and public education. The City, its contributing agencies, and the
community are partners in ensuring that emergency planning is effectively
implemented.
CUPERTINO EMERGENCY PLAN
State law requires cities to prepare an emergency plan in order to effectively
respond to natural or human-caused disasters that threaten lives, the
natural environment or property. The Cupertino Emergency Plan establishes
an organizational framework to enable the City to manage its emergency
response activities and to coordinate with County, State and Federal agencies.
The Emergency Plan was prepared in accordance with the National Incident
Management System (NIMS) and is used in conjunction with the State
Emergency Plan, the Santa Clara Operational Disaster Response and Recovery
Area Interim Agreement, Santa Clara County Emergency Plan, as well as plans
and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of contract agencies and special
districts. Support personnel such as City staff, special districts and volunteer
groups are trained to perform specific functions in the Emergency Operations
Center. The plan is reviewed annually and tested through periodic emergency
disaster drills.
HS-3
CONTEXT
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is located on the first floor of City
Hall, with an alternative location in the Service Center on Mary Avenue. The EOC
has the ability to be fully functional within 30 minutes of activation. Capabilities
include emergency backup power, computer network and internet access,
and telephone and radio communications to City and County sites. While the
staffing and duties are actively managed through the Emergency Plan, there
may be additional physical and seismic improvements required to City Hall
to ensure that it can continue to meet the requirements of an EOC. Additional
communication support is provided by volunteers from Cupertino Amateur
Radio Emergency Service (CARES). CARES volunteers coordinate extensive
citywide communications capabilities, including helping to connect neighbors,
public safety officials, special districts, City and County Departments.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
During emergencies, all City employees are designated Disaster Service
Workers under Section 3100 of the California Government Code. They are
required to remain at work as long as they are needed, and receive specific
training in personal and home preparedness, First Aid, CPR, NIMS and
Terrorism Awareness.
Volunteer groups also play an important role in the City’s Emergency Plan.
The City is part of a countywide volunteer services plan and is working with
the Emergency Volunteer Center, Blockleaders, and Neighborhood Watch
to develop a plan for coordinating and deploying volunteers. Citizen Corps
members (CARES, CERT and MRC) continue to receive appropriate training and
equipment to rapidly respond throughout the City and augment professional
first responders. Unregistered and untrained volunteers may be utilized and
trained, as needed during a disaster.
HS-4
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
FIRE SAFETY
Fire fighting and emergency medical services are provided to the City by the
Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD). SCCFD is a full service department
that provides similar services to seven other West Valley cities and adjacent
county areas. Mutual aid agreements with the neighboring jurisdictions augment
SCCFD’s fire response capabilities. In addition to fire protection, SCCFD also
conducts fire prevention inspections and educational programs, including those
on Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) and first aid certification.
Due to Cupertino’s geographical location, it is exposed to hazards from both
wildland and urban fires. There are approximately 16 square miles of hillsides
included in and around the boundary of the city. In 2009, based on vegetation
data, topography and potential fire behavior, the California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) identified approximately three acres of the
City to be in the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The City adopted
this area as its Wildand-Urban Interface Fire Area (WUIFA). Properties in the
WUIFA are subject to building and property maintenance standards intended to
prevent and manage community safety due to brush and forest fires (Figure
HS-1). Planning for such areas also requires attention to the availability of
access roads and water for firefighting and evacuation efforts.
Santa Clara County lists the Montebello Road/Stevens Canyon area as the fourth
highest risk in the county. The road linking Montebello and the Palo Alto Sphere
of Influence to the bottom of Stevens Canyon has been improved to acceptable
standards for a fire access road. A fire trail extends from Skyline Boulevard on
Charcoal Road to Stevens Canyon. The City requires that all emergency roads
be constructed with an all weather surface. It also requires a private emergency
access connection between public streets within Lindy Canyon and Regnart
Canyon areas. Presently, there are no water systems serving the Montebello
Road and upper Stevens Canyon area, with the exception of Stevens Creek itself.
Because there is no water service to these areas, the County requires homes to
provide individual water tanks and fire sprinkler systems (Figure HS-2).
HS-5
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
HS-6
The urbanized portions of Cupertino are not exposed to a high risk of fire.
The City is served by a well-managed fire protection service as well as a fire
prevention program. Buildings in the City are relatively new and there is a
strong code enforcement program, an adequate water supply and a well-
maintained delivery system. State, regional and local standards also ensure that
new buildings and facilities adequately address issues of fire safety, access,
evacuation and fire-fighting requirements.
Response time is one metric for measuring level of service for fighting fire
and emergency services. It is the policy of SCCFD to respond to 90 percent
of emergency calls not requiring a paramedic in under seven minutes. For
situations where emergency medical services are required, it is the policy that
paramedics arrive in less than seven minutes at least 90 percent of the time.
An increase in calls for fire service and traffic congestion may affect SCCFD’s
critical response time, and the District may need to adjust or expand staff, and
equipment in areas of high service demand in the future. Figure HS-3 shows the
location of fire stations and their service areas in Cupertino.
STATE AND LOCAL PROGRAMS
The City regulates building construction and site planning through the Uniform
Fire Code and the California Building Code. The City and the SCCFD inspect
commercial and industrial buildings for compliance with the applicable codes.
In addition, the County Fire Marshal and the Fire Department regulate activities,
including weed abatement and brush clearance, in the Wildland Urban Interface
Fire Area (WUFIA).
PUBLIC SAFETY
The City, and a number of surrounding jurisdictions, contracts with the Santa
Clara County Sheriff’s Office, West Valley Division, for law enforcement services.
Law enforcement services include police patrols, criminal investigations, traffic
enforcement, accident investigation and tactical teams. The City’s commitment to
public safety encompasses two broad areas of responsibilities: (1) provide public
safety services and the planning necessary for the prevention of crime; and (2)
plan for a safe environment in which the public is not exposed to unnecessary
risks to life and property.
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
0 2,100 4,200 6,3001,050
Feet
Legend
UrbanWildlandInterfaceFOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAUAVEStevens Creek
Reservoir
Santa Clara
SunnyvaleLos Altos
San Jose
Saratoga
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
Unincorporated Areas within
Urban Service Area
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Urban Wildland Interface
NLU-1FIGURE HS-1
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA (WUIFA)
HS-7
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
San Jose Water Company
California WaterCupertino Municipal Water System
(Leased to San Jose Water Company)
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Water Company Service Areas
N
LU-1
FIGURE HS-2
WATER SERVICE
HS-8
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Seven
Springs
Fire Station
Cupertino
Fire Station
Monta Vista
Fire Station
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
3/4 Mile Serivce Area
1-1/2 Miles Service Area
2 Miles Service Area
NLU-1FIGURE HS-3
FIRE SERVICE
HS-9
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
HS-10
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Hazardous materials are a part of our everyday life in the form of batteries,
light bulbs, and household chemicals such as pesticides, motor oil, cleaners
and paints. They are also used in many commercial and industrial operations.
The use, storage and disposal of hazardous materials, including management
of contaminated soils and groundwater, is regulated by Federal, State and
local laws. The City has adopted a Hazardous Materials Storage Ordinance that
regulates the storage of these materials in solid and liquid form. The City’s
Regulation of Facilities Where Materials Which Are Or May Become Toxic Gases
Are Found Ordinance regulates the storage of hazardous materials in gaseous
form. Figure HS-4 identifies potential sites within the city that may contain
hazardous materials.
Since 1990, State law has required that hazardous waste be properly disposed
of in approved hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities. To accomplish
this, new treatment methods and facilities have been developed and approved
to pre-treat hazardous waste before its final disposal. Under authority of the
1986 “Tanner” Bill (AB 2948), Cupertino, along with 13 other cities, joined the
County to develop a comprehensive and coordinated planning approach to
hazardous waste disposal. In 1990, a countywide Household Hazardous Waste
(HHW) Program was created. In order to supplement the County HHW Program
and make the collection of HHW more convenient for residents, the City currently
provides a door-to-door hazardous waste retrieval service through its solid
waste franchise agreement.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
Electromagnetic fields are a physical field produced by electrically charged
objects, such has high transmission power lines. The potential health effects
of the very low frequency EMFs surrounding power lines and electrical devices
are the subject of on-going research and a significant amount of public debate.
The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued
some cautionary advisories but stresses that the data is currently too limited
to draw good conclusions. Currently, electromagnetic fields from transmission
lines, electrical and wireless facilities, and appliances are heavily regulated
through Federal and State requirements.
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
SunnyvaleLos Altos
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Potential Sites
NLU-1FIGURE HS-4
POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS SITES
HS-11
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Horizontally
Shifted Block
Horizontal Offset
of the Ground Surface
A. San Andreas Fault B. Sargent - Berrocal Fault
Fault Type: R ight Lateral
(Strike-Slip) Fault
Displacement: Horizontal
Fault Type: T hrust (Dip-Slip) Fault
Displacement: V ertical
Vertically Elevated Block
Faults within the
Cupertino planning
area are characterized
by (A) Horizontal and
(B) Vertical displace-
ments.
GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
Cupertino is located in the seismically active San Francisco Bay region, which
has several active seismic faults. The San Andreas fault, one of the longest
and most active faults in the world, is located west of Cupertino. Two additional
faults closely associated with the San Andreas fault, the Sargent-Berrocal and
Monta Vista-Shannon fault systems, also cross the western portion of the city.
Movement on the San Andreas fault is predominantly right-lateral strike-slip,
where the earth ruptures in a horizontal fashion, with the opposite sides of the
fault moving to the right with respect to each other. Movement on the Sargent-
Berrocal and Monta Vista-Shannon faults is more variable in style. Both of these
faults are characterized by “thrust” faulting, where a significant amount of
vertical “up-down” (so called dip-slip) displacement occurs on an inclined plane,
and one side of the fault is elevated (i.e., thrust over) the other side.
Primary geologic hazards in Cupertino are related to landslides and seismic
impacts. Seismically induced ground shaking, surface fault rupture, and various
forms of earthquake-triggered ground failure are anticipated within the city
during large earthquakes. These geologic hazards present potential impacts to
property and public safety. Tables HS-1 through HS-4 briefly explain seismic
hazards, magnitude and occurrence, acceptable exposure rise, and technical
investigations required based on acceptable risk. Figure HS-5 identifies the
areas in Cupertino susceptible to the greatest risk. Also see Technical Appendix
E for additional information on geologic and seismic hazards and risks.
Following the 1983 Coalinga and 1994 Northridge earthquakes, scientists
became increasingly aware of earthquakes generated by faults not previously
observed at the earth’s surface. These types of faults are called “blind faults,”
and represent a type of thrust fault that does not rupture completely to the
surface. It is possible that one or more “blind faults” are present in the Monta
Vista-Shannon fault system.
HS-12
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Sant
a
Clara County Sa
n
t
a
C
r
uz County
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Fault Rupture
Slope Instability
Hillside
Inundation / Liquefaction
Valley Floor
Known Fault
Inferred Fault
Concealed Fault
Urban Service Area Boundary
Boundary Agreement LineFaul
t
Sa
n
A
n
d
r
e
a
s
F
a
u
l
t Ber
roca
l
FaultMont
a
V
i
s
t
a
F
F
F
F
F
F
H
L
L
L
LL
L
L
L
H
H
H
V
V
V
V
V
S
S
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
NLU-1FIGURE HS-5
GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
HS-13
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table HS-1 Explanations of Geologic and Seismic Hazards
Zone Description
(F)– Fault Rupture Area of potential surface fault rupture hazard within 300 feet east and 600 feet west of the Monta
Vista and Berrocal faults, and within 600 feet of the San Andreas fault.
(S)– Slope Instability
Area includes all recognized landslide deposits, and steep walls of Stevens Creek canyon, with a
moderate to high landslide potential under static or seismic conditions. Area also reflects the mapped
zone of potential earthquake-induced landsliding prepared by the California Geological Survey (2002).
(H)– Hillside Area contains moderate to steep slope conditions not included in the above categories, with an unde-
termined potential for slope instability.
(L)– Liquefaction /
Inundation
Area where local geological, geotechnical and groundwater conditions indicate a potential for lique-
faction under seismic conditions. Much of this area also has the potential for periodic flood inundation.
The Liquefaction/Inundation Zone is stippled where covered by an overlaying Fault Zone.
(V)– Valley Area includes all relatively level valley floor terrain not included in the above categories with relatively
low levels of geologic hazard risk.
Table HS-2 Maximum Earthquake Magnitudes and Recurrence Intervals
Causative Faults
Distance from
De Anza/SCB
Intersection
Maximum
Historic Moment
Magnitude
Maximum
Probable Moment
Magnitude
Est. Recurrence
Interval of Max.
Prob. Earthquake
San Andreas
System
San Andreas 5.5 miles 7.9 7.9 220 years
Hayward (South)10 miles 7.0 7.0 236 years
Calveras (Central)14 miles 6.3 7.0 374 years
Sargent-Berrocal
System
Sargent-Berrocal 3.5 miles 3.7-5.0 6.8 330 years
Monta Vista-
Shannon 2 miles 2.0-3.0 6.8 2400 years
HS-14
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table HS-3 Acceptable Exposure to Risk Related to Various Land Uses
Acceptable
Exposure to Risk Land Use Group Extra Project Cost to Reduce
Risk to Acceptable Level
Extremely Low
Group 1
Vulnerable structures (nuclear reactors,
large dams, plants manufacturing/ stor-
ing hazardous materials)
As required for maximum attainable safety
Group 2
Vital public utilities (electrical trans-
mission interties/substations, regional
water pipelines, treatment plants, gas
mains)
Design as needed to remain functional after max. prob. earthquake on local faults
Group 3
Communication/transportation (airports,
telephones, bridges, freeways, evac.
routes)
5% to 25% of project cost
Small water retention structures
Design as needed to remain functional after
max. prob earthquake on local faults
Emergency Centers (hospitals, fire/
police stations, post-earthquake aide
stations, schools, City Hall and Service
Center, De Anza College)
Group 4
Involuntary occupancy facilities (schools,
prisons, convalescent and nursing
homes)Design as needed to remain functional after
max. prob. earthquake on local faultsHigh occupancy buildings (theaters,
hotels, large office/apartment bldgs.)
Moderately Low Group 5
Public utilities (electrical feeder routes,
water supply turnout lines, sewage
lines)
5% to 25% of project cost
Facilities important to local economy
Design to minimize injury, loss of life during
maximum probable earthquake on local faults;
need not design to remain functional
Ordinary Risk
Level
Group 6
Minor transportation (arterials and park-
ways)
2% of project cost; to 10% project cost in
extreme cases
Low-moderate occupancy buildings
(small apartment bldgs., single-fam.
resid., motels, small commercial/office
bldgs.)
Group 7
Very low occupancy buildings Design to resist minor earthquakes (ware-
houses, farm structures) w/o damage; resist
mod. Earthquakes w/o struc. damage,with
some nonstruct. damage; resist major earth-
quake (max. prob. on local faults w/o collapse,
allowing some struc. & non-struc. damage
Open space and recreation (farm land,
landfills, wildlife areas)
HS-15
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table HS-4
Technical Investigations Required based on Acceptable Risk
Land Use Activity
Hazard Map Symbol
FSH LV
Evaluation Required Evaluation Required
Groups 1 to 4
UBC UBC
Soils Soils
Geology Seismic Hazard
Seismic Hazard
Groups 5 to 7
UBC UBC
Soils
Geology
Descriptions of Technical Evaluations:
UBC Current, adopted version of the California Building Code
Soils Soils and foundation investigation to determine ability
of local soil conditions to support structures
Geology Determine subsidence potential, faulting hazard, slope
stability (See Geologic Map for additional detail)
Seismic Detailed Soils/Structural evaluation to certify adequacy
Hazard of normal UBC earthquake regulations or to recommend
more stringent measures
HS-16
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
FLOOD HAZARDS
The City participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) program which
is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community
floodplain management activities that exceed minimum NFIP requirements.
Flood insurance premium rates for property owners within the city may be
discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from community actions
meeting the three goals of the CRS, which are to: (1) reduce flood damage to
insurable property; (2) strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the
NFIP; and (3) encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.
Floods are surface hydrological hazards that can have a significant, and
sometimes, long lasting effect on a community. Floods can originate from
various sources including heavy rainstorms, landslides and/or dam failure.
Sediment deposits also increase flood risks because they clog the drainage
system and may induce upstream flooding.
Rain related floods are the most common type of floods, and usually occur
during periods of extended heavy rainfall. The largest body of water within the
area is the Stevens Creek Reservoir. Stevens Creek Dam meets current dam
safety standards and the probability of its failure is minimal (Figure HS-6).
The watersheds in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range feed into four major
streambeds that traverse the City: Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart
Creek, and Calabazas Creek (Figure HS-7). Stevens Creek and its streamside
are among the natural elements that have the most influence on Cupertino’s
character. These creeks collect surface runoff and channel it to the Bay.
However, they also pose potential flooding risks if water levels exceed the top of
bank as a result of heavy runoff.
The City and the Santa Clara Valley Water District are actively involved in
programs to minimize the risk of flooding. The City developed an approach to
land use for the non-urbanized flood plain of Stevens Creek south of Stevens
Creek Boulevard in the Land Use Element. This ensures the preservation of
the 100-year flood plain and the protection of the riparian corridor along this
portion of Stevens Creek. The City and the Water District also developed a flood
management program for the flood plain of Stevens Creek between Interstate
280 and Stevens Creek Boulevard while preserving the natural environment of
Stevens Creek. Structural improvements, while not preferred, may be necessary,
to protect properties from a 100-year flood.
HS-17
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Sunnyvale
Los Altos
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Note: Flood inundation area for failure
of Stevens Creek Reservoir is based upon
maximum 3700 acre feet storage capacity.StevensCreek0 +30 Min.
Voss Ave. Pond
8-10 Acre Feet
Cristo Rey Tank
2 Mil. Gal.
Mercedes Tanks
(2) 2 Mil. Gal.
12.2 Acre Feet
4 Mil. Gal.
Regnart Canyon Tank
0.16 Mil. Gal.
Regnart Heights Tank
0.14 Mil. Gal.
Rainbows End
Tank
0.30 Mil. Gal.
Regnart Tanks
20 Mil. Gal.
Stevens Creek
Reservoir
3700 Acre Feet
1 Bil. 200 Mil. Gal
0 +15 Min.
Mann Drive Tank
1 Mil. Gal.
Proposed Tank
61.3 Acre Feet
20 Mil. Gal.FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE 0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Flood Limit
Natural or Man-Made
Water Course
N
LU-1
FIGURE HS-6
FACILITY FAILURE
HS-18
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
SunnyvaleLos Altos
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Note: Detailed Maps of 100-Year Flood
Event Are Available at City HallCalabazasCreekCreekRegnart100-Year Flood
Contained In
Channel
100-Year Flood
Contained In ChannelPermanenteCreekStevensCreek
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Flood Limit
Natural or Man-Made
Water Course
Highway
Major Road
NLU-1FIGURE HS-7
100-YEAR FLOOD
HS-19
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
NOISE
The noise environment is an accumulation of many different sources, ranging
from human voices to major sources such as freeway traffic. The degree to
which noise becomes an annoyance depends on a variety of factors including
noise level, time of day, background sounds, and surrounding land use.
COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS
The three elements of community noise are noise level, noise spectrum, and
variation in noise level with time. Noise level is measured in decibels (dB). Noise
is composed of various frequencies within a noise spectrum that define the
character of the noise. Since human hearing is more sensitive to the higher
speech frequencies, the A-weighted frequency network is applied, in accordance
with national and international standards, to adjust the measured noise level to
more closely relate to human perception of loudness.
Noise environments have different characteristics that vary with duration
and time of day; for instance a freeway may emit a fairly constant noise
level for long periods while an airport may emit many short-term high level
noise events punctuated by extended periods of quiet. To provide a standard
measure for community noise exposure that takes into account the time-varying
characteristics, the State of California adopted the Community Noise Equivalent
Level (CNEL) as the standard metric. The CNEL is a 24-hour energy average
metric that penalizes evening and nighttime noise, and provides a uniform
measure for time-varying noise environments.
HS-20
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
NOISE ENVIRONMENT
The noise environment can generally be divided into two categories:
transportation-related and non-transportation related noise. Traffic noise is the
greatest contributor to noise pollution in Cupertino and one of the most difficult
to control through local effort. Two major freeways (Interstate 280 and Highway
85) and four major corridors (Stevens Creek Boulevard, De Anza Boulevard,
Homestead Road, and Foothill Boulevard ) cross Cupertino. These roadways
are utilized not only by local residents and employees, but also by commuters
to destinations beyond Cupertino. Heavy-duty trucking operations to and from
the Hanson Permanente Cement Plant and Stevens Creek Quarry located in the
western foothills near Stevens Creek Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard are also
a significant transportation-related noise contributor.
Cupertino receives some aircraft noise from facilities within the region including
San Jose International Airport, Moffett Federal Airfield and Palo Alto Airport;
however, the Cupertino city limit does not fall within the identified noise contours
of any airport. One railroad line passes through the Monta Vista neighborhood
and connects with the Hanson Permanente Cement Plant. This freight railway
operates at very low frequencies, with approximately three train trips in each
direction per week, usually during the daytime or early evening.
Non-transportation noise varies from stationary equipment (e.g., air conditioning
units) to construction activity. Regulation to minimize excessive noise from non-
transportation sources includes compliance with the City’s noise standards that
limit certain noise-generating activity during evening and early morning, when
ambient noise levels tend to be lower. Advancements in technology to muffle
sound also reduce noise from construction equipment and stationary equipment
such as compressors and generators.
HS-21
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
The Cupertino Municipal Code, Title 10, outlines the maximum noise levels on
receiving properties based upon land use types (Figure HS-8). Land use deci-
sions and the development review process play a large role in minimizing noise
impacts on sensitive land uses. Noise compatibility may be achieved by avoiding
the location of conflicting land uses adjacent to one another and incorporating
buffers and noise control techniques including setbacks, landscaping, building
transitions, site design, and building construction techniques. Selection of the
appropriate noise control technique will vary depending on the level of noise that
needs to be reduced as well as the location and intended land use.
HS-22
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Community Noise ExposureLand Use Category
(Ldn or CNEL, dB)
55 60 65 70 75 80
Residential - Multi Family
Transient Lodging
(Motels, Hotels)
Schools, Libraries, Churches,
Hospitals, Nursing Homes
Auditoriums, Concert Halls,
Amphitheaters
Sports Arena, Outdoor
Spectator Sports
Playgrounds,
Neighborhood Parks
Golf Courses, Riding Stables,
Water Recreation, Cemeteries
Office Buildings, Commercial
and Professional Centers
Industrial, Manufacturing,
Utilities, Agriculture
Residential - Low Density
(Single Family, Duplex,
Mobile Homes)
Normally Acceptable
Specified land use is satisfactory,
based upon the assumption that any
buildings involved are of normal
conventional construction, without
any special noise insulation
requirements.
Conditionally Acceptable
New construction or development
should be undertaken only after a
detailed analysis of the noise
reduction requirements is made and
needed noise reduction features
included in the design. Conventional
construction, but with closed windows
and fresh air supply systems or air
conditioning will normally suffice.
Normally Unacceptable
New construction or development
should generally be discouraged. If
new construction or development
does proceed, a detailed analysis of
the noise reduction requirements
must be made and needed noise
insulation features included in the
design.
Clearly Unacceptable
New construction or development
should generally not be undertaken.LU-1FIGURE HS-8
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY FOR COMMUNITY NOISE ENVIRONMENTS
HS-23
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LOOKING FORWARD
As Cupertino’s resident and employee population grows, the City must identify
ways to ensure public safety and support the community’s high quality of life.
Innovative site design and construction techniques are needed to reduce noise
in developments near major corridors and where uses are mixed to ensure
compatibility. Fire protection and public safety should be enhanced in a manner
that provides a high quality of service while continuing to be fiscally responsible.
The following are ways the City will address key challenges and opportunities
facing Cupertino:
NOISE.
As State, regional and local policies encourage mixed-use development
near corridors, the City should look to ways to reduce noise impacts
on residences near and in such developments through site design,
landscaping and construction techniques. Additionally, the City should
review locations and site design for sensitive uses including schools,
childcare facilities and hospitals to ensure that they are not negatively
impacted by noise.
PROJECT DESIGN AND OPERATIONS.
Measures such as project and building design, emergency access,
operations and maintenance of property, can help developments promote
public and fire safety. Such measures will also allow the providers to
maintain a high service level, while accommodating future growth.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.
The City and service providers should enhance community participation
through new and existing programs such as neighborhood watch,
emergency preparedness and school programs.
SHARED RESOURCES.
The City can enhance emergency, fire safety and public safety services
by coordinating programs with service providers and neighboring cities
through shared services, mutual aid and agreements.
1
2
3
4
HS-24
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL M-1
Actively participate in regional planning
processes to coordinate local planning and
to advocate for decisions that meet and
complement the needs of Cupertino
GOAL HS-1
Reduce hazard risks through regional
coordination and mitigation planning
POLICY HS-1.1: REGIONAL HAZARD RISK
REDUCTION PLANNING
Coordinate with Santa Clara County
and local agencies to implement the
Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan (LHMP) for Santa Clara
County.
STRATEGIES:
HS-1.1.1. Monitoring and Budgeting.
Monitor and evaluate the success of
the LHMP, including local strategies
provided in the Cupertino Annex
(Section 11). Working with Santa Clara
County, ensure that strategies are
prioritized and implemented through
the Capital Improvement Program and
provide adequate budget for on-going
programs and department operations.
HS-1.1.2. Mitigation Incorporation.
Ensure that mitigation actions
identified in the LHMP are being
incorporated into upcoming
City sponsored projects, where
appropriate.
HS-1.1.3. Hazard Mitigation Plan
Amendments and Updates.
Support Santa Clara County in its role
as the lead agency that prepares and
updates the Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan.
REGIONAL COORDINATION
The City seeks to coordinate its local requirements and emergency planning efforts
with Federal, State and regional resources to ensure a consistent, integrated and
efficient approach to emergency planning.
HS-25
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY HS-1.2: SEA LEVEL RISE
PROTECTION
Ensure all areas in Cupertino
are adequately protected for the
anticipated effects of sea level rise.
STRATEGIES:
HS-1.2.1. Monitor Rising Sea Level.
Regularly coordinate with regional,
state, and federal agencies on rising
sea levels in the San Francisco Bay
and major tributaries to determine if
additional adaptation strategies should
be implemented to address flooding
hazards. This includes monitoring
FEMA flood map updates to identify
areas in the city susceptible to sea
level rise, addressing changes to
state and regional sea and bay level
rise estimates, and coordinating
with adjacent municipalities on flood
control improvements as appropriate.
HS-1.2.2. Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
Provide to the public, as available,
up-to-date Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM) that identify rising sea levels
and changing flood conditions.
HS-26
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL HS-2
Ensure a high level of emergency
preparedness for natural and human-
caused disasters
POLICY HS-2.1: PROMOTE EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
Distribute multi-hazard emergency
preparedness information for all
threats identified in the emergency
plan. Information will be provided
through Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and
Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) training, lectures
and seminars on emergency
preparedness, publication of monthly
safety articles in the Cupertino
Scene, posting of information on the
Emergency Preparedness website
and coordination of video and printed
information at the library.
POLICY HS-2.2: EMERGENCY
OPERATIONS AND TRAINING
Ensure ongoing training of identified
City staff on their functions/
responsibilities in the EOC and in
disaster preparedness, first aid and
CPR.
STRATEGIES:
HS-2.2.1: Emergency Operations
Center (EOC).
Review options to provide functional
and seismic upgrades to the EOC
facility at City Hall or explore
alternative locations for the EOC.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The City seeks to focus on planning and education to prepare and enlist the
community in the management of disasters and emergencies.
HS-27
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
HS-2.2.2: Employee Training.
Conduct regular exercises and
participate in regional exercises to
ensure that employees are adequately
trained.
POLICY HS-2.3: VOLUNTEER GROUPS
Continue to encourage the ongoing
use of volunteer groups to augment
emergency services, and clearly
define responsibilities during a local
emergency.
STRATEGIES:
HS-2.3.1: Cupertino Citizens Corps.
Continue to support the Cupertino
Amateur Radio Emergency Services
(CARES), Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) and Medical
Reserve Corp (MRC) programs
to ensure the development of
neighborhood based emergency
preparedness throughout the City.
Encourage ongoing cooperation with
CERTs in other cities.
HS-2.3.2: Community Groups.
Continue pre-disaster agreements
with appropriate community groups
to provide specified post-disaster
assistance, through the Emergency
Services Coordinator and with the
advice of the City Attorney.
HS-2.3.3: American Red Cross.
Continue to implement the American
Red Cross agreements under the
direction of the Director of Emergency
Services during a disaster.
HS-2.3.4: Shelter Providers.
Continue the agreement with
designated shelter sites to provide
space for emergency supply
containers.
HS-2.3.5: Amateur Radio Operators.
Continue to support training and
cooperation between the City and
Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (CARES) to prepare for
emergency communications needs.
POLICY HS-2.4: EMERGENCY PUBLIC
INFORMATION
Maintain an Emergency Public
Information program to be used
during emergency situations.
STRATEGIES:
HS-2.4.1: Communication Methods.
Use the local TV channel, Cupertino
Alert System (CAS), the Internet and
other communication methods to
transmit information to the citizenry.
HS-2.4.2: Public Information Office.
Activate the Public Information in
coordination with the Sheriff and the
Fire Department to provide accurate
information to the public as needed.
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CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY HS-2.5: DISASTER MEDICAL
RESPONSE
Continue to coordinate with the
appropriate County agencies and
local emergency clinics to ensure
preparedness and provide disaster
medical response. Coordinate with the
CERT members throughout the City
to ensure that they are prepared to
provide emergency support and first
aid at the neighborhood level.
STRATEGY:
HS-2.5.1: Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU).
Develop a MOU with local emergency
clinics. The County’s role and
involvement in emergencies should
be considered in development of the
MOU.
POLICY HS-2.6: MILITARY FACILITIES
AND READINESS
Consider the impact of development
on neighboring military facilities and
maintain military airspace to ensure
military readiness.
HS-29
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL HS-3
Protect the community from hazards
associated with wildland and urban fires
FIRE SAFETY
The City seeks to provide direction to the Santa Clara County Fire Department
(SCCFD) on ways to better protect the community from natural and human-made
fire disasters, and implement local policies to improve building and site design.
POLICY HS-3.1: REGIONAL
COORDINATION
Coordinate wildland fire prevention
efforts with adjacent jurisdictions.
Encourage the County and the
Midpeninsula Open Space District
to implement measures to reduce
fire hazards, including putting into
effect the fire reduction policies of
the County Public Safety Element,
continuing efforts in fuel management,
and considering the use of “green” fire
break uses for open space lands.
POLICY HS-3.2: EARLY PROJECT REVIEW
Involve the Fire Department in the
early design stage of all projects
requiring public review to assure Fire
Department input and modifications as
needed.
POLICY HS-3.3: EMERGENCY ACCESS
Ensure adequate emergency access
is provided for all new hillside
development.
STRATEGIES:
HS-3.3.1: Roadway Design.
Create an all-weather emergency road
system to serve rural areas.
HS-3.3.2: Dead-End Street Access.
Allow public use of private roadways
during an emergency for hillside
subdivisions that have dead-end public
streets longer than 1,000 feet or find a
secondary means of access.
HS-3.3.3: Hillside Access Routes.
Require new hillside development to
have frequent grade breaks in access
routes to ensure a timely response
from fire personnel.
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CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
HS-3.3.4: Hillside Road Upgrades.
Require new hillside development to
upgrade existing access roads to meet
Fire Code and City standards.
POLICY HS-3.4: PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL
ELECTRONIC SECURITY GATES
Discourage the use of private
residential electronic security gates
that act as a barrier to emergency
personnel.
STRATEGIES:
HS-3.4.1: Location.
Require a fence exception for
electronic security gates in certain
areas.
HS-3.4.2: Access to Gates.
Where electronic security gates are
allowed, require the installation of an
approved key switch to be accessed
by the Fire District.
POLICY HS-3.5: COMMERCIAL AND
INDUSTRIAL FIRE PROTECTION
GUIDELINES
Coordinate with the Fire Department
to develop new guidelines for fire
protection for commercial and
industrial land uses.
POLICY HS-3.6: FIRE PREVENTION AND
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Promote fire prevention and
emergency preparedness through
city-initiated public education
programs, the government television
channel, the Internet, and the
Cupertino Scene.
POLICY HS-3.7: MULTI-STORY
BUILDINGS
Ensure that adequate fire protection
is built into the design of multi-story
buildings and require on-site fire
suppression materials and equipment.
POLICY HS-3.8: EXTENSION OF WATER
SERVICE
Encourage the water companies to
extend water service into the hillside
and canyon areas and encourage
cooperation between water utility
companies and the Fire Department in
order to keep water systems in pace
with growth and firefighting service
needs.
HS-31
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL HS-4
Ensure high levels of community safety with
police services that meet the community’s
needs
PUBLIC SAFETY
The City seeks to support public safety through improved police services and
better site design.
POLICY HS-4.1: NEIGHBORHOOD
AWARENESS PROGRAMS
Continue to support the Neighborhood
Watch Program and other similar
programs intended to help
neighborhoods prevent crime through
social interaction.
POLICY HS-4.2: CRIME PREVENTION
THROUGH BUILDING AND SITE DESIGN
Consider appropriate design
techniques to reduce crime and
vandalism when designing public
spaces and reviewing development
proposals.
STRATEGIES:
HS-4.2.1: Perimeter Roads for Parks.
Encircle neighborhood parks with
a public road to provide visual
accessibility whenever possible.
HS-4.2.2: Development Review.
Continue to request County Sheriff
review and comment on development
applications for security and public
safety measures.
POLICY HS-4.3: FISCAL IMPACTS
Recognize fiscal impacts to the County
Sheriff and City of Cupertino when
approving various land use mixes.
HS-32
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL HS-5
Reduce ricks associated with geologic and
seismic hazards
POLICY HS-5.1: SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC
REVIEW PROCESS
Evaluate new development proposals
within mapped potential hazard zones
using a formal seismic/geologic
review process. Use Table HS-3 of
this Element to determine the level of
review required.
STRATEGIES:
HS-5.1.1: Geotechnical and Structural
Analysis.
Require any site with a slope
exceeding 10 percent to reference
the Landslide Hazard Potential Zone
maps of the State of California for all
required geotechnical and structural
analysis.
HS-5.1.2: Residential Upgrades.
Require that any residential facility,
that is being increased more than 50
percent assessed value or physical
size, conform to all provisions of the
current building code throughout the
entire structure. Owners of residential
buildings with known structural
defects, such as un-reinforced
garage openings, “soft first story”
construction, unbolted foundations,
or inadequate sheer walls are
encouraged to take steps to remedy
the problem and bring their buildings
up to the current building code.
GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
HS-33
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
HS-5.1.3: Geologic Review.
Continue to implement and update
geologic review procedures for
Geologic Reports required by
the Municipal Code through the
development review process.
POLICY HS-5.2: PUBLIC EDUCATION
ON SEISMIC SAFETY
Reinforce the existing public
education programs to help
residents minimize hazards
resulting from earthquakes.
STRATEGIES:
HS-5.2.1: Covenant on Seismic Risk.
Require developers to record a
covenant to tell future residents in
high-risk areas about the risk and
inform them that more information
is in City Hall records. This is in
addition to the State requirement
that information on the geological
report is recorded on the face of
subdivision maps.
HS-5.2.2: Emergency Preparedness.
Publish and promote emergency
preparedness activities and drills.
Use the City social media, and
the website to provide safety tips
that may include identifying and
correcting household hazards,
knowing how and when to turn off
utilities, helping family members
protect themselves during and after
an earthquake, recommending
neighborhood preparation activities,
and advising residents to maintain
an emergency supply kit containing
first-aid supplies, food, drinking
water and battery operated radios
and flashlights.
HS-5.2.3: Neighborhood Response
Groups.
Encourage participation in
Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) training. Train
neighborhood groups to care for
themselves during disasters.
Actively assist in neighborhood
drills and safety exercises to
increase participation and build
community support.
HS-5.2.4: Dependent Populations.
As part of community-wide efforts,
actively cooperate with State
agencies that oversee facilities
for persons with disabilities and
those with access and functional
needs, to ensure that such facilities
conform to all health and safety
requirements, including emergency
planning, training, exercises and
employee education.
HS-5.2.5: Foreign Language
Emergency Information.
Obtain translated emergency
preparedness materials and make
them available to appropriate
foreign language populations.
HS-34
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL HS-6
Protect people and property from the risks
associated with hazardous materials and
exposure to electromagnetic fields
POLICY HS-6.1: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
Require the proper storage and
disposal of hazardous materials to
prevent leakage, potential explosions,
fire or the release of harmful fumes.
Maintain information channels to the
residential and business communities
about the illegality and danger of
dumping hazardous material and
waste in the storm drain system or in
creeks.
POLICY HS-6.2: PROXIMITY OF
RESIDENTS TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Assess future residents’ exposure
to hazardous materials when new
residential development or sensitive
populations are proposed in existing
industrial and manufacturing areas.
Do not allow residential development
or sensitive populations if such
hazardous conditions cannot be
mitigated to an acceptable level of risk.
POLICY HS-6.3: ELECTROMAGNETIC
FIELDS (EMF)
Ensure that projects meet Federal and
State standards for EMF emissions
through development review.
POLICY HS-6.4: EDUCATIONAL
PROGRAMS
Continue to encourage residents and
businesses to use non- and less-
hazardous products, especially less
toxic pest control products, to slow the
generation of new reduce hazardous
waste requiring disposal through the
county-wide program.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
The City is committed to protecting its citizens from hazardous materials through
improved disposal practices, better site design and more public education.
HS-35
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY HS-6.5: HAZARDOUS WASTE
DISPOSALS
Continue to support and facilitate,
for residences and businesses, a
convenient opportunity to properly
dispose of hazardous waste.
STRATEGIES:
HS-6.5.1: Partner on Hazardous Waste
Collection and Disposal.
Continue to explore efficient,
economical and convenient ways to
offer Household Hazardous Waste
collection for residents in partnership
with the Solid Waste contractor or the
County.
HS-6.5.2: Educational Materials.
Publish educational materials about
the program in the Cupertino Scene,
City website, and brochures that are
distributed throughout the community.
HS-36
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL HS-7
Protect people and property from risks
associated with floods
POLICY HS-7.1: EVACUATION MAP
Prepare and update periodically an
evacuation map for the flood hazard
areas and distribute it to the general
public.
POLICY HS-7.2: EMERGENCY RESPONSE
TO DAM FAILURE
Ensure that Cupertino is prepared to
respond to a potential dam failure.
STRATEGIES:
HS-7.2.1: Emergency and Evacuation
Plan.
Maintain and update a Stevens Creek
Dam Failure Plan, including alert,
warning and notification systems and
appropriate signage.
HS-7.2.2: Inter-agency Cooperation.
Continue to coordinate dam-related
evacuation plans and alert/notification
systems with the City of Sunnyvale,
the Santa Clara Valley Water District
and Santa Clara County to ensure
that traffic management between
the agencies facilitates life safety.
Also work with other neighboring
cities to enhance communication and
coordination during a dam-related
emergency.
POLICY HS-7.3: EXISTING NON-
RESIDENTIAL USES IN THE FLOOD PLAIN
Allow commercial and recreational
uses that are now exclusively
within the flood plain to remain in
their present use or to be used for
agriculture, provided it doesn’t conflict
with Federal, State and regional
requirements.
FLOODING
The City seeks to ensure community protection from floods through the design of
projects, municipal operations and public education.
HS-37
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY HS-7.4: CONSTRUCTION IN
FLOOD PLAINS
Continue to implement land use,
zoning and building code regulations
limiting new construction in the
already urbanized flood hazard areas
recognized by the Federal Flood
Insurance Administrator.
STRATEGIES:
HS-7.4.1: Dwellings in Flood Plains.
Discourage new residential
development in regulated flood plains.
Regulate all types of redevelopment
in natural flood plains. This includes
discouraging fill materials and
obstructions that may increase
flood potential or modify the natural
riparian corridors.
HS-7.4.2: Description of Flood Zone
Regulation.
Continue to maintain and update a
map of potential flood hazard areas
and a description of flood zone
regulations on the City’s website.
HS-7.4.3: National Flood Insurance
Program Community Rating System.
Continue to participate in the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Community Rating System (CRS).
POLICY HS-7.5: HILLSIDE GRADING
Restrict the extent and timing
of hillside grading operations to
April through October except as
otherwise allowed by the City.
Require performance bonds during
the remaining time to guarantee the
repair of any erosion damage. Require
planting of graded slopes as soon as
practical after grading is complete.
POLICY HS-7.6: STABILITY OF EXISTING
WATER STORAGE FACILITIES
Assure the structural integrity of
water storage facilities.
STRATEGY:
HS-7.6.1: Coordination with other
Agencies.
Work closely with the San Jose
Water Company and owners of
other water storage facilities to
develop and implement a program
to monitor the stability of all existing
water storage facilities and related
improvements, such as: distribution
lines, connections and other system-
components.
HS-38
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL HS-8
Minimize noise impacts on the community
and maintain a compatible noise
environment for existing and future land use
POLICY HS-8.1: LAND USE DECISION
EVALUATION
Use the Land Use Compatibility for
Community Noise Environments chart,
the Future Noise Contour Map (see
Figure D-1 in Appendix D) and the City
Municipal Code to evaluate land use
decisions.
POLICY HS-8.2: BUILDING AND SITE
DESIGN
Minimize noise impacts through
appropriate building and site design.
STRATEGIES:
HS-8.2.1: Commercial Delivery Areas.
Locate delivery areas for new
commercial and industrial
developments away from existing or
planned homes.
HS-8.2.2: Noise Control Techniques.
Require analysis and implementation
of techniques to control the effects
of noise from industrial equipment
and processes for projects near low-
intensity residential uses.
HS-8.2.3: Sound Wall Requirements.
Exercise discretion in requiring
sound walls to be sure that all other
measures of noise control have
been explored and that the sound
wall blends with the neighborhood.
Sound walls should be designed and
landscaped to fit into the environment.
NOISE
The City seeks to ensure that the community continues to enjoy a high quality of
life through reduce noise pollution, effective project design and noise management
operations.
HS-39
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY HS-8.3: CONSTRUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES
Regulate construction and
maintenance activities. Establish
and enforce reasonable allowable
periods of the day, during weekdays,
weekends and holidays for
construction activities. Require
construction contractors to use the
best available technology to minimize
excessive noise and vibration from
construction equipment such as pile
drivers, jack hammers, and vibratory
rollers.
POLICY HS-8.4: FREEWAY DESIGN AND
NEIGHBORHOOD NOISE
Ensure that roads and development
along Highway 85 and Interstate 280
are designed and improved in a way
that minimizes neighborhood noise.
POLICY HS-8.5: NEIGHBORHOODS
Review residents’ needs for
convenience and safety and prioritize
them over the convenient movement
of commute or through traffic where
practical.
POLICY HS-8.6: TRAFFIC CALMING
SOLUTIONS TO STREET NOISE
Evaluate solutions to discourage
through traffic in neighborhoods
through enhanced paving and
modified street design.
STRATEGY:
HS-8.6.1: Local Improvement.
Modify street design to minimize noise
impact to neighbors.
POLICY HS-8.7: REDUCTION OF NOISE
FROM TRUCKING OPERATIONS
Work to carry out noise mitigation
measures to diminish noise along
Foothill and Stevens Creek Boulevards
from the quarry and cement plant
trucking operations. These measures
include regulation of truck speed, the
volume of truck activity, and trucking
activity hours to avoid late evening
and early morning. Alternatives to
truck transport, specifically rail, are
strongly encouraged when feasible.
STRATEGIES:
HS-8.7.1: Restrictions in the County’s
Use Permit.
Coordinate with the County to restrict
the number of trucks, their speed
and noise levels along Foothill and
Stevens Creek Boulevards, to the
extent allowed in the Use Permit.
Ensure that restrictions are monitored
and enforced by the County.
HS-8.7.2: Road Improvements to Reduce
Truck Impacts.
Consider road improvements such
as medians, landscaping, noise
attenuating asphalt, and other
methods to reduce quarry truck
impacts.
HS-40
infrastructure 8
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
INF-2
Cupertino’s public infrastructure works in tandem with the built and natural
environments to contribute to the exceptional quality of life enjoyed by local
residents, visitors and workers. The city’s public and private infrastructure
– water, storm drains, telecommunications and solid waste – are vital to
supporting the community’s everyday activities.
This Element includes goals, policies and strategies for the development
and maintenance of an exceptional system of high-quality and adequate
infrastructure to support community needs and development anticipated in
Community Vision 2040. It also ensures that the City’s existing infrastructure
is maintained, upgraded, replaced and expanded when needed. The City’s
commitment to environmental sustainability provides direction for innovative
strategies to help the City conserve water and energy use, reduce waste,
improve water and air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Introduction
INF-2 Introduction
INF-3 Context
Water
Wastewater
Stormwater
Telecommunications
Solid Waste and Recycling
INF-7 Looking Forward
INF-9 Goals and Policies
Citywide Infrastructure
Rights-of-Way
Water
Stormwater
Waste Water
Telecommunications
Solid Waste
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
CONTENTS:
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
The City regularly prepares a Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to
identify capital projects and options for financing them. It is the City’s primary
mechanism for building and maintaining citywide infrastructure such as
streets, medians and stormwater systems, and City-owned facilities, parks,
trails and bridges.
Much of the City’s infrastructure was built between the 1950s and 1970s when
it was first incorporated and developed. Other areas that were later annexed
into the city typically have older and/or outdated infrastructure. Planning for
replacement and upgrades to these facilities will be important to ensure that
all residents and businesses have access to excellent services. Identifying
sustainable funding sources is also important to ensure that infrastructure
improvements can be built in a timely manner and effectively maintained to
meet community needs. The following is a summary of key infrastructure
systems that currently exist in Cupertino.
WATER
Cupertino has two major water suppliers: the California Water Company and
the San Jose Water Company. Both retailers purchase their water supply from
the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which receives water from the Rinconada
Treatment Plant and wells fed by groundwater.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District, which is the groundwater management
agency in Santa Clara County, manages groundwater recharge through
percolation ponds and in-stream recharge of creeks. The McClellan Pond
recharge facility (located in Cupertino) and the Stevens Creek Reservoir
(located outside the city on its southwest boundary) also contribute to
Cupertino’s water supply.
In addition to the potable water supply, there is a potential recycled water
system planned for the North Vallco Park Special Area as part of the Apple
Campus 2. The City anticipates that recycled water will be used for groundwater
recharge, irrigation, and will help to offset potable water use in areas served.
The recycled water system can be potentially extended to serve other areas of
the city in the future as capacity and demand increases and new distribution
lines can be built.
CONTEXT
INF-3
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
WASTEWATER
Wastewater collection and treatment are provided to the City by the Cupertino
Sanitary District and the City of Sunnyvale. The majority of the City is served by
the Cupertino Sanitary District, while the City of Sunnyvale serves only a small
portion of the Cupertino Urban Service area within the Rancho Rinconada area.
The Cupertino Sanitary District was formed in 1956 and is currently in the
process of updating its 1964 Master Plan. The District collects and transports
waste water collected in Cupertino to the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution
Control Plant located in North San Jose. The District maintains approximately
one million linear feet of sewer lines and 500,000 linear feet of sewer laterals
and 17 pump stations. While the physical condition of the infrastructure appears
to be in relatively good condition, there are issues with the carrying capacity of
a number of lines in the system. The lines serving the City Center development,
Stevens Creek Boulevard between Randy Lane and Wolfe Road, Wolfe Road
south of Interstate 280, Stelling Road and Foothill Boulevard are running either
at capacity or over capacity. In order to accommodate future development, lines
would have to be upgraded. Any necessary improvements are expected to be
coordinated with development review, with new projects bearing their share of
the cost or partnering with the Sanitary District to provide improvements needed
to increase capacity.
The City of Sunnyvale provides wastewater treatment service for Cupertino’s
commercial properties along Stevens Creek Boulevard, east of Finch Avenue,
and a portion of the Rancho Rinconada neighborhood. While the City of
Sunnyvale has adequate capacity to serve anticipated growth and can continue
to provide treatment capacity for future growth in its Cupertino service area,
there may need to be improvements to the distribution network to address
future growth on the east side. Any necessary improvements are expected to
be coordinated with development review, with new projects bearing their share
of the cost or partnering with the City of Sunnyvale to provide improvements
needed to increase capacity.
INF-4
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
STORMWATER
Comprehensive stormwater management can reduce pollution and erosion,
prevent flooding, recharge aquifers with clean water, and prevent Bay pollution.
While efforts in early years focused on expanding storm drain capacity and
wastewater treatment, the approach today is to reduce and filter runoff through
project design and management.
Cupertino’s storm drain system currently operates adequately, with some
targeted upgrades or improvements likely over the next 25 years. There is only
localized flooding in the storm drain system, limited primarily to unimproved
streets. The City continues to update its infrastructure planning to ensure that
future improvements include best practices for stormwater management.
The City, along with 76 other agencies throughout the Bay Area, is regulated by
the Municipal Regional Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System Permit (MRP). The MRP, which is issued by the California Regional Water
Quality Control Board, requires the City to carry out a comprehensive stormwater
pollution prevention program. In order to comply with these requirements,
the City joined with 15 other adjoining agencies to form the Santa Clara Valley
Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPP). SCVURPP works with
the participating agencies and the Regional Board to develop solutions to control
urban runoff quality. In addition, the City is required to prepare a city-specific
Urban Runoff Management Plan. This plan identifies stormwater pollution
control measures such as design, construction and operation best practices,
inspections and water-quality monitoring. The regulations are expected to evolve
and become more stringent in the future.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Cupertino is located in Silicon Valley, which is home to the world’s greatest
technology companies, and is known for its forward-thinking and innovation. In
order to ensure that the City can continue being an exceptional place to work and
live, efforts will be made to expand access to telecommunications services. The
City does not directly supply telecommunications utilities; however, it plays an
important role by coordinating with providers, allowing access to public rights-
of-way, and ensuring that proposed improvements or changes in service meet
community expectations and are integrated in a compatible manner.
INF-5
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING
Nearly every human activity leaves behind some kind of waste. Households
create ordinary garbage while industrial and manufacturing processes create
solid and hazardous waste. Waste uses up limited landfill space, releases toxins
and creates greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The City uses
recycling, reuse and reducing consumption as an effective way to manage solid
waste.
The Air Resources Board, as a means to implement AB 32, identifies in its
Scoping Plan mandatory commercial recycling as one of the measures to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Subsequently, AB 341 sets a goal of 75
percent residential and commercial recycling by 2020. Recology currently
provides garbage pickup and recycling services in Cupertino. City residents
and businesses served by Recology have achieved a 69 percent diversion rate
in 2012. The City is currently working with Recology to develop programs to
boost that diversion rate even higher, reduce contamination, and boost organics
composting by residents and businesses. With the proposed changes, the City
hopes to achieve the 75 percent diversion rate by 2015.
To meet its future solid waste disposal needs, the City also executed a contract
with Browning and Ferris to provide landfill capacity at Newby Island in Milpitas.
The term of the agreement is 35 years and ends in 2023, or at the time the
specified tonnage in the contract is reached.
INF-6
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
LOOKING FORWARD
As the City continues to grow and develop, it will have to look at strategies for
replacing and expanding the City’s aging infrastructure to meet community needs.
Whereas strategies in the past focused on expansion of facilities, the focus in
the future will be looking for ways to reduce demand on infrastructure through
sustainable measures and balancing modes of transportation. A key strategy
moving forward will be finding new ways to fund infrastructure improvements and
ongoing maintenance through new development, partnerships or other methods.
The following are ways the City will address key challenges and opportunities
facing Cupertino:
SUSTAINABLE METHODS.
The City will reduce the demand on infrastructure and services by
exploring ways to expand water and energy conservation and waste
diversion efforts.
ACCESS.
The City will ensure that the entire community has access to all services.
This will include identifying areas where access is not available and
looking for strategies to retrofit and partner in the construction of
necessary improvements.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH.
The City will prioritize methods that improve environmental and
community health when exploring strategies to reduce demand and
construct facilities.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
The City will utilize technology to deliver services efficiently and
effectively. This includes supporting emerging technologies in
information services and infrastructure to better serve the business and
resident community.
COORDINATION.
The City will work with service providers to ensure that their
infrastructure planning and maintenance goals meet community needs.
2
3
4
5
1
INF-7
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.
The City will enlist the community in programs to achieve goals including
recycling and conservation programs.
FUNDING.
The City will ensure a sustainable source of funding for construction,
operation and maintenance of infrastructure.
6
7
INF-8
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
GOAL INF-1
Ensure that the city’s infrastructure is
enhanced and maintained to support
existing development and growth in a
fiscally responsible manner
POLICY INF-1.1: INFRASTRUCTURE
PLANNING
Upgrade and enhance the City’s
infrastructure through the City’s Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) and
requirements for development.
STRATEGIES:
INF-1.1.1: Capital Improvement
Program.
Ensure that CIP projects reflect
the goals and policies identified in
Community Vision 2040.
INF-1.1.2: Design Capacity.
Ensure that public infrastructure is
designed to meet planned needs and
to avoid the need for future upsizing.
Maintain a balance between meeting
future growth needs and over-sizing
of infrastructure to avoid fiscal
impacts or impacts to other goals.
INF-1.1.3: Coordination.
Require coordination of construction
activity between various providers,
particularly in City facilities and rights-
of-way, to ensure that the community
is not unnecessarily inconvenienced.
Require that providers maintain
adequate space for all utilities when
planning and constructing their
infrastructure.
POLICY INF-1.2: MAINTENANCE
Ensure that existing facilities are
maintained to meet the community’s
needs.
INF-9
The City seeks to coordinate its municipal services with those of other
service providers in order to build and maintain infrastructure that fully
serves the current and future needs of the Cupertino community.
CITYWIDE INFRASTRUCTURE
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
POLICY INF-1.3: COORDINATION
Coordinate with utility and service
providers to ensure that their planning
and operations meet the City’s service
standards and future growth.
POLICY INF-1.4: FUNDING
Explore various strategies and
opportunities to fund existing and
future infrastructure needs.
STRATEGIES:
INF-1.4.1: Existing Infrastructure.
Require developers to expand or
upgrade existing infrastructure to
increase capacity, or pay their fair
share, as appropriate.
INF-1.4.2: Future Infrastructure Needs.
For new infrastructure, require new
development to pay its fair share of, or
to extend or construct, improvements
to accommodate growth without
impacting service levels.
INF-1.4.3: Economic Development.
Prioritize funding of infrastructure
to stimulate economic development
and job creation in order to increase
opportunities for municipal revenue.
INF-10
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
POLICY INF-2.1: MAINTENANCE
Maintain the City’s right-of-way and
traffic operations systems.
POLICY INF-2.2: MULTIMODAL SYSTEMS
Ensure that City rights-of-way are
planned for a variety of transportation
alternatives including pedestrian,
bicycle, automobile, as well as new
technologies such as driverless
cars, etc.
POLICY INF-2.3: GREEN STREETS
Explore the development of a “green
streets” program to minimize
stormwater runoff in City rights-of-
way.
POLICY INF-2.4: UNDERGROUNDING
UTILITIES
Explore undergrounding of utilities
through providers, public projects,
private development and agency
funding programs and grants.
STRATEGIES:
INF-2.4.1: Public and Provider Generated
Projects. Require undergrounding
of all new infrastructure projects
constructed by public agencies and
providers. Work with providers to
underground existing overhead lines.
INF-2.4.2: Development.
Require undergrounding of all utility
lines in new developments and
highly encourage undergrounding in
remodels or redevelopment of major
projects.
RIGHTS-OF-WAY
The City will ensure that public, City-owned rights-of-way are protected in order to
support future infrastructure needs and enhanced with sustainable features when
possible, and that new infrastructure is placed underground as feasible.
GOAL INF-2
Ensure that city rights-of-way are protected
from incompatible uses and enhanced with
sustainable features when possible
INF-11
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
POLICY INF-2.5: RECYCLED WATER
INFRASTRUCTURE
Plan for citywide access to recycled
water and encourage its use.
STRATEGIES:
INF-2.5.1: Availability.
Expand the availability of a
recycled water system through
public infrastructure projects and
development review.
INF-2.5.2: Use.
Encourage private and public projects
to incorporate the use of recycled
water for landscaping and other uses.
INF-2.5.3: City Facilities.
Design and retrofit City buildings,
facilities and landscaping to use
recycled water, to the extent feasible.
INF-12
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
WATER
The City will seek to identify ways to improve water availability, access and quality
in order to maintain the long-term health of the Cupertino water system.
GOAL INF-3
Create a coordinated strategy to ensure a
sustained supply of potable water through
planning and conservation
POLICY INF-3.1: COORDINATION WITH
PROVIDERS
Coordinate with water providers
and agencies in their planning and
infrastructure process to ensure that
the City continues to have adequate
supply for current needs and future
growth.
STRATEGY:
INF-3.1.1: Maintenance.
Coordinate with providers to ensure
that water and recycled water delivery
systems are maintained in good
condition.
POLICY INF-3.2: REGIONAL
COORDINATION
Coordinate with State and regional
agencies to ensure that policies and
programs related to water provision
and conservation meet City goals.
Note: additional water conservation
policies are discussed in detail in
the Environmental Resources and
Sustainability Element.
INF-13
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
POLICY INF-4.1: PLANNING AND
MANAGEMENT
Create plans and operational policies
to develop and maintain an effective
and efficient stormwater system.
STRATEGIES:
INF-4.1.1: Management.
Reduce the demand on storm drain
capacity through implementation of
programs that meet and even exceed
on-site drainage requirements.
INF-4.1.2: Infrastructure.
Develop a Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) for the City’s storm
drain infrastructure that meets the
current and future needs of the
community.
INF-4.1.3: Maintenance.
Ensure that City’s storm drain
infrastructure is appropriately
maintained to reduce flood hazards
through implementation of best
practices.
POLICY INF-4.2: FUNDING
Develop permanent sources of
funding storm water infrastructure
construction and maintenance.
STRATEGY:
INF-4.2.1: Ongoing Operations.
Review other funding strategies to
pay for the ongoing operations and
maintenance of the storm drain
system per State and regional
requirements.
Note: additional policies that meet
State and regional runoff reduction
are described in the Environmental
Resources and Sustainability Element.
STORMWATER
The City will seek to implement best practices in stormwater management in
order to reduce demand on the drainage system, and reduce sediment and
pollution impacts on the Bay.
GOAL INF-4
Implement best practices in stormwater
management to reduce demand on the
stormwater network, reduce soil erosion, and
reduce pollution into reservoirs and the Bay
INF-14
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
GOAL INF-5
Ensure that the city’s wastewater system
continues to meet current and future needs
POLICY INF-5.1: INFRASTRUCTURE
Ensure that the infrastructure plans
for Cupertino’s waste water system
providers continue to meet the City’s
current and future needs.
STRATEGIES:
INF-5.1.1: Coordination.
Coordinate with the Cupertino Sanitary
District on their Master Plan and the
Sunnyvale Treatment Plant to develop
a comprehensive capital improvement
program to ensure adequate capacity
for future development anticipated
with General Plan buildout.
INF-5.1.2: Development.
Require developers to pay their fair
share of costs for, or in some cases
construct, infrastructure upgrades to
ensure that service levels are met.
POLICY INF-5.2: DEMAND
Look for ways to reduce demand on
the City’s wastewater system through
implementation of water conservation
measures.
WASTEWATER
The City will ensure that there is adequate and well-maintained waste water
capacity through infrastructure enhancements and policies that reduce impact on
sanitary sewer system, and that pollution in reservoirs and the Bay is minimized.
INF-15
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
POLICY INF-6.1: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
MASTER PLAN
Maintain and update a
Telecommunications Master Plan with
regulations and guidelines for wireless
and emerging technologies.
POLICY INF-6.2: COORDINATION
Coordinate with providers to improve
access and delivery of services to
businesses and homes.
STRATEGIES:
INF-6.2.1: Facility Upgrades.
When possible, require service
providers to upgrade existing facilities
as part of permit or lease renewals.
Encourage use of newer technologies
that allow the facility components
to be reduced in size or improve
screening or camouflaging.
INF-6.2.2: Improved Access.
Work with providers to expand service
to areas that are not served by
telecommunications technologies.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The City will promote expansion of a citywide telecommunications system
that provides excellent services to businesses and residents, and encourages
innovative technologies for the future.
GOAL INF-6
Encourage innovative technologies and
communications systems that provide
excellent services to businesses and residents
INF-16
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
INF-6.2.3: City Facilities.
Encourage leasing of City sites to
expand access to telecommunications
services. Develop standards for the
incorporation of telecommunications
systems and public use.
INF-6.2.4: Agency and Private Facilities.
Encourage the installation of
communications infrastructure
in facilities owned by other public
agencies and private development.
INF-6.2.5: Communications
Infrastructure.
Support the extension and access to
telecommunications infrastructure
such as fiber optic cables.
POLICY INF-6.3: EMERGING
TECHNOLOGIES
Encourage new and innovative
technologies and partner with
providers to provide the community
with access to these services.
STRATEGY:
INF-6.3.1: Strategic Technology Plan.
Create and update a Strategic
Technology Plan for the City to improve
service efficiency.
INF-17
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
POLICY INF-7.1: PROVIDERS
Coordinate with solid waste system
providers to utilize the latest
technology and best practices to
encourage waste reduction and meet,
and even, exceed State targets.
POLICY INF-7.2: FACILITIES
Ensure that public and private
developments build new and on-site
facilities and/or retrofit existing on-
site facilities to meet the City’s waste
diversion requirements.
POLICY INF-7.3: OPERATIONS
Encourage public agencies and
private property owners to design
their operations to exceed regulatory
waste diversion requirements.
STRATEGY:
INF-7.3.1: City Facilities and Events.
Design new City facilities and retrofit
existing facilities and event venues
with recycling and trash collection
bins to facilitate easy disposal of
recyclable and compostable waste by
staff and the public.
POLICY INF-7.4: PRODUCT
STEWARDSHIP
Per the City’s Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR) policy, support
statewide and regional EPR initiatives
and legislation to reduce waste and
toxins in products, processes and
packaging.
GOAL INF-7
Ensure that the city meets and exceeds
regulatory waste diversion goals by working
with providers, businesses and residents
SOLID WASTE
The City seeks to reduce solid waste and demands on landfills, reduce the release
of toxins in the air (including greenhouse gas emissions) and improve community
health.
INF-18
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
POLICY INF-8.1: REDUCING WASTE
Meet or exceed Federal, State and
regional requirements for solid waste
diversion through implementation of
programs.
STRATEGIES:
INF-8.1.1: Outreach.
Conduct and enhance programs that
promote waste reduction through
partnerships with schools, institutions,
businesses and homes.
INF-8.1.2: Hazardous Waste.
Work with providers and businesses
to provide convenient hazardous and
e-waste facilities for the community.
INF-8.1.3: Preferential Purchasing.
Maintain and update a City preferential
purchasing policy to products that
reduce packaging waste, greenhouse
gas emissions, toxic contaminants and
are reusable.
INF-8.1.4: Reuse.
Encourage reuse of materials and
reusable products. Develop a program
for reuse of materials and reusable
products in City facilities and outreach
programs for community-wide
participation by promoting community-
wide garage sales and online venues.
INF-8.1.5: Collaboration.
Collaborate with agencies and large
businesses or projects to enhance
opportunities for community-wide
recycling, reuse and reduction
programs.
GOAL INF-8
Develop and enhance programs that reduce,
reuse and recycle waste
REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE
The City seeks to find additional ways to promote reductions in waste generation
and increases in reuse and recycling.
INF-19
CHAPTER 8: INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015-2040)
INF-8.1.6: Construction Waste.
Encourage recycling and reuse of
building materials during demolition
and construction of City, agency and
private projects.
INF-8.1.7: Recycled Materials.
Encourage the use of recycled
materials and sustainably harvested
materials in City, agency and private
projects.
INF-20
recreation, parks
and community
services 9
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
1
Cupertino’s parks, recreation programs and community services complement
the built and natural environments and enhance the community. They enliven
our Neighborhoods and Special Areas and help promote health, interactions
and community-building.
This Element includes goals, policies and strategies for the development and
maintenance of an exceptional and integrated system of high-quality parks,
recreational amenities and community services that support current and
future needs anticipated in Community Vision 2040. As Cupertino grows over
time, the city’s parks and recreation programs will have to adapt to meet
changing needs. This Element ensures that the City will continue to provide
high-quality parks and recreation programs, improve the distribution and
access to these facilities, work with other community service providers, and
protect open space.
Introduction
RPC-2 Introduction
RPC-3 Context
Parks and Open Space
Park Standards
Park Accessibility
Recreation Programs
Schools
Library
RPC-18 Looking Forward
RPC-20 Goals and Policies
Parks and Open Space
Trails
Recreation Programs
and Services
Community Services
CONTENTS:
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Cupertino currently has approximately 165 acres of City-owned public parks and
open space areas. The City’s park system is supplemented by a network of over
220 acres of local and regional interconnected trails that stretch from local open
space preserves to the San Francisco Bay. In addition, there are many acres of
open space preserves surrounding the city that are operated and maintained by
regional agencies and districts, including over 40 acres of open space negotiated
through public access agreements. Figures RPC-1 and RPC-2 show the
locations of open space areas within and near Cupertino.
Local residents, visitors and employees also enjoy a wide range of community
services provided by the City and other agencies and districts. Looking towards
the future, the City will have to manage its resources effectively and coordinate
with other agency providers to ensure that the community’s growing and
changing needs are met. The following is a summary of the future direction for
the City’s approach to planning, designing and managing open space to ensuring
the community’s continued health and quality of life.
REGIONAL RESOURCES
Several public agencies share the task of acquiring and maintaining open space
for the enjoyment within Cupertino and neighboring cities. Cupertino’s land uses
in and around these areas typically include low-intensity residential uses, which
are consistent with protecting open space areas.
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District was created in 1972 and
manages about 62,000 acres of mountainous, foothill and bayland open space
in 26 open space preserves. Preserves adjacent to Cupertino are located to the
south and west around the foothills, and include Rancho San Antonio, Pichetti
Ranch and Fremont Older.FOOTHILL BLVDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
McCLELLAN RD
Stevens
Creek
County
Park
Linda Vista
City Park
McClellan
Ranch
Park
Deep
Cliff
Golf
Course
LU-1
FIGURE RPC-1 PUBLIC OPEN SPACE IN THE STEVENS CREEK CORRIDOR
FOOTHILL BLVDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
McCLELLAN RD
Stevens
Creek
County
Park
Linda Vista
City Park
McClellan
Ranch
Park
Deep
Cli
Golf
Course
(Based on the September 23, 2002
Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study)
0 1000
0500
2000 3000
00.5 1Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
Existing City/County Public
Open Space
Existing Private Open Space
Proposed Open Space Linkage
N
RPC-3
CONTEXT
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Santa Cruz CountySan Mateo CountySanta Cr
u
z Santa Cl
ara
San Mateo
Santa Clara FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT
RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Proposed
Stevens Creek
Trail Corridor
Upper
Stevens Creek
County Park
Monte Bello
Open Space
Preserve
Monte Bello
Open Space
Preserve
Picchetti
Ranch Area
Saratoga Gap
Open Space
Preserve
Long Ridge
Open Space
Preserve
Stevens Creek
County Park
Fremont Older
Open Space
Preserve
Rancho San Antonio
Open Space Preserve
Rancho
San Antonio
County Park
Linda Vista
City
Park
San Jose
Existing County Parks
Existing MidPeninsula Regional
Open Space Preserve
Proposed Expansion of
Regional Open Space Lands
Public Access to
Open Space Preserves
Proposed Open Space Linkages
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
Saratoga
Los Altos
There are over 13,000 acres (over 20 square miles) of public open space
in Cupertino's boundary agreement area and contiguous jurisdictions.
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
00.5 1Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Heart of the City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
N
LU-1
FIGURE RPC-2
OPEN SPACE
RPC-4
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-5
SANTA CLARA COUNTY PARKS
The Santa Clara County park program was a voter-approved measure to acquire
and develop a regional park system. County parks adjacent to Cupertino are
located near the southwestern boundary of the city. The County Park plan
emphasizes completing Upper Stevens Creek Park and its connection to Stevens
Creek near Cupertino. Because the upper portions of Stevens Canyon are
environmentally important, the County Parks and Recreation Department has
made a commitment to purchase lands to connect these two parks. In 1997,
as part of the development of a portion of the San Jose Diocese’s St. Joseph’s
Seminary property, the County was able to acquire 133 acres of open space to
add to its original holdings in the Rancho San Antonio County Park (which is now
managed by the Mid-Peninsula Open Space District).
SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT OPEN SPACE AREAS
Trails along creeks owned and managed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District
supplement Cupertino’s overall open space and park system. The District helped
with the acquisition of open space lands within McClellan Ranch Park. The
District works with cities and the county to provide access to creekside trails and
parks for recreational opportunities.
CITY COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
The City has an excellent system of community and neighborhood parks that
provide a place for community gathering, recreation and healthy programs. All
existing parks and open space areas are shown in Figure RPC-3 and listed in
Table RPC-1.
Community parks include Memorial Park and the Stevens Creek corridor area.
Memorial Park is an urban park and facility venue for festivals located in the
Heart of the City Special Area. The Sports Center, located at the intersection of
Stevens Creek Boulevard and Stelling Road, provides a gym and tennis facilities.
The Sports Center also has a small facility where teens can gather and play
indoor sports. A Senior Center is located at the intersection of Stevens Creek
Boulevard and Mary Avenue, which runs programs for seniors in Cupertino. The
Quinlan Community Center, located on Stelling Road, runs the bulk of the art,
dance, music and other community programs. All of these facilities are located
around Memorial Park.
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-1
FIGURE RPC-3
PARK AREAS
A-1
A-2
B
C
N
E-1
E-2
G
O
K
MF-1
F-2
P-1
P-2
L-1
L-2
H-1
H-2 I-1 I-2
J-1
J-2FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVDBLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLL INGER R D
McCLELLAN ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Canyon Oak
Park
Varian
Park
Sommerset
Square Park
Little
Rancho
Park
Monta VistaPark
McClellan
Ranch Park
Blackberry
Farm
Linda Vista
Park
Kennedy
Jr. H.S.
Regnart Elem.
Jollyman
Park
Hoover
Park
3 Oaks
Park
Library
Field
Civic CenterPlaza
Cali Plaza
Eaton
Elem.Hyde Jr. HS
Faria Elem.
Memorial
Park
Garden Gate
Elem.Stevens
Creek
Elem.
Sports
Center
Wilson
Park
PortalPark
Creekside
Park
Lincoln Elem.
Mary Ave
Dog Park
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
Franco Park
Sterling
Barnhart
Park
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
L eg end
City Boundary
Heart of the City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
Cupertino Neighborhood Parks
Community Park
Schools
Mini Parks
Main Street
Town Square
Easement
L.P. Collins
Elementary
Field
City Center Easement
Cupertino Hills
Swim & Racquet
Club
Private Recreation
Community Pool
Deep Cliff
Golf Course
N
Rancho
Rinconada
Recreation
& Park
Civic CenterPark
Main Street
Park Easement
RPC-6
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table RPC-1 Existing Park and Recreation Acreage by Area
AREA
RES PARKS/ OPEN
SPACE
ACRE
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK
ACRE COMMUNITY PARK ACRE SCHOOL ACRE
A-1
A-2 Stocklmeir RanchBlesch ParcelStevens Creek Trail
5.00.62.4
McClellan RanchMcClellan Ranch West (Simms Property)Blackberry Farm ParkBlackberry Farm Golf Course
16.03.0
21.516.5
B Cupertino Hills Swim and Racquet Club***2.98 Linda Vista 11.0
Monta Vista HSKennedy Jr. HSLincoln Elem. Regnant Elem.
10.0*9.03.03.0
C
E-1 Varian Park 6.0 Stevens Ck. Elem 3.0
E-2 Monta Vista 6.0
F-1 Forge Apts 0.5*Villa Serra 0.61 Franco Park 0.61 Homestead HS 10.0*
F-2 Memorial ParkSports Center 20.06.2 Garden Gate Elem.3.0
G Sommerset Square 2.0 Mary Avenue Dog Park 0.5
H-1 Faria Elem. 3.0
H-2 Jollyman 11.5
I-1 City Center Amphitheater 1.39*Wilson ParkLibrary Field 8.03.0
Cali Mill Plaza Park**Civic Center Park**Library PlazaCivic Center Plaza
1.00.71.00.5
Eaton Elem. 3.0
I-2 Creekside 13.0
J-1 Cupertino HS 10.0*
J-2 Hyde Jr. HS Sedgewick Elem. 6.04.0*
K Rancho Rinconada Swim Rec Facility**2.0 Sterling Barnhart 0.6
L-1
L-2 Portal Park 4.0 Collins Elem.Portal Elem.3.01.71*
M Hampton AptArioso Apts
0.5*Main Street Park EasementTown Square Easement .750.80.5*
N Oak Valley (2)Canyon Oak Park 0.940.4 Little Rancho Park 0.34
O
P-1 Three Oaks 3.0
P-2 Hoover 6.0
Total by Park Type 14.32 74.71 89.4 36
Total All Types 214.43
RPC-7
Notes: * Not included in park acreage, **Privately owned, public access, ***Privately owned
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
The Civic Center complex, located in the central part of the city, provides an
additional community venue for gathering and programs. It consists of City Hall,
Community Hall and Library Field, which offers indoor and outdoor venues for
meetings, functions and outdoor recreation. The Cupertino Library, a facility
owned by the City but operated by the County Library District, is also located in
the Civic Center complex.
The Stevens Creek Corridor, located in the Monta Vista Planning Area, has a
natural environment with trails, swimming facilities, group picnic areas, historic
orchard (Stocklmeir), historic ranch (McClellan Ranch), a nine-hole golf course
(Blackberry Farm Golf Course) and related support facilities. Blackberry Farm
Recreational area’s swimming facilities, recreation programs and reserved
picnic areas are only available in the summer, although access to the Stevens
Creek Corridor trails is available year round. The City is in the process of
preparing a Stevens Creek Corridor Master Plan to review the design and
planning of facilities and programs throughout the Stevens Creek corridor. City
objectives for the plan include accommodating year-around use of the facilities
in the corridor; reviewing and revising the plans for the golf course, McClellan
Ranch, Stocklmeir, McClellan Ranch West (Simms) and Blesch properties;
incorporating the trail system; restoring Stevens Creek; and addressing
neighborhood issues.
In addition to these community facilities, the City also has a system of
neighborhood parks of varying sizes and types that are located throughout
Cupertino. Each neighborhood park offers a variety of opportunities for passive
and active recreation for adjacent neighborhoods and recreational programs
for the community. Lastly, the City also has agreements with the school districts
to maintain school fields in return for allowing the community to use the fields,
when they are not in use by the schools.
PRIVATE AND SEMI-PUBLIC OPEN SPACE RESOURCES
There are several private, open space and recreational activity businesses in
Cupertino that support the recreational needs of the community. They include
the Deep Cliff Golf Course and the Cupertino Hills Swim and Racquet Club in the
Monta Vista Planning Area, as well as riding stables in the foothills. The Rancho
RPC-8
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Rinconada Recreation Center, a swim and recreational facility operated by a
separate District, is available publicly to residents of the Rancho Rinconada
Area. These facilities are valuable to the community because they often provide
services that are not traditionally provided by the public sector on City or
regional parklands.
Several hillside and urban subdivisions, and apartment complexes, offer both
natural and built recreational facilities for their residents. Private open spaces
that are accessible to the public include Cali Mill Plaza at the intersection
of Stevens Creek and De Anza Boulevards, Civic Park in the Town Center
development across from the Civic Center, and the park at the Main Street
development along Stevens Creek Boulevard east of Wolfe Road. Lastly, utility
power line corridors in the city’s foothills provide public paths and trails through
open space areas.
TRAILS
Trails and paths connect people to each other, create access to open space areas
and parks, and provide an alternative to driving from place to place. Promoting
more trails and connectivity along creeks, hillsides and through neighborhoods
is a major objective of the General Plan. Providing access to open space and
parks is not completely dependent on trails. Sidewalks and streets can also
connect pedestrians to their destinations. However, occasional barriers often
pose an issue when they break the continuity. Future plans for these areas
should enhance connectivity to neighborhoods and other parts of the city. Each
major trail corridor in Cupertino is discussed in greater detail below. In addition
to these trail corridors, the City also seeks to expand access to other trails
through grants and development review. Figure RPC-4 identifies major trail
linkages in Cupertino.
STEVENS CREEK
The 65 acre Stevens Creek corridor is Cupertino’s most prominent urban open
space/trail resource. The land is designated for recreation, parklands and
farming, and provides flood plain area for the creek. Adjoining properties are
zoned for low-density residential use. The Stevens Creek Corridor Plan retains
RPC-9
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-10 FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Existing or Proposed
Trail Linkages
Future Trail Linkages
Los Altos
Potential Trails
Potential Alternative Trail
Alignment
N
Calabazas
Creek
Trail
San Tomas
Aquino
Trail
San Tomas
Aquino
Trail
Linda
Vista
Park
Rancho
San Antonio
Park
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Heart of the City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
LU-1
FIGURE RPC-4
TRAIL LINKAGE
FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN
ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Existing or Proposed
Trail Linkages
Future Trail Linkages
Los Altos
Potential Trails
Potential Alternative Trail
Alignment
N
Calabazas
Creek
Trail
San Tomas
Aquino
Trail
San Tomas
Aquino
Trail
Linda
Vista
Park
Rancho
San Antonio
Park
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Heart of the City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-11
the open space character of the Stevens Creek greenbelt between the Stevens
Creek reservoir and Stevens Creek Boulevard, and offers historical significance
relating to the Juan Bautista De Anza Trail designation.
The City is participating with the Santa Clara Valley Water District and adjacent
cities including Sunnyvale, Los Altos and Mountain View in a Four Cities
Coordinated Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study to explore connections for
a trail following Stevens Creek, extending to the San Francisco Bay. The study
is currently in progress and is expected to be completed in 2015. The City will
implement recommendations from the study endorsed by the City Council. The
City’s acquisition of Linda Vista Park, McClellan Ranch, Blackberry Farm, and the
McClellan Ranch West (Simms), Stocklmeir properties, and more recently, the
Blesch property support these planning efforts.
The 2002 Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility study concluded that it is feasible to
construct 7.7 miles of separated and on-street multi-use paths connecting to
Rancho San Antonio and Stevens Creek County parks. To complete the trail,
a public trail easement through the approximately 150 acre former quarry
property south of Linda Vista Park will be established when the property is
proposed for development. The former quarry haul road connects Linda Vista
Park to McClellan Road. It is under the same ownership as the quarry and is
necessary to link these properties. Full build out of the Stevens Creek trail is
expected to take about 10 to 15 years.
CALABAZAS CREEK
There is an opportunity for a trail along Calabazas Creek that would connect the
South Vallco Planning Area to Cupertino High School and Creekside Park.
SAN TOMAS-AQUINO/SARATOGA CREEK
Cupertino’s section of the 12 mile San Tomas-Aquino Trail crosses into the city
from Santa Clara on Pruneridge Avenue, extends to bicycle lanes on Bollinger
Road, and further extends north-south along the city limit between San Jose and
Cupertino. The City has explored the potential to create a linear Lawrence-Mitty
Park along the creek with the cooperation of Santa Clara County, neighboring
jurisdictions and the Santa Clara Valley Water District. Discussions on trail
options in this area are ongoing.
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
The 8.7 mile proposed Union Pacific Rail Trail corridor extends through the cities
of Cupertino, Saratoga, Campbell and the town of Los Gatos. The trail would
link to the Los Gatos Creek Trail, connecting the two most heavily used parks in
Santa Clara County: Rancho San Antonio County Park and Vasona County Park.
A feasibility study found that this project is not feasible at this time. Acquisition
of right-of-way or easements is anticipated if the Railroad goes out of service or
if it is able to relinquish right-of-way. The corridor is designated as a proposed
trail on the Trail Linkages diagram. Should the railroad corridor use change,
provision for a continuous trail through the corridor must be included as a
project component.
DON BURNETT BICYCLE-PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
The Don Burnett Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge (formerly known as the Mary Avenue
Bicycle Footbridge) links the Sunnyvale and north side of I-280 to De Anza
College, Memorial Park and the Oaks Shopping Center. It was opened in 2009
and is enjoyed by pedestrians, bicyclists and school children. Its unique design
creates a gateway into Cupertino and a landmark for the area.
INTERSTATE 280 TRAIL
This is a potential trail along the drainage channel on the south side of I-280.
The trail has the potential of connecting several significant nodes in the city
starting from the Calabazas Creek connection across from the Main Street
development to Vallco Shopping District, and ending at De Anza Boulevard. The
trail could be potentially extended west of De Anza Boulevard in a later phase.
A number of development projects have contributed to a study and potential
improvements to implement the trail. The timing of the study is expected to be
coordinated with the redevelopment of the Vallco Shopping District and other
developments in the area. The City will have to coordinate with the Santa Clara
County Valley Water District on the project since it owns the drainage channel.
RPC-12
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
Los Altos
FOOTHILLBLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVETANTAU AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN ROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT ROAD
85
280
Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Canyon Oak Park
Varian
Park
Sommerset
Square Park
Little Rancho Park
Monta
Vista
Park
Jollyman
Park
Hoover
Park
3 Oaks
Park
Library
Field
Memorial
Park
Franco Park
Mary Ave
Dog Park
Wilson
Park
Portal
Park
Main Street
Town Square
Easement
Creekside
Park Sterling
Barnhart
ParkMcClellan
Park
Linda Vista
Park
Blackberry
Farm
Cali Plaza
Library
Plaza
CivicCenterPark
Civic CenterPlaza
City Center Easement
Main Street
Park Easement
Sports
Center
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
00.5 1Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
1/2 Mile Access Range
From Park Sites
Existing Park Site
L.P. Collins
Elementary
Field
N
FIGURE RPC-5
PARK ACCESS
RPC-13
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general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PARK STANDARDS
A well-planned park program incorporates a variety of facilities and programs
to meet the community’s needs. The program must also be flexible so that it
can be updated as the community grows and changes in the future. The City is
proposing a Parks and Recreation Master Plan that responds to these issues.
Key elements of such a master plan will include parks performance standards, a
classification system of park type and a recreation program for the community.
The master plan will also identify locations where additional capacity is needed
to meet the current and future needs of its residents and workers and strategies
to bridge the gaps.
The City is fortunate to have access to a multitude of trails and regional park
resources within Cupertino, which, along with the City’s inventory of available
parkland, provides approximately 430 acres of park and recreation area for
city residents (or approximately 7.37 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents).
The City’s inventory of available parkland, which includes community and
neighborhood parks as well as publicly accessible parks through agreements,
is approximately 210 acres (or approximately 3.6 acres per 1,000 residents). If
the amount of parkland accessible due to agreements with the Cupertino Union
School District is excluded, the available parkland is 174 acres (or approximately
2.98 acres per 1,000 residents).
The City’s standard currently specifies three acres of parkland per 1,000
residents. However, the City should continue to explore raising the parkland
standard to five acres per 1,000 residents for its parks acquisition program.
PARK ACCESSIBILITY
One of the City’s key objectives in planning for neighborhoods is to distribute
parks and open space within the community so that all residents can safely walk
or bike to a recreation facility. This has the advantage of improving neighborhood
identity, social interactions and the overall health of the community.
Figure RPC-5 shows the neighborhoods and the 1/2 mile service area radius
for neighborhood parks. The service area map includes walking and biking
impediments due to physical barriers, such as freeways, railroad tracks or
stream beds. In addition, busy streets may discourage some people, especially
RPC-14
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-15
Table RPC-2 Proposed park and Open Space Acreage Acquisition by Area
Area Existing
Park Acres
Potential Park Lands
DescriptionNeighborhood
Park
Community
Park
A-1
A-2 65 5.5933.00 Reuse Blackberry Farm for Community Park
B 28.98
C
E-1 9.0
E-2 6.0
F-1 1.22 3.5
G 29.2 Memorial Park contains Neighborhood Facilities
H-1 2.5
H-2 3.0
I-1 11.5
I-2 17.2
J-1 13
J-2 Neighborhood Park
K 6.0
L-1 2.6 3.5 Neighborhood Park
L-2 Neighborhood Park
M 7
N 1.55 3.5 Neighborhood Park
O 1.68
P-1
P-2 3.0
Total Existing Park 6.0
Lands 214.43
Total Prop Parks Land 49.09
Total All Park Lands 263.52
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
young children, from visiting nearby parks. The Complete Streets policies in the
Mobility Element will work in tandem with parks planning to ensure that key
intersections connecting neighborhoods to services are improved for pedestrian
and bicycle connections.
Table RPC-2 shows the park and open space acreage proposed by area.
Acquisition strategies will include agreements to allowing community use of
school sites, expanding and making modifications to existing parks, leveraging
State and regional funding, and park dedication requirements for major new
developments.
RECREATION PROGRAMS
The City offers a variety of recreation programs for residents ranging from
pre-school age children to its seniors. These include sports, arts, educational
programs, teen programs, senior programs and services, special festivals and
events and other activities. As the community profile changes, these programs
will have to evolve to address their specific needs. The City is continuously
working to refine and revise its programs to serve its population, while ensuring
that the programs can be mostly maintained by fees charged. Programs such
as environmental education, health and wellness, after school programs, art and
cultural diversity programs, science and math camps, and adventure programs
are examples of programs that are growing in need and popularity.
SCHOOLS
Cupertino is served by excellent institutions of public education. Cupertino
Union School District, Fremont Union High School District and Foothill-De
Anza Community College District provide nationally acclaimed elementary,
secondary and post-secondary education. This group of school districts is one
of the primary attractions of Cupertino for home buyers, particularly families
with school-age children. While the City is not directly involved in the provision
of education, it does control growth and development that can affect schools by
increasing student enrollment beyond the means of schools to service them. In
turn, it is crucial for the City to continue working directly with the school districts
to maintain their current high quality.
RPC-16
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-17
In addition, the City should continue to coordinate with schools to partner on
open space and cultural opportunities for community use. The City is already
implementing, and hopes to expand, the field maintenance agreements with
schools to allow community use when these facilities are not in use by schools.
The City will also explore partnerships with De Anza College and the school
districts to make available their theater, tennis courts and community meeting
spaces for use by community groups.
LIBRARY
The Cupertino Library, operated by the Santa Clara County Library under the
Joint Powers Authority Agreement, is an important community resource. The
City continues to contribute to the library’s annual operating costs, which are
necessary to implement and enhance services provided by the County Library.
In addition, the City built a new 54,000 square foot library in 2004, which
replaced an outdated 23,000 square foot library. This new facility was needed
to accommodate the needs of the growing community. Cupertino Library is
now a key community destination in the Civic Center and runs a variety of
reading programs and other community activities. A Civic Center Master Plan is
currently being developed to meet the facility and parking needs of the various
site elements, including the Library, Library Field, City Hall, Community Hall, and
the plaza.
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LOOKING FORWARD
As the Cupertino community grows and changes in age, diversity and ability, the
City’s parks and recreation programs will have to adjust to meet those needs. In
cases where needed services are not provided by the City, the City will partner
with other providers to ensure that community goals and expectations are met.
The City will also have to look for ways to expand and deliver services in a manner
that is fiscally-responsible by partnering with public agencies, service providers
and private development, and looking for grants to supplement funding for
projects. The City will also have to continually update its portfolio of facilities and
recreation services to prioritize programs that are most needed and can serve
the community in an equitable manner. The City should also explore ways to take
advantage of sustainable practices to reduce facility maintenance costs.
The following are ways the City will address key challenges and opportunities
facing Cupertino:
EXPAND RECREATION FACILITIES.
As the City realizes added growth anticipated in Community Vision 2040
it will have to look at expanding facilities and programs. These can be
achieved through careful master planning, implementation of a Capital
Improvement Program (CIP), and partnering with agencies and private
developers to increase park and open space.
EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION AND ACCESS.
In the future, the City should look to balancing its recreation facilities so
that each neighborhood and special area has easy access to parks and
recreation services. Strategies to achieve this include removing physical
barriers and improving pedestrian and bicycle paths to such facilities,
prioritizing areas that are deficient in park space, retrofitting facilities
and revising programs to meet community needs.
1
2
RPC-18
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
COLLABORATION.
The City will rely heavily on partnerships and collaboration with other
service providers in sharing facilities and services, and ensuring that
City plans meet the community’s current and future needs. This will
allow the City to deliver services in a manner that is efficient and fiscally
responsible.
SUSTAINABILITY.
The City should explore ways to redevelop, build and maintain facilities
and parks in an environmentally sustainable manner. Such practices
will allow the City to reduce maintenance costs for buildings and
landscaping, while also improving community health.
FUNDING.
The City should continue to explore ways to deliver services in a fiscally
responsible manner by identifying new sources of funding through
grants, working with developers to expand facilities and services,
sharing facilities with other agencies and school districts, and reviewing
recreation programs to ensure that they meet demand.
3
4
5
RPC-19
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOALS AND POLICIES
The goals and policies in this section provide guidance on how the City can
continue to serve the needs of the community through the growth and change in
the horizon of Community Vision 2040.
RPC-20
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-21
POLICY RPC-1.1: PARKS AND RECREATION
MASTER PLAN
Prepare a citywide Parks and
Recreation Master Plan that outlines
policies and strategies to plan for
the communities open space and
recreational needs.
STRATEGIES:
RPC-1.1.1: Stevens Creek Corridor Master
Plan.
Prepare a master plan for the park
and open space corridor along Stevens
Creek including McClellan Ranch,
McClellan Ranch West, Blackberry
Farm, the Blackberry Farm golf course,
Stocklmeir and Blesch properties
and the Nathan Hall Tank House area.
The plan should address a fiscally
sustainable strategy that allows year-
round community use of the park
system, while preserving the areas
natural resources and addressing
neighborhood issues including
connectivity and buffers.
RPC-1.1.2: Civic Center Master Plan.
Prepare a master plan that addresses
the needs of the elements in the
Civic Center area including City Hall,
Community Hall, Library Field, Library
programming, function and meeting
space and community gathering space
and parking needs.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Parks and open space policies outline acquisition, development, distribution, access
and maintenance of parkland in Cupertino in order to ensure that all residents enjoy
easy access to these areas.
GOAL M-1
Actively participate in regional planning
processes to coordinate local planning and
to advocate for decisions that meet and
complement the needs of Cupertino
GOAL RPC-1
Create a full range of park and recreational
resources and preserve natural resources
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-22
POLICY RPC-1.2: PARKLAND
STANDARDS.
Continue to implement a parkland
acquisition and implementation
program that provides a minimum of
three acres per 1,000 residents.
STRATEGIES:
RPC-1.2.1: Park Size.
Require target for parks based on
function and activity supported as
part of the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan. While the preferred size
for most neighborhood parks is about
3.5 acres for flexibility of use, smaller
size parks may be considered based
on opportunities and circumstances.
RPC-1.2.2: Amend Parkland Standard.
Explore increasing the parkland
standard to five acres per 1,000
residents as part of the citywide
Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
POLICY RPC-1.3: CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP)
Ensure that CIP projects reflect
the goals and policies identified in
Community Vision 2040, establishing
a criteria for ranking CIP proposals
for the highest and best selection of
community projects.
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY RPC-2.1: PARKLAND
ACQUISITION
The City’s parkland acquisition
strategy should be based upon three
broad objectives:
• Distributing parks equitably
throughout the City;
• Connecting and providing access
by providing paths, improved
pedestrian and bike connectivity
and signage; and
• Obtaining creek lands and
restoring creeks and other natural
open space areas, including strips
of land adjacent to creeks that may
be utilized in creating buffer areas,
trails and trail amenities.
STRATEGIES:
RPC-2.1.1: Dedication of Parkland.
New developments, in areas where
parkland deficiencies have been
identified, should be required to
dedicate parkland rather than paying
in-lieu fees.
RPC-2.1.2: Public Use of School Sites.
Zone all public school sites for public
use to allow for the public to use sites,
when not in use by schools, through
shared arrangements.
RPC-2.1.3: Acquisition of Surplus
Properties.
Explore acquisition of surplus school
and agency properties for parkland.
Take advantage of the Naylor Act to
purchase surplus school sites.
GOAL RPC-2
Distribute parks and open space throughout
the community and provide services, and
safe and easy access, to all residents and
workers
RPC-23
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
POLICY RPC-2.2: PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
AND RECREATION FACILITIES
Encourage the continued existence
and profitability of private open space
and recreation facilities through
incentives and development controls.
STRATEGIES:
RPC-2.2.1: Existing Facilities.
Encourage the continued existence of
private recreational facilities through
land use zoning and incentives.
RPC-2.2.2: New Facilities.
• Require major developments to
incorporate private open space
and recreational facilities, and
seek their cooperation in making
the spaces publicly accessible.
• Where feasible, ensure park space
is publicly accessible (as opposed
to private space).
• Encourage active areas to serve
community needs. However, a
combination of active and passive
areas can be provided based on
the setting.
• Integrate park facilities into the
surroundings.
• If public parkland is not dedicated,
require park fees based on a
formula that considers the extent
to which the publicly-accessible
facilities meet community need.
POLICY RPC-2.3: PARKLAND
DISTRIBUTION
Strive for an equitable distribution
of parks and recreational facilities
throughout the City. Park acquisition
should be based on the following
priority list. Accessibility to parks
should be a component of the
acquisition plan.
• High Priority: Parks in
neighborhoods or areas that have
few or no park and recreational
areas.
• Medium Priority: Parks in
neighborhoods that have other
agency facilities such as school
fields and district facilities, but no
City parks.
• Low Priority: Neighborhoods
and areas that have park and
recreational areas which may
be slightly less than the adopted
City’s parkland standard.
• Private Development: Consider
pocket parks in new and renovated
projects to provide opportunities
for publicly-accessible park areas.
POLICY RPC-2.4: CONNECTIVITY AND
ACCESS
Ensure that each home is within a
half-mile walk of a neighborhood park
or community park with neighborhood
facilities; ensure that walking and
RPC-24
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
biking routes are reasonably free of
physical barriers, including streets
with heavy traffic; provide pedestrian
links between parks, wherever
possible; and provide adequate
directional and site signage to identify
public parks.
STRATEGIES:
RPC-2.4.1: Pedestrian and Bike Planning.
Implement recommendations in the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans to link
employment and special areas, and
neighborhood to services including
parks, schools and neighborhood
shopping.
RPC-2.4.2: Signage.
Adopt and maintain a master signage
plan for all public parks to ensure
adequate and consistent signage is
provided to identify public recreational
areas.
POLICY RPC-2.5: RANGE OF PARK
AMENITIES
Provide parks and recreational
facilities for a variety of recreational
activities.
STRATEGIES:
RPC-2.5.1: Special Needs.
Extend recreational opportunities
for special needs groups (seniors,
disabled, visually-challenged, etc.)
by making improvements to existing
facilities and trails.
RPC-2.5.2: Recreational Facilities.
Explore the possibility of providing
additional access to existing facilities
such as gymnasiums, swimming pools
and tennis courts.
RPC-2.5.3: Community Gardens.
Encourage community gardens, which
provide a more livable environment
by controlling physical factors such as
temperature, noise, and pollution.
RPC-25
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-26
POLICY RPC-3.1: PRESERVATION OF
NATURAL AREAS
Design parks to utilize natural features
and the topography of the site in order
to protect natural features and keep
maintenance costs low.
STRATEGIES:
RPC-3.1.1: Native Planting.
Maximize the use of native plants and
drought-tolerant planting.
RPC-3.1.2: Natural Habitat.
Where possible, restore and provide
access to creeks and riparian habitat.
RPC-3.1.3: Nature Play Areas.
Where appropriate, consider
establishing Nature Play Areas in
lieu of the more conventional play
equipment.
GOAL RPC-3
Preserve and enhance access to parks that
have significant natural resources
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GOAL M-1
Actively participate in regional planning
processes to coordinate local planning and
to advocate for decisions that meet and
complement the needs of Cupertino
GOAL RPC-4
Integrate parks and public facilities within
neighborhoods and areas
POLICY RPC-4.1: RECREATIONAL
INTENSITY
Design parks appropriately to
address the facility and recreational
programming required by each special
area and neighborhood based on
current and future plans for the areas.
POLICY RPC-4.2: PARK SAFETY
Design parks to enhance public safety
by providing visibility to the street and
access for public safety responders.
RPC-27
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-28
TRAILS
Trails policies encourage the provision of a system of linear connections along
creeks, utility rights-of-way and other corridors in order to provide recreational
opportunities, improve pedestrian and bicycle access throughout the city, improve
safety, and preserve natural resources.
POLICY RPC-5.1: OPEN SPACE AND
TRAIL LINKAGES
Dedicate or acquire open space land
along creeks and utility through
regional cooperation, grants and
private development review.
STRATEGIES:
RPC-5.1.1: Pedestrian and Bike Planning.
Implement recommendations in
the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
that link trails and open space to
neighborhoods and special areas.
RPC-5.1.2: Trail Projects.
Implement trail projects described
in this Element; evaluate any safety,
security and privacy impacts and
mitigations associated with trail
development; and work with affected
neighbors in locating trails to ensure
that their concerns are appropriately
addressed.
GOAL RPC-5
Create an interconnected system of multi-
use trails and provide safe pedestrian
and bicycle access through the city and
connections to local nodes and destinations
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-5.1.3: Dedicated Trail Easements.
Require dedication or easements for
trails, as well as their implementation,
as part of the development review
process, where appropriate.
RPC-5.1.4: Joint Use Agreement.
Establish a Joint Use Agreement with
the Santa Clara Valley Water District
that enhances the implementation of a
trail program which increases the use
of, and sets standards and measures
for, creek trails.
POLICY RPC-5.2: PEDESTRIAN AND
BICYCLE PATHS
Develop a citywide network of
pedestrian and bicycle pathways
to connect employment centers,
shopping areas and neighborhoods
to services including parks, schools,
libraries and neighborhood centers.
RPC-29
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-30
RECREATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Recreation programs and services policies provide guidance for the
implementation of programs that serve the changing and growing needs of the
community in order to ensure an exceptional quality of life.
POLICY RPC-6.1: DIVERSE PROGRAMS
Ensure that the City continues to offer
a wide range of programs to serve
diverse populations of all ages and
abilities.
POLICY RPC-6.2: PARTNERSHIPS
Enhance the city’s recreational
programs and library service through
partnerships with other agencies and
non-profit organizations. Maintain and
strengthen existing agreements with
agencies and non-profit organizations,
including the Library District, to ensure
progressive excellence in the facilities,
programs, and services provided to
the diverse and growing Cupertino
population.
POLICY RPC-6.3: ART AND CULTURE
Utilize parks as locations of art and
culture and to educate the community
about the City’s history, and explore
the potential to use art in facilities and
utilities when located in parks.
POLICY RPC-6.4: LIBRARY SERVICE
Encourage the library to continue
to improve service levels by
incorporating new technology and
expanding the library collections and
services.
GOAL RPC-6
Create and maintain a broad range of
recreation programs and services that meet
the needs of a diverse population
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-31
POLICY RPC-7.1: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Ensure that City facilities are
sustainably designed to minimize
impacts on the environment.
POLICY RPC-7.2: FLEXIBILITY
Design facilities to be flexible to address
changing community needs.
POLICY RPC-7.3: MAINTENANCE
Design facilities to reduce maintenance,
and ensure that facilities are maintained
and upgraded adequately.
GOAL M-1
Actively participate in regional planning
processes to coordinate local planning and
to advocate for decisions that meet and
complement the needs of Cupertino
GOAL RPC-7
Provide high-quality, flexible and well-
maintained community facilities that meet
the changing needs of the community and
are a source of community identity
CHAPTER 9: RECREATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ELEMENT
general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RPC-32
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community services policies seek to enhance the quality of community services
through partnerships and information sharing with providers.
POLICY RPC-8.1: SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Partner with school districts to allow
community use of their sports fields
and facilities.
STRATEGIES:
RPC-8.1.1: Shared Facilities.
Maintain and enhance arrangements
with schools for the use of sports
fields, theaters, meeting spaces and
other facilities through maintenance
agreements and other partnerships.
RPC-8.1.2: School Expansion.
Encourage schools to meet their
expansion needs without reducing the
size of their sports fields.
RPC-8.1.3: School Facility Needs.
Collaborate with schools on their
facility needs through sharing
of development information and
partnerships through major
development projects.
GOAL RPC-8
Cooperate with school districts to share
facilities and meet community needs
land use definitionsAappendix a:
CONTENTS:
A-2 Introduction
A-2 Land Use Categories
Residential
Commercial/Residential
Neighborhood Commercial/Residential
Office
Commercial/Office/Residential
Industrial/Residential
Industrial/Commercial/Residential
Office/Industrial/Commercial/Residential
Quasi-Public/Institutional
Parks and Open Space
Riparian Corridor
Public Facilities
Transportation
Monta Vista Neighborhood Land Use Designation
APPENDIX A: LAND USE DEFINITIONS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
INTRODUCTION
The Land Use Map (Figure A-1) of Community Vision 2040 illustrates the policies
in this element and in other elements that play a major role in guiding urban
development. The map cannot be used alone because it illustrates the text, which
should be used along with it.
The Land Use Map illustrates the general form of Cupertino in terms of land use
patterns and intensity of land use activities. In contrast, the Municipal Zoning
Map divides the city into very precisely drawn land use categories. Zoning
districts have precisely written standards governing permitted activities and
development forms. A series of policy statements accompany the planning
text to guide the public and government officials in establishing precise zoning
boundaries and pinpoint permitted activities.
California law requires that the zoning map and zoning regulations be consistent
with the Land Use Map and text. The zoning map and regulations must be
brought into conformity with Community Vision 2040 within a reasonable period
after it is adopted.
LAND USE CATEGORIES
Patterns and symbols, defined on the map legend, are used on the Land Use
Map to identify land use categories, the road system, major land features and
significant public and private facilities. The following is a description of each land
use category:
RESIDENTIAL
Areas suitable for dwellings, divided into five sub-categories based on dwelling
unit density and expressed as the number of dwellings permitted on each acre.
Maximum residential yield is calculated by multiplying the maximum dwelling
unit density by the size of the lot in acres, excluding any public rights-of-way.
Community Vision 2040 does not define whether the dwellings are to be owned
or rented by their inhabitants or whether they are to be attached or detached.
A-2
APPENDIX A: LAND USE DEFINITIONS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
A-3
Very Low Density: Intensity is based on applying one of four slope-density
formula—Foothill Modified, Foothill Modified l/2 Acre, Semi-Rural 5 acre or
Foothill 5-20 acre. This classification is intended to protect environmentally
sensitive areas from extensive development and to protect human life from
hazards related to flood, fire and unstable terrain.
Low Density: 1-5 and 1-6 units on each acre. This category is intended to
promote a suburban lifestyle of detached single-family homes. Planned
residential communities can be incorporated into this category if the
development form is compatible with adjoining residential development.
Low/Medium Density: 5-10 units per acre. This category accommodates more
intensive forms of residential development while still being compatible with the
predominant single-family detached residential neighborhood. This development
can be successfully incorporated into a single-family environment.
Medium Density: 10-20 units per acre. This category provides greater
opportunity for multiple-family residential developments in a planned
environment. This range usually results in traffic volumes and buildings
that are not compatible with single-family residential neighborhoods. These
developments should be located on the edges of single-family residential
communities where utility services and street networks are adequate to serve
increased densities.
Medium/High Density: 20-35 units per acre. This promotes a wide range
of housing choices in multiple-family dwellings. The intensity requires that
the category be used in corridors with access to services and transit. The
development may result in structures with three or four levels and underground
parking. This category offers opportunity for housing choice, especially for
people who want a more urban environment.
High Density: Greater than 35 units per acre. This promotes a wide range of
housing choices in multiple-family dwellings. The intensity requires that the
category be used only at locations with adequate utility services or transit or
both. The development may result in structures with three or four levels and
underground parking. This category offers maximum opportunity for housing
choice, especially for people who want a city environment.
APPENDIX A: LAND USE DEFINITIONS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL
This designation allows primarily commercial uses and secondarily residential
uses or a compatible combination of the two. Commercial use means retail
sales, businesses, limited professional offices, and service establishments with
direct contact with customers. This applies to commercial activities ranging from
neighborhood convenience stores to regionally oriented specialty stores. Retail
stores that would be a nuisance for adjoining neighborhoods or harmful to the
community identity would be regulated by the commercial zoning ordinance and
use permit procedure.
Smaller commercial parcels in existing residential areas may be needed to provide
local neighborhood serving retail; otherwise they may be redeveloped at residential
densities compatible with the surroundings. Residential development is subject
to the numerical caps and other policies described in the development priorities
tables.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL
Neighborhood Commercial is a subset of the Commercial land use designation. This
category includes retail activities, personal services and limited commercial offices
that serve primarily the residents of adjacent neighborhoods. Residential living
units may only be allowed as upper floor uses.
OFFICE
This designation encompasses all office uses referenced in the City’s Administrative
and Professional Office Zone including administrative, professional and research
and development activities.
Prototype research and development is permitted if it is conducted along with
the office functions of a business. Prototype R&D is defined as research and
development activities that lead to the development of a new product or a new
manufacturing and assembly process. Products developed, manufactured or
assembled here are not intended to be mass-produced for sale at this location.
Guidelines for Prototype Research and Development: The type, use and storage
of hazardous material for prototype R&D or assembly is regulated by the Uniform
Building Code, the Uniform Fire Code and any new ordinance or other regulation
that controls hazardous materials.
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APPENDIX A: LAND USE DEFINITIONS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
The building must not present the appearance that a prototype R&D or assembly
process is in place. There will be no exterior storage and receiving facilities will
be small. Generally, no more than 25 percent of the total space occupied by the
firm will be devoted to this activity.
COMMERCIAL/OFFICE/RESIDENTIAL
This designation applies to the mixed-use areas that are predominantly
commercial and office uses. Supporting residential uses may be allowed to
offset job growth, better balance the citywide jobs to housing ratio and when
they are compatible with the primarily non-residential character of the area.
Residential development is subject to the numerical caps and other policies
(described in the Land Use and Community Design element).
INDUSTRIAL/RESIDENTIAL
This designation allows primarily industrial uses and secondarily residential
uses or a compatible combination of the two. Industrial use refers to
manufacturing, assembly and research and development. Administrative offices
that support manufacturing and wholesaling are included.
Housing may be allowed to offset job growth and better balance citywide jobs
to housing ratio. Residential development is subject to the numerical caps and
other policies (described in the Land Use and Community Design Element).
INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL
This designation allows primarily industrial uses and secondarily commercial
uses or a compatible combination of the two. Industrial use refers to
manufacturing, assembly and research and development. Administrative offices
that support manufacturing and wholesaling are included.
Housing may be allowed to offset job growth and better balance citywide jobs
to housing ratio. Residential development is subject to the numerical caps and
other policies (described in the Land Use and Community Design Element).
A-5
APPENDIX A: LAND USE DEFINITIONS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
A-6
OFFICE/INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL
This designation applies to areas that are primarily office uses and industrial
uses. Commercial uses should be ancillary and supportive of the office and
industrial base with the exception of larger parcels, which may be used for
regionally oriented stores. Residential development is subject to the numerical
caps and other policies (described in the Land Use and Community Design
Element).
QUASI-PUBLIC/INSTITUTIONAL
This designation applies to privately owned land involving activities such as a
private utility, a profit or non-profit facility giving continuous patient care, an
educational facility or a religious facility.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
This designation applies to land owned by the public and used for recreation. It is
also applied to private open space and recreational lands.
RIPARIAN CORRIDOR
This designation applies to creek corridors if they are not part of a larger park or
residential property.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
This designation applies to land used or planned to be used by a governmental
entity for a public purpose.
TRANSPORTATION
This designation applies to streets, highways and rail corridors.
MONTA VISTA NEIGHBORHOOD LAND USE DESIGNATION
Residential: The Monta Vista neighborhood has three density ranges, which
allow single family, duplex and multi-family housing types.
Non-residential: The non-residential designations are the same as the rest of
Cupertino.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
1
appendix b:
housing element
technical report
CONTENTS:
B-3 Introduction
B-9 Housing Needs Assessment
B-59 Regional Housing Needs Determination
B-61 Housing Constraints
B-104 Housing Resources
B-136 Analysis of Consistency with the General Plan
B-140 Supplemental Materials
B
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Cupertino is a unique community with a high quality of life, a renowned school
system, and a robust high-technology economy. The long-term vitality of
Cupertino and the local economy depend upon the availability of all types of
housing to meet the community’s diverse housing needs. As Cupertino looks
towards the future, increasing the range and diversity of housing options will
be integral to the City’s success. Consistent with the goal of being a balanced
community, this Housing Element continues the City’s commitment to ensuring
new opportunities for residential development, as well as for preserving and
enhancing our existing neighborhoods.
The Housing Element Technical Report describes the City of Cupertino’s
procedures and Municipal Code as of 2014. This Report does not limit the
City’s ability to amend or repeal the procedures or ordinances so long as these
changes are not inconsistent with the policies in this Report.
1.1 ROLE AND CONTENT OF HOUSING ELEMENT
This Housing Element is a comprehensive eight-year plan to address the
housing needs in Cupertino. The Housing Element is the City’s primary policy
document regarding the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of housing
for all economic segments of the population. Per State Housing Element law, the
document must be periodically updated to:
• Outline the community’s housing production objectives consistent with
State and regional growth projections
• Describe goals, policies and implementation strategies to achieve local
housing objectives
• Examine the local need for housing with a focus on special needs
populations
• Identify adequate sites for the production of housing serving various
income levels
• Analyze potential constraints to new housing production
• Evaluate the Housing Element for consistency with other General Plan
elements
Housing element law continually evolves. This element for the 2014-2022
planning period addresses all laws adopted since the element was last
updated in 2010. SB 812 requires that the City assess the housing needs of
developmentally disabled persons. SB 244, which does not pertain to the housing
B-3
INTRODUCTION
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
element per se but is triggered by a housing element update, requires that cities
and counties address the infrastructure needs of disadvantaged unincorporated
communities within the jurisdiction’s designated sphere of influence. According
to data from the California Department of Water Resources, Cupertino contains
no disadvantaged communities within its sphere of influence.
This updated Housing Element focuses on housing needs from January 31, 2015
through January 31, 2023, in accordance with the housing element planning
period for San Francisco Bay Area jurisdictions established by State law.
RELATIONSHIP TO THE GENERAL PLAN
State law requires that a General Plan and its constituent elements “comprise
an integrated, internally consistent and compatible statement of policies.” This
implies that all elements have equal legal status; no one element is subordinate
to any other element. This Housing Element must be consistent with the
policies and proposals set forth by the General Plan, including the Land Use
and Circulation Elements. Additionally, environmental constraints identified in
the Health and Safety Element and the Environmental Resources/Sustainability
Element are recognized in the Housing Element. When an element in the
General Plan is amended, the Housing Element will be reviewed and modified
as necessary to ensure continued consistency among the various elements. The
City will ensure that updates to these elements achieve internal consistency with
the Housing Element as well.
1.2 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
This Housing Element has been developed with extensive participation from
members of the Cupertino community. The public participation process
described below engaged a diverse set of community stakeholders in a
productive dialogue on housing issues. Participants included community
members, property owners, housing developers, service providers, school
districts, and the business community.
Meeting and workshop announcements and agendas, as well as presentation
materials and web cast archives of all stakeholder and community meetings,
were posted on the City’s website. A postcard advertising meetings (February 19,
March 4, March 11, and April 1) was direct mailed to all Cupertino addresses to
ensure that all economic segments of the community were invited to participate.
Email notification for all meetings was sent to persons requesting information
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-5
about the General Plan Update (over 300 persons). The paragraphs below
summarize the outreach activities and meetings in more detail.
STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS
To inform the Cupertino Housing Element update and identify key housing
needs, issues, and opportunities, the update team interviewed approximately
25 stakeholders. Most of the stakeholders were interviewed in small groups
organized by interest, including community advocates, economic development,
service providers, school districts, and property owners/developers. The team
conducted six group interviews and one individual interview. To ensure that
the concerns of low- and moderate-income and special needs residents were
addressed, agencies and organizations that serve the low- and moderate-income
and special needs community were invited to participate in the stakeholder
interviews. Section 7 includes a list of invited and interviewed parties as well as
a summary of key themes and findings.
JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION/HOUSING COMMISSION WORKSHOP
On January 23, 2014 the Planning Commission and Housing Commission
hosted a joint workshop to begin discussion on potential housing sites. Eleven
participants broke into small groups and identified potential future sites and the
criteria for increasing density in certain areas.
HOUSING COMMISSION WORKSHOP
On February 12, 2014, the Housing Commission hosted a workshop to continue
the sites discussion and prioritize sites for inclusion in the Housing Element.
Following a project update presentation, the 15 participants broke into groups
to prioritize potential housing sites, with the goal of showing adequate capacity
to achieve a housing production goal of 1,064 units, consistent with Cupertino’s
Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for 2014-2022.
PLANNING COMMISSION OPEN HOUSE AND STUDY SESSION
On February 19, 2014, the Planning Commission hosted an open house and
study session to provide a public forum to continue the Housing Element sites
discussion. A public hearing was conducted on the item and the Planning
Commission recommended criteria to focus the sites selection. Specifically,
the Commission recommended removing sites that were viewed as inviable
(successful shopping centers, sites with existing established institutional uses,
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
and small sites with low yield or no property owner interest). The Planning
Commission recommended including sites that would further three goals:
• Distribute housing throughout the city
• Encourage development along the Priority Development Area designated
by the One Bay Area plan
• Minimize impacts to schools
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
On March 4, 2014 the City Council held a study session to discuss the potential
housing sites that would be analyzed in the environmental document to be
prepared for the Housing Element update and parallel amendments to the Land
Use and Circulation Elements. A public hearing was conducted and community
members had the opportunity to comment on the Housing Element and
housing sites.
HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING ON HOUSING POLICY
On March 19, 2014, the Housing Commission held a study session to discuss
revisions to housing goals, policies, and strategies associated with the Housing
Element update. A public hearing was conducted on the item and five community
members attended.
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ON
HOUSING POLICY
On April 1, 2014, the Planning Commission and City Council held a joint study
session to discuss revisions to housing goals, policies, and strategies included
in the Housing Plan section of the 2014-2022 Housing Element. A public hearing
was conducted on the item and community members had the opportunity to
comment on the Housing Element Housing Plan.
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
A community open house was held on September 16, 2014 to review goals,
policies, and strategies outlined in the Housing Element and General Plan
Amendment. In response to community concerns regarding housing and
development, the City hosted a community workshop on November 20, 2014 to
answer questions regarding the Housing Element and State Law requirements.
At the workshop, the community was invited to participate in a discussion
regarding the Housing Element requirements and the General Plan.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-7
DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT HEARINGS
On August 28, 2014, the Housing Commission reviewed the Draft Housing
Element. On October 14 and 20, the Planning Commission reviewed and
commented on the Draft Housing Element. On November 10, December 2, and
December 3, 2014, the City Council reviewed the Draft Housing Element and
authorized staff to forward the draft to the State Department of Housing and
Community Development for their review.
1.3 INCORPORATION OF COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
At the February 19, 2014 Planning Commission open house and study session,
participants emphasized that future development should reflect the character
of the City and neighborhoods in which they are located. They also expressed
the need to distribute housing throughout Cupertino and for smaller unit
affordable rental housing. In response, the range of residential sites inventory
studied in included sites outside the City’s core as a means to distribute housing
production citywide. The Housing Element also includes Policy HE-2.2: Range of
Housing Types, which encourages the development of diverse housing stock that
provides a range of housing types (including smaller, moderate cost housing)
and affordability levels.
A concern about the viability of mixed use was also expressed during the
community outreach activities. Participants and decision makers noted that
developers are interested in developing the residential portion of a project and
do not include substantial commercial uses. To reflect this concern, the site
suitability analysis—conducted to identify appropriate sites for inclusion in the
Housing Element—used locational criteria to select sites that could best facilitate
mixed use development, especially at corner properties where commercial uses
are most viable.
Participants at the March 19, 2014 Housing Commission Study Session
suggested that energy conservation mechanisms can provide cost savings and
result in more affordable housing costs. Existing goals and policies support
energy conservation for all residential construction. In addition, the City will
evaluate the potential to provide incentives for affordable development to exceed
the minimum requirements of the California Green Building Code.
Community members and property owners were particularly involved in the
site inventory. The inventory of residential opportunity sites was developed in
consultation with the Housing Commission, Planning Commission, City Council,
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
and members of the public. At numerous meetings, commissioners and council
members, as well as members of the public, discussed the inventory. During
these discussions, several sites were removed and new sites were added based
on input from stakeholders. Decisions to add or remove sites were based on
realistic expectations for sites to be redeveloped within the planning period.
School impacts were a common theme during the site selection process. Staff
explained to participants and decision makers that impact to schools may not
be a goal of the site selection exercise since Government Code Section 65995
preempts this issue. This law states that school impact mitigation fees are
presumed to fully mitigate any school impacts associated with development.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the schools in tandem with the
preservation and development of vibrant residential areas, Strategy HE-7.3.1 in
the Housing Plan directs the City to continue to coordinate with the Cupertino
Union School District (CUSD), Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD), and
Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD).
1.4 ORGANIZATION OF HOUSING ELEMENT
Following this introduction, the Housing Element includes the following
components:
• An analysis of the City’s current and future housing needs
• An analysis of governmental and non-governmental constraints to housing
production
• An inventory and analysis of housing resources
• A housing plan setting forth goals, policies, strategies, and quantified
objectives to address the City’s housing needs
Included at the end of this appendix is a thematic summary of the stakeholder
interviews, a review of the prior (2007-2014) Housing Element, and a parcel-
specific residential sites inventory.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-9
2. HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The Housing Needs Assessment describes the housing, economic, and
demographic conditions in Cupertino; assesses the demand for housing for
households at all income levels; and documents the demand for housing to
serve special needs populations. The Housing Needs Assessment is intended
to assist Cupertino in developing housing goals and formulating policies and
strategies that address local housing needs.
To facilitate an understanding of how the characteristics of Cupertino are similar
to, or different from, other nearby communities, this Housing Needs Assessment
presents data for Cupertino alongside comparable data for all of Santa Clara
County and, where appropriate, for the San Francisco Bay Area and the state
of California.
This Needs Assessment incorporates data from numerous sources, including:
• United States Census Bureau and American Community Surveys (ACS)
• Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
• State of California Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD)
• State of California Departments of Finance
• State of California Employment and Development Department
• State of California Department of Social Services
• State of California Department of Public Health
• United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS)
• Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara
• Santa Clara County Homeless Census
• Veronica Tam and Associates (Housing Element Consultant)
• City of Cupertino Community Development Department (CDD)
• 211 Santa Clara County
• Craigslist.org
• Zillow.com
• DQNews.com
Specific data sources are identified in each table or figure.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
2.1 REGIONAL CONTEXT
Cupertino is a suburban city of 10.9 square miles located in Santa Clara County.
The City incorporated in 1955 and grew from a small agricultural community
into a suburban place during the expansion of Silicon Valley. The cities of Los
Altos and Sunnyvale limit any potential of expansion of Cupertino to the north,
the cities of Santa Clara and San Jose abut Cupertino to the east, and Saratoga
is to the immediate west. Unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County form the
southern and western boundaries of the City.
Cupertino’s built environment is dominated by single-family subdivisions, with
distinctive commercial and employment centers separated from the surrounding
residential areas. Because of the suburban pattern, the city has a largely
automobile-based land use and transportation system. Highway 85 functions as
the main north/south traffic route through the city, and Interstate 280 is a major
east/west route.
2.2 POPULATION & HOUSEHOLD TRENDS
POPULATION
As presented in Table 2.1, between 2000 and 2010 the City of Cupertino’s
population increased by 15.3 percent, which is at a higher rate than Santa Clara
County at 5.9 percent, San Francisco Bay area as a whole at 5.4 percent, and
the State of California at 10 percent. During this period, Cupertino grew from
50,546 to 58,302 persons. An increase of 15.3 percent, this growth was much
more significant than the growth experienced by the region overall. However, a
portion of this population growth can be attributed to the City’s annexation of 168
acres of land between 2000 and 2008. Cupertino’s annexation of Garden Gate,
Monta Vista, and scattered County “islands” added 1,600 new residents. After
removing the population increases from these annexations, the City of Cupertino
experienced a 12-percent increase in its population during the previous decade.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.1: Population and Household Trends, 2000-2010/2011
2000 2010/2011 Total Change
2000-2010
Percent Change
2000-2011
City of Cupertino
Population 50,546 58,302 7,756 15.3%
Households 18,204 20,181 1,977 10.9%
Average Household Size (a)2.75 2.83
Household Type (a)
Families 74.8%77.4%
Non-Families 25.2%22.6%
Tenure
Owner 63.6%62.6%
Renter 36.4%37.4%
Santa Clara County
Population 1,682,585 1,781,642 99,057 5.9%
Households 565,863 604,204 38,341 6.8%
Average Household Size (a)2.92 2.89
Household Type (a)
Families 69.9%70.8%
Non-Families 30.1%29.2%
Tenure
Owner 59.8%57.6%
Renter 40.2%42.4%
Bay Area (b)
Population 6,783,760 7,150,739 366,979 5.4%
Households 2,466,019 2,608,023 142,004 5.8%
Average Household Size (a)2.69 2.69
Household Type (a)
Families 64.7%64.8%
Non-Families 35.3%35.2%
Tenure
Owner 57.7%56.2%
Renter 42.3%43.8%
California
Population 33,871,648 37,253,956 3,382,308 10.0%
Households 11,502,870 12,577,498 1,074,628 9.3%
Average Household Size (a)2.87 2.91
Household Type (a)
Families 68.9%68.6%
Non-Families 31.1%31.4%
Tenure
Owner 56.9%55.9%
Renter 43.1%44.1%
Notes:
(a) Average household size and household type figures from American Community Survey (ACS), 2007-2011.
(b) Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties.
Source: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-12
HOUSEHOLDS
A household is defined as a person or group of persons living in a housing
unit, as opposed to persons living in group quarters, such as dormitories,
convalescent homes, or prisons. According to the American Community Survey
(ACS), there were 20,181 households in Cupertino in 2010 (see Table 2.1). The
City added approximately 2,000 new households between 2000 and 2010, an
increase of 11 percent. Approximately 600 of these households, however,
resulted from annexations. After adjusting for household increases due to
annexation, the number of households in Cupertino grew by only eight percent
between 2000 and 2010. During the same time period, the number of households
increased by 6.8 percent in Santa Clara County, 5.8 percent in the Bay Area as a
whole and 9.3 percent in the State of California.
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE
Average household size is a function of the number of people living in
households divided by the number of occupied housing units in a given area. In
Cupertino, the average household size in 2011 was 2.83, slightly higher than the
Bay Area as a whole at 2.69, but slightly lower than Santa Clara County at 2.89
and the State of California at 2.91 (see Table 2.1). Because population growth
has outpaced the increase in households in Cupertino, the average household
size has increased since 2000. The contrary is true for the County.
HOUSEHOLD TYPE
Households are divided into two different types, depending on their composition.
Family households are those consisting of two or more related persons living
together. Non-family households include persons who live alone or in groups of
unrelated individuals. As shown in Table 2.1, Cupertino has a large proportion
of family households. In 2011, family households comprised 77.4 percent of all
households in the city. Cupertino’s family households figure is higher than Santa
Clara County’s family households figure at 70.8 percent and the Bay Area as a
whole at 64.8 percent and the State of California at 68.6 percent. As of 2011,
Cupertino’s non-family households comprised of 22.6 percent of all households
in the city. Cupertino’s 22.6 percent is lower than Santa Clara County at 29.2
percent and the Bay Area as a whole at 35.2 percent and State of California
at 31.4 percent.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
HOUSEHOLD TENURE
Households in Cupertino are more likely to own than rent their homes. According
to Table 2.1, 62.6 percent of Cupertino households owned their homes in
2010, a minimal decrease from 2000. Comparing the City of Cupertino with
other jurisdictions, as of 2010, 57.6 percent owned their home in Santa Clara
County, 56.2 percent in the Bay Area as a whole and 55.9 percent in the State
of California. As of 2010, renter households comprised 37.4 percent of all
households in Cupertino, 42.4 percent in Santa Clara County, 43.8 percent in the
Bay Area as a whole and 44.1 percent in the State of California.
AGE DISTRIBUTION
Cupertino’s age distribution, shown in Table 2.2, is relatively similar to that of
Santa Clara County, with a few notable exceptions. In both Cupertino and Santa
Table 2.2: Age Distribution, 2000-2010
Age Cohort City of Cupertino Santa Clara County
2000 2010 2000 2010
Under 15 22.4%22.5%20.9%20.2%
15 to 17 4.3%5.1%3.9%3.9%
18 to 20 2.5%2.8%3.9%3.8%
21 to 24 2.7%2.8%5.4%5.1%
25 to 34 12.1%8.6%17.8%15.1%
35 to 44 21.0%18.2%17.6%15.6%
45 to 54 15.4%17.3%13.0%14.8%
55 to 64 8.7%10.2%8.0%10.4%
65 to 74 5.8%6.2%5.2%6.0%
75 to 84 3.8%4.0%3.3%3.5%
85 +1.4%2.2%1.1%1.5%
Median Age 37.9 39.9 34.0 36.2
Sources: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Clara County, persons under 20 years old make up over a quarter of the overall
population. In the City, the number and proportion of persons in this age group
have increased slightly since 2000. However, compared to the County as a whole,
Cupertino has a lower proportion of younger adults in the 25 to 34 age range
but a higher proportion of older adults (persons 45 to 54 years old). In fact, from
2000 to 2010, the fastest growing segment of the Cupertino community was
older adults in the 45 to 54 year old age category, which increased from 15.4 to
17.3 percent of the total population. In contrast, the proportion of other adults
(those in the 25 to 44 age cohort) showed the sharpest decline between 2000
and 2010. In addition, Cupertino’s elderly population, residents age 65 and above,
increased from 11 percent to 13 percent between 2000 and 2010.
In 2010, the median age in Cupertino was 39.9, an increase from 37.9 in 2000.
Santa Clara County experienced a similar aging of its population during this time
period, as evidenced by an increase in the median age from 34.0 to 36.2 years.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
According to American Community Survey (ACS) estimates, the median
household income in Cupertino in 2011 was $124,825. This figure is significantly
higher than the estimated median household income of $89,064 for Santa Clara
County.3 Furthermore, 62.3 percent of Cupertino households earned more than
$100,000 in 2011, whereas only 45.0 percent of Santa Clara households and 39.0
percent of Bay Area households fall into this income category. On a per capita
basis, Cupertino is also wealthier than Santa Clara County. In 2011, the per capita
income in Cupertino was $51,965, compared to $40,698 in the County. Table 2.3
summarizes the distribution of household incomes for Cupertino, Santa Clara
County, and the Bay Area.
The Housing Element law establishes five income categories according to Area
Median Income (AMI) for purposes of evaluating housing assistance needs:
• Extremely Low Income (0-30 percent AMI)
• Very Low Income (31-50 percent AMI)
• Low Income (51-80 percent AMI)
• Moderate Income (81-120 percent AMI)
• Above Moderate Income (>120 percent AMI)
3 Median household income and per capita income data are calculated fields by the Census Bureau based
on raw data from the American Community Surveys. Without access to the raw data, median and per capita
income cannot be calculated for customized region not identified as a Census Designated Place.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.3: Household Income Distribution, 2011
Household Income
Cupertino Santa Clara County Bay Area (a)
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Less than $24,999 1,844 9.1%79,057 13.2%404,254 15.7%
$25,000 to $49,999 1,933 9.6%90,027 15.0%440,575 17.1%
$50,000 to $74,999 1,965 9.7%84,594 14.1%403,087 15.6%
$75,000 to $99,999 1,874 9.3%75,974 12.7%324,123 12.6%
$100,000 or more 12,560 62.3%269,998 45.0%1,005,441 39.0%
Total 20,176 100.0%599,652 100.0%2,577,480 100.0%
Median Household Income $124,825 $89,064 (b)
Per Capita Income $51,965 $40,698 (b)
Notes:
(a) Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties.
(b) Median income data cannot be calculated from the ACS for Bay Area.
Source: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
Table 2.4: Households by Income Category, 2010
Income Category (% of County
AMI)
Cupertino Santa Clara County
Households Percent Households Percent
Extremely Low (30% or less)1,485 7.6%75,395 12.6%
Very Low (31 to 50%)1,320 6.7%61,830 10.4%
Low (51 to 80%)1,260 6.4%56,325 9.4%
Moderate or Above (over 80%)15,515 79.2%403,195 67.6%
Total 19,580 100.0%596,745 100.0%
Source: Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS), based on American
Community Survey (ACS), 2006-2010. Note: Data sources differ in Tables 2.3 and 2.4 resulting in slight deviations in totals.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
The State and Federal governments classify household income into various
groups based upon its relationship to the County AMI and adjusted for household
size. In 2010, 79.2 percent of Cupertino households earned moderate or above-
moderate incomes, and only 20.8 percent of households earned lower incomes
(see Table 2.4)4. In comparison, 67.6 percent of County households earned
moderate or above-moderate incomes and 32.4 percent earned lower incomes,
including 12.6 percent who earned extremely low incomes.
2.3 EMPLOYMENT TRENDS & JOBS/HOUSING BALANCE
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Since 2000 there has been a net increase of over 1,200 jobs held by Cupertino
residents, for a total of 25,200 employed residents in 2011. As shown in Table
2.5, the number of jobs held by Cupertino residents grew by 5.2 percent between
2000 and 2011. The City of Cupertino job growth percentage was far greater than
the growth experienced by Santa Clara County as a whole at 0.8 percent between
2000 and 2011.
Despite this overall growth, most industry sectors experienced a decline in
the number of jobs available. Between 2000 and 2011 the largest job losses
in employment occurred in the manufacturing and retail trade sectors. These
decreases were offset by growth in the professional, scientific, management,
administrative, and waste management services industry, which added 1,748
jobs, and the educational, health, and social services industry, which added 1,144
jobs. Even with the recent changes to employment sectors during the previous
decade, manufacturing remains the largest job sector for residents of both
Cupertino and Santa Clara County. As of 2011, manufacturing jobs comprise 28.1
percent of all jobs held by Cupertino residents and 19.6 percent of jobs held by
residents of Santa Clara County overall. The manufacturing sector includes the
production of computer, electronic, and communication equipment, with such
major employers as Apple and Hewlett-Packard.
4 Data were obtained from the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) prepared for HUD by the
Census Bureau using 2006-2010 American Community Survey (ACS) data.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.5: Jobs by Sector, 2000-2011
Industry Sector
Cupertino Santa Clara County
2000 2011 2000 2011
Jobs % Total Jobs % Total % Change Jobs % Total Jobs % Total % Change
Agriculture, forestry,
fishing and hunting, and
mining
76 0.3%36 0.1%-52.6%4,364 0.5%4,425 0.5%1.4%
Construction 642 2.7%420 1.7%-34.6%42,232 5.0%47,005 5.5%11.3%
Manufacturing 7,952 33.2%7,077 28.1%-11.0%231,784 27.5%167,034 19.6%-27.9%
Wholesale trade 628 2.6%545 2.2%-13.2%25,515 3.0%20,252 2.4%-20.6%
Retail trade 2,056 8.6%1,540 6.1%-25.1%83,369 9.9%81,918 9.6%-1.7%
Transportation and
warehousing, and
utilities
383 1.6%425 1.7%11.0%23,546 2.8%23,578 2.8%0.1%
Information 1,462 6.1%1,370 5.4%-6.3%39,098 4.6%32,627 3.8%-16.6%
Finance, insurance, real
estate, and rental and
leasing
1,246 5.2%1,368 5.4%9.8%38,715 4.6%44,015 5.2%13.7%
Professional, scientific,
management,
administrative, and
waste management
services
4,667 19.5%6,415 25.5%37.5%131,015 15.5%152,960 18.0%16.7%
Educational, health, and
social services 3,063 12.8%4,207 16.7%37.3%123,890 14.7%157,349 18.5%27.0%
Arts, entertainment,
recreation,
accommodation, and
food services
832 3.5%734 2.9%-11.8%49,186 5.8%60,638 7.1%23.3%
Other services (except
public administration)590 2.5%715 2.8%21.2%29,987 3.6%36,330 4.3%21.2%
Public administration 362 1.5%351 1.4%-3.0%21,211 2.5%22,421 2.6%5.7%
Total 23,959 100.0%25,203 100.0%5.2%843,912 100.0%850,552 100.0%0.8%
Source: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
With the 2008-2012 collapse of the financial and credit markets and the
worldwide recession, Cupertino and the broader Silicon Valley region lost some
of the gains in key sectors that were achieved between 2003 and 2007. The
impacts of the economic downturn, although serious, were somewhat localized
to particular sectors and industries such as construction, manufacturing, and
retail/wholesale trade. Fortunately for Cupertino, high-tech employment did not
decline at the same rate as the rest of the economy, and long-term prospects for
this sector remain strong.
UNEMPLOYMENT
According to unemployment data provided by the State of California Employment
Development Department, as of February 2014, the City of Cupertino had an
unemployment rate of approximately 3.9 percent. The unemployment rate for
the City was less than that of the County as a whole (6.1 percent). Since 2008,
the unemployment rate has remained stable in both the City and the County,
which had unemployment rates of 3.8 percent and 6.0 percent, respectively, at
that time.
LONG-TERM PROJECTIONS
Table 2.6 presents population, household, and job growth projections for
Cupertino, Santa Clara County, and the nine-county Bay Area region between
2010 and 2040. The figures represent the analysis conducted by the Association
of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) using 2010 Census data and a variety of local
sources.
Cupertino’s population is expected to grow by 12,898 residents—from 58,302
in 2010 to 71,200 in 2040. This translates into an increase of 22 percent over
30 years. ABAG projects both Santa Clara County and the ABAG region to
experience much larger growth (36 percent and 31 percent over 30 years,
respectively). Specifically, communities with lower housing costs have been
experiencing influxes of residents in search of comparative affordable housing.
As a community with high costs of housing, Cupertino has not experienced an
influx of residents. Instead, Cupertino’s job growth is expected to continue to
outpace population and household growth in Cupertino between 2010 and 2020,
compounding the “jobs rich” nature of the City, resulting in a jobs-to-housing
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.6: Population, Household, and Job Projections, 2010-2040
2010 2020 2030 2040 2010-2020 2020-2030 2030-2040
City of Cupertino
Population 58,302 62,100 66,300 71,200 6.5%6.8%7.4%
Households 20,181 21,460 22,750 24,040 6.3%6.0%5.7%
Jobs 26,090 29,960 31,220 33,110 14.8%4.2%6.1%
Santa Clara County
Population 1,781,642 1,977,900 2,188,500 2,423,500 11.0%10.6%10.7%
Households 604,204 675,670 747,070 818,400 11.8%10.6%9.5%
Jobs 926,270 1,091,270 1,147,020 1,229,520 17.8%5.1%7.2%
Bay Area (a)
Population 6,432,288 7,011,700 7,660,700 8,394,700 9.0%9.3%9.6%
Households 2,350,186 2,560,480 2,776,640 2,992,990 8.9%8.4%7.8%
Jobs 3,040,110 3,579,600 3,775,080 4,060,160 17.7%5.5%7.6%
Notes:
(a) Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties. Source: Association of Bay Area
Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
ratio of 1.40 by 2020 (up from 1.29 in 2010) but mirroring the regional average of
1.40. Furthermore, job growth is projected to level off after 2020 to a comparable
pace with population and household growth. Similar trends are also projected
for the County and the ABAG region as a whole.
2.4 HOUSING STOCK CHARACTERISTICS
HOUSING STOCK CONDITIONS
The age of the housing stock in Cupertino is similar to that of Santa Clara County.
As shown in Table 2.7, the largest proportion of homes in the city (26.7 percent)
was built between 1960 and 1969. In both Cupertino and Santa Clara County,
1972 is the median year housing structures were built.
Typically, unless carefully maintained, older housing can create health, safety,
and welfare problems for its occupants. Even with normal maintenance,
dwellings over 40 years of age can deteriorate and require significant
rehabilitation. However, while Cupertino’s housing stock is older, most homes
remain in relatively good condition, a testament to the relative wealth of the
community and pride of home ownership.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Data on the number of units which lack complete plumbing and kitchen facilities
are often used to assess the condition of a jurisdiction’s housing stock. As Table
2.8 indicates, virtually all housing units contain complete plumbing and kitchen
facilities. The 2007-2011 ACS indicates that less than one percent of the units
lack these facilities.
To characterize the physical conditions of Cupertino’s stock of older residential
structures, a windshield survey was performed in 2009-2010 (inspecting exterior
building components visible from the public right-of-way only). The windshield
survey was conducted for the Rancho Rinconada residential neighborhood in the
eastern part of Cupertino. This neighborhood, which is bordered by Lawrence
Expressway, Bollinger Road, Miller Avenue, and Stevens Creek Boulevard, is one
of the city’s older neighborhoods, with many small, single-story homes built
in the 1950s. The windshield survey reported on the exterior condition of the
housing units in this neighborhood, including a review of each unit’s foundation,
roofing, siding and/or stucco, and windows. The survey concluded that over
half of the several dozen homes surveyed had shingles missing from the roof,
while nearly all had siding or stucco that needed to be patched and repainted.
Many of the homes surveyed were characterized by a lack of maintenance,
Table 2.7: Housing Structures Year Built, Cupertino, 2011
Year Built Cupertino Santa Clara County
Number Percentage Number Percentage
Built 2000 to Later 1,638 7.8%59,880 9.5%
Built 1990 to 1999 2,520 12.0%63,429 10.1%
Built 1980 to 1989 2,920 13.9%79,409 12.6%
Built 1970 to 1979 4,374 20.8%143,847 22.9%
Built 1960 to 1969 5,619 26.7%121,349 19.3%
Built 1950 to 1959 3,216 15.3%100,795 16.0%
Built 1940 to 1949 539 2.6%27,495 4.4%
Built 1939 or earlier 232 1.1%33,244 5.3%
Total 21,058 100.0%629,448 100.0%
Median Year Built 1972 1972
Source: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.8: Housing Conditions, Cupertino, 2011
Number Percent of Total
Plumbing Facilities
Owners
Complete Plumbing Facilities 12,900 63.9%
Lacking Complete Plumbing Facilities 61 0.3%
Renters
Complete Plumbing Facilities 7,215 35.8%
Lacking Complete Plumbing Facilities 0 0.0%
Total 20,176 100.0%
Kitchen Facilities
Owners
Complete Kitchen Facilities 12,923 64.1%
Lacking Complete Kitchen Facilities 38 0.2%
Renters
Complete Kitchen Facilities 7,132 35.3%
Lacking Complete Kitchen Facilities 83 0.4%
Total 20,176 100.0%
Source: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
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with overgrown yards or garbage and debris on the property. No significant
changes in the market conditions have occurred since the survey in 2009-2010
to have impacted the housing conditions in this neighborhood. The City offers
rehabilitation assistance to lower and moderate income households to make
necessary repairs and improvements.
The City also operates a Code Enforcement program that is primarily complaint/
response driven. Between 2009 and 2014, Code Enforcement staff investigated
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
over 1,200 code violations. During investigation of complaints, Code Enforcement
officers assess the primary complaint as well as other visible code violations.
Based on recent statistics on code enforcement activities, typical code violations
in the City include dilapidated structures, trash and debris, hazardous vegetation,
and exterior storage. Most violations are able to be resolved within a relatively
short timeframe. Depending on the type of code violations, Code Enforcement
officers would refer homeowners to the City’s rehabilitation programs for
assistance. Households are not displaced due to code enforcement activities
unless there is a critical health and safety issue present. Since 2007, an
estimated three residential units have been deemed unsafe due to health and
safety issues.
DISTRIBUTION OF UNITS BY STRUCTURE TYPE
As shown in Table 2.9, a majority of housing units in Cupertino are single-family
detached homes. As of 2013, 57.3 percent of total units in the City of Cupertino
were single-family detached dwelling units (a decrease from the 61 percent
recorded in 2000). As of 2013, the proportion of single-family homes in the City
of Cupertino is still greater than Santa Clara County as a whole (54.1 percent)
and the Bay Area as a whole at 53.6 percent.
Large multi-family buildings (defined as units in structures containing five or
more dwellings) represent the second largest housing category at 21.0 percent
of the total number of units in Cupertino as of 2013. As of 2013, multi-family
housing (5+ units) represented 25.5 percent of housing units in Santa Clara
County and 25.1 percent in the Bay Area as a whole.
Single-family attached homes comprised the third largest housing category in
Cupertino, at 12.2 percent in 2013. By comparison, these homes made up 9.7
percent of the housing stock in all of Santa Clara County and 9.2 percent in the
Bay Area as a whole. As of 2013, small multi-family homes (defined as units in
structures containing 2 to 4 dwellings) represented 9.5 percent in the City of
Cupertino, 7.7 percent in Santa Clara County and 9.9 percent in the Bay Area as a
whole.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.9: Housing Units by Type, 2000-2013
2000 2013
Number of Units Percent of Total Number of Units Percent of Total Percent Change
City of Cupertino
Single Family Detached 11,425 61.1%12,056 57.3%5.5%
Single Family Attached 2,028 10.8%2,561 12.2%26.3%
Multi-family 2-4 units 1,663 8.9%2,002 9.5%20.4%
Multi-family 5+ units 3,576 19.1%4,422 21.0%23.7%
Mobile Homes 9 0.0%0 0.0%-100.0%
Total 18,701 100.0%21,041 100.0%12.5%
Santa Clara County
Single Family Detached 323,913 55.9%346,145 54.1%6.9%
Single Family Attached 52,739 9.1%62,201 9.7%17.9%
Multi-family 2-4 units 46,371 8.0%48,923 7.7%5.5%
Multi-family 5+ units 136,628 23.6%163,124 25.5%19.4%
Mobile Homes 19,678 3.4%19,053 3.0%-3.2%
Total 579,329 100.0%639,446 100.0%10.4%
Bay Area
Single Family Detached 1,376,861 53.9%1,505,153 53.6%9.3%
Single Family Attached 224,824 8.8%258,633 9.2%15.0%
Multi-family 2-4 units 266,320 10.4%278,450 9.9%4.6%
Multi-family 5+ units 623,388 24.4%705,899 25.1%13.2%
Mobile Homes 61,011 2.4%59,673 2.1%-2.2%
Total 2,552,404 100.0%2,807,808 100.0%10.0%
Source: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.10: Overcrowded Households, 2011 (a)(b)
Owners Renters Total Overcrowded
Households Percent Households Percent Households Percent
Cupertino
1.51 or more persons per room (Severely
Overcrowded)39 0.3%73 1.0%112 0.6%
1.01 to 1.50 (Overcrowded)246 1.9%700 9.7%946 4.7%
1.00 or Less 12,676 97.8%6,442 89.3%19,118 94.8%
Total 12,961 100.0%7,215 100.0%20,176 100.0%
% Overcrowded by Tenure 2.2%10.7%5.2%
Santa Clara County
1.51 or more persons per room (Severely
Overcrowded)2,755 0.8%11,799 4.8%14,554 2.4%
1.01 to 1.50 (Overcrowded)9,136 2.6%19,213 7.8%28,349 4.7%
1.00 or Less 340,006 96.6%216,743 87.5%556,749 92.8%
Total 351,897 100.0%247,755 100.0%599,652 100.0%
% Overcrowded by Tenure 3.4%12.5%7.2%
ABAG Region
1.51 or more persons per room (Severely
Overcrowded)9,620 0.7%40,161 3.6%49,781 1.9%
1.01 to 1.50 (Overcrowded)32,632 2.2%63,188 5.7%95,820 3.7%
1.00 or Less 1,434,779 97.1%997,100 90.6%2,431,879 94.4%
Total 1,477,031 100.0%1,100,449 100.0%2,577,480 100.0%
% Overcrowded by Tenure 2.9%9.4%5.6%
Notes:
(a) State HCD defines an overcrowded unit as one occupied by 1.01 persons or more (excluding bathrooms and kitchen). Units with more than 1.5 persons
per room are considered severely overcrowded.
(b) The 2010 Census does not contain detailed data on household conditions. Overcrowding data in this table are based on the American Community
Survey (ACS), which is comprised of a series of small surveys for jurisdictions taken at different intervals based on population size. The 2000 Census
overcrowding data were developed based on the 100 percent survey. Therefore, the significant changes between the 2000 Census and ACS may due
in part to actual changes in overcrowding conditions, and in part to different survey methodologies.
Sources: U.S. Census, American Community Survey (ACS), 2007-2011.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
OVERCROWDING
Overcrowding refers to a household with an average of more than one
person per room (including bedrooms and dining rooms but not kitchens
or bathrooms). Units with more than 1.5 persons per room are considered
to be severely overcrowded. As shown in Table 2.10, as of 2011 the total
percentage of overcrowding by tenure represented 5.2 percent for Cupertino
households, which is slightly lower compared to 7.2 percent in Santa Clara
County. Overcrowding was much more common in Cupertino’s renter-
occupied households, with 10.7 percent of these households considered to be
overcrowded. By comparison, only 2.2 percent of owner-occupied households in
the city were overcrowded. In Santa Clara County, 3.4 percent of owner-occupied
households experienced overcrowding versus 12.5 percent of renter-households.
Overcrowding conditions in Cupertino approximate regional averages, with
a slightly higher level of overcrowding among renter-households than in the
region.
2.5 MARKET CONDITIONS & INCOME RELATED TO HOUSING COSTS
This section of the Needs Assessment provides information on market
conditions for housing in Cupertino. This information is important because it
reveals the extent to which the private housing market is providing for the needs
of various economic segments of the local population. Available data on housing
market conditions are combined with information on the demographics of the
local population to identify those segments of the population that may face
difficulties in securing affordable housing in Cupertino.
RENTAL MARKET CHARACTERISTICS AND TRENDS
A review of rental market conditions in Cupertino was conducted for this
Housing Element by reviewing advertised apartment listings. As shown in Table
2.11, a total of 170 units were listed, the majority of which were one- and two-
bedroom units. The survey found that market-rate rents averaged:
• $1,608 per month for studio units
• $2,237 per month for one-bedroom units
• $2,886 per month for two-bedroom units
• $3,652 per month for three-bedroom units
B-25
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Rental prices in Cupertino ranged from $1,400 for a studio unit to $5,895 for a
five-bedroom unit. As can be expected, smaller units are more affordable than
larger units. The overall median rental price for all unit sizes was $2,830, and the
average price was $2,919.
HOME SALE TRENDS
While other areas of the state and nation have experienced downturns in the
housing market recently, Cupertino home values have continued to grow. During
the depth of the housing market crash (between 2008 and 2010), median home
price in Cupertino held steady at around $1,000,000.
Since 2011, home prices in Cupertino have increased substantially. According
to DQNews, the median sales price for single-family residences and condos
increased by 28.6 percent from $933,000 in 2011 to $1,200,000 in 2013. As
shown in Table 2.12, this increase was one of the highest in the region. Median
home prices in Santa Clara County as a whole increased even more dramatically
(by 36.5 percent) during the same time period. Figure B-1 shows that the City of
Cupertino had the second highest median home sales price in the region during
2013 at $1,200,000, behind only the City of Saratoga at $1,600,000. The 2013
median home sales price of $1,200,000 in Cupertino was also nearly double
that of the County median price ($645,000). Most recent sales data reported by
DQNews.com compare sales records in the month of March 2014 with those in
March 2013. Prices in Santa Clara County experienced a 15 percent increase
over that one-year period, while Milpitas and Cupertino registered the largest
B-26
Table 2.11: Overview of Rental Housing Market, Cupertino, 2014 (a)
Size Number Advertised Median Rent Average Rent Rent Range
Studio 5 $1,559 $1,608 $1,400-$1,800
One-Bedroom 44 $2,274 $2,237 $1,845-$2,567
Two-Bedroom 80 $2,844 $2,886 $1,950-$3,820
Three-Bedroom 33 $3,500 $3,652 $2,600-$4,595
Four-Bedroom 6 $4,999 $4,683 $3,700-$5,300
Five-Bedroom 2 $5,198 $5,198 $4,500-$5,895
Total 170 $2,830 $2,919 $1,400-$5,895
Note:
(a) Search performed on Craigslist.org and Zillow.com of listings dated February 12 to March 7, 2014. Sources: Craigslist.org, 2014;
Zillow.com, 2014.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.12: Annual Median Home Sale Prices, 2011-2013
Jurisdiction 2011 2012 2013 % Change 2011-
2012
% Change 2012-
2013
% Change 2011-
2013
Campbell $569,000 $625,000 $701,000 9.8%12.2%23.2%
Cupertino $933,000 $1,045,750 $1,200,000 12.1%14.8%28.6%
Mountain View $678,500 $769,250 $800,000 13.4%4.0%17.9%
Santa Clara $500,000 $540,000 $635,000 8.0%17.6%27.0%
Saratoga $1,377,500 $1,527,500 $1,600,000 10.9%4.7%16.2%
Sunnyvale $570,000 $645,000 $767,500 13.2%19.0%34.6%
Santa Clara County $472,500 $525,000 $645,000 11.1%22.9%36.5%
Source: DQNews.com, 2014.
B-27
increases in the County at 36 percent and 31 percent, respectively. Throughout
2014, Cupertino’s median home sale price has continued on this upward
trend—as of June 2014, the median single-family home price in Cupertino was
$1,550,000 and a townhome/condominium was selling for $822,500.
While home prices in the city steadily increased, the number of homes being
sold declined slightly between 2012 and 2013, from 530 units to 512 units
(Figure B-2). Neighboring jurisdictions also experienced similar declines in
sales volume, with the largest decrease occurring in Mountain View. Overall, the
number of units sold in the County decreased slightly from 20,940 units in 2012
to 20,700 units in 2013, according to DQNews.com.
VACANCY RATES AND TRENDS
The 2010 Census data as reported in ABAG’s Housing Element Data Profiles
indicate an overall vacancy rate of 4.0 percent in the City, which was slightly
lower than the Santa Clara County vacancy rate of 4.4 percent (see Table
2.13). Specifically, Cupertino’s rental vacancy rate was reported at 4.7 percent,
compared to a vacancy rate of less than one percent (0.8 percent) for ownership
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
$701,000
$1,200,000
$800,000
$635,000
$1,600,000
$767,500
$0
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
$1,200,000
$1,400,000
$1,600,000
Campbell Cupertino Mountain
View
Santa Clara Saratoga Sunnyvale
Santa Clara County: $645,000
B-28
0
500
1,000
1,500
2012 555 530 849 1,176 480 1,208
2013 554 512 759 1,214 448 1,326
Campbell Cupertino Mountain
View Santa Clara Saratoga Sunnyvale
HOME SALES VOLUME, 2012-2013
FIGURE B-2
FIGURE B-1
ANNUAL MEDIAN HOME SALE PRICE 2013
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-29
housing. While the rental vacancy rate increased notably from the 1.8 percent
reported by the 2000 Census, the homeowner vacancy rate stayed essentially
the same. Despite the increase, the local vacancy rates were still below
optimum. Typically, industry standards consider a rental vacancy rate of five to
six percent and a vacancy rate for ownership housing of one to two percent to be
adequate to facilitate mobility.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
According to the federal government, housing is considered “affordable” if it
costs no more than 30 percent of a household’s gross income. Often, affordable
housing is discussed in the context of affordability to households with different
income levels. Households are categorized as extremely low income, very low
income, low income, median income, moderate income, or above moderate
income based on percentages of the AMI established annually by the California
Department of Housing and Community Development. Income limits also vary
by household size. Table 2.14 provides the maximum income limits for a four-
person household in Santa Clara County in 2014. Extremely low-, very low- and
low-income households are eligible for federal, state, and local affordable
housing programs. Moderate-income households are eligible for some state and
local housing programs. These income categories are also used by ABAG in the
Regional Housing Needs Allocation, or RHNA, process. In Cupertino, the Below
Market Rate (BMR) Ordinance establishes an additional income range: median
income (81 -100 percent of AMI).
Another way to think of the household income categories is to consider
what types of jobs people in these different categories might have. Figure
B-3 provides representative households in Santa Clara County, along with
hypothetical jobs and family compositions.
ABILITY TO PURCHASE/RENT HOMES BY HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Table 2.15 shows affordability scenarios by income and household size for
Santa Clara County. The following analysis compares the maximum affordable
housing costs for various households to the rental survey and median home
sales price data for Cupertino shown earlier. The maximum affordable sales
price was calculated using household income limits published by the California
Department of Housing and Community Development, conventional financing
terms, and assuming that households spend 30-35 percent of gross income on
mortgage payments, taxes, and insurance.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-30
Table 2.13: Housing Occupancy and Vacancy Status, 2010
Cupertino Santa Clara County California
Occupancy Status Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Occupied Housing
Units 20,181 96.0%604,204 95.6%12,577,498 91.9%
Vacant 846 4.0%27,716 4.4%1,102,583 8.1%
For Rent 373 1.8%11,519 1.8%374,610 2.7%
For Sale Only 108 0.5%5,067 0.8%154,775 1.1%
Rented Or Sold, Not
Occupied 76 0.4%2,222 0.4%54,635 0.4%
For Seasonal,
Recreational, or
Occasional Use
125 0.6%3,000 0.5%302,815 2.2%
For Migrant Workers 3 0.0%50 0.0%2,100 0.0%
Other Vacant (a)161 0.8%5,858 0.9%213,648 1.6%
Total 21,027 100.0%631,920 100.0%13,680,081 100.0%
Homeowner Vacancy
Rate 0.8%1.4%2.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate 4.7%4.3%6.3%
Notes:
(a) If a vacant unit does not fall into any of the classifications specified above, it is classified as “other vacant.”For example, this category
includes units held for occupancy by a caretaker or janitor, and units held by the owner for personal reasons. Source: Association of
Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.14: Household Income Limits, Santa Clara County, 2014
Income Category % Of Area Median Income Top of Income Range (a)
Extremely Low Income 0% to 30%$31,850
Very Low Income 31% to 50%$53,050
Low Income 51% to 80%$84,900
Moderate Income 81% to 120%$126,600
Santa Clara Median Income 100%$105,500
Notes:
(a) Based on HCD 2014 Household Income Limits for households of four persons in Santa Clara County.
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, 2014.
B-31
Moderate Income Household (80% – 120% AMI)
Estimated Annual Income:
$84,900 - $126,000
Dad works as a paralegal, mom works
as a home health aide; they have two
children.
Low Income Household (50% – 80% AMI)
Estimated Annual Income:
$53,050 - $84,900
Dad works as a security guard, mom
works as a teaching assistant; they have
two children.
Very Low Income Household (Up to 50% AMI)
Estimated Annual Income:
Up to $42,050
Mom works as a file clerk and is the only
source of financial support in her family;
she has one child.
Sources: California Employment and Development Department, 2014; and
California Department of Housing and Community Development, 2014.
FIGURE B-3
REPRESENTATIVE HOUSEHOLDS, SANTA CLARA, 2014
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
$152,925
$106,995
$59,719 $55,000 $54,296
$36,000 $23,795
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
Management Engineering Education Protective
Services
Sales Healthcare
Support
Food Prep
Income Needed to Rent an Apt.
($135,840)
Income Needed to Buy a Home
($299,555)
FIGURE B-4INCOME NEEDED TO AFFORD HOUSING COMPARED WITH INCOME
B-32
When comparing the home prices and rents shown earlier in Table 2.11 and
Table 2.12 with the maximum affordable housing costs presented in Table
2.15, it is evident that extremely low- and very low-income households in
Cupertino have no affordable housing options. For example, a four-person very
low income household could afford $1,084 a month for rent, but the average
rent for a two-bedroom unit was $2,886, more than double what this household
could afford. Even for low- and moderate-income households, adequately sized
and affordable rental housing options are very limited. A four-person moderate
income household could afford $2,928 monthly for rent, barely above the
average rent of a two-bedroom unit. Homeownership is generally beyond the
reach of most lower- and moderate-income households.
As shown in Table 2.15, a four-person moderate income household could afford
a home of approximately $625,800, just about half the price of a median-priced
home in Cupertino.
To augment this analysis, the household incomes of select occupations
were analyzed to evaluate these workers’ ability to rent or purchase homes
in Cupertino. Figure B-4 shows the average annual wages for a range
of occupations in Santa Clara County, based on 2013 State Employment
Development Department occupational employment and wage data. In general,
low-paying occupations in the health care support and food preparation
industries do not pay salaries high enough to allow their workers to afford
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.15: Maximum Affordable Housing Costs, Santa Clara County, 2013 (a, b, c)
Annual Income Limits
Affordable Housing Cost Utilities, Taxes, Insurance, HOA Dues Affordable Price
Rent Ownership Utilities
Renter
Utilities
Ownership
Taxes/
Insurance Rent Sale
Extremely Low Income (0-30% AMI)
1-Person $22,300 $558 $558 $137 $149 $195 $421 $41,840
2-Person $25,500 $638 $638 $160 $173 $223 $478 $47,330
3-Person $28,650 $716 $716 $182 $198 $251 $534 $52,465
4 Person $31,850 $796 $796 $242 $265 $279 $554 $49,524
5 Person $34,400 $860 $860 $290 $316 $301 $570 $47,649
Very Low Income (31-50% AMI)
1-Person $37,150 $929 $929 $137 $149 $325 $792 $89,158
2-Person $42,450 $1,061 $1,061 $160 $173 $371 $901 $101,340
3-Person $47,750 $1,194 $1,194 $182 $198 $418 $1,012 $113,325
4 Person $53,050 $1,326 $1,326 $242 $265 $464 $1,084 $117,076
5 Person $57,300 $1,433 $1,433 $290 $316 $501 1,143 $120,617
Low Income (51-80% AMI)
1-Person $59,400 $1,108 $1,292 $137 $149 $452 $973 $135,504
2-Person $67,900 $1,266 $1,477 $160 $173 $517 $1,106 $154,329
3-Person $76,400 $1,424 $1,662 $182 $198 $582 $1,242 $172,959
4 Person $84,900 $1,583 $1,846 $242 $265 $646 $1,341 $183,353
5 Person $91,650 $1,709 $1,994 $290 $316 $698 $1,419 $192,177
Median Income (81-100% AMI)
1-Person $73,850 $1,662 $1,939 $137 $149 $678 $1,525 $217,864
2-Person $84,400 $1,899 $2,216 $160 $173 $775 $1,739 $248,456
3-Person $94,950 $2,136 $2,492 $182 $198 $872 $1,954 $278,851
4 Person $105,500 $2,374 $2,769 $242 $265 $969 $2,132 $301,010
5 Person $113,950 $2,564 $2,991 $290 $316 $1,047 $2,274 $319,248
Moderate Income (101-120% AMI)
1-Person $88,600 $2,031 $2,369 $137 $149 $829 $1,894 $272,771
2-Person $101,300 $2,321 $2,708 $160 $173 $948 $2,161 $311,206
3-Person $113,950 $2,611 $3,046 $182 $198 $1,066 $2,429 $349,445
4 Person $126,600 $2,901 $3,385 $242 $265 $1,185 $2,659 $379,449
5 Person $136,750 $3,133 $3,656 $290 $316 $1,279 $2,843 $403,961
Notes:
(a) This table is intended for general information purposes only. Any proposed BMR unit initial sales prices shall be determined by the City based on Health and
Safety Code requirements and available interest rates/conditions at the time of sale. (b) Assumptions for rental scenarios: 2014 HCD income limits; affordable
housing costs pursuant to California Health & Safety Code Section 50053(b)(1)(2)(3)(4); utilities based on Housing Authority of Santa Clara 2013 County Utility
Allowance (c) Assumptions for ownership scenarios: 2014 HCD income limits; affordable housing costs pursuant to California Health & Safety Code Section
50052.5(b)(1)(2)(3)(4); 35% of monthly affordable cost for taxes, insurance, monthly mortgage insurance and HOA dues; 5% downpayment, 5% interest rate;
conventional 30 year fixed rate mortgage loan; utilities based on Housing Authority of Santa Clara 2013 County Utility Allowance.Sources: California Department
of Housing and Community Development, 2014; California Health & Safety Code, 2014; Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara, 2013; Veronica Tam and
Associates, 2014.
B-33
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.16: Housing Cost Burden by Tenure and Household Type, Cupertino, 2010 (a)
Household by Type,
Income, and Housing
Problem
Renters Owners Total
HouseholdsSeniorsSmall
Families
Large
Families Total Seniors Large
Families Total
Extremely Low (0-30%)300 310 10 820 370 10 665 1,485
With any housing
problem 61.7%69.4%100.0%64.6%55.4%100.0%61.7%63.3%
With cost burden >30%61.7%69.4%100.0%64.6%55.4%100.0%61.7%63.3%
With cost burden >50%45.0%62.9%100.0%56.1%27.0%100.0%44.4%50.8%
Very Low (31-50%)75 300 25 485 555 40 835 1,320
With any housing
problem 100.0%70.0%100.0%81.4%35.1%100.0%44.9%58.3%
With cost burden >30%100.0%70.0%40.0%79.4%36.0%100.0%45.5%58.0%
With cost burden >50%60.0%30.0%40.0%43.3%27.9%100.0%32.9%36.7%
Low (51-80%)55 150 55 450 500 30 810 1,260
With any housing
problem 100.0%76.7%100.0%76.7%31.0%0.0%45.7%56.7%
With cost burden >30%100.0%66.7%90.9%72.2%31.0%0.0%42.6%53.2%
With cost burden >50%100.0%43.3%72.7%46.7%21.0%0.0%30.2%36.1%
Moderate/Above
Moderate (>80%)265 3,515 385 5,170 1,990 1,025 10,345 15,515
With any housing
problem 47.2%24.9%66.2%28.7%22.9%40.0%35.5%33.3%
With cost burden >30%47.2%12.8%0.0%15.6%21.4%33.2%33.7%27.7%
With cost burden >50%11.3%0.0%0.0%0.6%7.0%2.4%7.5%5.2%
Total Households 695 4,275 475 6,925 3,415 1,105 12,655 19,580
With any housing
problem 63.3%33.1%72.6%39.8%29.6%41.6%38.2%38.7%
With cost burden >30%63.3%22.8%14.7%29.5%28.8%35.3%36.5%34.0%
With cost burden >50%38.1%8.2%12.6%13.1%14.6%6.8%12.6%12.8%
Notes:
(a) Data presented in this table are based on special tabulations from 2006-2010 American Community Survey (ACS) data. Due to the small sample
size, the margins for error can be significant. Interpretations of these data should focus on the proportion of households in need of assistance
rather than on precise numbers.
Source: HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS), based on the 2006-2010 ACS.
B-34
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-35
housing in Cupertino. In addition, while those employed in higher-paying
occupations may earn more, they may still have difficulty purchasing an
adequately sized home.
OVERPAYMENT (COST BURDEN)
According to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards,
a household is considered to be “cost-burdened” (i.e., overpaying for housing)
if it spends more than 30 percent of gross income on housing-related costs.
Households are “severely cost burdened” if they pay more than 50 percent of
their income on housing cost. According to special data developed by the ACS
for HUD, approximately 30 percent of renters and 37 percent of homeowners
in Cupertino were overpaying for housing in 2010. By contrast, overpayment
was much more common in Santa Clara County as a whole, with 42 percent of
renters and 39 percent of homeowners classified as cost-burdened in 2010.
Housing cost burden was particularly pronounced for extremely low- and
very low-income households in Cupertino. In 2010, 51 percent of Cupertino’s
extremely low-income renters and 37 percent of its very low-income renters
were severely cost burdened. This finding is consistent with the analysis of the
local housing market, which revealed a significant gap between home prices and
rents and the income of lower income households.
2.6. ASSISTED HOUSING AT RISK OF CONVERSION
State law requires local housing elements to include an inventory of affordable
housing developments that could be at risk of conversion to market rates during
the 10-year period that follows the adoption of the element. For those units
found to be at risk of conversion, the element must estimate the cost to preserve
or replace the at-risk units, to identify the resources available to help in the
preservation or replacement of those units, and to identify those organizations
that could assist in these efforts.
INVENTORY OF EXISTING AFFORDABLE UNITS
Table 2.17 presents the inventory of affordable housing units in Cupertino and
indicates the earliest dates of termination of affordability restrictions for each
project. In 2011, the 10 below market rate (BMR) units in the Chateau Cupertino
development expired. However, the City is committed to maintaining the long-
term affordability of current BMR units. As such, in 2005 the City increased the
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.17: Inventory of Affordable Housing Units
Number of
Affordable Units
Household Income
Funding Source Earliest Termination
DateVery Low or Low Moderate
Affordable Developments
Sunny View
West 22449
Cupertino Rd.100 100 0 HUD 202/811 3/31/2031
Stevens Creek Village
19140 Stevens Creek
Blvd.
40 40 0 CHFA, HUD & HOME 6/30/2035
Le Beaulieu
Apartments
10092 Bianchi Way 27 27 0 CalFHA/CDBG 2035
9/12/2015
WVCS Transitional
Housing
10311-10321
Greenwood Ct.
4 4 0 CDBG 7/14/2026
Beardon Drive
10192-10194
Beardon Dr.8 8 0 CDBG 12/21/2024
Senior Housing
Solutions
19935 Price Avenue
1 1 0 CDBG 6/24/2066
Maitri Transitional
Housing
Undisclosed Location
4 4 0 CDBG 3/16/2064
Total 184 184 0
B-36
minimum affordability term for BMR units in new developments to 99
years. Since 2010, 17 new units at the Markham Apartments have been
added to the BMR inventory.
UNITS AT RISK OF CONVERSION DURING NEXT TEN YEARS
The affordable housing developments at risk of conversion to market
rate during the next 10 years include those units whose affordability
restrictions are set to expire January 31, 2025 or earlier. As presented in
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.17: Inventory of Affordable Housing Units (CONTINUED)
Number of
Affordable Units
Household Income
Funding Source Earliest Termination
DateVery Low or Low Moderate
Affordable Developments
Biltmore Apartments
10159 South Blaney
Ave.2 2 0 BMR 6/30/2029
Park Center
Apartments
20380 Stevens Creek
Blvd.
4 4 0 BMR 7/8/2026
The Hamptons
19500 Pruneridge
Ave.34 34 0 BMR 10/20/2027
Arioso Apartments
19608 Pruneridge
Ave.
20 20 0 BMR 1/29/2028
Forge-Homestead
Apartments
20691 Forge Way 15 15 0 BMR 1/16/2027
Aviare Apartments
20415 Via Paviso 20 20 0 BMR 7/8/2026
The Markham
Apartments
20800 Homestead
Road
17 17 0 BMR 2039
Lake Biltmore
19500 Pruneridge
Ave.
2 2 0 BMR 2029
Vista Village
101144 Vista Drive 24 24 0 BMR 11/29/2056
Total 138 138 0
Below Market Rate (BMR) For-Sale Units
Total (a)122 0 122 BMR
Notes:
(a) Property addresses of BMR units are not listed in order to protect the privacy of homeowners. Source: City of Cupertino, 2014.
B-37
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.17, the affordability restrictions for the eight-unit Beardon Drive project
will expire in December 2024. In addition, certain affordability restrictions for Le
Beaulieu Apartments are also set to expire during the next 10 years.
Cupertino Community Housing originally developed Le Beaulieu in 1984 and
utilized HUD project-based Section 8 assistance. Mid-Peninsula Housing
Coalition, a nonprofit organization, acquired and rehabilitated the project in 1998.
Le Beaulieu contains 27 one- and two-bedroom units for adults with physical
disabilities who are able to live independently. All units are handicap accessible
and affordable to very low-income households (less than 50 percent of AMI).
The Le Beaulieu development is not considered to be at risk of converting to
market rate because there are other funding sources tied to the property such
as the City’s CDBG (30-year agreement) and CalHFA loan agreement. In addition,
Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition is committed to maintaining the property as
affordable. Discussions with Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition staff in early 2014
confirmed the organization is in the process of applying for a 20-year extension
of the Section 8 contract. Renewal of Section 8 funding for senior and disabled
housing has been prioritized by HUD and Mid-Peninsula Housing fully expects
to be able to extend the Section 8 assistance. Furthermore, other affordability
covenants on the project would require the project to remain as affordable
housing well beyond this Housing Element planning period.
One property has been identified with expiring affordability restriction during
this planning period – the Beardon Drive development. In 1994, Community
Housing Developers Inc., a nonprofit housing provider, received a loan from the
City’s CDBG program for the acquisition of the Beardon Drive property. The loan
agreement restricts the eight units for very low-income use for 30 years. As
such, income restriction for this project would expire in 2024. As Beardon Drive
is owned by a nonprofit housing provider, it is considered to be at low risk of
converting to market-rate housing. Nevertheless, for the purpose of this Housing
Element, options and costs to preserve these units are discussed below.
PRESERVATION AND REPLACEMENT OPTIONS
Typically, transferring the at-risk projects to nonprofit ownership would ensure
the long-term affordability of the units. However, the Beardon Drive project
is already owned by a nonprofit organization. Beardon Drive does not rely
B-38
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
on ongoing rent subsidies (such as Section 8) to maintain affordable rents.
A strategy to preserving this project as affordable housing is to ensure the
financial status of the project (i.e., net operating income and reserve) is adequate
to maintain the affordable rents. The City has included a strategy in the Housing
Plan to provide rehabilitation assistance to affordable housing projects to
upkeep the housing quality standards and to reduce ongoing maintenance and
operating expenses. The City may also choose to extend the loan repayment
schedule in exchange for an extended affordability covenant.
Another strategy is to provide ongoing rental subsidies to the project. The
estimated total amount needed to subsidize rents for existing tenants is shown
in Table 2.18. Given the unit mix of all eight at-risk units, the total cost of
subsidizing the rents for these units is estimated at $61,152 annually. For a 10-
year affordability covenant, a total subsidy of more than $600,000 would
be needed.
CONSTRUCTION OF REPLACEMENT UNITS
In the unlikely event that Community Housing Developers, Inc. chooses to convert
Beardon Drive from an affordable housing project to market-rate housing,
the construction of new affordable housing units as a means of replacing the
currently at-risk units may be an option for Cupertino. The cost of developing
housing depends upon a variety of factors including the density and size of the
units (i.e. square footage and number of bedrooms), location, land costs, and type
of construction. Based on general assumptions for average construction costs,
it would cost approximately $940,000 to construct eight affordable replacement
Table 2.18: Rental Subsidies Required for At-Risk Units
Unit Size/Household Size Number of Units Fair Market Rent
(a)
Household
Annual Income
(b)
Affordable
Housing Cost (c)
Monthly per Unit
Subsidy (d)
Total Monthly
Subsidy
Very Low Income (50% AMI)
2-Bedroom/3-person
household 8 $1,649 $47,750 $1,012 $637 $5,096.00
Total Annual Subsidy $61,152
Notes:
(a) Fair Market Rent (FMR) is determined by HUD. These calculations use the 2014 HUD FMR for Santa Clara County.
(b) Rents are restricted to 50% AMI for this development, which puts residents in the Very Low Income Category, set by the California Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD), 2014.
(c) The affordable housing cost is calculated based on 30% of the AMI, minus utilities for rentals.
(d) The monthly subsidy covers the gap between the FMR and the affordable housing cost Source: Veronica Tam and Associates, 2014.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.19: Estimated New Construction Costs
Unit Size
(A)(B)(C)(D)
Total Units Estimated Average
Unit Size (sq. ft.)
Estimated Gross
Building Size
Estimated Gross
Building Costs
2 Bedroom 8 807 7,747 $941,963
Average Per Unit Cost:$117,745
Notes:
(C) = (A) x (B) x 1.20 (i.e. 20% inflation to account for hallways and other common areas). (D) = (C) x $97.27 (per
square foot construction costs) x 1.25 (i.e. 25% inflation to account for parking and landscaping costs).Source:
Veronica Tam and Associates, 2014
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units, excluding land costs and other soft costs (such as architecture and
engineering), as shown in Table 2.19. When considering these additional costs,
especially given the high cost of land in Cupertino, the total costs to develop
replacement units would be significantly higher.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE CITY TO ASSIST IN
PRESERVATION
Clearly, the costs of preserving or replacing affordable housing units are
substantial. In light of this challenge, the City must consider what resources are
available to help preserve or replace those units so that lower-income tenants
are not displaced in the event that affordable units convert to market rate. The
City has access to a range of different funds that could potentially assist in a
preservation effort, including:
• City Below Market Rate (BMR) Affordable Housing Fund (AHF)
(approximately $6 million unencumbered as of 2014)
• CDBG Entitlement Funds (approximately $150,000 unencumbered as of
2014)
• Santa Clara County HOME Consortium Funds (available through a
competitive application process after the City joins the Consortium in 2014)
• Mortgage Revenue Bonds
• State Grant Programs
• Federal Grant Programs
• Low Income Housing Tax Credits
• HUD Section 8 “Mark to Market” Program
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
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Once the City becomes aware of an impending conversion, staff will begin
exploring the availability of funding from various sources. In many cases, the
City will find it advantageous to collaborate with private affordable housing
developers or managers to develop and implement a viable plan to preserve
affordable housing units. Private developers can often bring additional expertise
and access to funding, such as tax credits. The State Department of Housing
and Community Development maintains a list of affordable housing developers
and property managers who have expressed an interest in working with local
communities to preserve affordable housing projects. This database lists
organizations that are interested in working in any county within the State
of California, including well-known affordable housing providers such as
Mercy Housing, EAH, MidPen Housing, etc. The database also lists numerous
organizations that have expressed interest in working on preservation projects
in Santa Clara County in particular, including organizations such as BRIDGE
Housing Corporation and Eden Housing. The organizations listed above are but a
few of those listed in the HCD database that the City of Cupertino could consider
as potential partners in the event that it becomes necessary to assemble a team
to preserve an affordable housing project.
2.7. SPECIAL HOUSING NEEDS
This section of the needs assessment profiles populations with special
housing needs, including seniors, large households, single parent households,
persons with disabilities (including persons with developmental disabilities),
farm workers, persons living in poverty, and homeless persons. Table 2.20
summarizes the special needs groups in Cupertino
SENIORS
Many senior residents face a unique set of housing needs, largely due to physical
limitations, fixed incomes, and health care costs. Affordable housing cost, unit
sizes and accessibility to transit, family, health care, and other services are
important housing concerns for the seniors.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
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As Table 2.21 shows, in 2010, 19.7 percent of Cupertino householders were 65
years old or older, comparable to the proportion of senior households in Santa
Clara County (18.5 percent). A large majority of these senior households owned
their homes (80.3 percent). In Cupertino, homeownership is much more common
among seniors than for any other age group. Just 58.2 percent of householders
under 64 years old owned their homes.
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data shown in Table
2.16 indicates that among Cupertino’s senior households, renters were more
likely to be lower income than homeowners. Nearly 62 percent of senior renter-
households earned less than 80 percent of the median family income compared
to only 42 percent of senior homeowners.
Seniors across the country are often required to dedicate a larger portion of
their income to housing costs. Among all of the renter-households in Cupertino,
the proportion of seniors overpaying for housing in 2010 was more than
double the proportion for the general population: 63 percent versus 30 percent,
respectively (see Table 2.16). For homeowners, however, the proportion of
senior owner-households overpaying for housing was much more on par with
the general population (29 percent versus 34 percent, respectively). During the
community outreach process for developing the Housing Element, the need for
senior housing options in Cupertino was highlighted by many residents.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Cupertino offers a number of resources for seniors. As shown in Table 2.22,
there are five residential care facilities for the elderly and three skilled nursing
facilities in the city. Residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs), also known
as “assisted living” or “board and care” facilities, provide assistance with some
activities of daily living while still allowing residents to be more independent
than in most nursing homes. Skilled nursing facilities—also known as nursing
homes—offer a higher level of care, with registered nurses on staff 24 hours a
day.
In addition to assisted living facilities, there are two subsidized independent
senior housing developments in the city. As shown in Table 2.22, there are a
total of 100 units of affordable senior housing in Cupertino. Furthermore in 2011,
the City utilized CDBG funds to rehabilitate a home that provides accommodation
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.20: Special Needs Groups, 2010-2013
Special Needs Group Persons or Household Renter Owner Percent of Total
Senior-Headed Households 3,983 785 (19.7%)3,198 (80.3%)19.7%
Households with a Senior
Member 5,069 n/a n/a 25.1%
Seniors Living Alone 1,612 516 (32.0%)1,096 (68.0%)8.0%
Large Households 1,883 619 (32.9%)1,264 (67.1%)9.3%
Single-Parent Households 883 n/a n/a 4.4%
Female Single-Parent
Households 667 n/a n/a 6.9%
Persons with Disabilities (a)3,445 n/a n/a 5.9%
Agricultural Workers (b)36 n/a n/a <1%
Persons living in Poverty (b)2,330 n/a n/a 4.0%
Homeless (c)112 n/a n/a <1%
Notes:
(a) 2010 Census data not available for persons with disabilities. Estimate is from the 2008-2012 ACS. Estimate is for persons 5 years
of age and older.
(b) 2010 Census data not available. Estimate is from the 2007-2011 ACS.|
(c) 2010 Census data not available. Estimate is from 2013 Santa Clara County Homeless Point-In-Time Census and Survey
Comprehensive Report. Of the 112 homeless persons counted in Cupertino in 2013, 92 persons were unsheltered and 20 were
sheltered.
Sources: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013; U.S. Census, American Community
Survey (ACS), 2008-2012; 2013 Santa Clara County Homeless Point-In-Time Census and Survey Comprehensive Report.
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to five low-income seniors. Demand for these subsidized units is high. Staff
at Sunny View estimate that over 700 people are on the waiting list, and the
turnover rate for available units is about 10 to 15 per year.
The Cupertino Senior Center also serves as an excellent resource for seniors.
The many different services at the center help seniors to obtain resources in
the community that will assist them to continue to remain independent and safe
in their own homes. Available programs include various social and recreation
activities, special events, travel programs, transportation discounts, drop-in
consultation, case management, medical, and social services.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
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Additionally, the Senior Adult Day Care (Cupertino Center) provides frail,
dependent, low-income Cupertino seniors with specialized programs of
recreation, mental stimulation, exercise, companionship and nutritious meals
during the day. This facility is operated by Live Oak Adult Day Care a local non-
profit organization.
In addition, the City supports a number of programs with Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG), General Fund Human Service Grants (HSG)
and Below Market-Rate (BMR) Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) funds that
provide services specifically for seniors in the community. The Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Program, operated by Catholic Charities, provides advocacy for
Cupertino seniors in long-term care facilities to ensure they have a voice in their
own care and treatment. The program receives, investigates and resolves any
complaints associated with the care of long-term care facility residents. A legal
assistance program for seniors is provided by Senior Adults Legal Assistance
(SALA) which provides free legal services to low- and very low-income seniors at
the Cupertino Senior Center. Legal services provided are in the area of consumer
complaints, housing, elder abuse, and simple wills. The Live Oak Adult Day Care
receives partial financial assistance to help operate the Senior Adult Day Care
(Cupertino Center).
LARGE HOUSEHOLDS
Large households are defined as those with five or more members. Large
households are identified as a special needs group because of limited
opportunities for adequately sized and affordable housing. Cupertino has a
smaller proportion of large households than Santa Clara County as a whole. As
shown in Table 2.23, 9.3 percent of all households in Cupertino were comprised
of five or more persons in 2010. In Santa Clara County, about 14.8 percent of
households were considered large. Large households were more likely to be
homeowners (1,264 households, 67 percent) than renters (619 households,
33 percent).
While Cupertino has a smaller proportion of large households than Santa Clara
County, its housing stock is comprised of a larger proportion of homes with three
or more bedrooms. As shown in Table 2.24, about 64 percent of the housing
units in Cupertino had three or more bedrooms while only 59 percent of Santa
Clara County homes had three or more bedrooms.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.22: Housing Resources for the Elderly
Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Location Capacity
The Forum at Rancho San Antonio 23500 Cristo Rey Drive 741
Paradise Manor 4 19161 Muriel Lane 6
Pleasant Manor of Cupertino 10718 Nathanson Avenue 6
Purglen of Cupertino 10366 Miller Avenue 12
Sunny View Manor (a)22445 Cupertino Road 190
Total 955
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Health Care Center at Forum at Rancho San
Antonio
23600 Via Esplendor 48
Cupertino Healthcare & Wellness Center 22590 Voss Avenue 170
Sunny View Manor 22445 Cupertino Road 48
Total 266
Subsidized Independent Senior Rental
Housing
Sunny View West 22449 Cupertino Road 99
Senior Housing Solutions 19935 Price Avenue 1
Total 100
Adult Day Care
Live Oak Adult Day Services 20920 McClellan Road 30
Cupertino Senior Center 21251 Stevens Creek N/A
Notes:
(a) Sunny View Manor has 115 units for independent and assisted (RCFE) living. All 115 units are licensed as RCFE units, but residents
may choose between independent and assisted living options. The distribution of independent and assisted living units varies over
time. Sources: California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division Facility Search Form, 2014; California
Department of Public Health, Health Facilities Search, 2014.B-45
Table 2.21: Elderly Households by Tenure and Age, 2010
Cupertino Santa Clara County
Number Percent Number Percent
Under 64 Years Old
Owner 9,429 58.2%265,727 54.0%
Renter 6,769 41.8%226,517 46.0%
Total 16,198 100.0%492,244 100.0%
65 Plus Years Old
Owner 3,198 80.3%82,571 73.8%
Renter 785 19.7%29,389 26.2%
Total 3,983 100.0%111,960 100.0%
Total Households 20,181 604,204
Percent Householders 65 Plus
Years 19.7%18.5%
Source: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.23: Household Size by Tenure, 2010
Owner Renter Total
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Cupertino
1- 4 Persons 11,363 90.0%6,935 91.8%18,298 90.7%
5+ Persons 1,264 10.0%619 8.2%1,883 9.3%
Total 12,627 100.0%7,554 100.0%20,181 100.0%
Santa Clara County
1- 4 Persons 297,385 85.4%217,578 85.0%514,963 85.2%
5+ Persons 50,913 14.6%38,328 15.0%89,241 14.8%
Total 348,298 100.0%255,906 100.0%604,204 100.0%
Source: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Large households in Cupertino can benefit from the general housing programs
and services offered by the City, such as the BMR Program and housing
rehabilitation programs. Other programs include Mortgage Credit Certificates
and Housing Choice Vouchers administered by the County, and homebuyer
assistance offered by the Housing Trust Silicon Valley.
SINGLE-PARENT HOUSEHOLDS
Single-parent households often require special consideration and assistance
because of their greater need for affordable housing and accessible day-care,
health care, and other supportive services. Female-headed single-parent
households with children, in particular, tend to have a higher need for affordable
housing than other family households in general. In addition, these households
are more likely to need childcare since the mother is often the sole source of
income and the sole caregiver for the children in the household. In 2010, there
were 667 female-headed single-parent households with children under 18 years
of age in Cupertino, representing 3.3 percent of all households in the City (Table
2.25). A significant proportion of these households were living in poverty in 2011
(21 percent). The U.S. Census Bureau sets poverty level thresholds each year and
they are often used to establish eligibility for federal services.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.24: Existing Housing Stock by Number of Bedrooms, 2011
Owner Households Renter Households Total
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Cupertino
No Bedroom 0 0.0%208 2.9%208 1.0%
1 Bedroom 468 3.6%1,554 21.5%2,022 10.0%
2 Bedrooms 1,530 11.8%3,491 48.4%5,021 24.9%
3 Bedrooms 4,782 36.9%1,609 22.3%6,391 31.7%
4 Bedrooms 4,785 36.9%314 4.4%5,099 25.3%
5 or More Bedrooms 1,396 10.8%39 0.5%1,435 7.1%
Total 12,961 100.0%7,215 100.0%20,176 100.0%
Santa Clara County
No Bedroom 1,091 0.3%16,371 6.6%17,462 2.9%
1 Bedroom 7,477 2.1%74,195 29.9%81,672 13.6%
2 Bedrooms 54,461 15.5%94,453 38.1%148,914 24.8%
3 Bedrooms 147,933 42.0%45,456 18.3%193,389 32.3%
4 Bedrooms 109,892 31.2%13,875 5.6%123,767 20.6%
5 or More Bedrooms 31,043 8.8%3,405 1.4%34,448 5.7%
Total 351,897 100.0%247,755 100.0%599,652 100.0%
Source: Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Housing Element Data Profiles, December 2013.
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The number of female-headed single-parent households declined slightly from
2000, but these households continue to make up the same proportion of all
households in the City. Compared to Santa Clara County, the City’s proportion of
female-headed single-parent households was lower (five percent versus three
percent, respectively).
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Single-parent households in Cupertino can benefit from City programs and
services that provide assistance to lower income households in general, such as
the BMR, CDBG and HSG Programs. Single-parent households can also benefit
from supportive and childcare services available to County residents through
various organizations, including Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, Choices
for Children, Grail Family Services, InnVision Shelter Network, Second Harvest
Food Bank, and West Valley Community Services, among others. 3
3 David Rosen. “Inclusionary Housing and Its Impact on Housing and Land Markets.” NHC Affordable Housing
Policy Review 1(3). 2004.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
A disability is a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life
activities. Persons with a disability generally have lower incomes and often face
barriers to finding employment or adequate housing due to physical or structural
obstacles. This segment of the population often needs affordable housing that
is located near public transportation, services, and shopping. Persons with
disabilities may require units equipped with wheelchair accessibility or other
special features that accommodate physical or sensory limitations. Depending
on the severity of the disability, people may live independently with some
assistance in their own homes, or may require assisted living and supportive
services in special care facilities.
Table 2.25: Family Characteristics, Cupertino, 2010
Household Type Number Percent of Total
1-Person Household 3,544 17.6%
Male Householder 1,472 7.3%
Female Householder 2,072 10.3%
2 or More Person Household 16,637 82.4%
Family Households:15,776 78.2%
Married-Couple Family 13,802 68.4%
With Own Children Under 18 Years 8,392 41.6%
Other Family;1,974 9.8%
Male Householder, no Wife Present 581 2.9%
With Own Children Under 18 Years 216 1.1%
Female Householder, no Wife Present 1,393 6.9%
With Own Children Under 18 Years 667 3.3%
Nonfamily Households:4,405 21.8%
Male Householder 1,472 7.3%
Female Householder 2,072 10.3%
Total Households 20,181 100.0%
Source: U.S. Census, 2010.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
According to the 2008-2012 ACS, about six percent of Cupertino residents and
eight percent of Santa Clara County residents had one or more disabilities
(Table 2.27). Hearing, ambulatory, and independent living difficulties were the
most common disabilities among seniors, while cognitive difficulties were more
common among persons aged 18 to 64 with disabilities. Overall, ambulatory
difficulties were the most prevalent (45.2 percent). Table 2.28 shows that among
persons with disabilities aged 18 to 64, the majority (55.8 percent) in both the
City and County were not in the labor force. About one-third of both City and
County residents (aged 18 to 64) with disabilities were employed.
PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
A recent change in State law requires that the Housing Element discuss the
housing needs of persons with developmental disabilities. As defined by the
Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, “developmental disability”
means “a disability that originates before an individual attains age 18 years,
continues, or can be expected to continue, indefinitely, and constitutes
a substantial disability for that individual. As defined by the Director of
Developmental Services, in consultation with the Superintendent of Public
Instruction, this term shall include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy,
and autism.
This term shall also include disabling conditions found to be closely related to
mental retardation or to require treatment similar to that required for individuals
with mental retardation, but shall not include other handicapping conditions that
are solely physical in nature. This definition also reflects the individual’s need
for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services,
individualized supports, or other forms of assistance
that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned
and coordinated.
The Census does not record developmental disabilities. However, according to
the U.S. Administration on Developmental Disabilities, an accepted estimate
of the percentage of the population that can be defined as developmentally
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.26: Poverty Status, Cupertino, 2011
Families Below Poverty Line Number Percent
Married-Couple Family 237 57.5%
With Own Children Under 18 Years 115 27.9%
Other Family
Male Householder 26 6.3%
With Own Children Under 18 Years 7 1.7%
Female Householder 149 36.2%
With Own Children Under 18 Years 87 21.1%
Total Families Below Poverty Line 412 100.0%
Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey (ACS), 2007, 2011
disabled is 1.5 percent. This equates to approximately 875 persons with
developmental disabilities residing in the City of Cupertino, based on the 2010
Census population.
According to the State’s Department of Developmental Services, as of
September 2013, approximately 303 Cupertino residents with developmental
disabilities were being assisted at the San Andreas Regional Center. Most of
these individuals were residing in a private home with their parent or guardian,
and 196 of these persons with developmental disabilities were under the age
of 18.
Many developmentally disabled persons can live and work independently
within a conventional housing environment. More severely disabled individuals
require a group living environment where supervision is provided. The most
severely affected individuals may require an institutional environment where
medical attention and physical therapy are provided. Because developmental
disabilities exist before adulthood, the first issue in supportive housing for the
developmentally disabled is the transition from the person’s living situation as
a child to an appropriate level of independence as an adult.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 2.27: Persons with Disabilities by Disability Type, 2012
Disability Type % of Disabilities Tallied
Age 5 to 17 Age 18 to 64 Age 65+Total
Cupertino
With a hearing difficulty 17.8%21.6%55.3%40.8%
With a vision difficulty 5.3%16.4%10.9%12.7%
With a cognitive difficulty 36.2%40.3%21.9%29.5%
With an ambulatory difficulty 30.3%32.1%55.0%45.2%
With a self-care difficulty 57.9%19.6%20.0%21.5%
With an independent living difficulty -- 32.0%46.0%38.6%
Total Persons with Disabilities (a)152 1,313 1,980 3,445
% of Total Population 6%
Santa Clara County
With a hearing difficulty 11.8%20.1%41.4%29.8%
With a vision difficulty 14.6%16.4%17.4%16.7%
With a cognitive difficulty 69.4%41.7%28.0%36.9%
With an ambulatory difficulty 17.5%42.3%61.9%50.1%
With a self-care difficulty 28.5%17.2%26.9%22.6%
With an independent living difficulty -- 36.8%51.4%41.5%
Total Persons with Disabilities (a)8,691 62,221 65,554 136,466
% of Total Population 8%
Note:
(a) Total does not include population under 5 years of age. Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey
(ACS), 2008-2012.
Table 2.28: Persons Age 18 to 64 with Disabilities by Employment Status, 2012
Cupertino Santa Clara County
Persons With a Disability Number Percent of Total
Population Number Percent of Total
Population
Total Population Age 18-64
(a)1,313 100.0%62,221 100.0%
Employed 480 36.6%22,566 36.3%
Unemployed 101 7.7%4,932 7.9%
Not in Labor Force 732 55.8%34,723 55.8%
Note:
(a) Total does not include population under 18 years of age or over 65 years. Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Community
Survey (ACS), 2008-2012.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Table 2.29 summarizes the licensed community care facilities in Cupertino that
serve special needs groups. Adult residential facilities offer 24-hour non-medical
care for adults, ages 18 to 59 years old, who are unable to provide for their daily
needs due to physical or mental disabilities. Group homes, small residential
facilities that serve children or adults with chronic disabilities, also provide 24-
hour care by trained professionals. In addition, a 27-unit multi-family residential
property (Le Beaulieu) offers affordable housing to very low-income persons
with disabilities.
FARMWORKERS
Farmworkers are traditionally defined as persons whose primary incomes are
earned through agricultural labor. They have special housing needs because of
their relatively low income and also because of the often transient and seasonal
nature of their jobs. The 2011 ACS reported that 36 Cupertino residents were
employed in the agriculture, farming, fishing and forestry occupations, making
up less than 0.1 percent of the City’s population.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
To the extent that farmworkers may want to live in Cupertino, their need for
affordable housing would be similar to that of other lower income persons,
and their housing needs can be addressed through general affordable housing
programs for lower-income households, such as BMR, CDBG and HSG programs.
Table 2.29: Community Care Facilities in Cupertino, 2014
Adult Residential Facilities Location Capacity
Paradise Manor 2 19133 Muriel Lane 6
Paradise Manor 3 19147 Muriel Lane 6
Total 12
Group Homes
Pace-Morehouse 7576 Kirwin Lane 6
Pacific Autism Center for Education
Miracle House 19681 Drake Drive 6
Total 12
Source: California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division Facility Search Form, 2014
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RESIDENTS LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL
Families with incomes below the poverty level, specifically those with extremely
low and very low incomes, are at the greatest risk of becoming homeless and
often require assistance in meeting their rent and mortgage obligations in order
to prevent homelessness. The 2007-2011 ACS found that four percent of all
Cupertino residents were living below the poverty level. Specifically, about three
percent of family households and two percent of families with children were
living below the poverty level. These households may require specific housing
solutions such as deeper income targeting for subsidies, housing with supportive
services, single-room occupancy units, or rent subsidies and vouchers.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Persons living with incomes below the poverty level can benefit from City
programs and services that provide assistance to lower-income households
in general, such as BMR, CDBG and HSG programs. Households with incomes
below the poverty level can also benefit from supportive services available to
County residents through various organizations, including Catholic Charities of
Santa Clara County, Choices for Children, InnVision Shelter Network, Second
Harvest Food Bank, and West Valley Community Services, among others.
HOMELESS
Demand for emergency and transitional shelter in Cupertino is difficult to
determine given the episodic nature of homelessness. Generally, episodes of
homelessness among families or individuals can occur as a single event or
periodically. The 2013 Santa Clara County Homeless Census & Survey reported
a point-in-time count of 7,631 homeless people on the streets and in emergency
shelters, transitional housing, and domestic violence shelters. This estimate
includes 112 homeless individuals in the City of Cupertino. The count, however,
should be considered conservative because many unsheltered homeless
individuals may not be visible at street locations, even with the most thorough
methodology.
There is no data presently available documenting the increased level of demand
for shelter in Santa Clara County or Cupertino during particular times of the year.
Due to the relatively mild climate, the only time of year when increased demand
appears to be a factor is during the winter months (November to March). The
annual homeless count always takes place in the last week of January, a period
when demand for shelter typically is at its highest. Since the year-round need
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
described above is based on the annual count, the need for emergency shelter
either year-round or seasonally is not likely to be greater than that found during
the annual homeless count.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Table 2.31 lists facilities within Santa Clara County that serve the needs of
homeless. Emergency shelters provide temporary shelter for individuals and
families while transitional shelters serve families making a transition from
homelessness to permanent housing. In Cupertino, West Valley Community
Services (WVCS) offers supportive services and the Transitional Housing
Program (THP) through its Haven to Home Program. The Haven to Home
Program helps homeless individuals and families work towards stability by
providing access to resources such as food, transportation, toiletries and other
such items. The program has the capacity to provide housing for 12 single men
and six single mothers with one child under the age of six. Residents of THP sign
a six-month lease, which may be renewed depending on the resident’s case plan
and progress. For supportive services, a case manager is available to provide
intensive case management for up to 21 homeless households at a time. The
THP typically has a waiting list of 10 to 30 households, while the waiting list for
Table 2.30: Santa Clara County Homeless Census and Survey, 2013 (a)
Jurisdiction Individuals % Total
Cupertino
Unsheltered (b)92 82.1%
Sheltered (c)20 17.9%
Total 112 100.0%
Santa Clara County
Unsheltered (b)5,674 74.4%
Sheltered (c)1,957 25.6%
Total 7,631 100.0%
Notes:
(a) This Homeless Census and Survey was conducted over a two day period from January 29 to January 30, 2013
This survey, per HUD new requirements, does not include people in rehabilitation facilities, hospitals or jails
due to more narrow HUD definition of point-in-time homelessness.
(b) Individuals found living on the streets, in parks,
encampments, vehicles, or other places not meant for humanhabitation.
(c) Individuals who are living in emergency shelters or
transitional housing programs. Source: 2013 Santa ClaraCounty Homeless Point-In-Time Census & Survey, Comprehensive Report.
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supportive services generally has five to 20 households. Given the increase in
requests for emergency shelter over the past few years, WVCS staff believes that
there is a need for additional emergency shelter services in Cupertino. This need
is particularly high for families with children.
Additionally, Faith in Action Silicon Valley Rotating Shelter operates a rotating
shelter program which accommodates up to 15 homeless men. The shelter
rotates locations, which include various Cupertino congregation and community
partner locations. Additional services offered by the program include case
management, meals, shower facilities, bus passes, job development and
counseling, and other supportive services.
2.8. NEEDS ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
• Cupertino grew faster than Santa Clara County and the Bay Area between
2000 and 2010. The local population increased by 15 percent from 50,600
people to 58,300. However, some of this growth was due to the annexation
of 168 acres of unincorporated land in Santa Clara County between 2000
and 2008.
• ABAG projects Cupertino will grow to 71,200 residents by 2040. Cupertino
and Santa Clara County are anticipated to experience the same rate of
population increase (nearly 21 percent) between 2010 and 2040; the Bay
Area’s population is expected to increase by 28 percent during the same
time.
• Cupertino has an aging population. The median age in Cupertino rose from
37.9 years old in 2000 to 39.9 years old in 2010. The percent of elderly
residents, aged 65 years old and older, increased from 11 percent to 13
percent.
• The City has a high percentage of family households; in 2010, family
households comprised 77 percent of all households in Cupertino,
compared with 71 percent of Santa Clara County households and 65
percent of Bay Area households.
• Large households comprised 9.3 percent of the City’s total households, the
majority of which were owner-households. Overall, the proportion of large
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Table 2.31: Homeless Facilities in Santa Clara County, 2014
Organization Facility Address Total Capacity
Transitional Housing
EHC LifeBuilders Transitional (Families With
Children)
Boccardo Family Living Center 13545
Monterey Road San Martin, CA 95046 26 Units
EHC LifeBuilders Transitional (Veterans)Boccardo Regional Reception Center 2011
Little Orchard St. San Jose, CA 95125 20 Beds
EHC LifeBuilders Transitional (Youth)Sobrato House Youth Center 496 S. Third
Street San Jose, CA 95112 9 Units
Family Supportive Housing Transitional (Families)Scattered Sites in Santa Clara County Not available
InnVision Transitional Montgomery Street Inn 358 N. Montgomery
Street San Jose, CA 95110 85 Persons
InnVision Transitional (Women and
Children)
Villa 184 South 11th Street San Jose, CA
95112 55 Persons
Next Door Solutions to Domestic
Violence
Transitional (Victims of
Domestic Violence - Women
and Children)
The HomeSafes in San Jose and Santa Clara
(a)48 Units
West Valley Community Services Transitional (Men and Single
Mothers)
10311-10321 Greenwood Ct. Cupertino, CA
95014 12 Single Men and 6 Single
Mothers
Maitri Transitional (Women and
Children)N/A (address is confidential)9 Beds
Note:
(a) Location is confidential. Source: 211 Santa Clara County, 2014.
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Table 2.31: Homeless Facilities in Santa Clara County, 2014 (CONTINUED)
Organization Facility Address Total Capacity
Emergency Shelters
Asian Americans For Community
Involvement of Santa Clara
County, Inc.
Emergency (Victims of
Domestic Violence - Women
and Children)
Asian Women's Home 2400 Moorpark
Avenue, Suite 300
San Jose, 95128
12 persons
EHC LifeBuilders Emergency
Boccardo Reception Center (BRC) 2011 Little
Orchard
San Jose, 95125
200 Persons (Year Round) 250
Persons (December 2 to March
31)
EHC LifeBuilders Emergency
Sunnyvale National Guard Armory 620 E.
Maude
Sunnyvale, 94086
125 Persons
EHC LifeBuilders Emergency (Veterans)
Boccardo Reception Center (BRC) 2011 Little
Orchard
San Jose, 95125
40 Persons (December 2 to
March 31)
EHC LifeBuilders Emergency (Youth)
Sobrato House Youth Center 496 S. Third
Street
San Jose, CA 95112
10 beds
Family Supportive Housing Emergency (Families)
San Jose Family Shelter 692 North King
Road
San Jose, CA, 95133-1667
35 Families
Faith In Action Silicon Valley
Rotating Shelter Emergency
Faith In Action Silicon Valley Rotating Shelter
1669-2 Hollenbeck Ave. #220
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
15 Persons
InnVision Emergency
Julian Street Inn
546 West Julian Street
San Jose, CA, 95110
70 Beds
InnVision Emergency (Women and
Children)
260 Commercial Street
San Jose, CA, 95112 55 Persons
Next Door Solutions to Domestic
Violence
Emergency (Victims of
Domestic Violence - Women
and Children)
The Shelter Next DoorSanta Clara County (a)20 Persons
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
households in the City was lower than countywide average.
• Approximately 3.3 percent of all households in the City were single-parent
households, with 21 percent living below the poverty level. However, the
proportion of single-parent households in the City has declined since 2000.
• About six percent of the City’s population aged five and above had one
or more disabilities, lower than the countywide average of eight percent.
According to the State Department of Developmental Services, 303
residents were being assisted at the San Andreas Regional Center.
• Cupertino, along with Santa Clara County, is becoming an increasingly jobs-
rich city. ABAG projects the number of jobs in Cupertino will increase by 25
percent between 2010 and 2040, resulting in a jobs-to-household ratio of
1.38 by 2040, up from the ratio of 1.29 in 2010.
• The local housing stock is dominated by single-family detached homes; 57
percent of homes were single-family detached dwellings in 2013. Although
the number of multi-family housing units experienced the most rapid
growth between 2000 and 2013, Cupertino still has a smaller proportion of
multi-family housing units than Santa Clara County (28 percent in the city
versus 32 percent in the County overall). One affordable housing project –
Beardon Drive (eight units) – is considered at risk of converting to market-
rate housing during the next ten years.
• Housing costs continue to rise in Cupertino. Median home sales prices rose
by approximately 29 percent between 2011 and 2013, after plateauing
between 2008 and 2010 during the depth of the housing market crisis.
Homeownership in Cupertino is generally out of reach for most except the
highest-earning households.
• Affordable rental housing is equally difficult to obtain. The current median
market rent rate of $3,500 for a three-bedroom unit exceeds the maximum
affordable monthly rent for lower- and moderate-income households.
• In 2010, 30 percent of renters and 37 percent of homeowners were
overpaying for housing in Cupertino.
• In 2010, 63 percent of elderly renter-households were overpaying for
housing, the highest rate among any household type regardless of tenure.
• The 2013 Santa Clara County Homeless Survey reported a point-in-time
count of 7,631 homeless people on the streets and in emergency shelters,
transitional housing, and domestic violence shelters, including 112
individuals in the City of Cupertino.
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3. REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS DETERMINATION
2014-2022
This section discusses the projected housing needs for the current planning
period, which runs from January 1, 2014 through October 31, 2022.
3.1. REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION (RHNA)
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65584, the state, regional
councils of government (in this case, ABAG), and local governments must
collectively determine each locality’s share of regional housing need. In
conjunction with the state-mandated housing element update cycle that requires
Bay Area jurisdictions to update their elements by January 31, 2015, ABAG has
allocated housing unit production needs for each jurisdiction within the Bay
Area. These allocations set housing production goals for the planning period that
runs from January 1, 2014 through October 31, 2022.
The following summarizes ABAG’s housing need allocation for Cupertino,
along with housing production data for the 2014-2022 time period. The City of
Cupertino may count housing units constructed, approved, or proposed since
January 1, 2014 toward satisfying its RHNA goals for this planning period. Table
3.1 presents a summary of ABAG’s housing needs allocation for Cupertino for
2014 to 2022.
3.2 HOUSING NEEDS FOR EXTREMELY LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
State law requires housing elements to quantify and analyze the existing and
projected housing needs of extremely low-income households. HUD defines an
extremely low-income household as one earning less than 30 percent of AMI.
These households encounter a unique set of housing situations and needs,
and may often include special needs populations or represent families and
individuals receiving public assistance, such as social security insurance (SSI) or
disability insurance.
As discussed in the Needs Assessment section, approximately eight percent of
all Cupertino households earned less than 30 percent of AMI in 2010. Extremely
low-income households represented 12 percent of all renter-households and
five percent of all owner-households.
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To estimate the projected housing need for extremely low income households,
state law allows either assuming 50 percent of the very low-income households
as extremely low income, or to apportion the very low-income households based
on Census-documented distribution. Using the allowable even split, 50 percent
of Cupertino’s 356 very low-income RHNA units are assumed to serve extremely
low-income households. Based on this methodology, the city has a projected
need of 178 units for extremely low-income households.
Extremely low-income households often rely on supportive or subsidized
housing as a means of transitioning into stable, more productive lives.
Supportive housing combines housing with supportive services such as job
training, life skills training, substance abuse programs, and case management
services. Subsidized housing can include programs such as the Section 8
Housing Choice Voucher Program or tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA)
which ensures that the tenant does not pay more than 30 percent of their gross
income on housing by paying a portion of the tenants rent. Efficiency studios and
BMR rental units can also provide affordable housing opportunities for extremely
low-income households.
4. HOUSING CONSTRAINTS
Section 65583(a)(4) of the California Government Code states that the housing
element must analyze “potential and actual governmental constraints upon
Table 3.1: RHNA, Cupertino, 2014-2022
Income Category Projected Need Percent of Total
Extremely Low/Very Low (0-50% of AMI)356 33.5%
Low (51-80% of AMI)207 19.5%
Moderate (81-120% of AMI)231 21.7%
Above Moderate (over 120% AMI)270 25.4%
Total Units ,064 100.0%
Source: ABAG Regional Housing Needs Assessment, 2014.
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the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income
levels, including land use controls, building codes and their enforcement, site
improvements, fees and other exactions required of developers, and local
processing and permit procedures.”
In addition to government constraints, this section assesses other factors
that may constrain the production of affordable housing in Cupertino. These
include infrastructure availability, environmental features, economic and
financing constraints, market conditions and community acceptance of different
housing types and densities. Recent court rulings have removed some of the
mechanisms local government traditionally has used to require developers
to provide affordable housing, thus exacerbating the difficulty of meeting
the number of units determined necessary by the regional housing needs
assessment.
4.1. GOVERNMENT CONSTRAINTS
Government regulations can affect housing costs by limiting the supply of
buildable land, setting standards and allowable densities for development, and
exacting fees for the use of land or the construction of homes. The increased
costs associated with such requirements are often passed on to consumers
in the form of higher home prices and rents. Potential regulatory constraints
include local land use policies (as defined in a community’s general plan),
zoning regulations and their accompanying development standards, subdivision
regulations, growth control ordinances or urban limit lines, and development
impact and building permit fees. Lengthy approval and processing times also
may be regulatory constraints.
GENERAL PLAN
The General Plan provides the policy and program direction necessary to
guide land use decisions in the first two decades of the 21st century. The
existing General Plan is current and legally adequate and is not considered an
impediment to housing production.
As required by state law, the General Plan includes a land use map indicating
the allowable uses and densities at various locations in the city. The Land Use/
Community Design section identifies five categories of residential uses based on
dwelling unit density, expressed as the number of dwelling units permitted per
gross acre.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
• The “Very Low Density” classification, intended to protect environmentally
sensitive areas from extensive development and to protect human life
from hazards associated with floods, fires, and unstable terrain, applies
one of four slope-density formulas to determine allowable
residential density.
• The “Low Density” and “Low/Medium Density” categories promote
traditional single-family development, allowing densities of one to five
units per gross acre, and five to 10 units per gross acre, respectively.
• The “Medium/High Density” and the “High Density” categories provide for
a wide range of multi-family housing opportunities at densities of 10 to 20
units per gross acre and 20 to 35 units per gross acre, respectively.
In addition to the five residential categories, the General Plan allows for
residential uses in the “Industrial/Residential,” “Office/Commercial/Residential,”
“Commercial/Residential” and “Neighborhood Commercial/Residential” land use
categories.
None of the City’s General Plan policies have been identified as housing
constraints. The General Plan does not define whether residential units are to
be rented or owned or whether they are to be attached or detached. The General
Plan’s land use policies incorporate housing goals, including the following:
POLICY LU-1.1: LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION
Focus higher land use intensities and densities within a half-mile of public
transit service, and along major corridors.
POLICY LU-1.3: LAND USE IN ALL CITYWIDE MIXED-USE DISTRICTS
Encourage land uses that support the activity and character of mixed-use
districts and economic goals.
POLICY LU-5.2: MIXED-USE VILLAGES
Where housing is allowed along major corridors or neighborhood commercial
areas, development should promote mixed-use villages with active ground-
floor uses and public space. The development should help create an
inviting pedestrian environment and activity center that can serve adjoining
neighborhoods and businesses.
POLICY LU-8.3: INCENTIVES FOR REINVESTMENT
Provide incentives for reinvestment in existing, older commercial areas.
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POLICY LU-13.3: PARCEL ASSEMBLY
Heart of the City Special Area: Encourage the assembly of parcels to foster new
development projects that can provide high-quality development with adequate
buffers for neighborhoods.
POLICY LU-19.1: VALLCO SHOPPING DISTRICT SPECIFIC PLAN
Create a Vallco Shopping District Specific Plan prior to any development on
the site that lays out the land uses, design standards and guidelines, and
infrastructure improvements required.
The General Plan contains very few policies addressing the siting of housing,
other than those pertaining to hillside and other sensitive areas. Land use
policies limit development in hillside areas to protect hillside resources but
allows for low-intensity residential development in the foothills. The General
Plan also encourages the clustering of new development away from sensitive
areas such as riparian corridors, wildlife habitat and corridors, public open
space preserves and ridgelines. Thus, even in hillside and sensitive areas, the
General Plan creates opportunities for housing production.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The Cupertino Zoning Ordinance establishes development standards and
densities for new housing in the City. These regulations include minimum lot
sizes, maximum number of dwelling units per acre, lot width, setbacks, lot
coverage, maximum building height, and minimum parking requirements. These
standards are summarized in Table 4.1. As required by state law, the Zoning
Map is consistent with the General Plan. The residential zoning districts and their
respective permitted densities and development standards are summarized
below. Residential development is permitted by right in residential zones.
R-1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
The R-1 District is intended to create, preserve, and enhance areas suitable
for detached single-family dwellings. The R-1 District includes sub-areas with
varying minimum lot size requirements. Residential structures in the R-1 District
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
are limited in size by a maximum lot coverage of 45 percent and a maximum
floor area ratio of 45 percent. Setbacks are 20 feet in the front and rear yards
and a combined 15 feet of side yards, with no one side yard setback less than 5
feet. The maximum building height of 28 feet allows for a wide range of single
family housing types on flat terrain. Structures in R-1 Districts with an “i”
designation at the end are limited to one story (18 feet).
Two-story structures in the R-1 District require a Two-Story Residential Permit.
The Director of Community Development may approve, conditionally approve,
or deny applications for a two-story residential permit. Projects must be
“harmonious in scale and design with the general neighborhood.”
R-2 RESIDENTIAL DUPLEX
The R-2 District is intended to allow a second dwelling unit under the same
ownership as the initial dwelling unit on a site. The residential duplex district is
intended to increase the variety of housing opportunities within the community
while maintaining the existing neighborhood character. Minimum lot area is
8,500 square feet; building heights in this district cannot exceed 30 feet. The R-2
District limits lot coverage by all buildings to 40 percent of net lot area. Setbacks
are 20 feet in the front yard and the greater of 20 feet and 20 percent of lot
depth in the rear yard; the minimum side yard setback is 20 percent of the lot
width. Structures in R-2 Districts with an “i” designation at the end are limited to
one story (18 feet).
The development standards for the R-2 District do not constrain the
development of duplexes. The 30-foot height limit is appropriate because many
R-2 zoned areas abut single-family residential development. Furthermore, 30
feet in height is sufficient for duplex development. The 40 percent maximum lot
coverage has also not constrained the development of duplexes in Cupertino.
None of the residential opportunity sites included in this Housing Element fall
within the R-2 zone.
R-3 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
The R-3 District permits multi-family residential development. This District
requires a minimum lot area of 9,300 square feet for a development with three
dwelling units and an additional 2,000 square feet for every additional dwelling
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unit. The minimum lot width in the R-3 District is 70 feet, and lot coverage may
not exceed 40 percent of net lot area. For single-story structures, required
setbacks are 20 feet in the front yard, six feet in the side yard, and the greater
of 20 feet or 20 percent of lot depth in the rear yard; the minimum side yard
setback for two-story structures is nine feet. The maximum height any building
is two stories and may not exceed 30 feet. This height limit is used because
many R-3 districts abut single-family residential neighborhoods. Basements
(fully submerged below grade except for lightwells required for light, ventilation
and emergency egress, which may have a maximum exterior wall height of
two feet between natural grade and ceiling) are permitted and are not counted
towards the height requirements. For these reasons, the height standards in the
R-3 district are not considered a constraint to housing production. Furthermore,
the development standards for the R-3 District are on par with standards
present in neighboring jurisdictions.
The development standards for the R-3 District do not unreasonably constrain
the development of multi-family housing. Multi-family residential uses
are permitted uses in the R-3 District without the need for a Use Permit.
Developments are able to achieve close to the maximum allowable densities
under existing development standards, including the height limit and maximum
lot coverage. This can be demonstrated by a back-of-the-envelope calculation
of the number of developable units on a one-acre parcel. As shown in Table 4.2,
the maximum density allowed on a one-acre parcel is 20 units. With a maximum
lot coverage of 40 percent and assuming two stories of residential development,
approximately 35,000 square feet of residential development can be achieved.
Using conservative assumptions of 20 percent common area space and large
unit sizes of 1,400 square feet, 20 units can be developed under this scenario.
This analysis demonstrates that projects would be able to achieve the maximum
allowable density in the R-3 District under the development standards.
This Housing Element includes a strategy to monitor the development standards
to facilitate a range of housing options (Strategy HE-1.3.1 - See General Plan
Chapter 4: Housing Element).
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
RHS RESIDENTIAL HILLSIDE
The RHS District regulates development in the hillsides to balance residential
uses with the need to preserve the natural setting and protect life and property
from natural hazards. Dwelling unit density is determined by the slope-density
standards outlined in the General Plan. Minimum lot size ranges from 20,000
square feet to 400,000 square feet. The minimum lot width in the RHS District is
70 feet, with an exception for lots served by a private driveway and which do not
adjoin a public street. Development applications in the RHS District must include
topographical information, including whether the proposed structure is on or in
the site line of a prominent ridgeline. The City has established a process to allow
for exceptions to development requirements in the RHS zone if certain stated
findings can be made.
R-1C RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY CLUSTER
The purpose of the R-1C District is to provide a means for reducing the amount
of street improvements and public utilities required in residential development,
to conserve natural resources, and encourage more creative development and
efficient use of space. The owner of a property within Cupertino may submit
an application for single-family residential cluster zoning or rezoning to the
Planning Commission. Alternatively, the Planning Commission and/or the City
Council may initiate a public hearing to rezone specific properties to the
R-1C District.
The allowable density on a parcel is determined by the existing land use
designations in place prior to the rezoning. Density ranges are determined based
on the relationship with and impacts to surrounding neighborhoods, streets,
infrastructure and natural areas as well as the quality of design and relationship
to adopted Housing Element goals. While the maximum height in the district
is 30 feet, a height increase may be permitted if the City Council or Planning
Commission determines that it would not have an adverse impact on the
immediately adjacent neighborhood. The R-1C District also regulates site design
and private streets within the cluster. Development requirements for proposed
R-1C developments can be waived or modified, if the Planning Commission and
City Council find that the site is constrained but substantially meets the zoning
standards or if the proposal provides for low-moderate income and senior
citizen housing.
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Table 4.1: Summary of City Zoning Standards
Minimum Yard Setback
Zone
District
Bldg. Ht.
(ft.)
Min. Lot
Width (ft.)Front Side Rear Min. Lot Area
(sq. ft.)Site Coverage
A 18-28 50-60 30 20 25 215,000 N/A
A-1 20-28 200 30 20 20-25 43,000-215,000 40%
R-1 28 60 20-25 10-15 20 5,000-20,000 45%
R-2 15-30 60-70 20 6-12 20 ft./20% lot depth,
whichever is greater 8,500-15,000 40%
R-3 30 70 20 6-18 20 ft./20% lot depth,
whichever is greater.9,300 40%
RHS 30 70 20-25 10-15 25 20,000-400,000 45%
R-1C 30 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Note: (a) Maximum number of units cannot exceed that allowed by the General Plan, pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance. Source: Cupertino Municipal Code,
2014.
Table 4.2: R3 District Development Example
Assumptions
Parcel Size (Sq. Ft.)43,560
Maximum Density 20.13
9,300 sq. ft. of lot area for 3 units,
2,000 sq. ft. for each additional
unit.
Parking and circulation (sq. ft.)19,602 Parking and circulation 45% of lot area
Open space (sq. ft.)6,534 Open space 15% of lot area
Lot Coverage (sq. ft.)17,424 Lot Coverage %40% of lot area
Residential Sq. Ft.34,848 Stories of Residential 2
Less Common Area (hallways, stairs)(6.970)Common Area %20% of total building area
Sq. Ft. for Units 27,878
Number of Units 20 Unit Size (Sq. Ft.)1,400
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
The planned development district (P district) is intended to provide a means for
guiding land development that is uniquely suited for planned coordination of land
uses and to provide for a greater flexibility of land use intensity and design. The
planned development zoning district is specifically intended to encourage variety
in the development pattern of the community; to promote a more desirable living
environment; to encourage creative approaches in land development; to provide
a means of reducing the amount of improvements required in development
through better design and land planning, to conserve natural features, to
facilitate a more aesthetic and efficient use of open spaces, and to encourage the
creation of public or private common open space.
All P districts are identified on the zoning map with the letter P followed
by a specific reference to the type of use allowed in the particular planned
development district. For example, a P(Res) district allows for residential uses.
Developments within a P district are generally required to comply with the
height and density regulations associated with the underlying use. Additionally,
the P District contains specific provisions allowing the densities shown on sites
designated as Priority Housing Sites. Beyond density and height regulations,
the P district allows for a greater degree of flexibility around other development
standards. The increased flexibility in the P zones allow a project to be designed
to the special characteristics of a site (such as corner parcels, proximity to a
creek or open space, etc.) without requiring variances or exceptions. Such sites
can include a combination of multiple housing types, open space and a mix of
uses in a single area. Examples include the Main Street Cupertino and Rose Bowl
mixed use developments.
A majority of the housing sites proposed to accommodate the RHNA are located
in the P district, which specifically allows the densities shown on these sites.
The majority of the P districts are governed by a Specific or Conceptual Plan
which provides additional guidance to facilitate development review and provide
more certainty regarding community expectations. For example, the Heart of
the City Specific Plan provides detailed guidelines for residential and mixed-use
developments (including orientation, design, setbacks, landscaping, buffers, and
transitions to neighboring properties).
Prior to development within a P (Res/R3) district, applicants must submit a
definitive development plan to the Planning Commission or City Council. Upon
recommendation of the Planning Commission, the City Council reviews larger
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developments, including those with eight or more residential units. Multi-family
residential developments within a P(Res/R3) district are permitted uses by
right. Development plans focus on site and architectural merits and typically
take between two to four months to obtain approvals. The Municipal Code was
amended in 2011 to clarify that the development plan for residential uses only
requires a planned development permit and not a conditional use permit as
residential developments are permitted uses within a P(Res) district.
A AGRICULTURAL AND A-1 AGRICULTURAL-RESIDENTIAL
Agricultural zones are intended to preserve agriculture or forestry activities in
areas suited to that purpose, and to include incidental residential development
of a rural or semi-rural character. Single-family dwellings and residences for
farmworkers and their families are permitted in the A and A-1 Districts.
Minimum lot area corresponds to the number (multiplied by one thousand
square feet) following the A zoning symbol. For example, A1-43 requires a
minimum 43,000 square foot lot. The minimum lot size for the A District is
215,000 square feet (with or without incidental residential use) and 215,000
square feet for A-1 with no incidental residential use. Incidental residential uses
require a minimum of 43,000 square feet per dwelling unit. The District requires
setbacks of 30 feet in the front yard, 20 feet in the side yards, and 20-25 feet in
the rear yard. The maximum building height of 28 feet allows for a wide range of
single family housing types on flat terrain. Structures in the A District with an “i”
designation at the end are limited to one story (18 feet).
OTHER DISTRICTS
In addition to the districts discussed above, limited residential uses are allowed
in other zoning districts. Often the housing in these non-residential districts is
limited to housing for employees or caretakers. The permitted residential uses in
non-residential districts are discussed below.
ML LIGHT INDUSTRIAL
Residential dwellings for caretakers or watchmen are permitted for those
employed for the protection of the principal light industrial permitted use.
The residential dwellings must be provided on the same lot as the principal
permitted use.
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PR PARK AND RECREATION
The PR District regulates publicly owned parks within the City. Single-family
residences for the purpose of housing a caretaker for the park are permitted in
this District. A caretaker is defined as a person who maintains surveillance of
the park areas during and after the hours of park operation. The residence may
take the form of a mobile home or a permanent residential structure.
HEART OF THE CITY
The Heart of the City Specific Plan provides specific development guidance for
one of the most important commercial corridors in the City of Cupertino. This
Specific Plan is intended to carefully guide development, with the purpose of
creating a clear sense of place and community identity in Cupertino. The Specific
Plan contains streetscape design, development standards and design guidelines
for multi-unit residential and commercial/office projects.
Any new residential development within the Heart of the City Specific Plan
area is required to include a nonresidential component (that is, horizontal or
vertical mixed use is required if residential uses are proposed). For mixed use
developments in the Heart of the City Specific Plan area, residential development
density calculations are required to be based on net density, excluding parking
and/or land areas devoted to the commercial portion of the development. This
requirement can significantly reduce the number of units a proposed project
may provide, and may constrain new development, although it will forward City
goals for balanced and complementary land uses. However, for sites designated
as Priority Housing Sites in the Housing Element, the P District has been
amended to allow the densities shown in the Housing Element as a
permitted use.
PARKING
Excessive parking requirements may serve as a constraint of housing
development by increasing development costs and reducing the amount of land
available for project amenities or additional units. Off-street residential parking
requirements vary by zone. As shown in Table 4.3, the parking ratio ranges from
two parking spaces per dwelling unit to four spaces per dwelling unit.
Cupertino’s parking requirements are higher than many other jurisdictions,
particularly for single-family homes. Given the high cost of land and parking,
the high parking standards may serve as a constraint to housing provision,
although projects are able to attain the maximum permitted density even with
these parking requirements. The Zoning Ordinance does not include parking
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Table 4.3: Off-Street Parking Requirements
Housing Type Zone Parking Ratio
Single-Family R-1, RHS, A-1, P 4 / DU (2 garage, 2 open)
Small Lot Single-Family, Townhouse P 2.8 / DU (2 garage, 0.8 open)
Duplex R-2 3 / DU (1.5 enclosed, 1.5 open)
High Density Multi-Family R-3, P 2 / DU (1 covered, 1 open)
Source: Cupertino Zoning Ordinance, 2014.
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reductions for senior housing, affordable housing, or group homes, unless State
Density Bonus law applies, in which case reductions are available for senior
housing and projects that include affordable housing. Often, vehicle ownership
among elderly and lower-income households is lower than other populations,
making reductions in parking requirements appropriate. As established
in Strategy HE-2.3.6 of this Housing Element, the City will offer a range of
incentives to facilitate the development of affordable housing, including parking
standards waivers.
The Zoning Ordinance allows for shared parking in mixed-use developments.
For example, residential projects with a retail or commercial component will
have a lower parking requirement because residential users may use some
retail parking spaces in the evening. The Zoning Ordinance provides a formula
for calculating the parking reduction in mixed-use developments. In addition, the
Planning Commission or City Council may allow further reduction in the parking
requirement as part of a use permit development plan or parking exception
based on shared parking arrangements, parking surveys, and parking demand
management measures.
According to interviews conducted as part of the Housing Element update in
2013, market-rate and non-profit developers perceive policies and regulations
such as parking requirements, height limits, and variances for density as
barriers to developing and adding units to the market. One interviewee noted
that Cupertino’s parking requirements are relatively stringent compared to
other cities on the Peninsula that are moving towards more flexibility and
lower requirements. To address this concern, the City offers reduced parking
requirements as incentives to facilitate affordable housing (Strategy 11) and has
updated the Density Bonus Ordinance (Strategy 12) consistent with State law to
allow for reduced parking and one to three regulatory concessions that would
result in identifiable cost reductions and which are needed to make proposed
housing affordable.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PROVISIONS FOR A VARIETY OF HOUSING TYPES
Housing element law specifies that jurisdictions must identify adequate sites
through appropriate zoning and development standards to encourage the
development of various types of housing. This includes single- and multi-family
housing, homeless shelters, group homes, supportive and transitional housing,
single-room occupancy (SROs), mobile and manufactured homes, among others.
HOMELESS SHELTERS
The Zoning Ordinance allows for permanent and rotating homeless shelters in
the Quasi Public Building (BQ) zone. Rotating homeless shelters are permitted
within existing church structures in the BQ zone for up to 25 occupants. The
operation period of rotating shelters cannot exceed two months in any one-year
span at a single location. Permanent emergency shelter facilities are permitted
in the BQ zone if the facility is limited to 25 occupants, provides a management
plan, and if occupancy is limited to six months or fewer. The City included
Strategy HE-5.1.1 in the Housing Element to ensure continued facilitation of
housing opportunities for special needs persons through emergency housing
options.
GROUP HOMES AND TRANSITIONAL AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
Pursuant to state law, licensed residential care facilities for six or fewer
residents are permitted by right in all residential districts (including A, A-1, R-1,
R-2, R-3, RHS, R-1C). Licensed small group homes are not subject to special
development requirements, policies, or procedures which would impede such
uses from locating in a residential district. Furthermore, small group homes
(with six or fewer persons) with continuous 24-hour care are permitted by
right in all residential districts. Transitional and supportive housing is treated
as a residential use and subject only to those restrictions that apply to other
residential uses in the same zone. Large group homes (with more than six
residents) are conditionally permitted uses in the R-1 District, subject to
Planning Commission approval.
SINGLE-ROOM OCCUPANCY UNITS (SROS)
SRO units are one-room units intended for occupancy by a single individual. They
are distinct from a studio or efficiency unit, in that a studio is a one-room unit
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that must contain a kitchen and bathroom. Although SRO units are not required
to have a kitchen or bathroom, many SROs have one or the other. The Cupertino
Zoning Ordinance does not contain specific provisions for SRO units. SRO units
are treated as a regular multi-family use, subject to the same restrictions that
apply to other residential uses in the same zone.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING
Manufactured housing and mobile homes can be an affordable housing option
for low- and moderate-income households. According to the Department
of Finance, as of 2013, there are no mobile homes in Cupertino. Pursuant
to State law, a mobile home built after June 15, 1976, certified under the
National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Act of 1974, and built
on a permanent foundation may be located in any residential zone where a
conventional single-family detached dwelling is permitted subject to the same
restrictions on density and to the same property development regulations.
FARMWORKER AND EMPLOYEE HOUSING
Pursuant to the State Employee Housing Act, any employee housing consisting
of no more than 36 beds in a group quarters or 12 units or spaces designed for
use by a single family or household shall be deemed an agricultural land use. No
conditional use permit (CUP), zoning variance, or other zoning clearance shall be
required of this employee housing that is not required of any other agricultural
activity in the same zone. The permitted occupancy in employee housing in a
zone allowing agricultural uses shall include agricultural employees who do
not work on the property where the employee housing is located. The Employee
Housing Act also specifies that housing for six or fewer employees be treated
as a residential use. In 2014, the City amended the Zoning Ordinance to be
consistent with the State Employee Housing Act, permitting employee housing
for six or fewer residents in all residential zoning districts and employee group
quarters in the A and A-1 districts, and in the RHS district with approval of an
Administrative CUP.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
SECOND DWELLING UNITS
A second dwelling unit is an attached or detached, self-contained unit on a
single-family residential lot. These units are often affordable due to their smaller
size. To promote the goal of affordable housing within the City, Cupertino’s
Zoning Ordinance permits second dwelling units on lots in Single-Family
Residential (R-1), Residential Hillside (RHS), Agricultural (A), and Agricultural
Residential (A-1) Districts. Second dwelling units on lots of 10,000 square feet or
more may not exceed 800 square feet, while units on lots smaller than 10,000
square feet cannot exceed 640 square feet. All second dwelling units must
have direct outside access without going through the principal dwelling. If the
residential lot encompasses less than 10,000 square feet, the second dwelling
unit must be attached to the principal dwelling unless otherwise approved by the
Director of Community Development through Architectural Review.
Second dwelling units are subject to an architectural review by the Director of
Community Development. The design and building materials of the proposed
second unit must be consistent with the principal dwelling. In addition, the
second dwelling unit may not require excessive grading which is visible from a
public street or adjoining private property. The architectural review is done at the
ministerial (building permit) level and is intended to ensure that the second unit
is consistent with the architecture, colors, and materials of the primary house.
One additional off-street parking space must be provided if the principal
dwelling unit has less than the minimum off-street parking spaces for the
residential district in which it is located. Second dwelling units must also comply
with the underlying site development regulations specified by the zoning district.
DENSITY BONUS
State law requires cities and counties to grant a density bonus of up to 35
percent and one to three incentives or concessions to housing projects which
contain one of the following:
• At least 5% of the housing units are restricted to very low income residents
• At least 10% of the housing units are restricted to lower income residents
• At least 10% of the housing units in a for-sale common interest
development are restricted to moderate income residents
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A density bonus, but no incentives or concessions, must be granted to projects
that contain one of the following:
• The project donates at least one acre of land to the city or county large
enough for 40 very low income units, the land has the appropriate general
plan designation, zoning, permits and approvals, and access to public
facilities needed for such housing, funding has been identified, and other
requirements are met
• The project is a senior citizen housing development (no affordable units
required)
• The project is a mobile home park age restricted to senior citizens (no
affordable units required)
The City adopted amendments to the Municipal Code in 2014 to conform
with State law. Strategy HE-2.3.7 in the Housing Plan commits the City to
implementation of the Density Bonus Ordinance.
SITE IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Residential developers are responsible for constructing road, water, sewer, and
storm drainage improvements on new housing sites. Where a project has off-site
impacts, such as increased runoff or added congestion at a nearby intersection,
additional developer expenses may be necessary to mitigate impacts. These
expenses may be passed on to consumers.
Chapter 18 of the Cupertino Municipal Code (the Subdivision Ordinance)
establishes the requirements for new subdivisions, including the provision of
on- and off-site improvements. The ordinance requires that subdivisions comply
with frontage requirements and stormwater runoff be collected and conveyed
by an approved storm drain system. Furthermore, each unit or lot within the
subdivision must be served by an approved sanitary sewer system, domestic
water system, and gas, electric, telephone, and cablevision facilities. All utilities
within the subdivision and along peripheral streets must be placed underground.
Common residential street widths in Cupertino range from 20 feet (for streets
with no street parking) to 36 feet (for those with parking on both sides). The City
works with developers to explore various street design options to meet their
needs and satisfy public safety requirements. Developers are typically required
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
to install curb, gutters, and sidewalks, however, there is a process where the
City Council can waive the requirement. The City prefers detached sidewalks
with a landscaped buffer in between the street and the pedestrian walk to
enhance community aesthetics and improve pedestrian safety. However, the City
does work with developers to explore various frontage improvement options
depending on the project objectives, taking into consideration factors such as
tree preservation, land/design constraints, pedestrian safety, and neighborhood
pattern/compatibility. This is especially true in Planned Development projects,
where the City works with the developer to achieve creative and flexible street
and sidewalk designs to maximize the project as well as community benefits.
The Subdivision Ordinance also includes land dedication and fee standards for
parkland. The formula for dedication of park land for residential development is
based on a standard of three acres of parkland per 1,000 persons. The developer
must dedicate parkland based on this formula or pay an in lieu fee based on the
fair market value of the land.
In addition to parkland dedication, the City Council may require a subdivider to
dedicate lands to the school district(s) as a condition of approval of the final
subdivision map. If school site dedication is required and the school district
accepts the land within 30 days, the district must repay the subdivider the
original cost of the dedicated land plus the cost of any improvements, taxes,
and maintenance of the dedicated land. If the school district does not accept the
offer, the dedication is terminated.
The developer may also be required to reserve land for a park, recreational
facility, fire station, library, or other public use if such a facility is shown on an
adopted specific plan or adopted general plan. The public agency benefiting
from the reserved land shall pay the developer the market value of the land at
the time of the filing of the tentative map and any other costs incurred by the
developer in the maintenance of the area. The ordinance states that the amount
of land to be reserved shall not make development of the remaining land held by
the developer economically unfeasible.
The City of Cupertino’s site improvement requirements for new subdivisions are
consistent with those in surrounding jurisdictions and do not pose a significant
constraint to new housing development.
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BUILDING CODES AND CODE ENFORCEMENT
The City of Cupertino has adopted the 2013 Edition of the California Building
Code, the 2013 California Electrical Code and Uniform Administrative Code
Provisions, the International Association of Plumbing Officials Uniform Plumbing
Code (2013 Edition), the California Mechanical Code 2013 Edition, and the 2013
California Fire Code and the 2013 Green Building Standard Code. The City also
enforces the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Housing Code, the 1998 Uniform Code
for Building Conservation, and the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings Code.
Cupertino has adopted several amendments to the 2013 California Building
Code. The City requires sprinkler systems for new and expanded one- and
two-family dwellings and townhouses; underhanging appendages enclosed
with fire-resistant materials; roof coverings on new buildings and replacement
roofs complying with the standards established for Class A roofing, the most
fire resistant type of roof covering. The amendments also establish minimum
standards for building footings, seismic reinforcing on attached multi-family
dwellings, and brace wall panel construction. These amendments apply more
stringent requirements than the California Building Code. The California Building
Code and the City’s amendments to it have been adopted to prevent unsafe or
hazardous building conditions. The City’s building codes are reasonable and
would not adversely affect the ability to construct housing in Cupertino.
The City’s code enforcement program is an important tool for maintaining the
housing stock and protecting residents from unsafe or unsightly conditions. The
Code Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the
Cupertino Municipal Code and various other related codes and policies. Code
Enforcement Division staff work to achieve compliance through intervention,
education, and enforcement, partnering with the community to enforce
neighborhood property maintenance standards.
Code Enforcement staff investigate and enforce City codes and State statutes
based on complaints received. Violation of a code regulation can result in a
warning, citation, fine, or legal action. If a code violation involves a potential
emergency, officers will respond immediately; otherwise, Code Enforcement
staff responds to complaints through scheduled inspections. The City has had
to declare only three units unfit for human occupancy since 2007 and most
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
complaints are resolved readily. Code Enforcement activities are not considered
a constraint to development of housing in Cupertino.
CONSTRAINTS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
California Senate Bill 520 (SB 520), passed in October 2001, requires local
housing elements to evaluate constraints for persons with disabilities and
develop programs which accommodate the housing needs of disabled persons.
PROCEDURES FOR ENSURING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Both the federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and
Housing Act impose an affirmative duty on cities and counties to make
reasonable accommodations in their zoning and land use policies when such
accommodations are necessary to provide equal access to housing for persons
with disabilities and do not impose significant administrative or financial
burdens on local government or undermine the fundamental purpose of the
zoning law. Reasonable accommodations refer to modifications or exemptions
to particular policies that facilitate equal access to housing. Examples include
exemptions to setbacks for wheelchair access structures or to height limits to
permit elevators.
The City of Cupertino adopted an ordinance in April 2010 for people with
disabilities to make a reasonable accommodations request. Chapter 19.25
provides a procedure to request reasonable accommodation for persons with
disabilities seeking equal access to housing under the Federal Fair Housing
Act, the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, and the California Fair
Employment and Housing Act.
ZONING AND OTHER LAND USE REGULATIONS
In conformance to state law, licensed residential care facilities for six or fewer
residents are permitted by right in all residential districts (including A, A-1, R-1,
R-2, R-3, RHS, R-1C). Licensed small group homes are not subject to special
development requirements, policies, or procedures which would impede such
uses from locating in a residential district. Furthermore, small group homes
(with six or fewer persons) with continuous 24-hour care are permitted by right
in all residential districts, as are transitional and supportive housing. Large
group homes (with more than six residents) are conditionally permitted uses in
the R-1 District, subject to Planning Commission approval.
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The Zoning Ordinance contains a broad definition of family. A family means an
individual or group of persons living together who constitute a bona fide single
housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit. Families are distinguished from groups
occupying a hotel, lodging club, fraternity or sorority house, or institution of any
kind. This definition of family does not limit the number of people living together
in a household and does not require them to be related.
BUILDING CODES AND PERMITTING
The City’s Building Code does not include any amendments to the California
Building Code that might diminish the ability to accommodate persons with
disabilities.
BELOW MARKET RATE MITIGATION PROGRAM
The City’s BMR Residential Mitigation Program requires all new residential
developers to either provide below market rate units or pay a mitigation fee,
which is placed in the City’s Below Market-Rate (BMR) Affordable Housing Fund
(AHF). The BMR Mitigation Program is based on a nexus study prepared by the
City that demonstrated that all new developments create a need for affordable
housing. Under this program, developers of for-sale housing where units may
be sold individually must sell at least 15 percent of units at a price affordable
to median- and moderate-income households. Projects of seven or more units
must provide on-site BMR units. Developers of projects of six units or fewer can
either build a unit or provide pay the Housing Mitigation fee.
To be consistent with recent court decisions and the State Costa-Hawkins
Act regarding rent control, the City modified the BMR Mitigation Program so
that developers of market-rate rental units, where the units cannot be sold
individually, pay the Housing Mitigation fee to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
In 2014, the fee was $3.00 per square foot on residential. The BMR Office and
Industrial Mitigation Program also acknowledges housing needs created by the
development of office and industrial projects and provide fees to support the
development of affordable housing. In 2014, the fee was $6.00 per square foot
on office/industrial, hotel, and retail, and $3.00 per square foot in the Planned
Industrial zone. 4
4 The housing mitigation fee is updated periodically. Developers should check with the Community
Development Department for the most current fee amount.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Although concerns exist that inclusionary housing programs like Cupertino’s
BMR Mitigation Program may constrain production of market rate homes,
studies have shown evidence to the contrary. The cost of an inclusionary housing
requirement must ultimately be borne by either: 1) developers through a lower
return, 2) landowners through decreased land values, or 3) other homeowners
through higher market rate sale prices. In fact, the cost of inclusionary housing
and any other development fee “will always be split between all players in the
development process.”5 However, academics have pointed out that, over the long
term, it is probable that landowners will bear most of the costs of inclusionary
housing, not other homeowners or the developer. 6 In addition, a 2004 study on
housing starts between 1981 and 2001 in communities throughout California
with and without inclusionary housing programs evidences that inclusionary
housing programs do not lead to a decline in housing production. In fact, the
study found that housing production actually increased after passage of local
inclusionary housing ordinances in cities as diverse as San Diego, Carlsbad, and
Sacramento.7
Recognizing the need for a financially feasible program that does not constrain
production, some jurisdictions allow developers to pay a fee for all units,
regardless of project size. As discussed previously, Cupertino’s BMR Mitigation
Program requires large for-sale developments (with seven or more units) to
provide units.
A 2009 court case (Palmer v. the City of Los Angeles) has resulted in cities
suspending or amending the portion of their Housing Mitigation program
requiring affordable units to be included in market rate rental developments.
There also have been a number of court cases related to affordable housing
requirements (decided and those that are still being litigated). Due to uncertainty
regarding the legal standard applicable to affordable housing requirements, the
Governor vetoed an Assembly Bill (AB 1229) which aimed to reverse the decision
in the Palmer case. Currently pending in the California Supreme Court is a
challenge to the City of San Jose’s inclusionary ordinance. The Building Industry
Association asserts that all programs requiring affordable housing, whether for
sale or for rent, must be justified by a nexus study showing that the affordable
5 W.A. Watkins. “Impact of Land Development Charges.” Land Economics 75(3). 1999.
6 Mallach, A.“Inclusionary Housing Programs: Policies and Practices.” New Brunswick, NJ: Center for Urban
Policy Research, Rutgers University. 1984. Hagman, D. “Taking Care of One’s Own Through Inclusionary Zoning:
Bootstrapping Low-and Moderate-Income Housing by Local Government,” Urban Law and Policy 5:169- 187.
1982. Ellickson, R. 1985. “Inclusionary Zoning: Who Pays?” Planning 51(8):18-20.
7 David Rosen. “Inclusionary Housing and Its Impact on Housing and Land Markets.” NHC Affordable Housing
Policy Review 1(3). 2004.
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housing requirement is “reasonably related” to the impacts of the project
on the need for affordable housing. In a previous California Supreme Court
case, Sterling Park v. City of Palo Alto, the Court ruled that affordable housing
requirements were a type of exaction that could be challenged under the protest
provisions of the Mitigation Fee Act.
The City of Cupertino has long justified its Housing Mitigation program as based
on the impacts of market rate housing on the need for affordable housing
and continues to require rental housing developments to pay a mitigation fee.
However, the fee is based on an older nexus study. The City intends to update
its nexus study on the BMR mitigation fees by the end of 2015 to determine
appropriate housing mitigation fees (Strategy HE-2.3.3).
PARK IMPACT FEES
The City assesses park impact fees for new residential development. The fee
ranges from $14,850 per unit of high density residential development (at 20
dwelling units per acre or more) and for apartments with ten or more units to
$28,875 per single-family unit (where the density is 0 to 5 units per acre). Park
impact fees for senior/elderly housing is $4,500 per unit.
Cupertino’s park fees are comparable to or lower than similar requirements
established in other Santa Clara County jurisdictions. Mountain View and San
Jose require park land dedication or the payment of a park in-lieu fee. The in-
lieu fee in both cities is based on fair market value of the land. San Jose’s park
fees for single-family detached units ranged from approximately $15,000 to
$38,550, depending on building square footage and the area of the city. Park fees
for multi-family units in San Jose ranged from $7,650 to $35,600, depending
on location and the size of the development. In Mountain View, park in-lieu fees
are approximately $25,000 for each residential unit, depending on the value of
the land. The City of Palo Alto’s park dedication requirements vary depending on
whether the project involves a subdivision or parcel map, and also depending on
the size of the unit. Palo Alto collects $10,638-$15,885 per single-family unit and
$3,521-$6,963 per multi-family unit.
FEES AND EXACTIONS
Like cities throughout California, Cupertino collects development fees to recover
the capital costs of providing community services and the administrative costs
associated with processing applications. New housing typically requires payment
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
of school impact fees, sewer and water connection fees, building permit fees,
wastewater treatment plant fees, and a variety of handling and service charges.
Typical fees collected are outlined in Table 4.4. The total cost of permits, city
fees, and other professional services fees (such as project-specific architecture
and engineering designs and schematics) has been estimated to equate to 20
percent of construction costs, or approximately 10 percent of total project costs.
The Bay Area Cost of Development Survey 2010-2011 conducted by the City
of San Jose surveyed six jurisdictions in the region with sample development
projects to determine associated entitlement, construction, and impact fees.
For a multi-family development, total fees identified by this survey ranged from
$4,841 per unit for the County of Santa Clara to $42,183 per unit for the City
of Palo Alto. These fees have likely increased since the time of the survey, and
therefore a conservative indication that Cupertino’s fees (estimated at $30,851
for a similar building type) are consistent with, and often less than, fees in
surrounding jurisdictions.
PERMIT PROCESSING
The entitlement process can impact housing production costs, with lengthy
processing of development applications adding to financing costs, in particular.
PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL APPROVALS
The Planning Commission and City Council review applications for zoning
amendments and subdivision approvals. The Planning Commission holds a
public hearing about proposed zoning changes or subdivisions and makes a
recommendation to the City Council to approve, conditionally approve, or deny
the application. Upon receipt of the Planning Commission’s recommendation,
the City Council holds a public hearing before making a final decision on the
proposed zoning change or subdivision.
Local developers have noted that the entitlement process in Cupertino can be
a time consuming and protracted process. While the active public may add
complexity to the entitlement process, Cupertino values public outreach and
is committed to development of community leadership, local partnerships, an
active populace and making government more accessible and visible
to residents.
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Table 4.4: Fees and Exactions
Fee Amount Single-Family (a) Townhouse (b)Multi-Family (c)
Sanitary Connection Permit
(d)
$76 permit fee or $77.50 with backflow
plus additional $300 inspection fee $376 $378 $378
Water Main Existing Facilities
Fee (e)
Fees based on construction costs with
large variation dependent on fire safety
requirements and size of water line.
$7,000 $6,900 $2,300
Parcel Map (1-4 lots) -
Planning Fee $7,461 N/A N/A N/A
Tract Map (> 4 lots) -
Planning Fee $15,974 $1,597 $1,597 N/A
Residential Design Review/
Architectural and Site
Approval
$2,400/$7,461 $2,400 $746 $149
Development Permit Fee $15,974 $1,597 $1,597 $319
Parcel Map (1-4 lots) -
Engineering Fee $4,254 N/A N/A N/A
Tract Map (> 4 lots) -
Engineering Fee $8,831 $883 $883 N/A
Engineering Plan Review Fee $736 $368 $124
Grading Permit Fee $750 $350 $601
Master Storm Drainage Area
Fee Varies $906 $555 $378
Storm Management Plan Fee $715 $71.50 $71.50 $71.50
Park Impact Fee Varies by density $28,875 $16,500 $14,850
Housing Mitigation In-Lieu
Fee $3.00 / Sq. Ft.$6,000 $4,800 $4,200
Cupertino Union School
District Fee $2.02 / Sq. Ft.$4,040 $3,232 $2,828
Fremont Union High School
District Fee $1.34 / Sq. Ft.$2,680 $2,144 $1,876
Plan Check and Inspection
(Engineering)$655 $655 $655 $655
Building Permit Fee (f)Based on scope of project $7,409 $6,473 $2,121
Total (g)$65,976 $47,250 $30,851
Notes:
(a) Fees estimated for a 3,150 square foot, 3 bedroom home in a 10 unit subdivision with 7,000 sq. ft. lots over 2 acres.
(b) Fees estimated for a 2,200 square foot, 3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom townhouse in a 10 unit subdivision over one acre.
(c) Fees estimated for a 50 unit apartment development with 1,680 gross square foot (1,400 net), 2 bedroom apartment units over 2.2 acres
(d) Average of fees charged in the four Cupertino Sanitary District zones.
(e) Connectiom fee for San Jose Water, which serves the largest area of Cupertino. Cal Water and Cupertino Municipal also serve parts of the City.
(f) Includes all fees payable to the Building Department. Includes Plan check and standard inspection fees, and Construction Tax.
(g) Reflects 2014 adopted fees. Fees are subject to change.
Sources: City of Cupertino, 2014; San Jose Water, 2014; Cupertino Sanitary District, 2014; MIG 2014
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DESIGN REVIEW
Cupertino has not adopted citywide residential design guidelines. However, all
Planned Development Zoning Districts, the R1 District, RHS District, the Heart
of the City Specific Plan Area, and the North De Anza Boulevard Conceptual
Plan Area are subject to design guidelines. These design guidelines pertain
to features such as landscaping, building and roof forms, building entrances,
colors, outdoor lighting, and building materials. The design guidelines are
intended to ensure development is consistent with the existing neighborhood
character and are generally not considered significant constraints to housing
production.
The Heart of the City Specific Plan design guidelines are intended to promote
high-quality private-sector development, enhance property values, and ensure
that both private investment and public activity continues to be attracted to the
Stevens Creek Boulevard Special Area. Design guidelines promote retention
and development viability of single-family residential sized lots in the transition
area between Stevens Creek Boulevard fronting development and single-family
neighborhoods.
The City requires design review for certain residential developments to ensure
that new development and changes to existing developments comply with City
development requirements and policies. These include:
• Variances in the R-1 District
• Two-story residential developments in the R-1 District where second floor
to first floor area ration is greater than 66 percent and/or where second
story side yard setback(s) are less than 15 feet to a property line
• Two-story addition, new two-story home, and/or second story deck in the
R1-a zone
• Any new development or modifications in planned development residential
or mixed-use residential zoning districts
• Single-family homes in a planned development residential zoning district
• Modifications to buildings in the R1-C or R-2 zoning districts
• Signs, landscaping, parking plans, and modifications to buildings in the R-3
zoning district
The City has detailed Two-Story Design Principles incorporated in the R-1
District. These design principles help integrate new homes and additions to
existing homes with existing neighborhoods by providing a framework for the
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review and approval process. Two-story homes with a second story to first floor
ratio greater than 66 percent and homes with second story side setbacks less
than 15 feet must offset building massing with designs that encompass higher
quality architectural features and materials.
Design Review may occur at the Staff or Design Review Committee level,
depending on the scope of the project. Staff and the Design Review Committee,
consisting of the Planning Commission Vice Chair and one other Planning
Commissioner, consider factors such as building scale in relation to existing
buildings, compliance with adopted height limits, setbacks, architectural and
landscape design guidelines, and design harmony between new and existing
buildings to determine design compliance.
PROCESSING TIME
Table 4.5 presents the typical permit processing time for various approvals in
Cupertino. As shown, actions requiring ministerial review are usually approved
within two to four weeks. Other approvals have longer processing time frames.
Developments requiring multiple approvals involve joint applications and
permits that are processed concurrently. All approvals for a particular project
are reviewed in a single Planning Commission and/or City Council meeting. The
typical permit processing times in Cupertino are similar to or lower than those in
other jurisdictions and do not pose a major constraint to new development in
the City.
Cupertino is able to process applications in a timely manner because City
staff works closely with applicants during a pre-application process. The
pre-application is free of charge and its duration may vary depending on the
completeness and/or the complexity of the project. Typical pre-application
process may consist of the following:
• Initial preliminary consultation with property owners/developers to go over
project objectives and City development standards
• Submittal and review of conceptual development plans
• Preliminary consultations with relevant City departments (i.e., Fire,
Building, Public Works) as deemed necessary
• Submittal and review of pre-submittal materials and final plans
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 4.6 summarizes the typical approvals required for various housing types.
One-story single-family homes in properly zoned areas do not require approvals
from the Community Development Department. However, two-story single-
family homes require a two-story permit, which are approved by the Director
of the Community Development Department and take two to three months to
process. Residential subdivisions require a tentative parcel map or tentative
subdivision map, depending on the number of units in the development, and take
two to four months to receive approvals. Multi-family residential developments
in R3 or Planned Development (PD) Districts are typically approved in two to
four months.
BUILDING PERMIT
Standard plan check and building permit issuance for single-family dwellings
in Cupertino takes approximately 10 business days. Plan checks for large
additions, remodels, and major structural upgrades for single-family homes
are also processed within 10 days. If a second review is necessary, the City will
take approximately five business days to complete the review. Prior to the final
building permit inspection for two-story additions and new two-story homes,
applicants must submit a privacy protection plan, which illustrates how views
into neighboring yards second story windows will be screened by new trees and/
or shrubs. The plan check process may take longer for projects which entail off-
site street improvements.
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Table 4.5: Typical Permit Processing Time (a)
Type of Approval Typical Processing Time
Ministerial Review 2-4 weeks
Two-Story Residential Permit 2-3 months
Conditional Use Permit 2-4 months
Zoning Change 4-6 months
General Plan Amendment 4-6 months
Architectural and Site Review 2-4 months
Design Review 2-3 months
Tentative or Parcel Map 2-4 months
Initial Environmental Study 2 months
Negative Declaration 3-6 months
Environmental Impact Report 9-15 months
Notes:
(a) Processing time accounts for time involved in the preliminary consultation and/or conceptual review phase
Applications for multiple approval types may be processed concurrently. Processing time would depend on time
required to prepare environmental documents. Sources: City of Cupertino, 2014
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Table 4.6: Typical Processing Procedures by Project Type
Typical Approvals Required Time Frame*
Single-Family
One-Story
(No Planning Permit required)Building Permit 2-4 weeks
One-Story (Minor Residential or
Exception Permit required)Minor Residential Permit/ R1 Exception 1-2 months
Two-Story Two-Story Permit 2-3 months
Residential Hillside
(no Exception)Building Permit 2-6 weeks
Residential Hillside
(with Exception)Hillside Exception 2-3 months
Subdivision
< 5 units Tentative Parcel Map 2-3 months
≥ 5 units Tentative Subdivision Map 3-4 months
Multi-Family – R2, R3
No re-zoning Development Permit, Architectural Site Approval 2-3 months
<5 parcels Tentative Parcel Map 2-3 months
≥5 parcels Tentative Subdivision Map 3-4 months
Re-zoning
Rezoning Application
4-6 monthsDevelopment Permit, Architectural Site Approval
Tentative or Parcel Map (depending on number of
parcels)
Multi-Family – PD
No re-zoning
Development Permit
3-4 monthsArchitectural Site Approval
Tentative or Parcel Map
Re-zoning
Zoning change
4-6 monthsDevelopment Permit
Architectural Site Approval
Tentative or Parcel Map
* May vary based on on level of Environmental Review required.
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Over-the-counter plan checks are available for small residential projects (250
square feet or less). Building Department staff typically review these projects
in less than 30 minutes during normal business hours. In addition, an express
plan check is offered for medium-sized residential projects (500 square feet or
less) and takes approximately five days. Plan review can take from four weeks to
several months for larger projects, depending on the size. Examples of this type
of plan check include apartments and single-family residential subdivisions over
10 units. Cupertino’s building permit procedures are reasonable and comparable
to those in other California communities.
TREE PRESERVATION
The City of Cupertino has a Protected Tree Ordinance that is intended to preserve
trees for their environmental, economic and aesthetic importance. The City
seeks to retain as many trees as possible, consistent with the individual rights to
develop, maintain, and enjoy their property.
The ordinance protects heritage trees, which are identified as significant for their
historic value or unique characteristics, and certain trees that have a minimum
single-trunk diameter of 10 inches or a minimum multi-truck diameter of 20
inches when measured at 4.5 feet from natural grade. These trees include native
oak tree species, California Buckeye, Big Leaf Maple, Deodar Cedar, Blue Atlas
Cedar, Bay Laurel or California Bay, and Western Sycamore trees.
Trees protected by this ordinance may not be removed from private or public
property without first obtaining a tree removal permit. Applications for tree
removal permits are reviewed by the Community Development Director. The
Director may approve, conditionally approve, or deny applications. In some
cases, the City may require tree replacement as a condition of permit approval.
Because a large share of residential development in Cupertino involves infill
development involving demolition and replacement, building footprints are
often already in place and tree preservation issues do not often arise as a major
concern to developers.
4.2 ECONOMIC AND MARKET CONSTRAINTS
In addition to governmental constraints, non-governmental factors may
constrain the production of new housing. These could include economic and
market related conditions such as land and construction costs.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
AVAILABILITY OF FINANCING
While the housing market has rebounded since the recession that began in 2008,
many developers still face difficulty securing project financing. In interviews
completed as part of the Housing Element update process in 2013, it was stated
that small developers in particular still have trouble, and some lenders do not
understand how to finance mixed-use development.
PROJECT FUNDING
In stakeholder interviews in late 2013, affordable housing developers and
service providers discussed the hardships caused by the dissolution of the
Redevelopment Agencies. This action eliminated a major source of funding for
affordable housing, and that these funds have not yet been replaced by other
tools. Federal and state funding sources (including Sections 202 and 811) have
been eliminated or reduced so there is greater reliance on local sources.
LAND AVAILABILITY AND COSTS
Land costs in Cupertino are very high due to high demand and extremely limited
supply of available land. Cupertino has seen a number of smaller detached
infill housing projects where single-family homes are constructed on remnant
lots or lots that have previously been developed with older homes. Multi-family
development often requires lot consolidation and/or removing existing uses. A
review of available real estate listings indicated one residentially zoned vacant
property for sale as of May 2014. This 0.22 acre property is zoned P(R-3) and had
a listed price of $1,095,000. Based on this listing, an acre of residentially zoned
land could be listed at close to $5 million.
CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Construction costs vary significantly depending on building materials and quality
of finishes. Parking structures for multi-family developments represent another
major variable in the development cost. In general, below-grade parking raises
costs significantly. Soft costs (architectural and other professional fees, land
carrying costs, transaction costs, construction period interest, etc.) comprise an
additional 10 to 40 percent of the construction and land costs. Owner-occupied
multi-family units have higher soft costs than renter-occupied units due to
the increased need for construction defect liability insurance. Permanent debt
financing, site preparation, off-site infrastructure, impact fees, and developer
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
profit add to the total development cost of a project. Construction costs run
about $100 per square foot for Type 5 construction (wood and stucco over
parking) for multi-family units and $110 per square foot for single family units.8
Residential developers indicate that construction costs in the Bay Area may far
exceed these national averages, and can reach $200 per square foot for larger
(four- to six-story) developments.
Key construction costs have risen nationally in conjunction with economic
recovery and associated gains in the residential real estate market. Figure B-5
illustrates construction cost trends for key materials based on the Producer
Price Index, a series of indices published by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau
of Labor Statistics that measures the sales price for specific commodities and
products. Both steel and lumber prices have risen sharply since 2009, as have
finished construction products.
4.3. ENVIRONMENTAL, INFRASTRUCTURE & PUBLIC SERVICE
CONSTRAINTS
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
The majority of Cupertino land area has been urbanized and now supports
roadways, structures, other impervious surfaces, areas of turf, and ornamental
landscaping. In general, urbanized areas tend to have low to poor wildlife habitat
value due to replacement of natural communities, fragmentation of remaining
open space areas and parks, and intensive human disturbance. There are no
significant wetland or environmental resource issues of concern that would
constrain development in areas designated for residential development in
Cupertino.
ROADS
Due to the urbanized nature of Cupertino, existing roads are in place to serve
the potential infill residential development identified in this Housing Element.
The amount of traffic or congestion on a roadway is measured in terms of Level
of Service (LOS) ranging from A to F, with A representing intersections that
experience little or no congestion and F representing intersections with long
and unacceptable delays. Cupertino has established a policy of maintaining a
minimum of LOS D for major intersections during the morning and afternoon
peak traffic hours, with some exceptions. The LOS standard for the Stevens
8 International Code Council Building Valuation Data for Type V construction, February 2014
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Producer Price Index: Steel and Lumber
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
YearProducer Price AxisSteel
Lumber
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014; MIG, 2014
LU-1
FIGURE B-5
PRODUCER PRICE INDEX FOR KEY CONSTRUCTION COSTS
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Creek and De Anza Boulevard intersection, the Stevens Creek and Stelling Road
intersection, and the De Anza Boulevard and Bollinger Road intersection is
LOS E+.
The environmental assessment of individual residential projects considers any
associated traffic impacts. If the study finds that the project could cause an
intersection to deteriorate, mitigation may be required. This usually consists of
improvements to adjacent roads and intersections, but may also include changes
to the number of units in the project, or to site design and layout. However, SB
743, signed into law in 2013, started a process that could fundamentally change
transportation impact analysis as part of CEQA compliance. These changes will
include the elimination of auto delay, level of service (LOS), and other similar
measures of vehicular capacity or traffic congestion as a basis for determining
significant impacts in many parts of California (if not statewide). As such,
potential costs to new development associated with roadway mitigation may be
reduced or eliminated.
WATER
Two water suppliers provide service to the City: the California Water Company
and the San Jose Water Company. The San Jose Water Company also has a
lease agreement to operate and maintain the City of Cupertino’s water system
until 2022. Both of these providers derive the vast majority of their water
from the Santa Clara Valley Water District. According to the 2014 General Plan
Amendment and Housing Element EIR, California Water Company and San Jose
Water Company have sufficient water supplies to accommodate increased
growth associated with the GPA and Housing Element under normal, single
dry, or multiple dry years. Future development associated with the Housing
Element would be located within already developed urban areas and would
therefore connect to an existing water distribution system. No new water
treatment facilities or the expansion of existing facilities would be required to
accommodate the RHNA.
WASTEWATER
Cupertino Sanitary District (CSD) serves as the main provider of wastewater
collection and treatment services for Cupertino, while the City of Sunnyvale
serves a small portion of the Cupertino Urban Service area on the east side of
the city. The City of Sunnyvale Wastewater Treatment Plant has a daily treatment
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
capacity of 29 mgd capacity, of which approximately 15 mgd are being utilized
in 2014. The CSD has a contractual treatment allocation with the San Jose/
Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant of 7.85 million gallon per day (mgd),
on average. Current wastewater flow to San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution
Control Plant is 5.3 mgd. The CSD prepared a flow capacity analysis in 2008
and determined that 0.6 mgd capacity remained for development beyond that
previously allocated and planned for under the General Plan. The 2014 General
Plan Amendment and Housing Element EIR identifies this as a significant and
unavoidable impact, as the combined 2014 project would generate an estimated
1.45 mgd of wastewater flows upon buildout, resulting in a deficit of 0.85 mgd
beyond the current contractually available treatment capacity. However, both
the SJ/SCWPCP and City of Sunnyvale treatment plants have excess capacity
that could potentially treat new wastewater flows associated with development
pursuant to Housing Element policy.
With regard to sewer capacity, some capacity deficiencies exist in certain
areas of Cupertino, including sewer lines serving the City Center area and lines
on Stelling Road and Foothill Boulevard. To accommodate wastewater from
major new developments, the lines running at or new capacity in these areas
will have to be upgraded. Under current practice, the CSD requires developers
of substantial projects to demonstrate that adequate capacity exists, or to
identify and fund the necessary mitigations. CSD is, as of 2014, performing a
capacity analysis of their entire collection system. Improvements required to
mitigate system deficiencies as well as to accommodate future development
will be identified and added to their Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Capacity fees will then be developed to fund the CIP. New development that
increases wastewater transmission and treatment demand would be required
to contribute towards system capacity enhancement improvements through
payment of the capacity fee. In this manner, CSD would be responsible for
upgrading their system rather than placing the responsibility on the developers
of the largest wastewater generators, as is currently the case. If and when this
fee is developed and implemented, it will create a more reliable and equitable
mitigation for new development.
STORM DRAINAGE
Cupertino’s storm drain system consists of underground pipelines that carry
surface runoff from streets to prevent flooding. Runoff enters the system at
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
catch basins found along curbs near street intersections and is discharged
into City creeks. The capacity of the storm drain facilities within Cupertino was
evaluated and documented in the 1993 Storm Drain Master Plan, which identifies
the areas within the system that do not have the capacity to handle runoff during
the 10-year storm event, which is the City’s design standard. The City requires
that all new developments conform to this standard.
OPEN SPACE
Cupertino’s General Plan outlines a policy of having parkland equal to three
acres for every 1,000 residents. Currently, Cupertino has approximately 162
acres of parkland. Future development in Cupertino would increase the need for
new park land. The General Plan identified an additional 49 acres of potential
neighborhood and community parks, which would be more than enough to
maintain the standard of three acres for every 1,000 residents. In addition,
Cupertino’s park impact fees of $8,100 to $15,750 per unit would generate
funding for the City to purchase new parkland and maintain existing
recreational resources.
COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE
Other constraints to housing production in the City include community
acceptance, specifically concerns about impacts on the school districts, traffic,
and parks. In particular, neighbors have indicated resistance to the development
of buildings taller than two stories. Density and height are more acceptable if
buildings are well designed and along corridors or adjacent to higher-density
development.
In 2013 interviews, many stakeholders indicated that multi-family projects
tend to generate community opposition and that there is some general fear of
growth and increased density in the City. Opposition from the community tends
to increase with the size and height of the project, as well as the proximity to
existing single-family neighborhoods. To facilitate residential development
and meet the RHNA for this fifth cycle update, the City conducted an extensive
community outreach process to identify appropriate and feasible sites for
residential and mixed use development over the next eight years. One of the
objectives of this process is to address community concerns.
SCHOOLS
Cupertino Union School District (CUSD) and Fremont Union High School District
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(FUHSD) are among the best in the state. In addition, a portion of the City, in
the northeast corner, is also served by the Santa Clara Unified School District.
Residents are particularly concerned about the impacts of new housing on
schools. However, State law (Government Code Section 65995[3][h]) provides
that payment of school impact fees fully mitigates impacts, and as such, the
City’s ability to require additional mitigation is limited by State law.
CUSD is a rapidly growing school district. Enrollment has increased every year
during the last decade, increasing from 15,575 in the fall of 2001 to 19,058 in
the fall of 2013. CUSD serves students from Cupertino and parts of San Jose,
Sunnyvale, Saratoga, Santa Clara, and Los Altos at 20 elementary schools and
five middle schools. Approximately 44 percent of CUSD’s students reside in
Cupertino. In total, 3,325 CUSD students (17 percent of total enrollment) attend
schools other than the school of their attendance area. FUHSD served 10,657
students from Cupertino, most of Sunnyvale and parts of San Jose, Los Altos,
Saratoga, and Santa Clara. The Santa Clara District is a medium size district; as
a unified district its 15,394 students are spread from kindergarten through high
school.
OPERATING COSTS AND FINANCES
Most of CUSD revenues are tied to the size of enrollment. The State Department
of Education guarantees CUSD a certain level of operations funding known as the
“revenue limit.” The Revenue Limit is established annually by the State based on
the District’s average daily attendance (ADA).
The revenue limit is composed of State funding and local property tax revenues.
If the District’s property tax revenue falls below the revenue limit in any given
year, the state will increase its contribution to make up the difference. CUSD
therefore relies on gradual, steady increases in enrollment to maintain its
financial health over time. Because the revenue limit makes up the majority
of CUSD revenues, and this limit is tied directly to enrollment, the District
needs predictable, ongoing student growth to keep up with costs. Declines
in enrollment would require the District to cut costs. The 2013-2014 school
year operating budget was $155.6 million. With the total of 19,053 enrolled
students districtwide, the operating cost per student for the school year was
approximately $8,167.
In contrast, FUHSD relies on property taxes for most of its revenue. FUHSD
receives property taxes in excess of its revenue limit. FUHSD keeps these
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
additional revenues for operations. As a result, the state does not provide
annual per-ADA funding. Therefore, FUHSD counts on a growing property tax
base to keep up with costs and maintain per-student funding. New development
helps promote a healthy tax base over time. Multi-family development can be
particularly beneficial to the tax base, generating higher revenues per acre than
single-family homes. This translates into more revenue for FUHSD. The FUHSD’s
operating budget for the school year 2013-2014 was $115 million. With the
total of 10,657 students enrolled, operating cost per student was approximately
$10,800.
Moreover, property taxes from new multi-family housing can exceed the cost to
FUHSD to serve students. Table 4.8 illustrates this point, using previously built
projects as examples. Nonetheless, FUHSD stresses that the impacts of new
residential development should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to mitigate
any undue effects on the District.
ENROLLMENT AND FACILITIES
Each of the local school districts expects to continue growing over the next 10
years. CUSD and FUSD project that a total of 1,321 new housing units would be
built in Cupertino in the years 2014 through 2023, and expects enrollment to
grow accordingly. It is important to note that this growth comes from the other
cities that the districts serve, in addition to Cupertino. Cupertino-based students
comprise about 60 percent of enrollment in each district. In addition to this
housing growth, the recent surge in enrollment at CUSD has been primarily in
the younger grades and these larger classes are now entering middle school.
Accordingly, by 2020 high school enrollment at FUSD is projected to increase by
over 1,000 students. SCUSD anticipates a 13 percent increase in enrollment
by 2023.
The districts will continue to use their facilities efficiently to accommodate
projected growth. CUSD and FUHSD report that their ability to absorb new
students is not unlimited, and rapid growth does pose a challenge. However,
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 4.7: Comparison of FUHSD Property Tax Revenue per Acre
Multi-family Housing Single-family housing
Value per Unit (a) $822,500 $1,550,000
Density (Units/Acre)20 5
Total Value/Acre $16,450,000 $7,750,000
Property Taxes to FUHSD per Acre (b)$27,965 $13,175
Notes:
(a) Median sales prices from July 2013 to June 2014
(b) FUHSD receives approximately 17% of 1% of assessed value.
Source: School House Services, 2014.
B-97
Table 4.8: Financial Impacts of Cupertino Developments on Fremont Union High School District
Montebello City Center Travigne Metropolitan Civic Park
FUHSD REVENUE
Assessed Value of Dev’t $ 113,486,674 $ 38,480,698 $ 25,106,837 $ 65,788,586 $ 116,329,797
Property Tax Revenue (a)$ 252,958 $ 85,745 $ 57,086 $ 145,477 $ 258,480
FUHSD COSTS
Number of Students in Dev’t 7 17 2 6 13
Cost to Serve Students (b)$ 75,600 $ 183,600 $ 21,600 $ 64,800 $ 140,400
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)$ 177,358 ($ 97,855)$ 34,486 $ 80,677 $ 118,080
Notes:
(a) Percentage of base 1.0 percent property tax FUHSD receives (after ERAF shift) in TRA 13-003: 17%
(b) FUHSD Operating Cost per Student, FY 13-14: $10,800
Sources: Santa Clara County Assessor, Enrolment Projections Consultants, School House Services, 2014.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
they will strive to make space and maintain student-teacher ratios through
creative solutions such as relocating special programs, adjusting schedules,
selectively using modular classrooms, and other approaches. In addition,
FUHSD is developing a plan to dedicate the $198 million raised from Measure B
(authorized in 2008) for facility improvements. These include athletic facilities,
solar power, IT systems, infrastructure, classrooms, labs, and lecture halls.
The districts also augment their facilities using impact fees from new
development. CUSD receives $2.02 per square foot in fees from residential
development. FUHSD receives $1.34 per square foot from new residential
development. In addition to the development impact fee, voters have approved
multiple bond measures for school facility improvements. The districts can also
address impacts on a case-by-case basis, establishing partnerships with home
builders to construct new facilities or expand existing schools.
Higher-density housing generally generates fewer students per unit. Table 4.9
illustrates this trend among recently-built projects in Cupertino. On average,
the school districts report that new single-family homes and townhouses
generate 0.8 K-12 students per unit, while new multi-family homes generate
0.3 K-12 students per unit. In addition, most enrollment growth comes from
existing homes that are either sold or rented to families with children, not new
development. Nonetheless, the districts indicate that new housing will contribute
to future demand for classroom space, which the districts must address through
the strategies outlined above.
A comprehensive analysis of school impacts was completed as part of the
2014 General Plan Amendment and 2015-2023 Housing Element drafting. Four
alternatives were analyzed, consistent with the Environmental Impact Report for
the combined project. The existing General Plan and Alternative A would result
in the same level of residential development. Alternatives B and C change the
General Plan designation and zoning for some sites to make more units possible.
The analysis presented here pertains to the portion of residential development
estimated to take place between 2015 and 2023 under each growth scenario, to
be consistent with the Housing Element time period.
The projections in Table 4.10 are based on the rates of generation of apartments
built since 1995 in Cupertino, which have a relatively small number of middle
and high school students in them. The largest numbers of potential units and
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
students are in the Garden Gate and Collins Elementary school attendance
areas, in the Lawson Middle School area, and in the Cupertino and Monta Vista
High School areas. Collins and Garden Gate Elementary Schools and Cupertino
High are, or will be, among the schools with the greatest enrollment stress. The
projected student enrollment from new units is a small fraction of the projected
student enrollment from the existing units in the City.
Capital costs to add capacity related to rising enrollment are significant, and
development impact fees from residential development only cover a quarter
of this cost. Table 4.11 indicates the estimated cost deficits related to needed
capital improvements associated with increases in enrollment. This analysis
does not include impact fee revenue from non-residential development; as such,
cost deficits may be somewhat overstated.
4.4. OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION
Maximizing energy efficiency and incorporating energy conservation and green
building features can contribute to reduced housing costs for homeowners and
renters. In addition, these efforts promote sustainable community design and
reduced dependence on vehicles, and can significantly contribute to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to compliance with state regulations, the
Environmental Resources and Sustainability, Land Use, and Circulation Elements
of the Cupertino General Plan includes policies related to energy conservation
B-99
Table 4.9: Student Generation in Cupertino Developments
Higher Density Lower Density
Montebello Travigne Metropolitan Civic Park
Density (Units/Acre)96 24 30 31
Students/Unit
CUSD (a)0.22 0.26 0.29 0.33
FHUSD (a)0.03 0.04 0.06 0.10
Total 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.43
Notes:
(a) Student enrollment data as of October 2013, provided by Enrolment Projection Consultants. Sources: City of
Cupertino; EPC 2014.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-100
Table 4.11: Estimated Capital Facilities Net Impacts (in $ Millions)
Existing Conditions Minimal Growth
A
Moderate Growth
B
Most Growth
C
By 2023
CUSD Net Capital Facilities
Cost Deficit $8.76 $8.76 $8.13 $15.31
FUHSD Net Capital Facilities
Cost Deficit $4.02 $4.02 $3.71 $7.03
* SCUSD receives large capital facilities and operating revenue benefits if development is significant.
Table 4.10: Estimated Student Enrollment from New Units, 2015-2023
Existing
Conditions
Minimal Growth
A
Moderate Growth
B
Most Growth
C
By 2023
Number of Units Expected 1,140 1,140 1,060 1,993
CUSD Students Expected 365 365 339 638
FUHSD Students Expected 80 80 74 140
Total Students*445 445 413 778
* SCUSD enrollment impacts are relatively small, possibly either positive or negative.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
and efficiency. In particular, the Land Use Element provides for higher-density
housing in proximity to employment centers and transportation corridors
and includes mixed use development where appropriate. In addition, the City
is undertaking an effort to prepare a Climate Action Plan (CAP) by modifying
the Regional Climate Action Plan to suit the City’s needs in order to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. The CAP will meet the regulatory requirements of
the California Global Warming Solutions Act, commonly known as AB 32. The
Plan will include community-vetted measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions in the region and locally to foster a healthy and resilient Cupertino.
Through extensive research and community input, the CAP will meet statewide
emission mitigation targets and identify opportunities to reduce emissions that
impact the local environment.
The City adopted a Green Building Ordinance in 2012. The ordinance aligns
with the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) which sets
19,346
11,654
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
CUSD
FUSD
B-101
ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS, 2008-2013, CUSD AND FUHSD
FIGURE B-6
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
the threshold of building codes at a higher level by requiring development
projects to incorporate green building practices. Cal Green requires every new
building built after January 1, 2011 to meet a certain baseline of efficiency and
sustainability standards. The ordinance aims to promote green practices (e.g.,
water, energy and resource conservation) through the design, construction
and maintenance of new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major
renovations. The City’s Green Building Ordinance applies to all new residential
and non-residential buildings and structures, additions, renovations, and tenant
improvements where CalGreen and minimum green building measures are
applicable. For residential development the ordinance differentiates between
smaller projects of nine or less units and large projects with more than nine
units. The Ordinance requires larger development projects to earn certification
per the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Green Point
Rating (GPR) standards. Smaller developments must meet Cal Green’s minimum
thresholds as established by the state.
Utility providers serving Cupertino also encourage energy and water
conservation. The Santa Clara Valley Water District offers rebate programs
that can help residents and businesses save both water and energy. Examples
include rebates for high-efficiency toilets and clothes waters, converting high-
water using landscape to low water using landscape, and connecting a clothes
washer to a graywater irrigation system. Pacific Gas and Electric Company
(PG&E) offers energy efficiency rebates to property owners and managers of
multifamily dwellings that contain two or more units. The program encourages
owners of existing properties to upgrade to qualifying energy-efficient products
in individual tenant units and in the common areas of residential apartment
buildings, mobile home parks and condominium complexes.
The Housing Element contains policies and strategies to promote energy
conservation. For example, the City will evaluate the potential to provide
incentives, such as waiving or reducing fees, for energy conservation
improvements at affordable housing projects (including both existing and
new developments that have fewer than ten units) to exceed the minimum
requirements of the California Green Building Code.
B-102
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-103
4.5. SUMMARY
• Cupertino’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance are not development
constraints to new housing production. The Land Use/Community Design
Element of the General Plan identifies four categories of residential
use and four mixed use categories, while the Zoning Ordinance permits
residential development in seven districts, plus planned development
districts.
• The Zoning Ordinance allows rotating and permanent homeless shelters in
the BQ Zone in compliance with State law.
• The Zoning Ordinance permits employee housing for workers and their
families in residentially zoned districts.
• Site improvement, building code requirements, and permit processing time
in Cupertino are comparable to surrounding communities and are not a
development constraint.
• Development fees in Cupertino are comparable to those in neighboring
jurisdictions.
• The lack of state and local funding sources for affordable housing and
limited access to financing, in conjunction with the high cost and low
supply of land, may constrain housing development in the near term.
• A potential constraint to housing development is road capacity.
Residential projects may be required to undertake mitigation measures if
developments result in traffic impacts.
• The stormwater drainage, water distribution, and water supply systems
are adequate to accommodate anticipated growth in Cupertino and are not
considered constraints to development. Wastewater treatment is reaching
capacity in the area; however, existing plants have some excess capacity
to treat new wastewater flows associated with development pursuant to
Housing Element policy. Some sewer line capacity deficiencies also exist
in certain areas of Cupertino—the Cupertino Sanitary District is in the
process of assessing deficiencies and developing capacity fees intended to
fund necessary improvements.
• Capacity and fiscal impacts to the Cupertino Union School District, Fremont
Union High School District and the Santa Clara Unified School District must
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. State law provides that payment of
school impact fees fully mitigates impacts, and as such, the City’s ability to
require additional mitigation is limited by State law.
• Community acceptance may serve as a constraint to housing development.
Over the past several years, multi-family projects have been successfully
opposed by residents.
5. HOUSING RESOURCES
5.1. OVERVIEW OF AVAILABLE SITES FOR HOUSING
The purpose of the adequate sites analysis is to demonstrate that the City of
Cupertino has a sufficient supply of land to accommodate its fair share of the
region’s housing needs during the RHNA projections period (January 1, 2014
– October 31, 2022). The Government Code requires that the Housing Element
include an “inventory of land suitable for residential development, including
vacant sites and sites having the potential for redevelopment” (Section 65583(a)
(3)). It further requires that the element analyze zoning and infrastructure on
these sites to ensure housing development is feasible during the planning
period.
Demonstrating an adequate land supply, however, is only part of the task. The
City must also show that this supply is capable of accommodating housing
demand from all economic segments of the community. High land costs in the
Bay Area make it difficult to meet the demand for affordable housing on sites
that are zoned at relatively low densities. Pursuant to Government Code Section
65583.2(c)(3)(B), local governments may utilize “default” density standards
(e.g. the “Mullen Densities”) to provide evidence that “appropriate zoning” is
in place to accommodate the development of housing for very-low and low-
income households . The purpose of this law is to provide a numerical density
standard for local governments, resulting in greater certainty in the housing
element review process. Specifically, if a local government has adopted density
standards that comply with the criteria provided in the law, no further analysis is
required to establish the adequacy of the density standard. The default density
standard for Cupertino and other suburban jurisdictions in Santa Clara County to
demonstrate adequate capacity for low and very low income units is 20 dwelling
units per acre or more.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-105
5.2. PROGRESS TOWARDS THE REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS
ALLOCATION (RHNA)
California General Plan law requires each city and county to have land zoned to
accommodate its fair share of the regional housing need. Pursuant to California
Government Code Section 65584, the state, regional councils of government
(in this case, ABAG) and local governments must collectively determine each
locality’s share of regional housing need. The major goal of the RHNA is to
ensure a fair distribution of housing among cities and counties in the State so
that every community provides for a mix of housing for all economic segments.
The housing allocation targets are not building requirements; rather, they are
planning goals for each community to accommodate through appropriate
planning policies and land use regulations. Allocation targets are intended to
ensure that adequate sites and zoning are made available to address anticipated
housing demand during the planning period.
The RHNA for the ABAG region was adopted in July 2013. This RHNA covers
an 8.8-year projection period (January 1, 2014 through October 31, 2022)9
and is divided into four income categories: very low, low, moderate, and above
moderate. As determined by ABAG, the City of Cupertino’s fair share allocation is
1,064 new housing units during this planning cycle, with the units divided among
the four income categories as shown in Table 5.1. Since the RHNA uses January
1, 2014 as the baseline for growth projections for the 2014-2022 projection
period, jurisdictions may count toward the RHNA housing units developed, under
construction, or approved since January 1, 2014. Between January 1 and May
31, 2014, building permits for 14 single-family housing units and three second
units were approved in Cupertino. In addition, six single-family homes and seven
apartments received Planning approvals (Table 5.1).
Also included in the RHNA credits are 32 second units (also known as accessory
dwelling units) projected to be developed within the planning period. As provided
in Government Code Section 65583(c)(1), in addition to identifying vacant or
underutilized land resources, the City can address a portion of the RHNA through
an estimate of the number of second units that may be permitted during the
planning period. The City approves an average of four second units per year.
Considering this track record, the City estimates that 32 second units will be
approved over eight-year planning period. Cupertino’s Zoning Ordinance permits
second dwelling units on lots in Single-Family Residential (R-1), Residential
9 The Housing Element planning period differs from the RHNA projection period—the period for which hous-
ing demand was calculated. The Housing Element covers the planning period of January 31, 2015 through
January 31, 2023.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Hillside (RHS), Agricultural (A), and Agricultural Residential (A-1) Districts.
Permit approval and architectural review are done at the ministerial (building
permit) level.
Consistent with Government Code Section 65583(c)(1) and HCD technical
guidance documents, the City is applying the second unit estimate towards its
moderate income RHNA. HCD has indicated that second unit affordability can
be determined by examining market rates for reasonably comparable rental
properties and applying these rates to estimate the anticipated affordability of
second units. A review of rental market conditions in Cupertino conducted for
this Housing Element found that the average cost of a studio apartment is $1,608
and the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $2,237. These rental rates
are in the range of moderate income rents as determined by HUD (see Table
B-106
Table 5.1: Remaining RHNA, Cupertino, 2014-2022
Units Constructed/Under
Construction/Permits Issued
Extremely and
Very Low Income
(0-50% AMI)
Low Income (51-
80% AMI)
Moderate Income
(81-120% AMI)
Above Moderate
Income (121%+
AMI)
Total
Various Single-Family Units (Building
Permits)---------14 14
Various Single-Family Units (Planning
Permits)---------6 6
Multi-Family Units (Planning Permits)---------7 7
Second Units Permitted (Building
Permits)------3*---3
Estimated Second Unit Production ------32*---32
Total ------35 27 62
2014-2022 RHNA 356 207 231 270 1,064
RHNA Credits ------35 27 62
Remaining 2014-2022 RHNA 356 207 196 243 1,002
Source: ABAG Regional Housing Needs Allocation, 2014; City of Cupertino, 2014
Notes:
*These units do not have affordability restrictions. Market rate rents and sale prices for similar units fall within levels affordable to the
households earning moderate incomes (81-120% AMI) and are allocated as such.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-107
2.15: Maximum Affordable Housing Costs, Santa Clara County, 2013). As these
units are comparable in size and occupancy to second units, it is reasonable
to assume that current rents for second units fall within affordability levels
for one-person moderate-income households. Therefore, second units in the
pipeline and the anticipated 32 second units are credited against the moderate
income RHNA. Furthermore, recent research in the San Francisco Bay Area has
found that a sizable fraction of secondary units are rented to acquaintances,
friends or family, in some cases for free and in other cases, for reduced rents.10
This research suggests that second units may in fact be a source of affordable
housing in the City at affordability levels lower than the moderate-income level
they are credited against. Applying the projected 32 second units toward the
moderate income category is a conservative approach, and is consistent with
State law and HCD technical guidance documents.
With these credits, the City has a remaining RHNA of 1,002 units: 356 extremely
low/very low-income units, 207 low-income units, 196 moderate-income units,
and 243 above moderate-income units.5.3. Residential Capacity Analysis
5.3. RESIDENTIAL CAPACITY ANALYSIS
METHODOLOGY
Like many cities in the Bay Area, Cupertino is largely built out. As a result,
opportunities for residential units will be realized through the redevelopment
of sites with existing buildings. City staff undertook a deliberate site selection
process to ensure that future residential development on the sites would: 1)
have community support (see description of community process below), 2)
achieve community goals of affordability and walkability, and 3) create a livable
environment for new residents and neighbors. To ensure this, sites were
selected based on the following criteria:
• Proximity to transportation corridors
• Proximity (preferably within walking distance) to amenities such as
schools, neighborhood services, restaurants and retail
• Ability to provide smaller, more affordable units; sites were selected in
higher density areas to achieve this
• Create a livable community with the least impact on neighborhoods; sites
that had the most in common with successfully developed sites were
selected
10 Chapple, Karen and Jake Wegmann. Understanding the Market for Secondary Units in the East Bay. UC
Berkeley: Institute of Urban and Regional Developmental. Oct 2012.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
• Corner lot location; such parcels provide the most flexibility to
accommodate mixed-use developments and avoid impeding parking and
connectivity between mid-block parcels
In addition to the state-wide criteria that HCD uses to determine site suitability,
the Sustainable Communities Strategy/One Bay Area Plan contributed additional
criteria regarding what makes a desirable housing site in the ABAG region.
The One Bay Area Plan is a long-range integrated transportation and land-use/
housing strategy through 2040 for the San Francisco Bay Area. The plan focuses
development in Priority Development Areas (PDAs) which are locally designated
areas within existing communities that have been identified and approved by
local cities or counties for future growth. These areas are typically accessible to
public transit, jobs, recreation, shopping and other services, and absorb much of
the growth anticipated in the region. In Cupertino, a PDA is located along Stevens
Creek Boulevard between Highway 85 and the City of Santa Clara and along De
Anza Boulevard between Stevens Creek Boulevard and Highway 280. Key criteria
in the Sustainable Communities Strategy/One Bay Area Plan include:
• Location along major transportation routes with access to transit or within
½ mile of a Valley Transit Authority-designate PDA
• Proximity to employment and activity centers
• Proximity to amenities
With the selection criteria in mind, City staff conducted a thorough study
evaluating underutilized land in Cupertino. These parcels included residentially
zoned land as well as other designations such as commercial and mixed use.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
To ensure that both community members and property owners support of the
Housing Element—and sites inventory in particular—City staff engaged in an in-
depth community involvement process. The inventory of residential opportunity
sites was developed in consultation with the Housing Commission, Planning
Commission, City Council, and members of the public. The Housing Element and
sites inventory were discussed at 12 workshops, study sessions, and hearings
in 2014. At each meeting, commissioners and council members, as well as
members of the public, discussed the inventory. During these discussions,
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-109
several sites were removed and new sites were added based on input from
these various stakeholders. Decisions to add or remove sites were based on
realistic expectations for sites to be redeveloped within the planning period.
In addition to consultation with various community stakeholders, City staff
reached out to individual owners whose properties were identified as housing
opportunity sites. Each affected owner received a letter informing them that
their property had been identified by the City to be included in its Housing
Element as a housing opportunity site. The letter provided information about the
process and the opportunity to provide feedback or express concerns. The sites
with property owner development interest were evaluated against the criteria
described above. Sites that did not meet the criteria were not included in the
inventory. Sites where the owner objected to inclusion were not included in the
final inventory.
While residential development may occur on other sites not included in this
inventory, the sites ultimately included in this Housing Element are those the City
believes have the most realistic chance of redeveloping into housing within the
planning period. As a result of the community engagement process, the sites
inventory represents a list of residential opportunity sites that the community
has thoroughly reviewed.
DETERMINATION OF REALISTIC CAPACITY
Sites inventory capacity must account for development standards such as
building height restrictions, minimum setbacks, and maximum lot coverage, as
well as the potential for non-residential uses in mixed-use areas. A survey of
recent developments (Table 5.2) indicates that recent multi-family residential
projects have built to between 82 percent and 99.5 percent of the maximum
allowable density. To ensure that the sites inventory provides a “realistic
capacity” for each site, estimates for maximum developable units on each site
are conservatively reduced by 15 percent.
Because of the desirability and high value of residential property in Cupertino,
developers are reluctant to include ground floor commercial space in residential
buildings, even when land is zoned for mixed-use development. The City must
often encourage or request that ground-floor commercial space be included in
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
projects and commercial space typically represents a small proportion of the
total development. Staff anticipates that this trend will continue, and land zoned
for mixed-use will achieve residential densities at or above 85 percent of the
maximum with ground floor commercial space along the street frontage.
This trend is evident in the three mixed-use project examples that contained
ground floor commercial development. The Biltmore Adjacency, Metropolitan
and Adobe Terraces projects are typical mixed-use, multi-family developments
in Cupertino. In these cases, the commercial component represented a small
portion of the total square footage (between 2 and 8 percent). Even with the
provision of ground floor commercial space, these developments were able to
achieve 91 to 92 percent of the maximum allowable residential units. The height
limit of developments in most of the major transportation corridors is 45 feet at
the minimum. Based on the development experiences at the completed projects
described above, the density assumptions for mixed-use residential projects at
85 percent of the maximum allowed is realistic.
The assumption that sites will achieve 85 percent of the maximum allowable
density is also realistic for sites that allow for a variety of uses, including 100
percent commercial development, in addition to residential development and
mixed-use development. This is because of the high market value of available
Table 5.2 Mixed Use/Multi Family Residential Project Examples
Project Name:Rose Bowl
Mixed Use
Biltmore
Adjacency Oak Park Adobe Terrace Metropolitan
Site Area (acres)5.9 3.24 1.6 1.0 3.3
Max. Density (dwelling units per
acre)35 25 35 25 35
Max. Developable Units 205 81 56 25 116
Actual Units Developed 204 74 46 23 107
Actual/Max. Units 99.5%91.3%82%92%92%
Commercial Sq. Ft. as % of Total
Sq. ft.37%2%NA 8%4%
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
B-110
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-111
properties for residential development. As discussed above, the desirability
and high value of residential property in Cupertino encourages residential or
mixed-use development over exclusively commercial development. All five
example projects presented in Table 5.2 were developed in a zone that allows
a mix of uses including exclusively commercial and office development, further
demonstrating the strength of residential development over commercial
development in Cupertino.
5.4. RESIDENTIAL SITES INVENTORY - SCENARIO A
Cupertino has residential development opportunities with sufficient capacity
to meet and exceed the identified housing need (Figure B-7). The opportunities
shown in the sites inventory consist predominantly of underutilized sites that
can accommodate 1,400 residential units on properties zoned for densities
of 20 dwelling units to the acre or more. The sites inventory is organized by
geographic area and in particular, by mixed use corridors. As shown, sites
identified to meet the near-term development potential lie within the North
Vallco Park Special Area, the Vallco Shopping District Special Area, and the Heart
of the City Special Area.
As indicated in a market study completed in 2014, there is a healthy demand
for new housing and long-term trends indicate market potential for additional
development in key areas throughout the city. The 2014 market study further
found that existing demand is greatest for smaller, more affordable units
adjacent to services, retail, and entertainment options. All sites in the Housing
Element to meet the RHNA are identified on major mixed-use corridors, close to
services and major employers.
As demonstrated previously, City leaders have a strong record of supporting and
facilitating the development of residential projects in mixed-use areas and of
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
intensifying residential uses where appropriate within the context of the general
plan land use allocations. Regulatory standards, including the revised Density
Bonus Ordinance, are intended to encourage additional residential development
on these sites. Altogether, the five sites ensure that adequate sites beyond the
remaining RHNA are provided for in the planning period.
A parcel-specific listing of sites is included in Table 7.3: Residential Sites
Inventory to Meet the 2014 RHNA. Four of the sites in the Residential Sites
inventory may be developed without a Conditional Use Permit with the number
of units identified in this Housing Element.
The City has identified one key opportunity site that will involve substantial
coordination for redevelopment (Vallco Shopping District, Site A2). Due to the
magnitude of the project, the City has established a contingency plan to meet
the RHNA if a Specific Plan is not adopted within three years of Housing Element
adoption. This contingency plan, called Scenario B, is discussed later in this
document (see Section 5.5 Residential Sites Inventory - Scenario B).
NORTH VALLCO PARK SPECIAL AREA
The North Vallco Park Special Area encompasses 240 acres and is an important
employment center for Cupertino and the region. The area is located in the
northeastern corner of the City, bounded by Homestead Road to the north and
Interstate 280 to the south. The area is defined by Apple Campus 2 and the North
Vallco Gateway. The North Vallco Gateway includes a medium to high-density
multi-family residential project east of Wolfe Road, two hotels and the Cupertino
Village Shopping Center west of Wolfe Road. The North Vallco Park area is
envisioned to become a sustainable office and campus environment surrounded
by a mix of connected, high-quality and pedestrian-oriented neighborhood center,
hotel and residential uses.
The Apple 2 Campus is expected to be a significant catalyst for residential
development in this vicinity. The area accordingly presents a prime opportunity
for redevelopment.
SITE A1 (THE HAMPTONS)
Site A1 is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Pruneridge
Avenue and North Wolfe Road, adjacent to the recently approved Apple Campus
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-113
North Vallco
Park:
600 Units
Heart of the
City:
411 Units
Vallco
Shopping
District:
389 Units
FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
A3: Oaks
200 units
A5: Vacant
11 units
A1: Hamptons
600 units
A2: Vallco
389 units
A4: Marina
200 units
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Special Areas
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
North Vallco Park
Heart of the City
Housing Elements
Sites
VTA Priority
Development Area
(PDA)
Site
units Site Number:
Realistic Capacity.
Note: Realistic capacity is generally
85% of maximum capacity allowed
Vallco Shopping District
Priority Housing Element Sites: Scenario A
Applicable if Vallco Specific Plan is adopted by May 31, 2018
If Vallco Specific Plan is not adopted by May 31, 2018, the designated Priority Housing Element Sites will be as shown in General Plan
Appendix B, Section 5.5: Residential Sites Inventory - Scenario B.
LU-1
PRIORITY HOUSING ELEMENT SITES SCENARIO A
FIGURE B-7
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
2. The site is comprised of two parcels totaling 12.44 acres and is currently
occupied with a 342-unit multi-family housing development and surface parking
lots. The site’s property owners have expressed interest in redeveloping the
site with significantly higher residential densities than what exists today. Such a
redevelopment will create an opportunity to reduce vehicle trips for employees
living within walking and bicycling distance to this regional employment hub. The
property owner has publically voiced interest in redevelopment of the property
to provide additional residential units, and has issued a letter indicating this
intent to the City.
The site has a land use designation of High Density (greater than 35 du/ac),
zoned Planned Development (P [Res]), and allows for a maximum density of 85
units per acre. The City has approved increased heights to facilitate development
of the Hamptons property at the densities identified.
Assuming realistic capacity of 85 percent of maximum density is achieved, Site
A1 has the potential to yield 600 net units, for a total of 942 units on site. The
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Site A1: The Hamptons
B-115
close proximity to major transportation routes (freeway) and adjacency to a
major new employment center (Apple Campus 2), coupled with the high demand
for multi-family residential units in Cupertino, make this site ideal
for intensification.
VALLCO SHOPPING DISTRICT SPECIAL AREA
The Vallco Shopping District is centrally located in the City. The property was
originally developed as an indoor mall in the 1970s for retail uses, anchored by
Macy’s, Sears, JC Penny, and AMC Theaters. The property has been remodeled
several times since it was built. Despite being the largest retail project in
the City, the Mall is largely vacant, save for the anchor tenants. According to
stakeholders interviewed for a retail strategy report completed in 2014, Vallco
represents not only one of the best-located properties in the City, but also one of
the City’s largest redevelopment opportunities.
SITE A2 (VALLCO SHOPPING DISTRICT)
The Vallco Shopping District is physically divided by North Wolfe Road, but
connected via an elevated bridge. Up until 2014, the approximately 58.7-acre
site was divided between five property owners on 14 parcels, representing a
combination of investors and anchor tenants. In 2014, all parcels of the property
were purchased by a single developer who intends to pursue a Specific Plan and
redevelopment of the site.
The 2014 retail strategy report noted that there is an oversupply of mall space
in the United States, which is affecting Vallco’s performance. The Mall operates
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
in a competitive environment with successful projects to the north (Stanford
Shopping Center), east (Valley Fair and Santana Row), and south (Westgate
Shopping Center). In addition, the nearby Main Street mixed-use development
will add an additional 125,000 square feet of retail, further contributing to the
market feasibility of alternate (residential) uses on this site.
To revitalize this area, the City envisions a complete redevelopment of the
existing Vallco Fashion Mall into a vibrant mixed-use “town center” that is a
focal point for regional visitors and the community. The site has a high potential
for redevelopment due to expressed property owner interest to redevelop, high
retail vacancy rates, close proximity to major transportation routes (freeway),
and the potential to provide a considerable number of units at the site. The high
potential development capacity and close proximity to two recently constructed
mixed-use projects (Rosebowl and Main Street) further support redevelopment
of the Vallco Shopping District and the inclusion of this site in the Housing
Element.
The site is designated Regional Shopping/Office/Residential in the General
Plan and zoned Planned Development with Regional Shopping and Commercial
(P[Regional Shopping and P[CG]). Strategy HE-1.3.1 provides that the City will
adopt a Specific Plan for the Vallco site by May 31, 2018 that would permit 389
units by right at a minimum density of 20 units per acre. The zoning for the site
would be modified as part of the Specific Plan process to allow residential uses
as part of a mixed-use development at a maximum density of 35 units per acre.
If the Specific Plan is not adopted, the City will schedule hearings consistent with
Government Code Section 65863 to consider removing Vallco Shopping District
as a Priority Housing Site and replacing it with the sites shown in Scenario B.
HEART OF THE CITY SPECIAL AREA
The Heart of the City Special Area is a key mixed-use, commercial corridor
in Cupertino. Development within this Special Area is guided by the Heart of
the City Specific Plan, which is intended to create a greater sense of place,
community identity, and a positive and memorable experience for residents,
workers and visitors in Cupertino. The area encompasses approximately 635
acres along Stevens Creek Boulevard between Highway 85 and the eastern
city limit. The Stevens Creek Boulevard corridor functions as Cupertino’s main
mixed-use, commercial and retail corridor.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Site A2: Vallco Shopping District
B-117
A majority of the Heart of the City Special Area is located within a Priority
Development Area (PDA). PDAs are the result of a regional initiative that
identifies areas where new development will support the day-to-day needs of
residents and workers in a pedestrian-friendly environment served by transit.
PDAs are critical components for implementing the region’s proposed long term
growth strategy. The level of growth in each PDA reflects its role in achieving
regional objectives and how it fits into locally designated priority growth plans.
Cupertino’s PDA area, shown on Figure B-7, includes properties within a quarter
mile of Stevens Creek Boulevard from Highway 85 to the City’s eastern border
and a portion of North and South De Anza Boulevards.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
To meet the RHNA, three sites encompassing over 15 acres have been
identified within the Heart of the City Special Area boundaries; these sites can
accommodate 411 units at densities greater than 20 units per acre. Two sites
are underutilized infill properties, one site is vacant. For underutilized parcels,
the age of onsite buildings and the parcels’ improvement-to-land value (I/L)
ratio suggest that these sites are prime opportunities for redevelopment. In
addition, the redevelopment capacity of identified sites is predicated on interest
articulated by property owners and recent development approvals in the area,
including the Metropolitan (107 units), Adobe Terrace (23 units), Main Street (120
units), and Rose Bowl (204 units) mixed-use projects.
SITE A3 (THE OAKS SHOPPING CENTER)
Site A3 is located on the north side of Stevens Creek Blvd between Highway
85 and Mary Avenue in the Oaks Gateway within the Heart of the City Special
Area. The site is comprised of four parcels (with two owner entities that
function under the same ownership) totaling 7.9 acres. The site is occupied
by the Oaks Shopping Center, which is comprised of various small-scale
commercial and restaurant tenants. Although the Center is in relatively good
condition, it was originally constructed in 1976 as a single story structure with
ample surface parking, and has a resulting low floor-area ratio. The I/L ratio
for the consolidated property is estimated at 0.31. The property owners are
very interested in redevelopment of the site with a mixed-use (residential and
commercial) product, and have issued a letter indicating this intent to the City.
The zoning for this property allows residential in addition to commercial uses.
The site presents a strong potential for a redevelopment project that includes
residential units based on its large size, potential residential capacity, adjacent
freeway access, and location adjacent to residential development. A retail
strategy report completed for Cupertino in 2014 identifies the Oaks as a site well
positioned for redevelopment, perhaps as a retail-residential mixed-use project.
Its location on Stevens Creek Boulevard adjacent to Highway 85 and in the Heart
of the City District makes high-density multi-family residential development
feasible at this site. Several relatively high-density mixed-use, residential
projects are in close proximity on Stevens Creek Boulevard. Site A3 is located
within a Priority Development Area.
The site is designated for Commercial/Residential in the General Plan, zoned
Planned Development with General Commercial and Residential (P[CG, Res]), and
allows for a maximum density of 30 units per acre. Site A3 has the potential to
yield 200 units.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-119
SITE A4 (MARINA PLAZA)
Site A4 is located at the Bandley Drive/Alves Drive intersection near the Stevens
Creek Boulevard and North De Anza Boulevard intersection, a major intersection
in the North Crossroads Node within the Heart of the City Special Area. The site
is comprised of one large (6.86-acre) parcel and is occupied by a single-story
commercial strip mall and surface parking lot. The primary shopping center
tenant is an ethnic grocery store. The site is considered underutilized given its
prime location at a major intersection and along one of the major corridors in
Cupertino, in close proximity to services and public transportation and adjacent
to existing residential neighborhoods. The location and configuration of the
site allow for access from Stevens Creek Boulevard, North De Anza Boulevard,
Bandley Drive, and Alves Drive. The property owner has expressed interest
in redeveloping the site to include residential uses. The maximum density
permitted on this site was increased in 2014 from 25 to 35 units per acre to
facilitate this type of redevelopment.
Site A4 is designated as Commercial/Office/Residential (C/O/R), zoned as
Planned Development with General Commercial and Residential (P[CG, Res]), and
allows for a maximum density of 35 units per acre. Site A4 has the potential to
yield 200 units.
Site A3: The Oaks Shopping Center
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
SITE A5 (BARRY SWENSON)
Site A5 is a vacant 0.55-acre property located along the south side of Stevens
Creek Boulevard, mid-block between Finch Avenue and North Tantau Avenue.
The site is located across the street from the 17.4-acre Main Street mixed-
use project constructed in 2014. Main Street is a high-intensity development
expected to be major community focal point. Although Site A5 is relatively small
compared to other sites included in the inventory, its location on Stevens Creek
Boulevard and in the Heart of the City Special Area is conducive to relatively
dense multi-family residential development. Furthermore, high-density multi-
family development has been built on parcels of less than one acre in Cupertino,
including the 23-unit Adobe Terrace project. The site is located along one of the
major transportation corridors in Cupertino, and in close proximity to services
and public transportation in the Heart of the City Special Area.
The owner of the property has expressed interest in developing with residential
uses, including affordable products. Site A5 is located within a Priority
Development Area.
Site A5 was included in the 2007 Housing Element. The site is designated in
the General Plan for Commercial/Office/Residential and is zoned Planned
Development with General Commercial and Residential uses (P[CG, Res]), which
allows for a maximum density of 25 units per acre. Site A4 has the potential to
yield 11 units.
Site A4: Marina Plaza
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-121
ADEQUACY OF SITES FOR RHNA - SCENARIO A
The sites inventory under Scenario A identifies capacity for 1,400 units, all of
which are on sites suitable for development of affordable housing at densities
greater than 20 units per acre. Overall, identified housing sites have the ability to
adequately accommodate the remaining RHNA of 1,002 units. Table 5.3 and 5.4
summarize the RHNA status.
5.5. RESIDENTIAL SITES INVENTORY - SCENARIO B
As noted above, one particular site identified in Scenario A will involve
substantial coordination for redevelopment (Vallco Shopping District, Site A2).
Due to the magnitude of the project, the City has established a contingency
plan to meet the RHNA if a Specific Plan is not adopted by May 31, 2018. This
contingency plan (referred to here as Scenario B and shown on Figure B-8),
involves the City removing Vallco Shopping District, adding more priority sites
to the inventory, and also increasing the density/allowable units on other
priority sites.
Four of the sites discussed in Scenario A above are also included in Scenario B,
with some modifications to density and realistic capacity on two of these sites.
Two additional sites are added to the inventory, one of which was included in the
2007-2014 Housing Element sites inventory.
Site A5: Barry Swenson Property
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
SITE B1 (THE HAMPTONS APARTMENTS)
Existing conditions, redevelopment potential, and developer interest for the
Hamptons Apartments are discussed in detail under Scenario A (Site A1). For
Scenario B, if the Vallco Shopping District Specific Plan is not adopted by May 31,
2018, the density for the Hamptons would be increased to 99 units per acre and
the associated realistic capacity would result in a net increase of 750 units, for a
total of 1,092 units on that site.
SITE B2 (THE OAKS SHOPPING CENTER)
Information regarding redevelopment potential and existing uses for the Oaks
Shopping Center is provided in detail under Scenario A (Site A3). For Scenario B,
if the Vallco Shopping District Specific Plan is not adopted by May 31, 2018, the
realistic capacity for The Oaks Shopping Center would be increased to 235 units.
This would be associated with an increase in density from 30 units per acre to
35 units per acre.
SITE B3 (MARINA PLAZA)
Marina Plaza is discussed in detail under Scenario A (Site A4). No changes are
proposed to this site in Scenario B.
SITE B4 (BARRY SWENSON PROPERTY)
The vacant property owned by Barry Swenson is discussed in detail under
Scenario A (Site A5). No changes are proposed to this site in Scenario B.
SITE B5 (GLENBROOK APARTMENTS)
Site B5 contains the Glenbrook Apartments that are not built to the maximum
allowed density in the Heart of the City Special Area. The apartment complex
has large open spaces that exceed open space requirements established in
the Zoning Code. As such, additional units could be built on the site without
removing existing uses. Spanning 31.3 acres, the site could accommodate 626
units under existing zoning, which allows for a density of 20 dwelling units to
the acre. However, the Glenbrook Apartments only contains 517 units, resulting
in additional potential for up to 109 residential units. Given the existing uses on
the site, realistic capacity was conservatively estimated at 46 percent. Assuming
Glenbrook Apartments is able to achieve 54 percent of the site’s remaining
capacity, the realistic net yield for Site B5 is 58 new units. A similar type of infill
development that involves the expansion of garden apartment complexes has
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-123
North Vallco
Park:
750 Units
Heart of the
City:
504 Units
Homestead:
132 Units
FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLAN RD
BUBB ROADPROSPECT RD
85
280
TANTAU AVE Stevens Creek
Reservoir
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Los Altos
Priority Housing Element Sites: Scenario B
Applicable if Vallco Specific Plan is not adopted by May 31, 2018
B5:
Glenbrooks
58 units
B2: Oaks
235 units
B4: Vacant
11 units
B1: Hamptons
750 units
B3: Marina
200 units
B6:
Homestead
Lanes
132 units
0 1000
0 500
2000 3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Special Areas/Neighborhoods
Legend
City Boundary
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Unincorporated Areas
North Vallco Park
Heart of the City
Housing Elements
Sites
VTA Priority
Development Area
(PDA)
Site
units Site Number:
Realistic Capacity.
Note: Realistic capacity is generally
85% of maximum capacity
Homestead
LU-1
PRIORITY HOUSING ELEMENT SITES SCENARIO B
FIGURE B-8
Applicable if Vallco Specific Plan is not adopted by May 31, 2018.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-124
Table 5.3: Summary of Priority Housing Sites - Scenario A
Site Adopted General Plan/Zoning Max Density
(DUA)Acres Realistic Capacity
(units)Affordability Level
Site A1 (The Hamptons)High Density
P(Res)85 12.44 600 Very Low/Low
Site A2 (Vallco Shopping District)
RS/O/R
P(Regional Shopping) & P(CG)
(a)
35 58.7 389 Very Low/Low
Site A3 (The Oaks Shopping
Center)
C/R
P(CG, Res)30 7.9 200 Very Low/Low
Site A4 (Marina Plaza)C/O/R
P(CG, Res)35 6.86 200 Very Low/Low
Site A5 (Barry Swenson)C/O/R
P(CG, Res)25 0.55 11 Very Low/Low
Total 86.51 1,400
Notes:
(a) Zoning to be determined by Specific Plan to allow residential uses.
(b) Realistic capacity for Sites A1, A3, A4 and A5 reduces the maximum developable units by 15 percent. Realistic capacity for Site A2 is the amount
allocated to the site in the Housing Element; a specific plan will be required for Site A2 prior to any new development.
(c) Identified capacity of sites that allow development densities of at least 20 units per acre are credited toward the lower-income RHNA based on
State law. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(c)(3)(B), local governments may utilize “default” density standards to provide evidence that
“appropriate zoning” is in place to support the development of housing for very-low and low-income households . The default density standard for
Cupertino and other suburban jurisdictions in Santa Clara County is 20 dwelling units per acre (DUA) or more.
(d) Residential capacity for Site A1 reflects the net increase in units.
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
Table 5.4: Comparison of Sites and RHNA - Scenario A
Income Category Sites Remaining
RHNA
Surplus/
Shortfall(+/-)
Extremely Low and Very Low 1,400 356
Low --207
Moderate --196
Above Moderate --243
Total 1,400 1,002 +398
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-125
previously been approved and completed in Cupertino at the Markham (formerly
known as Villa Serra) and Biltmore developments. At the Biltmore, carports were
demolished and new units constructed above ground-floor parking. New units
and additional parking were added to the Markham complex in surplus open
space and recreational areas. The Biltmore project added 29 units for a total
project size of 179 units, while the Villa Serra development added 117 units to
achieve a total of 506 units. In both cases, existing units were not destroyed to
accommodate the expansion. Furthermore, in 2013 the Biltmore added six units
by demolishing existing carports and has received entitlements to add seven
more units above a clubhouse serving the development in an existing open
space area in 2014.
Similar to the Biltmore Apartments, the Glenbrook Apartments complex
has large areas of land dedicated to carports. As was done in the Biltmore
development, the carport areas can be converted to ground floor parking with
new units above. Additional units could be constructed without affecting existing
residential units at the site.
This site was recommended by members of the public and the community
supports the expansion of the Glenbrook Apartments. The trend of adding
new units to existing garden apartment complexes is expected to continue in
Cupertino due to the limited supply of vacant land and the high demand for
residential units in the city. The financial feasibility of additional units on Site
B5 is particularly strong because the property has long-time landowners who
purchased the land when prices were much lower. Site B5 was included in the
2007 Housing Element.
The site is designated in the General Plan as Medium Density (10 to 20 dwelling
units per acre) and zoned Multi-Family Residential (R3), allowing for a maximum
density of 20 units per acre. Site B5 has the potential to yield 58 new units.
SITE B6 (HOMESTEAD LANES)
Site B6 is located in the Stelling Gateway within the Homestead Special Area
and bounded by the Markham Apartments to the east, additional apartments
and I-280 to the south, and the city boundary with the City of Sunnyvale to the
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
west. The Homestead Special Area includes commercial uses and several low-,
medium-, and high-density residential neighborhoods. Site B6 is comprised
of four parcels totaling 5.1 acres and is currently occupied by a strip mall
commercial center and surface parking. The Homestead Bowl bowling alley is
the primary site tenant. Additional site tenants include small-scale restaurants
and a nail salon. The northwest corner of the site is occupied by a McDonalds
Restaurant. I/L ratios for the parcels (ranging from 0 to 1.29) indicate that,
except for the McDonalds Restaurant, the land value far exceeds the value of
buildings on the site. Site B6 represents a strong redevelopment opportunity
as a mixed-use site based on the I/L ratios, combined with the large size of the
site, deferred maintenance on the primary site, the close proximity to a major
transportation route (freeway), the low-intensity and marginal nature of most of
the current uses, and its corner location.
Site B5: Glenbrook Apartments
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Site B6: Homestead Lanes and Adjacency
B-127
The site is designated as Commercial/Residential (C/R), zoned Planned
Development with General Commercial (P[CG]) and Planned Development
with Recreation and Entertainment Uses (P[Rec, Enter]), and has a maximum
permitted density of 35 dwelling units per acre. Site B6 has the potential to yield
132 units.
ADEQUACY OF SITES FOR RHNA - SCENARIO B
The sites inventory under Scenario B identifies capacity for 1,386 units, all of
which are on sites suitable for development of affordable housing. Overall,
identified housing sites have the ability to adequately accommodate the
remaining RHNA of 1,002 units. Table 5.5 and 5.6 summarize the RHNA status
for Scenario B.
5.6. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
The sites inventory analysis reflects land use designations and densities
established in the General Plan Land Use and Community Design Element. Thus,
any environmental constraints that would lower the potential yield have already
been accounted for. Sites identified to meet the RHNA are located in urbanized
areas on previously developed sites; as such, there are no wetlands or other
important biological issues of concern.
Any additional constraints that would occur on a more detailed site review
basis would be addressed as part of the individual project review process. The
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
capacity to meet the regional share and individual income categories are not
constrained by any environmental conditions.
5.7. AVAILABILITY OF SITE INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
Site development potential indicated in the sites inventory is consistent with
(and in most cases lower than) the development capacity reported in the Land
Use and Community Design Element. Full urban-level services are available
throughout the city and specifically to each site in the inventory. Such services
are more than adequate for the potential unit yield on each site. As indicated
in the EIR for the General Plan Amendment and the Housing Element, there
are sufficient water supplies available to serve the sites identified to meet the
RHNA. With regard to sewer capacity, some capacity deficiencies exist in certain
areas of Cupertino, including sewer lines serving the City Center area and lines
on Stelling Road and Foothill Boulevard. As a result, the Cupertino Sanitary
District requires developers of substantial projects to demonstrate that adequate
capacity exists, or to identify the necessary mitigations. Development within
these areas is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that adequate sewer
capacity exists.
5.8. ZONING FOR EMERGENCY SHELTERS AND TRANSITIONAL AND
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
To facilitate the development of emergency housing and comply with State law,
the City amended the Zoning Code in 2010 to address emergency shelters and
transitional and supportive housing.
EMERGENCY SHELTERS
An emergency shelter is a facility that provides temporary housing with minimal
supportive services and is limited to occupancy of six months or less. State
law requires Cupertino to permit emergency shelters without discretionary
approvals in at least one zoning district in the City.
The BQ zone is suitable to include permanent emergency shelters as a
permitted use, and has historically allowed for rotating emergency shelters.
Other uses currently permitted in the BQ zone with a conditional use permit
include religious, civic, and comparable organizations, public utility companies,
lodges, country clubs, child care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate
residences, hospitals, and vocational and specialized schools.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 5.5: Summary of Priority Housing SItes - SCENARIO B
Site
Special Area/
Neighborhood General Plan/Zoning
Max
Density
(DUA)
Acres
Realistic
Capacity
(units)
Affordability
Level
Site B1 (Hamptons)North Vallco Park High Density
P(Res)
99(a)12.44 750 Very Low/Low
Site B2 (The Oaks Shopping
Center)
Heart of the City C/R
P(CG, Res)
35 (b)7.9 235 Very Low/Low
Site B3 (Marina Plaza)Heart of the City C/O/R
P(CG, Res)
35 6.86 200 Very Low/Low
Site B4 (Barry Swenson)Heart of the City C/O/R
P(CG, Res)
25 0.55 11 Very Low/Low
Site B5 (Glenbrook
Apartments)
Heart of the City Medium Density
R3(10-20)
20 31.3 58 Very Low/Low
Site B6 (Homestead Lanes
and Adjacency)
Homestead C/R (c)
P(CG, Res) (c)
35 (c)5.1 132 Very Low/Low
Total 64.24 1,386
Site B6 (Carl Berg property)North De Anza O/I/C/R
P(CG, ML, Res)
25 7.98 169 Very Low/Low
Total 87.31 1318
Notes:
(a) A General Plan Amendement and zoning change will be ncessary to allow the increase in density from 85 to 99 units per acre on Site B1.
(b) A General Plan Amendment and zoning change will be necessary to allow the increase in density from 30 to 35 units per acre on Site B2.
(c) A General Plan Amendment and zoning change will be necessary to allow residential uses at 35 units per acre on Site B6. Existing zoning for Site B6
is P(Rec, Enter).
(d) Realistic capacity reduces the maximum developable units by 15 percent on Sites B1, B2, B3, B4, and B6. Realistic capacity of Site B5 is (d)reduced by
46 percent due to existing site constraints.
(e) Identified capacity of sites that allow development densities of at least 20 units per acre are credited toward the lower-income RHNA based on
State law. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(c)(3)(B), local governments may utilize “default” density standards to provide evidence that
“appropriate zoning” is in place to support the development of housing for very-low and low-income households . The default density standard for
Cupertino and other suburban jurisdictions in Santa Clara County is 20 dwelling units per acre (DUA) or more.
(f) Realistic capacity for sites B1 and B5 represent net new units.
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
As discussed in the Needs Assessment, the 2013 Santa Clara County Homeless
Survey identified 112 homeless individuals on the streets and in emergency
shelters, transitional housing, and domestic violence shelters in the city of
Cupertino. The homeless facilities in Cupertino have a capacity to house 20
individuals. As a result, there is a need to accommodate at least 92 more
homeless individuals in the City.
There are several underutilized parcels within the BQ zone that could
accommodate a permanent emergency shelter that serves 92 or more
individuals. In particular, a number of churches in BQ zones own more land than
they currently use. Surplus lands owned by churches include large parking lots
and recreational spaces like fields and tennis courts. There are at least five
parcels with approximately 154,000 square feet of vacant land in the BQ zone
that could accommodate a permanent emergency shelter. These sites range
from 19,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet, with an average lot size of 31,000
square feet. Parcels of this size would be able to accommodate a permanent
emergency shelter that meets the needs of Cupertino.
Those parcels with surplus land area in the BQ zone are primarily located
on or near Cupertino’s main arterial corridors, providing for easy access to
public transportation and essential services. In total, 12 bus lines and 131
Table 5.6: Comparison of Sites and RHNA - Scenario B
Income Category Sites Remaining
RHNA
Surplus/
Shortfall(+/-)
Extremely Low and Very Low 1,386 356
Low --207
Moderate --196
Above Moderate --243
Total 1,386 1,002 +384
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
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B-131
bus stops serve the City of Cupertino. Numerous bus lines run along Stevens
Creek Boulevard, providing connections to many destinations throughout
Silicon Valley. West Valley Community Services, a nonprofit organization that
provides homeless services, is located within 1.5 miles of these parcels. In
addition, the Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center is located within 2.5 miles of
the parcels. Many of the City’s retail and personal services are concentrated
along Cupertino’s major corridors. As such, the underutilized BQ parcels are
appropriate locations for future emergency shelters. Opportunities for the
conversion of existing buildings in the BQ zone into permanent emergency
shelters is more limited because there are currently no vacant buildings in the
zone. However, if vacancies arise within the BQ zones, rehabilitation and reuse
for emergency shelters could be explored.
Emergency homeless shelters are designated as a permitted use in the Quasi
Public Building (BQ) zone. The ordinance includes the following emergency
shelter operational regulations:
• The number of occupants does not exceed 25
• Adequate supervision is provided
• Fire safety regulations are met
• A management plan is provided which includes a detailed operation plan
• Shelter is available to any individual or household regardless of their ability
to pay
• Occupancy is limited to six months or less.
Housing Element Strategy 22 states that the City will continue to facilitate housing
opportunities for special needs persons by allowing emergency shelters as a
permitted use in the “BQ” Quasi-Public zoning district.
In addition, rotating homeless shelters are also permitted within existing church
structures in the BQ zone under similar conditions. The operation period
of rotating shelters cannot exceed two months in any one-year span at a
single location.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
TRANSITIONAL AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
Transitional housing is defined as rental housing for stays of at least six months
but where the units are re-circulated to another program recipient after a set
period. Supportive housing has no limit on the length of stay, and is linked to
onsite or offsite services. Senate Bill 2 clarified that transitional housing and
supportive housing constitute residential uses. Zoning ordinances must treat
transitional and supportive housing as a proposed residential use and subject
only to those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type in
the same zone. In Cupertino, transitional and supportive housing developments
are treated as residential land uses subject to the same approval process
and development standards as other residential uses. The Zoning Code lists
transitional and supportive housing as a permitted use in all zones allowing
residential. These facilities are subject to the same development standards and
permit processing criteria required for residential dwellings of the same type in
the same zones.
5.9. FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR HOUSING
The City of Cupertino has access to a variety of funding sources for affordable
housing activities. These include programs from federal, state, local, and private
resources.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
Through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the federal
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funds to local
governments for funding a wide range of housing and community development
activities for low-income persons. During the 2013 fiscal year, the City of Cupertino
received $342,702 in CDBG funds. CDBG funds are used for public services, site
acquisition, housing rehabilitation, and fair housing/housing counseling activities.
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME)
The City of Cupertino entered into a multi-city HOME Consortium with the County of
Santa Clara. As such, developers of eligible affordable housing projects within the
City of Cupertino can competitively apply annually to the County of Santa Clara for
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-133
HOME Funds for City of Cupertino affordable housing projects. The initial program
year in which HOME funds will become eligible to the City of Cupertino will begin
July 1, 2015. Eligible HOME activities may include, but are not limited to acquisition,
construction, rehabilitation and tenant based rental assistance (TBRA).
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SET-ASIDE FUNDS
Redevelopment Agency (RDA) housing set-aside funds, which used to be a primary
local funding source for affordable housing, are no longer available to assist in
new affordable housing development or acquisition/rehabilitation of existing units
for conversion into affordable housing. This loss is associated with the Governor’s
2011 state budget revisions and subsequent court cases, and as a result, funding
sources for affordable housing are significantly more constrained. Cupertino’s
Redevelopment Agency dissolved as of February 1, 2012 according to state law.
The City elected to become a Successor to the Redevelopment Agency (Successor
Agency) in order to manage the wind-down of remaining contracts and obligations
of the former Redevelopment Agency. The City does not have any available housing
bond funds remaining from this source nor is it anticipated to receive program
income in the future.
LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS (LIHTC)
Created by the 1986 Tax Reform Act, the LIHTC program has been used in
combination with City and other resources to encourage the construction and
rehabilitation of rental housing for lower-income households. The program allows
investors an annual tax credit over a 10-year period, provided that the housing
meets the following minimum low-income occupancy requirements: 20 percent
of the units must be affordable to households at 50 percent of AMI or 40 percent
of the units must be affordable to those at 60 percent of AMI. The total credit
over the 10-year period has a present value equal to 70 percent of the qualified
construction and rehabilitation expenditure. The tax credit is typically sold to large
investors at a syndication value.
MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE (MCC) PROGRAM
The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program was created by the federal
government, but the program is locally administered by the County of Santa Clara
to assist first-time homebuyers in qualifying for a mortgage. The IRS allows
eligible homebuyers with an MCC to take 20 percent of their annual mortgage
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
interest as a dollar-for-dollar tax credit against their federal personal income
tax. This enables first-time homebuyers to qualify for a larger mortgage than
otherwise possible, and thus can bring home ownership within reach. In 1987,
the County of Santa Clara established an MCC Program that has since assisted
over 200 low and moderate-income first time homebuyers in Cupertino to qualify
for a mortgage. However, as housing prices continue to rise in Cupertino, use of
MCC has become less feasible. During the last Housing Element period, the MCC
Program assisted three Cupertino low- and moderate-income residents.
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8 Rental
Assistance) is a federal program that provides rental assistance to very-low
income persons in need of affordable housing. This program offers a voucher
that pays the difference between the current fair market rent and what a tenant
can afford to pay (e.g. 30 percent of their income). The voucher allows a tenant to
choose housing that may cost above the payment standard but the tenant must
pay the extra cost.
HOUSING TRUST SILICON VALLEY
Housing Trust Silicon Valley provides loans and grants to increase the supply
of affordable housing, assist first-time homebuyers, prevent homelessness
and stabilize neighborhoods. The Housing Trust’s Affordable Housing Growth
Fund intakes funds from local jurisdictions and provides matching grants for
predevelopment activities, acquisition, and construction and rehabilitation
of multi-family affordable housing developments. The City of Cupertino has
contributed to the Fund through its former Redevelopment Agency.
BELOW MARKET RATE (BMR) AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND (AHF)
The City of Cupertino has a Below Market Rate Affordable Housing Fund that
provides financial assistance to affordable housing projects, programs and
services. The City requires payment of an Office and Industrial Mitigation fee,
which is assessed on developers of office and industrial space and a Housing
Mitigation fee, which is assessed on developers of market-rate rental housing to
mitigate the need for affordable housing created by new development. Developers
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of for-sale housing with six or fewer units are required to pay the Housing
Mitigation fee. Developers of market-rate rental units, where the units cannot be
sold individually, must pay the Housing Mitigation fee to the Affordable Housing
Trust Fund to be consistent with recent court decisions and the State Costa-
Hawkins Act regarding rent control. All affordable housing mitigation fees are
deposited into the City’s Below Market-Rate (BMR) Affordable Housing Fund (AHF).
Recent funding activities have included loans and grants to non-profit developers
for acquisition and rehabilitation activities and public services such as landlord/
tenant mediation services provided through Project Sentinel, and assistance to
very low income persons and families provided through West Valley Community
Services. As of 2014, there is approximately $7 million in the BMR Affordable
Housing Fund.
GENERAL FUND HUMAN SERVICE GRANTS (HSG) PROGRAM
Annually, the City of Cupertino provides approximately $40,000 to non-profit
agencies providing needed services to Cupertino residents. HSG Program funds
are proposed to be allocated on a competitive basis toward eligible public service
activities. Recent recipients have used the funds to provide transitional housing
for domestic violence victim, senior adult day care services and legal assistance
services to seniors.
6. ANALYSIS OF CONSISTENCY WITH GENERAL PLAN
The City’s various General Plan components were reviewed to evaluate their
consistency with the policies and strategies outlined in the Housing Element
Update. The following section summarizes the goals of each General Plan element
and identifies supporting Housing Element policies and strategies. This analysis
demonstrates that the policies and strategies of this Housing Element provide
consistency with the policies set forth in the General Plan and its associated
elements. When amendments are made to the safety, conservation, land use, or
other elements of the City’s General Plan, the housing element will be reviewed for
internal consistency.
6.1. LAND USE/COMMUNITY DESIGN
GOALS
• Create a cohesive, connected community with a distinctive center and an
identifiable edge
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
• Ensure a compact community boundary that allows efficient delivery of
municipal services
• Establish a high sense of identity and community character
• Maintain a thriving and balanced community
• Promote thriving and diverse businesses that bring economic vitality to
the community, while balancing housing, traffic and community character
impacts
• Protect hillsides and promote regional planning coordination
• Expand City-wide access to community facilities and services
• Protect historically and archaeologically significant structures, sites and
artifacts
• Promote a civic environment where the arts express an innovative spirit,
celebrate a rich cultural diversity and inspire individual and community
participation
• Create a full range of park and recreational resources that link the
community, provide outdoor recreation, preserve natural resources and
support public health and safety
SUPPORTING HOUSING ELEMENT POLICIES
Policies HE-2, HE-3, HE-4, HE-5, and HE-13
SUPPORTING HOUSING ELEMENT STRATEGIES
HE Strategies 1 and 26
6.2. CIRCULATION
GOALS
• Advocate for regional transportation planning decisions that support and
complement the needs of Cupertino
• Increase the use of public transit, carpools, bicycling, walking and
telecommuting
• Create a comprehensive network of pedestrian and bicycle routes and
facilities
• Increased the use of public transit service and encourage the development of
new rapid transit service
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• Maintain roadway designs that accounts for the needs of motorists,
pedestrians, bicycles and adjacent land uses
• Minimize adverse traffic and circulation impacts on residential
neighborhoods
SUPPORTING HOUSING ELEMENT POLICIES
Policy HE-3 and HE-14
SUPPORTING HOUSING ELEMENT STRATEGIES
HE Strategies 3 and 26
6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES/SUSTAINABILITY
GOALS
• Ensure a sustainable future for the City of Cupertino
• Reduce the use of non-renewable energy resources
• Improve energy conservation and building efficiency
• Maintain healthy air quality levels for the citizens of Cupertino through local
planning efforts
• Protect specific areas of natural vegetation and wildlife habitation to support
a sustainable environment
• Ensure mineral resource areas minimize community impacts and identify
future uses
• Ensure the protection and efficient use of water resources
• Improve the quality of storm water runoff
• Reduce locally produced solid waste in order to reduce energy, protect
resources and meet or exceed state requirements
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
• Ensure adequate sewer capacity
• Ensure adequate public infrastructure for existing uses and planned growth
SUPPORTING HOUSING ELEMENT POLICIES
Policies HE-10 and HE-14
SUPPORTING HOUSING ELEMENT STRATEGIES
HE Strategies 20, 21 and 26
6.4 HEALTH AND SAFETY
GOALS
• Reduce hazard risks through regional coordination and mitigation planning
• Reduce risks associated with geologic and seismic hazards
• Protect the community from hazards associated with wildland and urban
fires through efficient and effective fire and emergency services
• Minimize the loss of life and property through appropriate fire prevention
measures
• Create an all-weather emergency road system to serve rural areas
• Ensure available water service in the hillside and canyon areas
• Ensure high quality police services that maintain the community’s low crime
rate and ensure a high level of public safety
• Protection people and property from the risks associated with hazardous
materials and exposure to electromagnetic fields
• Ensure a high level of emergency preparedness to cope with both natural or
human-caused disasters
• Protect people and property from risks associated with floods
• Maintain a compatible noise environment for existing and future land uses
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• Reduce the noise impact from major streets and freeways on Cupertino
residents
• Protect residential areas as much as possible from intrusive non-traffic
noise
• Design buildings to minimize noise
SUPPORTING HOUSING ELEMENT POLICIES
N/A
SUPPORTING HOUSING ELEMENT STRATEGIES
N/A
7. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
7.1 STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS
Stakeholder interviews were conducted on December 11 and 12, 2013 to solicit
input from stakeholders ranging from community members, property owners,
housing developers, service providers, School Districts and the business
community. The following agencies were invited to participate (bolded agencies
and persons participated, totaling 25 people):
• Advocates for a Better Cupertino
• CARe (Cupertino Against Rezoning)
• CCC (Concerned Citizens of Cupertino)
• Cupertino Citizens for Fair Government (CCFG)
• De Anza College
• Silicon Valley Leadership Group
• Cupertino Chamber of Commerce
• Asian American Business Council
• West Valley Community Services
• League of Women Voters
• HBANC (Bay Area Building Industry Association)
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
• Housing Choices Coalition
• Organization of Special Needs Families
• Silicon Valley Association of Realtors
• Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
• Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity
• Live Oak Adult Day Services
• Maitri
• Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA)
• Rotary Club
• Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley
• Senior Housing Solutions
• Charities Housing
• YWCA Silicon Valley-Support Network Department
• United Way Silicon Valley
• Outreach and Escort
• Santa Clara Family Health Foundation
• Support Network for Battered Women
• Institute for Age-Friendly Housing
• Senior Citizens Commission
• Santa Clara County Council of Churches
• Mid Pen Housing
• Habitat For Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley
• Chinese American Realtors Association
• Fremont Union High School District
• Cupertino-Fremont Council of PTA
• Cupertino Union School District
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B-141
• Modena Investments LP, Sunnyvale Holding LLC
• Altos Enterprises Inc., Alpha Investments & Property Management Co.
• LPMD Architects
• Unaffiliated builders, lenders, and property owners
A summary of common themes from the interviews is summarized below.
All comments and ideas are reported in aggregate and not attributed to any
individual or organization.
HOUSING NEEDS
• Overall housing affordability and the difference between housing demand
and supply at all income levels
• Need for diversity of affordable rental units at all income levels and all
household types
• Need to accommodate a growing aging population
• Smaller units including innovative housing models (e.g. dorms/boarding
houses, senior care homes, efficiency studios, shared & co-housing, micro
units)
COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance is low due to impacts on schools, privacy, parking, noise
and traffic
• Support for mixed use development in the style of Santana Row and
Downtown Mountain View
• Improved local governmental transparency and community development
TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT
• Developers and advocates felt that three to five story development is
appropriate for adding units but community representatives are concerned
about increased height of multi-family development
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
BARRIERS TO DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING INCLUDE
• Financial constraints, particularly due to the dissolution of Redevelopment
Agencies and elimination of many federal and state funding sources and
• Lack of community and political support for housing
COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS GROUPS
• Housing is a “choke point” in regional economy since it is hard to attract
and retain employees in a highly competitive housing market
• Several interviewees felt that private employers should be obligated to
provide more resources to housing
• Many felt that while employers feel concerned about schools and housing,
they generally work to limit fees and taxes to businesses
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
• Schools in the northern part of the City are impacted due to higher student
generation rates in existing housing while capacity in the south of the city
is declining, likely due to aging households.
• Capacity, where needed, is being expanded by adding new buildings or,
preferably, temporary and modular units.
• Currently using programs, centers and busing to distribute students
• Reluctant to re-district since homeowners purchase homes based on the
school service areas
• Most of the Apple Campus 2 school impact fees will be allocated to the
Santa Clara Unified School District while they expect that most employees
who move to the area will reside within the CUSD service
7.2. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS HOUSING ELEMENT
A thorough review of the City’s housing plan constitutes an important first step in
updating the Cupertino Housing Element. This section provides an evaluation of
the City’s progress towards achieving housing goals and objectives as set forth
in the prior Housing Element, and analyzes the efficacy and appropriateness
of the City’s housing policies and programs. This review forms a key basis for
restructuring the City’s housing plan to meet the housing needs of the Cupertino
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community. Table 7.1 provides a detailed summary of the City’s progress in
implementing the programs outlined in the 2007-2014 Housing Element and Table
7.2 summarizes the City’s progress toward its RHNA.
In the 2007-2013 period, many factors restricted the development of lower income
housing, including the dissolution of redevelopment agencies, diminished local,
state, and federal funding, legal challenges against inclusionary housing policies,
the Palmer decision invalidating inclusionary requirements for rental housing, and
a depressed housing market for the majority of the planning period. As a result,
affordable housing production statewide was seriously impacted. For example, at
the State level, some affordable housing programs either did not issue Notices of
Funding Availability (NOFAs) or the funding levels and grant award amounts were
substantially diminished. At the federal level, CDBG and HOME funds have been
consistently reduced over the last several years.
According to ABAG, regionally, only 41 percent of the RHNA was met and only
about 22 percent of the lower income RHNA was met. Furthermore, the majority
of the lower income units were constructed in San Francisco and in the cities of
Oakland and San Jose.
Despite the challenges with funding limitations, market conditions, and legal
constraints, the City of Cupertino remains committed to affordable housing. Given
the competitive nature of affordable housing funding at the State and federal
levels, generating local funding through its Housing Mitigation Program (Non-
residential and Residential) is an important strategy to the City. The City is in the
process of updating its Nexus Study, currently progressing on a fast track, with
an anticipated adoption in 2015. The new Nexus Study would allow the City to
continue to implement its Housing Mitigation Program and to impose reasonable
and appropriate fees that reflect the local housing market conditions.
7.3. PARCEL-SPECIFIC SITES INVENTORY TABLE
Local housing elements must identify sites that can accommodate the city’s share
of the regional housing need as well as quantify the housing unit capacity of those
sites. Moreover, the sites must be suitable, appropriate and available within the
planning period to accommodate the housing needs of all income groups. The
sites inventory must be presented on a parcel-specific basis.
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-144
Cupertino’s sites inventory to meet the 2014-2022 RHNA allocation identifies a
total of 1,400 units. Detailed information on each parcel included in the inventory is
presented in Table 7.3 and Table 7.4 for both Scenario A and Scenario B.
7.4. COMMENT LETTER TO HCD
During the 60-day HCD review period, one comment letter was submitted to
HCD from the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley. The following responses provide
information pertaining to each of the comments in the letter:
COMMENT 1: THE HE FAILS TO ANALYZE CUPERTINO’S FAILURE TO PRODUCE
AFFORDABLE UNITS DURING THE PAST PLANNING PERIOD.
Local jurisdictions are obligated to identify adequate sites with appropriate
densities and development standards to accommodate the RHNA. State Housing
Element law recognizes that cities and counties do not have control over market
conditions and often do not have adequate resources to produce the number
of lower income units identified in the Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(RHNA). The RHNA is a planning goal and not a production obligation for local
jurisdictions.
Despite the challenges with funding limitations, market conditions, and legal
constraints, the City of Cupertino remains committed to affordable housing. The
City has added additional information to address this comment on page B-159 of
the Housing Element Appendix.
COMMENT 2: THE HE SHOULD ADDRESS NON-GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
ON HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
While the Housing Element law specifies that local jurisdictions must evaluate
non-governmental constraints on housing development, the law is also clear that
local jurisdictions must “address and, where appropriate and legally possible,
remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and
development of housing” [Gov’t Code 65583(c)(3)], but the same is not required
for nongovernmental constraints.
ECONOMIC DISPLACEMENT
As a built out community, housing development in Cupertino has primarily
occurred through recycling of existing underutilized commercial/mixed use
properties. During the last Housing Element period, no housing project involving
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 7.1: Summary of Accomplishments of 2007-2014 Housing Element Implementation Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Goals, Policies and
Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Program
Accomplishments
Continued Appropriateness for 2014-2022
Housing Element
Goal B: Housing is Affordable for a Diversity of Cupertino Households
Policy 2: Housing Mitigation Plan
Program 4: Housing Mitigation Plan – Office and
Industrial Mitigation
Continue to implement Office and Industrial
Mitigation fee program.
Between 2007 and 2013, $1,195,414 had been
collected through the Housing Mitigation Program
(Office/Industrial and Residential) and deposited
to the Below Market-Rate (BMR) Affordable
Housing Fund (AHF).
This program represents a key financing
mechanism for affordable housing in Cupertino
and is proposed to be included and revised in the
2014-2022 Housing Element.
Program 5: Housing Mitigation Program –
Residential Mitigation
Continue to implement the “Housing Mitigation”
program to mitigate the need for affordable
housing created by new market-rate residential
development.
Between 2007 and 2013, 20 Below Market Rate
(BMR) units were created through the Residential
Housing Mitigation Program:
• 17 BMR rental units (Markham)
• 3 BMR ownership units (Las Palmas)
The City contracts with West Valley Community
Services (WVCS) to administer the Below Market-
Rate (BMR) Affordable Housing Program which
includes placing eligible households in the City’s
BMR units.
Between 2007 and 2013, $1,195,414 had been
collected through the Housing Mitigation Program
(Office/Industrial and Residential) and deposited
to the City’s Below Market-Rate (BMR) Affordable
Housing Fund (AHF).
This program represents a key mechanism for
affordable housing in Cupertino and is proposed to
be included and revised in the 2014-2022 Housing
Element.
Program 6: Affordable Housing Fund
Provide financial assistance to affordable housing
developments. Expend housing funds in the
following manner:
• Finance affordable housing projects.
• Establish a down payment assistance plan
that may be used in conjunction with the BMR
program or to make market rate units more
affordable.
• Establish a rental subsidy program to make
market rate units more affordable.
Between 2007 and 2013, $1,195,414 had been
collected through the Housing Mitigation Program
(Office/Industrial and Residential) and deposited
to the City’s Below Market-Rate (BMR) Affordable
Housing Fund (AHF). These fun=ds were used to
support affordable housing projects, programs
and services such as:
• Project Sentinel – Landlord/Tenant Mediation
Services
• West Valley Community Services (WVCS) –
BMR Program Administration
• 19935 Price Avenue – Acquisition of affordable
housing residential rental property.
However, the City did not establish a downpayment
assistance program or a rental subsidy program.
The City will continue to utilize the Below Market-
Rate (BMR) Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) to
support affordable housing projects, programs
and services. This program is proposed to be
included and revised in the 2014-2022 Housing
Element with a revised expanded list of potential
eligible uses of funds.
Table 7.1: Summary of Accomplishments of 2007-2014 Housing Element Implementation Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Goals, Policies and
Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Program
Accomplishments
Continued Appropriateness for 2014-2022
Housing Element
Goal A: An Adequate Supply of Residential Units for All Economic Segments
Policy 1: Sufficiently Residentially Zoned Land for New Construction Need
Program 1: Zoning and Land Use Designations
Rezone one property (APN: 326-10-046) of 7.98
acres from 10 units per acre to 25 units per acre
to accommodate up to 199 units.
The City completed the rezoning of 7.98 acres
of land from 10 du/ac to 25 du/ac in 2010. The
City is currently updating the Land Use Element
concurrent with the Housing Element update.
The Land Use Element update will likely result
in additional sites for residential and mixed use
development to accommodate the fifth cycle RHNA
of 1,064 units.
This program is proposed to be included and
revised in the 2014-2022 Housing Element to
reflect the need to maintain an inventory of sites
to accommodate the new RHNA of 1,064 units.
Program 2: Second Dwelling Unit Ordinance
Continue to implement ordinance to achieve 25
second units
Between 2007 and 2013, 31 second units were
constructed in the City.
This program continues to be appropriate for the
City and is proposed to be included in the 2014-
2022 Housing Element.
Program 3: Encourage Lot Consolidation
Continue to encourage lot consolidation through
master plans. Provide technical assistance to
property owners.
The City continues to provide assistance to
property owners regarding lot consolidation.
This is an ongoing activity and is proposed to be
included and revised in the 2014-2022 Housing
Element.
Goal B: Housing is Affordable for a Diversity of Cupertino Households
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 7.1: Summary of Accomplishments of 2007-2014 Housing Element Implementation Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Goals, Policies and
Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Program
Accomplishments
Continued Appropriateness for 2014-2022
Housing Element
Policy 3: Range of Housing Types
Program 7: Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
Program
Participate in the countywide MCC program to
assist one to two households annually.
The County of Santa Clara continues to operate
this program. However, given the high home prices
in Cupertino, the potential of utilizing this program
is limited. As of 2013, the maximum purchase
price limits were $570,000 for resale properties
and $630,000 for new units.
This program is proposed to be included in the
2014-2022 Housing Element as a new program –
Referral to Housing Resources.
Program 8: Move-In for Less Program
Program is offered by the Apartments Association.
This program offered by the Tri-County Apartment
Association was discontinued in 2010.
This program is proposed to be removed from the
2014-2022 Housing Element.
Program 9: Surplus Property for Housing
Explore opportunities on surplus properties as
follows:
• In conjunction with local public agencies,
school districts and churches, develop a
list of surplus property or underutilized
property that have the potential for residential
development.
• Encourage long-term land leases of property
from churches, school districts corporations
for construction of affordable units.
• Evaluate the feasibility of developing special
housing for teachers or other employee
groups on the surplus properties.
• Review housing programs in neighboring
school districts that assist teachers for
applicability in Cupertino
As part of the 2014-2022 Housing Element update
and concurrent Land Use Element update, the City
has explored and prioritized various vacant and
underutilized properties with potential residential
and mixed use development within the next eight
years. These properties are included in the sites
inventory for the Housing Element
This program is proposed to be included and
revised in the 2015-2023 Housing Element.
Program 10: Jobs/Housing Balance Program
Require major new office/industrial development
to build housing as part of new development
projects.
The City’s General Plan and 2007-2014 Housing
Element offer adequate capacity to accommodate
the City’s RHNA for the planning period. The City
continues to implement its Housing Mitigation
Program to enhance the jobs/housing balance in
the community.
This program is proposed to be included and
revised in the 2014-2022 Housing Element as
key elements of three new programs – Land Use
Policy and Zoning Provisions, Housing Mitigation
Plan – Office and Industrial Mitigation and Housing
Mitigation Plan – Residential Mitigation.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 7.1: Summary of Accomplishments of 2007-2014 Housing Element Implementation Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Goals, Policies and
Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Program
Accomplishments
Continued Appropriateness for 2014-2022
Housing Element
Policy 4: Housing Rehabilitation
Program 11: Affordable Housing Information and
Support
Provide information, resources and support to
developers who can produce affordable housing
The City continues to provide information,
resources, and support to developers.
This program is proposed to be included in the
2014-2022 Housing Element.
Policy 5: Development of Affordable Housing
Program 12: Density Bonus Program
Allow for a density bonus and additional
concessions for development of 6 or more units
that provide affordable housing for families and
seniors
As part of the 2015-2023 Housing Element update,
the City is also amending its Zoning Code to revise
the Density Bonus Ordinance to be consistent with
State law.
This program is proposed to be included and
revised in the 2015-2023 Housing Element. A new
revised Density Bonus Ordinance was adopted in
2014.
Program 13: Regulatory Incentives for Affordable
Housing
Provide regulatory incentives for affordable
housing, such as waiving park dedication fees and
construction tax for affordable units, or reducing
parking requirement for mixed use developments.
The City continues to waive park dedication
fees and provide parking ordinance waivers for
affordable developments.
This program is proposed to be included in the
2014-2022 Housing Element.
Program 14: Extremely Low Income Housing
Encourage the development of adequate housing
to meet the needs of extremely low-income
households by providing assistance and funding
for affordable housing developments
The City continues to support the development
of housing affordable to extremely low income
households.
This program is proposed to be included and
revised in the 2014-2022 Housing Element.
The proposed revision will include Housing for
Persons with Special Needs to be added to this
program.
Program 15: Residential and Mixed Use
Opportunities in or Near Employment Centers
Encourage mixed use development and the use of
shared parking facilities in or near employment
centers. Evaluate the possibility of allowing
residential development above existing parking
areas.
As part of the 2015-2023 Housing Element update
and concurrent Land Use Element update, the City
has explored and prioritized various vacant and
underutilized properties with potential residential
and mixed use development within the next eight
years. These properties are included in the sites
inventory for the Housing Element.
This program is proposed to be added as a policy
statement to Goal A: An Adequate Supply of
Residential Units for All Economic Segments for
the 2014-2022 Housing Element to encourage
mixed use development.
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APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 7.1: Summary of Accomplishments of 2007-2014 Housing Element Implementation Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Goals, Policies and
Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Program
Accomplishments
Continued Appropriateness for 2014-2022
Housing Element
Program 16: Expedited Permit Procedures
Expedite permit processing for housing
developments that contain at least 20 percent of
units for lower-income households, or 10 percent
of units for very low-income households, or 50
percent of units for senior citizens.
The City continues of offer expedited permit
processing for affordable housing projects
meeting the State Density Bonus requirements.
This program is proposed to be included but
revised in the 2014-2022 Housing Element as a
new program - Incentives for Affordable Housing
Development
Policy 6: Tax Increment Funds
Program 17: Redevelopment Housing Set Aside
Fund
Develop policies and objectives for the use of
those Low and Moderate Income Housing Funds.
The Redevelopment Agency was dissolved in 2012,
pursuant to AB1X26 and AB1X27.
Program is proposed to be removed from the
2014-2022 Housing Element.
Policy 7: Housing Densities
Program 18: Flexible Residential Standards
Allow flexible residential development standards
in planned residential zoning districts, such as
smaller lot sizes, lot widths, floor area ratios
and setbacks, particularly for higher density and
attached housing developments.
The City continues to offer flexible development
standards.
Policy 7 and this program are proposed to be
included in the 2014-2022 Housing Element under
Goal A to facilitate a range of housing options in
the community.
Program 19: Residential Development Exceeding
Maximums
Allow residential developments to exceed planned
density maximums if they provide special needs
housing
The City continues to provide this regulatory
incentive to facilitate affordable housing for
persons with special needs. However, no
development utilized this incentive between 2007
and 2013.
This program is proposed to be included and
revised in the 2014-2022 Housing Element as
part of a new program – Housing for Extremely
Low Income Households and Persons with Special
Needs
Program 20: Monitor R-3 Development Standards
Monitor the R-3 development standards on a
regular basis to ensure that the requirements do
not constrain new housing production.
The City continues to monitor its development
standards. Future residential development
is likely to focus in mixed use areas in the
City. As part of the Land Use Element update
process conducted concurrent with the Housing
Element update, the City reviewed and proposed
modifications to development standards to
facilitate multi-family and mixed use development.
This program is proposed to be included in the
2014-2022 Housing Element as part of a new
program – Land Use Policy and Zoning Provisions.
B-148
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 7.1: Summary of Accomplishments of 2007-2014 Housing Element Implementation Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Goals, Policies and
Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Program
Accomplishments
Continued Appropriateness for 2014-2022
Housing Element
Program 21: Clarify Language of Planned
Development (P) District
Amend the zoning ordinance to clarify that
residential development in P (Res/R3) zones will
require a planned development permit and not a
conditional use permit.
The Zoning Ordinance was amended in 2010 to
clarify that residential development in the P (Res/
R3) zones require a planned development permit.
This program was completed in 2010 and is
proposed to be removed from the 2014-2022
Housing Element.
Goal C: Enhance Residential Neighborhoods
Policy 8: Maintenance and Repair
Program 22: Apartment Acquisition and
Rehabilitation
Provide financial assistance to eligible very low
and low-income homeowners to rehabilitate their
housing units.
The City continues to assist non-profits with
the acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable
housing units such as:
• Maitri Transitional Housing Rehabilitation:
CDBG funds were used to rehabilitate this
four-unit transitional housing for victims of
domestic violence. Project was completed in
2010.
• Senior Housing Solutions – 19935 Price
Avenue: Acquisition and rehabilitation of
this property using the Below Market-Rate
(BMR) Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) and
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funds and was completed in 2011. This home
is now occupied by five low income seniors.
Preserving and improving the quality of housing
for lower income households is important to the
City. This program is proposed to be included
and revised in the 2014-2022 Housing Element
to incorporate both rehabilitation efforts for both
single-family and multi-family rehabilitation.
Policy 9: Conservation of Housing Stock
Program 23: Preservation of “At Risk Units”
Monitor owners of at-risk projects on an ongoing
basis to determine their interest in selling,
prepaying, terminating or continuing participation
in a subsidy program. Work with owners, tenants,
and nonprofit organizations to assist in the
nonprofit acquisition of at-risk projects to ensure
long-term affordability of developments where
appropriate.
The City did not experience a loss of any “at risk”
affordable units converting to market-rate during
the planning period
The City works to preserve its affordable housing
stock. This program is proposed to be included
and revised in the 2014-2022 Housing Element.
Program 24: Condominium Conversions
Continue to implement to Condominium
Conversion Ordinance.
The City continues to implement the Condominium
Conversion Ordinance.
This program is proposed to be included and
revised in the 2014-2022 Housing Element.
B-149
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 7.1: Summary of Accomplishments of 2007-2014 Housing Element Implementation Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Goals, Policies and
Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Program
Accomplishments
Continued Appropriateness for 2014-2022
Housing Element
Program 25: Rental Housing Preservation
Program
Develop and adopt a program that would grant
approval only if at least two of the following three
circumstances exist:
• The project will comply with the City’s BMR
Program based on the actual number of new
units constructed, not the net number of units;
and/or
• The number of rental units to be provided
on the site is at least equal to the number of
existing rental units; and/or
• No less than 20 percent of the units will
comply with the City’s BMR Program.
The City has explored the extent to which the
proposed Rental Housing Preservation Program
is consistent with State laws such as the Ellis Act
and the Costa Hawkins Act.
The City will continue to explore the extent to
which existing rental housing can be preserved
consistent with State law as part of the 2014-2022
Housing Element.
Program 26: Conservation and Maintenance of
Affordable Housing
Develop a program to encourage the maintenance
and rehabilitation of residential structures to
preserve the older, more affordable housing stock.
The City contracts with Rebuilding Together Silicon
Valley (RTSV) to provide home safety repairs and
mobility/ accessibility improvements to income-
qualified owner-occupants using CDBG funds. The
focus of this program is on the correction of safety
hazards. Between 2007 and 2013, 31 households
were assisted through this program.
The City recognizes the importance of maintaining
and improving its existing housing stock. This
program is proposed to be included in the
2014-2022 Housing Element as a new program -
Residential Rehabilitation.
Program 27: Neighborhood and Community Clean
Up Campaigns
Continue to encourage and sponsor neighborhood
and community clean up campaigns for both
public and private properties.
The Environmental Services division organizes an
annual city-wide garage sale to encourage reuse
of items which ordinarily might end up in the
landfill. Also, the division organizes community
creek clean-up campaigns.
This is an ongoing program and is proposed to be
included in the 2014-2022 Housing Element.
Policy 10: Energy Conservation
Program 28: Energy Conservation Opportunities
Continue to enforce Title 24 requirements for
energy conservation and evaluate utilizing
suggestions as identified in the Environmental
Resources/Sustainability element.
The City continues to enforce Title 24.
This is a function of the Building Division and is
proposed to be included as a separate housing
program in the 2014-2022 Housing Element.
B-150
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 7.1: Summary of Accomplishments of 2007-2014 Housing Element Implementation Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Goals, Policies and
Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Program
WAccomplishments
Continued Appropriateness for 2014-2022
Housing Element
Program 29: Fee Waivers or Reduction for Energy
Conservation
Evaluate and implement the potential to provide
incentives, such as waiving or reducing fees, for
energy conservation improvements to residential
units (existing or new).
The City adopted a Green Building Ordinance in
2013 to facilitate energy conservation efforts.
Residential and nonresidential new construction,
addition, and renovation are required to comply
with the Green Building Ordinance.
This program is proposed to be included and
revised in the 2014-2022 Housing Element.
Program 30: Energy Efficiency Audits
Offer free energy efficiency audits for residential
units under a contract with Acterra.
Energy audits were offered through an ARRA
grant by the Public Information Office through a
contract with Actera.
The ARRA program expired in 2012. This program
is proposed to be removed from the 2014-2022
Housing Element.
Program 31: Energy Conservation in Residential
Development
Continue to encourage energy efficient residential
development and provide technical assistance to
developers who are interested in incorporating
energy efficient design elements into their
program.
The City also adopted a Green Building Ordinance
in 2012 to encourage energy conservation efforts.
This program is proposed to be included in the
2014-2022 Housing Element.
Goal D: Services for Special Needs Households
Policy 11: Special Needs Households
Program 32: Emergency Shelters
Revise the Zoning Ordinance to allow permanent
emergency shelter facilities in “BQ” Quasi-Public
zoning districts as a permitted use.
The City revised the Zoning Ordinance in 2010
to permit emergency shelters in the “BQ” Quasi-
Public zoning districts as a permitted use.
The City updated the Zoning Ordinance in 2014 to
remove the requirement that emergency shelters
be located in churches. A program is proposed to
be included in the 2014-2022 Housing Element to
continue to facilitate this type of housing.
Program 33: Rotating Homeless Shelter
Continue to support the rotating emergency
shelter operated by West Valley Community
Services
West Valley Community Services (WVCS)
successfully managed the Rotating Shelter
Program for 18 years. The Rotating Shelter
Program is now operated through Faith in Action
Silicon Valley.
The City recognizes the critical need to provide
homeless prevention and emergency shelter
services for the homeless in the region. This
program is proposed to be included in the 2014-
2022 Housing Element.
Program 34: Transitional and Supportive Housing
Amend its zoning ordinance to comply with the
requirements of SB2. Transitional and supportive
housing will be treated as residential uses and be
subject to the same development standards and
restrictions that apply to similar housing types in
the same zone.
The City revised the Zoning Ordinance in 2010 to
provide transition and supportive housing as a
residential use to be permitted in similar manners
as similar uses in the same zones.
In 2008, the City contributed $800,000 to Maitri, a
non-profit agency providing transitional housing to
victims of domestic violence, for the purchase of a
four-plex in Cupertino. The project was completed
in 2010.
The Zoning Ordinance amendment program was
completed in 2010. This program is proposed to
be removed from the 2014-2022 Housing Element.
B-151
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 7.1: Summary of Accomplishments of 2007-2014 Housing Element Implementation Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Goals, Policies and
Programs
2007-2014 Housing Element Program
Accomplishments
Continued Appropriateness for 2014-2022
Housing Element
Program 35: Catholic Social Services (Single
Parents)
Provide help, Catholic Social Services, to place
single parents in shared housing situations
through the Santa Clara County Urban County
programs.
Catholic Charities continues to provide the shared
housing services through the Urban County CDBG
program.
The City will continue to provide a range of
supportive services to its residents, especially
those with special needs, in order to foster a
suitable living environment. A new program is
proposed to be included and revised in the 2014-
2022 Housing Element to reflect the range of
services that may be supported by the City.
Program 36: Flexible Parking Standards
Consider granting reductions in off-street parking
on a case-by-case basis for senior housing.
The City continues to offer reductions in parking
requirements on a case-by-case basis for senior
housing. However, no new senior housing project
was developed between 2007 and 2013.
This program is proposed to be included in the
2014-2022 Housing Element.
Goal E: Equal Access to Housing Opportunities
Policy 12: Housing Discrimination
Program 37: Santa Clara County Fair Housing
Consortium
Distribute fair housing materials at all public
facilities throughout the City and also has a booth
at public events to distribute materials.
The City continues to participate in the Fair
Housing Consortium. Fair housing materials
distributed by various organizations are available
at public counters.
This program is proposed to be included and
revised in the 2014-2022 Housing Element
Program 38: Fair Housing Outreach
Continue to contract with ECHO Housing to provide
fair housing outreach services.
The City continues to contract with Eden Council
for Hope and Opportunity (ECHO) to provide
fair housing services, including outreach and
education, counseling, and investigation of
fair housing complaints. Also Project Sentinel
provides tenant/landlord mediation services
under contract for the City.
This program is proposed to be included in the
2014-2022 Housing Element as a new program -
Fair Housing Services.
Program 39: Reasonable Accommodation
Ordinance
Adopt a written reasonable accommodation
ordinance to provide persons with disabilities
exceptions in zoning and land-use for housing.
The City adopted the Reasonable Accommodation
Ordinance in 2010
This program was completed in 2010 and is
proposed to be removed from the 2014-2022
Housing Element.
Goal F: Coordination with Local School Districts
Policy 13: Coordination with Local School Districts
Program 40: Coordination with Local School
Districts
Form a new committee of key staff from the City
and the school districts to meet on a bi-monthly
basis or as needed to review City planning
initiatives, development proposals and School
capital facilities and operating plans.
City staff continues to meet with the school
districts to discuss facility needs. However, no
formal committee was established.
The City recognizes the importance of addressing
development impacts on the school districts. This
program is proposed to be included and revised
in the 2014-2022 Housing Element. In addition,
the proposed new revised program will reflect
coordination with other agencies, organizations,
and neighboring jurisdictions to address regional
housing issues.
B-152
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 7.2: Progress Toward RHNA, 2007-2013
Very Low Low Moderate Above Moderate Total
RHNA 341 229 243 357 1170
Construction 25 23 27 587 662
% of RHNA 7.3%10.0%11.1%164.4%56.6%
Sources: City of Cupertino, 2014; ABAG, 2014
B-153
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-154
Table 7.3: Residential Sites Inventory to Meet the 2014 RHNA - Scenario A
Site Identifier APN Adopted General Plan Adopted Zoning
Max
Allowable
Density (DUA)
Size
(Acres)
Realistic
Capacity
A1: The Hamptons 316 06 032 High Density P(Res)85 6.33
600A1: The Hamptons 316 06 037 High Density P(Res)85 6.11
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 107
Regional Shopping/Office/
Residential
P(Regional
Shopping) and
P(CG)
Zoning to be
determined
by Specific
Plan to allow
residential
uses.
35
58.7 389
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 080 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 081 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 088 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 101 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 106 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 104 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 105 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 100 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 099 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 092 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 094 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 095 35
A2: Vallco Shopping District 316 20 082 35
A3: Oaks Shopping Center 326 27 040 Commercial/Residential P(CG,Res)30 0.64
200
A3: Oaks Shopping Center 326 27 039 Commercial/Residential P(CG,Res)30 5.40
A3: Oaks Shopping Center common area Commercial/Residential P(CG,Res)30 0.72
A3: Oaks Shopping Center 326 27 041 Commercial/Residential P(CG,Res)30 1.20
A4: Marina Plaza 326 34 066 Commercial/Office/Residential P(CG,Res)35 6.86 200
A5: Barry Swenson Site 375 07 001 Commercial/Office/Residential P(CG,Res)25 0.55 11
Total 86.51 1,400
Note: Realistic capacity for Sites A1, A3, A4 and A5 reduces the maximum developable units by 15 percent. Realistic capacity for Site A2 is the amount
allocated to the site in the Housing Element; a specific plan will be required for Site A2 prior to any new development. Residential capacity for Site A1 reflects
the net increase in units.
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
B-155
Table 7.3: Residential Sites Inventory to Meet the 2014 RHNA - Scenario A
Site IdentifierAPNAdopted General PlanAdopted Zoning
Max
Allowable
Density (DUA)
Size
(Acres)
Realistic
Capacity
A1: The Hamptons316 06 032High Density P(Res)856.33
600A1: The Hamptons316 06 037High DensityP(Res)856.11
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 107
Regional Shopping/Office/
Residential
P(Regional
Shopping) and
P(CG)
Zoning to be
determined
by Specific
Plan to allow
residential
uses.
35
58.7389
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 08035
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 08135
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 08835
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 10135
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 10635
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 10435
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 10535
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 10035
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 09935
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 09235
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 09435
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 09535
A2: Vallco Shopping District316 20 08235
A3: Oaks Shopping Center326 27 040Commercial/ResidentialP(CG,Res)300.64
200
A3: Oaks Shopping Center326 27 039Commercial/ResidentialP(CG,Res)305.40
A3: Oaks Shopping Centercommon areaCommercial/ResidentialP(CG,Res)300.72
A3: Oaks Shopping Center326 27 041Commercial/ResidentialP(CG,Res)301.20
A4: Marina Plaza326 34 066Commercial/Office/ResidentialP(CG,Res)356.86200
A5: Barry Swenson Site375 07 001Commercial/Office/ResidentialP(CG,Res)250.5511
Total86.511,400
Note: Realistic capacity for Sites A1, A3, A4 and A5 reduces the maximum developable units by 15 percent. Realistic capacity for Site A2 is the amount
allocated to the site in the Housing Element; a specific plan will be required for Site A2 prior to any new development. Residential capacity for Site A1 reflects
the net increase in units.
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
Table 7.3: Residential Sites Inventory to Meet the 2014 RHNA - Scenario A (CONTINUED)
Site Identifier Infrastructure
Capacity Current Use PDA Potential CEQA
Streamlining
A1: The Hamptons Yes Multi family housing ----
A1: The Hamptons Yes Multi family housing ----
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center, parking --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center, parking --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center, parking --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Parking --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center, parking --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center --Plan EIR
A2: Vallco Shopping District Yes Shopping center, parking --Plan EIR
A3: Oaks Shopping Center Yes Parking VTA PDA Plan EIR
A3: Oaks Shopping Center Yes Shopping center VTA PDA Plan EIR
A3: Oaks Shopping Center Yes Shopping center VTA PDA Plan EIR
A3: Oaks Shopping Center Yes Parking VTA PDA Plan EIR
A4: Marina Plaza Yes Shopping center VTA PDA Plan EIR
A5: Barry Swenson Site Yes Vacant VTA PDA Plan EIR
Note: Realistic capacity for Sites A1, A3, A4 and A5 reduces the maximum developable units by 15 percent. Realistic capacity for Site A2 is the amount
allocated to the site in the Housing Element; a specific plan will be required for Site A2 prior to any new development. Residential capacity for Site A1
reflects the net increase in units.
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 7.4: Residential Sites Inventory to Meet the 2014 RHNA - Scenario B
Site Identifier APN General Plan Zoning
Max
Allowable
Density
(DUA)
Size
(Acres)
Realistic
Capacity
B1: The Hamptons 316 06 032 High Density P(Res)99(a)6.33
750
B1: The Hamptons 316 06 037 High Density P(Res)99 (a)6.11
B2: Oaks Shopping Center 326 27 040 Commercial/Residential P(CG,Res)35 (b)0.64
235
B2: Oaks Shopping Center 326 27 039 Commercial/Residential P(CG,Res)35 (b)5.40
B2: Oaks Shopping Center common area Commercial/Residential P(CG,Res)35 (b)0.72
B2: Oaks Shopping Center 326 27 041 Commercial/Residential P(CG,Res)35 (b)1.20
B3: Marina Plaza 326 34 066 Commercial/Office/Residential P(CG,Res)35 6.86 200
B4: Barry Swenson Site 375 07 001 Commercial/Office/Residential P(CG,Res)25 0.55 11
B5: Glenbrook Apartments 326 27 036 Medium Density R3(10-20)20 11.62
58
B5: Glenbrook Apartments 326 27 037 Medium Density R3(10-20)20 19.72
B6: Homestead Lanes 326 09 061 Commercial/Residential (c)P(CG,Res) (c)35 (c)1.13
132
B6: Homestead Lanes 326 09 051 Commercial/Residential (c)P(CG,Res) (c)35 (c)0.48
B6: Homestead Lanes 326 09 052 Commercial/Residential (c)P(CG,Res) (c)35 (c)0.74
B6: Homestead Lanes 326 09 060 Commercial/Residential (c)P(CG,Res) (c)35 (c)2.74
Total 64.24 1,386
Note:
(a) A General Plan Amendement and zoning change will be ncessary to allow the increase in density from 85 to 99 units per acre on Site B1.
(b) A General Plan Amendment and zoning change will be necessary to allow the increase in density from 30 to 35 units per acre on Site B2.
(c) A General Plan Amendment and zoning change will be necessary to allow residential uses at 35 units per acre on Site B6. Existing Zoning for this site is
P(Rec, Enter)
(d) Realistic capacity reduces the maximum developable units by 15 percent on Sites B1, B2, B3, B4, and B6. Realistic capacity of Site B5 is reduced by 46
percent due to existing site constraints.
(e) Residential capacity for Sites B1 and B5 reflect the net increase in units.
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
B-156
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table 7.4: Residential Sites Inventory to Meet the 2014 RHNA - Scenario B
Site IdentifierAPNGeneral PlanZoning
Max
Allowable
Density
(DUA)
Size
(Acres)
Realistic
Capacity
B1: The Hamptons316 06 032High Density P(Res)99(a)6.33
750
B1: The Hamptons316 06 037High DensityP(Res)99 (a)6.11
B2: Oaks Shopping Center326 27 040Commercial/ResidentialP(CG,Res)35 (b)0.64
235
B2: Oaks Shopping Center326 27 039Commercial/ResidentialP(CG,Res)35 (b)5.40
B2: Oaks Shopping Centercommon areaCommercial/ResidentialP(CG,Res)35 (b)0.72
B2: Oaks Shopping Center326 27 041Commercial/ResidentialP(CG,Res)35 (b)1.20
B3: Marina Plaza326 34 066Commercial/Office/ResidentialP(CG,Res)356.86200
B4: Barry Swenson Site375 07 001Commercial/Office/ResidentialP(CG,Res)250.5511
B5: Glenbrook Apartments326 27 036Medium DensityR3(10-20)2011.62
58
B5: Glenbrook Apartments326 27 037Medium DensityR3(10-20)2019.72
B6: Homestead Lanes326 09 061Commercial/Residential (c)P(CG,Res) (c)35 (c)1.13
132
B6: Homestead Lanes326 09 051Commercial/Residential (c)P(CG,Res) (c)35 (c)0.48
B6: Homestead Lanes326 09 052Commercial/Residential (c)P(CG,Res) (c)35 (c)0.74
B6: Homestead Lanes326 09 060Commercial/Residential (c)P(CG,Res) (c)35 (c)2.74
Total64.241,386
Note:
(a) A General Plan Amendement and zoning change will be ncessary to allow the increase in density from 85 to 99 units per acre on Site B1.
(b) A General Plan Amendment and zoning change will be necessary to allow the increase in density from 30 to 35 units per acre on Site B2.
(c) A General Plan Amendment and zoning change will be necessary to allow residential uses at 35 units per acre on Site B6. Existing Zoning for this site is
P(Rec, Enter)
(d) Realistic capacity reduces the maximum developable units by 15 percent on Sites B1, B2, B3, B4, and B6. Realistic capacity of Site B5 is reduced by 46
percent due to existing site constraints.
(e) Residential capacity for Sites B1 and B5 reflect the net increase in units.
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
Table 7.4: Residential Sites Inventory to Meet the 2014 RHNA - Scenario B (CONTINUED)
Site Identifier
Infrastructure
Capacity Current Use PDA Potential CEQA
Streamlining
B1: The Hamptons Yes Multi family housing ----
B1: The Hamptons Yes Multi family housing ----
B2: Oaks Shopping Center Yes Parking VTA PDA Plan EIR
B2: Oaks Shopping Center Yes Shopping center VTA PDA Plan EIR
B2: Oaks Shopping Center Yes Shopping center VTA PDA Plan EIR
B2: Oaks Shopping Center Yes Parking VTA PDA Plan EIR
B3: Marina Plaza Yes Shopping center VTA PDA Plan EIR
B4: Barry Swenson Site Yes Vacant VTA PDA Plan EIR
B5: Glenbrook Apartments Yes Multi family housing --Plan EIR
B5: Glenbrook Apartments Yes Multi family housing --Plan EIR
B6: Homestead Lanes Yes Shopping center, parking ----
B6: Homestead Lanes Yes Restaurant ----
B6: Homestead Lanes Yes Shopping center, parking ----
B6: Homestead Lanes Yes Bowling alley, parking ----
Note:
(a) A General Plan Amendement and zoning change will be ncessary to allow the increase in density from 85 to 99 units per acre on Site B1.
(b) A General Plan Amendmen t and zoning change will be necessary to allow the increase in density from 30 to 35 units per acre on Site B2.
(c) A General Plan Amendment and zoning change will be necessary to allow residential uses at 35 units per acre on Site B6.
(d) Realistic capacity reduces the maximum developable units by 15 percent on Sites B1, B2, B3, B4, and B6. Realistic capacity of Site B5 is reduced
by 46 percent due to existing site constraints.
(e) Residential capacity for Sites B1 and B5 reflect the net increase in units.
Source: City of Cupertino, 2014
B-157
APPENDIX B: HOUSING ELEMENT TECHNICAL REPORT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
the demolition of existing multi-family housing occurred, resulting in no direct
displacement of existing residents.
For the 2014-2022 Housing Element, future housing is expected to occur
primarily on mixed use properties and by infilling existing residential
developments. The Hamptons site is the only site with the potential to displace
some existing tenants. The Hamptons has a total of 34 Below Market Rate (BMR)
units within its development and has expressed to the City that they intend to
maintain and preserve the 34 BMR units. Additionally, Strategy HE-3.3.4, Housing
Preservation Program, provides that if a proposed development would cause a
loss of multifamily housing, the development must comply with the City’s BMR
program, provide at least as much housing in the new development as currently
exists, and mitigate adverse impacts on displaced tenants.
The City’s housing policies are designed to increase the supply of housing in the
City so that the supply of housing can better meet the demand, and costs will,
over time, be moderated. Policy HE-2.1, the City’s Housing Mitigation program,
will ensure that each new residential and commercial development will either
provide affordable housing or pay housing mitigation fees to increase the supply
of affordable housing. The City has added additional information to address
this comment on page HE-34 of the Housing Element, under Strategy HE-3.3.4
(Housing Preservation Program).
COMMUNITY RESISTANCE TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The 2014-2022 Housing Element was developed with extensive consultation
with the community. The overall residential sites strategy, including priority
and opportunity sites, was vetted through the public participation process and
provides adequate capacity for the City’s new RHNA.
Opposition to affordable housing typically focuses on concentration, density,
and quality. The 2014-2022 Housing Element includes a program to address
community opposition to affordable housing – the City’s well-received Housing
Mitigation Program. With the funding generated by this program, the City has
been able to provide assistance to the underserved segments of the community,
including the elderly, disabled, and fist-time buyers. The City is in the process
of updating the Nexus Study that supports the implementation of the Housing
Mitigation Program. This update will enhance the effectiveness of the program
and expected to be completed in 2015.
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COMMENT 3: THE HE’S QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVE AND PROGRAMS REQUIRE
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICITY.
PROGRAMS LACK MEANINGFUL TIMEFRAMES
The Draft 2014-2022 Housing Element has been revised to provide additional
specificity:
• Strategy HE-2.3.3 (Below Market-Rate (BMR) Affordable Housing Fund
(AHF): clarified the time frame to solicit projects annually and updated the
time frame for the Nexus Study (from 2016 to 2015).
• Strategy HE-2.3.6 (Incentives for Affordable Housing Development):
clarified the time frame to solicit projects annually.
• Strategy HE-3.3.1 (Residential Rehabilitation): clarified the time frame to
solicit projects annually.
• Strategy HE-3.3.2 (Preservation of At-Risk Housing Units): added language
related to conducting outreach to tenants of any potential conversion and
available affordable housing assistance programs.
The Housing Element has an eight-year planning period, with many programs
to be implemented on an ongoing basis. Annually, through the City’s reporting
to the State HCD on the implementation of the Housing Element, the City also
makes necessary adjustments to ensure more effective implementation of
Housing Element programs.
INCLUDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING GOALS IN THE HEART OF CITY SPECIFIC
PLAN
Policy HE-2.1, the Residential Housing Mitigation Program, already establishes a
citywide affordable housing goal of 15 percent.
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B-160
STRENGTHEN STRATEGY HE-2.3.3 – NEXUS STUDY TO UPDATE MITIGATION
FEES
The City is expending significant resources in implementing its housing programs
and commitments. Specifically, the City is fast tracking the update to the Nexus
Study for the Housing Mitigation Program, with an anticipated adoption in 2015,
and Strategy 8 has been revised to show that the Study will be completed in 2015.
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B-161
LAW FOUNDATION OF SILICON VALLEY
January 20, 2015
SENT VIA E-MAIL: hilda.sousa@hcd.ca.gov
Hilda Sousa
Housing and Policy Division
Housing and Community Development
1800 3rd Street
PO Box 952053
Sacramento, CA 94252-2053
Re: Comments on Cupertino’s Housing Element
Dear Ms. Sousa:
The following comments on the City of Cupertino’s (“City”) Draft 2015-2023 Housing Element
(“Housing Element”) are offered by the Public Interest Law Firm and the Fair Housing Law Project
(programs of the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley), Urban Habitat, West Valley Community Services,
and Neighborhood Housing Services of Silicon Valley, on behalf of low-income residents of Cupertino.
We also support the comments provided by Non-Profit Housing to HCD regarding Cupertino’s Housing
Element. We appreciate your willingness to consider these comments during your review.
The Housing Element fails to analyze Cupertino’s failure to produce affordable units during the
past planning period.
The draft Housing Element does not adequately analyze the progress and outcomes from the prior
Housing Element, which was quite disappointing in some respects. Most prominently, during the prior
planning period, production of affordable homes lagged far behind Cupertino’s RHNA for very low-,
low- and moderate-income families. This failure was by a very large margin; only 25 of the 341 VLI
units allocated to Cupertino—a woeful 7.3%—were created. The percentages are not substantially
better for other lower-income categories; the City only met 10% of its allocation for low-income units,
and 11.1% of its obligation for moderate income units1.
There is no analysis as to why housing production in Cupertino for low-income individuals and
families fell nearly 90% short of its affordable housing allocations under the past planning period’s
RHNA.2 The Housing Element does not list the locations and addresses of the units that were
developed during the planning period. HCD should require the City to do a better analysis of the
progress and outcomes from the prior Housing Element and require that the City to analyze the reasons
for the small number of units created during the last planning period, and to recommend programs that
will encourage the development of affordable housing.
The Housing Element should address non-governmental constraints on housing development.
1 Revised Public Draft Housing Element, 177.
2 Id.
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B-162
2
Economic Displacement & Rent Burden
We are greatly concerned with the economic displacement of low-income residents from the City of
Cupertino. With no policies protecting low-income residents from rent increases or displacement,
many low-income residents are being forced out of the City. As described in its Housing Element, the
City has some of the highest rents in the area.3 The Housing Element has no analysis of the economic
displacement of low-income individuals in Cupertino. We believe that this economic displacement is a
pressing issue that is only superficially addressed in the Housing Element. The Housing Element should
do a deeper analysis of the economic displacement and recommend policies that will prevent
displacement of low-income residents.
Community Resistance to Affordable Housing
The Housing Element should include a program to address community resistance (NIMBYism
--“Not-in-My-Back-Yard”) to the development of affordable housing in the City, and resistance to new
housing in general. Many residents have spoken out against new development, and specifically against
affordable housing.4 Although the City acknowledges NIMBYism as a constraint, the Housing
Element does not contain any programs to address it. The City should adopt a program to address
NIMBYism and educate the public about the benefits of affordable housing.5
The Housing Element’s quantified objectives and housing programs require additional specificity.
To meet its obligations in an admittedly challenging environment for affordable housing
development, we encourage the City to engage in robust, creative, and strategic programs that will
encourage the development of affordable housing. In general, the qualified objectives and housing
programs currently in the Housing Element lack specific time frames or actions, and require changes to
make them effective tools for development.
The Draft’s programs lack meaningful timeframes, which makes it difficult to determine whether
the programs will have beneficial impacts during the planning period. State law requires that the Draft
contain programs that set forth a schedule of actions during the planning period, each with a timeline for
implementation, such that there will be beneficial impacts of the programs within the planning period.
(Government Code § 65583(c).)
Cupertino’s programs also lack clarity and specificity, which makes is extremely difficult for
members of the public to understand what steps Cupertino will take to achieve its goals and how and
when the public can engage with Cupertino staff. Per HCD, “programs must include a specific time
frame for implementation, identify the agencies or officials responsible for implementation and describe
the jurisdiction’s specific role in implementation.” (Housing Programs: Conserve and Improve the
Existing Housing Stock, Required Components of Program Actions,
http://www.hcd.ca.gov/hpd/housing_element2/PRO_conserve.php.) Some of the suggested activities
are described below:
3 Revised Public Draft Housing Element, HE-9.
4 Donato-Weinstein, Nathan, “Cupertino plans for housing, adds office capability to Vallco,” Silicon Valley Business Journal,
December 5, 2014, available at
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2014/12/05/cupertino-plans-for-housing-adds-office-capability.html?page=all
5 Revised Public Draft, B-114.
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3
• Include Affordable Housing Goals in the Heart of the City Specific Plan
HCD should encourage the City to include affordable housing goals in the Heart of City
Specific Plan.6 The Heart of the City Specific Plan guides the City’s commercial development during
the next planning period. Much of the housing identified in the sites inventory is in the Heart of City
Specific Plan. Given the low affordable housing production numbers during the last planning period,
the City should adopt an affordable housing goal for the Specific Plan. For example, the City could
have a goal that 15 or 20 percent of the units developed in the Heart of the City Specific Plan be
affordable. As this goal applies to a plan, and not a specific project, the plan designation would not be
restricted by the Palmer decision.
• Strengthen Strategy 8 – Nexus Study to update Mitigation Fees
We support the City’s Strategy 8—which is to update its Nexus Study for the Housing Mitigation
Plan—and encourage the City to consider raising its impact fees. Cupertino’s impact fees are among
the lowest in Santa Clara County, and many other jurisdictions (for example, Sunnyvale and Mountain
View) have recently increased their fees or are seriously considering doing so. We also would
encourage the City to update its Nexus Study within the first year of the planning period, as opposed to
by the end of 2016 as currently stated in the Housing Element, and consider collaborating taking part in
a county-wide “grand nexus” study which is under development.
We would be happy to speak with you to discuss these comments further. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact Nadia Aziz at (408) 280-2453.
Sincerely,
/s/
Nadia Aziz
Fair Housing Law Project, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley
Naomi Nakano-Matsumoto
West Valley Community Services
Matt Huerta
Neighborhood Housing Services, Silicon Valley
Tony Roshan Samara
Urban Habitat
Fred Yoshida, Student
De Anza College
6 Revised Public Draft, B-83.
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4
Cc: Paul McDougall, HCD, via email to paul.mcdougall@hcd.gov
Aarti Shrivastava, City of Cupertino, via email to aartis@cupertino.org
air quality Cappendix c:
CONTENTS:
C-2 Principal Pollutants of the
Air Basin
C-2 Criteria Air Pollutants
Carbon Monoxide
Reactive Organic Gases
Nitrogen Oxides
Sulfur Dioxide
Suspended Particulate Matter
Ozone
Lead
C-6 Toxic Air Contaminants
APPENDIX C: AIR QUALITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
PRINCIPAL POLLUTANTS OF THE AIR BASIN
A substance in the air that can cause harm to humans and the environment is
known as an air pollutant. Pollutants can be in the form of solid particles, liquid
droplets, or gases. In addition, they may be natural or man-made. Pollutants can
be classified as primary or secondary. Usually, primary pollutants are directly
emitted from a process, such as ash from a volcanic eruption, carbon monoxide
gas from a motor vehicle exhaust, or sulfur dioxide released from factories.
Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly. Rather, they form in the air when
primary pollutants react or interact.
CRITERIA AIR POLLUTANTS
Pollutants emitted into the ambient air by stationary and mobile sources are
regulated by Federal and State law. Air pollutants are categorized as primary
and/or secondary pollutants. Primary air pollutants are emitted directly from
sources, and include carbon monoxide (CO), reactive organic gases (ROG),
nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), coarse inhalable particulate matter
(PM10), fine inhalable particulate matter (PM2.5), and lead (Pb). Of these, CO,
SO2, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 are “criteria air pollutants,” which means that
ambient air quality standards (AAQS) have been established for them. ROG and
NOx are criteria pollutant precursors that form secondary criteria air pollutants
through chemical and photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. Ozone (O3)
and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are the principal secondary pollutants.
The following is a description of each of the primary and secondary criteria air
pollutants and their known health effects.
CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas produced by
incomplete combustion of carbon substances, such as gasoline or diesel fuel.
CO concentrations tend to be the highest during winter mornings with little or
no wind, when surface-based inversions trap the pollutant at ground levels.
Because CO is emitted directly from internal combustion engines, motor
C-2
APPENDIX C: AIR QUALITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
C-3
vehicles operating at slow speeds are the primary source of CO in the Air Basin.
Emissions are highest during cold starts, hard acceleration, stop-and-go driving,
and when a vehicle is moving at low speeds. New findings indicate that CO
emissions per mile are lowest at about 45 miles per hour (mph) for the average
light-duty motor vehicle and begin to increase again at higher speeds. When
inhaled at high concentrations, CO combines with hemoglobin in the blood and
reduces its oxygen-carrying capacity. This results in reduced oxygen reaching
the brain, heart, and other body tissues. This condition is especially critical for
people with cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung disease, or anemia, as well
as for fetuses. Even healthy people exposed to high CO concentrations can
experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, unconsciousness, and even death.
The Air Basin is designated under the California and National AAQS as being in
attainment of CO criteria levels.
REACTIVE ORGANIC GASES
Reactive Organic Gases (ROGs) are compounds composed primarily of hydrogen
and carbon atoms. Internal combustion associated with motor vehicle usage
is the major source of ROGs. Other sources of ROGs include evaporative
emissions from paints and solvents, the application of asphalt paving, and the
use of household consumer products such as aerosols. Adverse effects on
human health are not caused directly by ROGs, but rather by reactions of ROGs
to form secondary pollutants such as O3. There are no AAQS established for
ROGs. However, because they contribute to the formation of O3, BAAQMD has
established a significance threshold for this pollutant.
NITROGEN OXIDES
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) are a by-product of fuel combustion and contribute
to the formation of O3, PM10, and PM2.5. The two major components of NOx
are nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The principal component of
NOx produced by combustion is NO, but NO reacts with oxygen to form NO2,
creating the mixture of NO and NO2 commonly called NOx. NO2 acts as an acute
irritant and in equal concentrations is more injurious than NO. At atmospheric
concentrations, however, NO2 is only potentially irritating. There is some
indication of a relationship between NO2 and chronic pulmonary fibrosis.
Some increase in bronchitis in children (two and three years old) has also been
observed at concentrations below 0.3 ppm. NO2 absorbs blue light; the result is
APPENDIX C: AIR QUALITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
a brownish-red cast to the atmosphere and reduced visibility. NO is a colorless,
odorless gas formed from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen when combustion
takes place under high temperature and/or high pressure. The Air Basin is
designated an attainment area for NO2 under the National AAQS and California
AAQS.
SULFUR DIOXIDE
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a colorless, pungent, irritating gas formed by the
combustion of sulfurous fossil fuels. It enters the atmosphere as a result of
burning high-sulfur-content fuel oils and coal and from chemical processes at
chemical plants and refineries. Gasoline and natural gas have very low sulfur
content and do not release significant quantities of SO2. When SO2 forms
sulfates (SO4) in the atmosphere, together these pollutants are referred to as
sulfur oxides (SOx). As a result, SO2 is both a primary and secondary criteria
air pollutant. At sufficiently high concentrations, SO2 may irritate the upper
respiratory tract. At lower concentrations and when combined with particulates,
SO2 may do greater harm by injuring lung tissue. The Air Basin is designated an
attainment area for SO2 under the California and National AAQS
SUSPENDED PARTICULATE MATTER
Suspended Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) consists of finely divided
solids or liquids such as soot, dust, aerosols, fumes, and mists. Two forms of
fine particulates are now recognized and regulated. Inhalable coarse particles,
or PM10, include the particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10
microns (i.e., 10 millionths of a meter or 0.0004-inch) or less. Inhalable fine
particles, or PM2.5, have an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less (i.e.,
2.5 millionths of a meter or 0.0001 inch).
Some particulate matter, such as pollen, occurs naturally. In the Air Basin most
particulate matter is caused by combustion, factories, construction, grading,
demolition, agricultural activities, and motor vehicles. Extended exposure to
particulate matter can increase the risk of chronic respiratory disease.
PM10 bypasses the body’s natural filtration system more easily than larger
particles and can lodge deep in the lungs. The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) scientific review concluded that PM2.5 penetrates even more
deeply into the lungs, and this is more likely to contribute to health effects—at
C-4
APPENDIX C: AIR QUALITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
concentrations well below current PM10 standards. These health effects include
premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks,
irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, increased
respiratory symptoms (e.g., irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty
breathing). Motor vehicles are currently responsible for about half of particulates
in the Air Basin. Wood burning in fireplaces and stoves is another large source of
fine particulates.
Both PM10 and PM2.5 may adversely affect the human respiratory system,
especially in people who are naturally sensitive or susceptible to breathing
problems. These health effects include premature death and increased hospital
admissions and emergency room visits (primarily the elderly and individuals
with cardiopulmonary disease); increased respiratory symptoms and disease
(children and individual with asthma); and alterations in lung tissue and
structure and in respiratory tract defense mechanisms.
Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is classified a carcinogen by the California Air
Resources Board (CARB). The Air Basin is designated nonattainment under the
California AAQS for PM10 and nonattainment under both the California and
National AAQS for PM2.5.
OZONE
Ozone (O3) is commonly referred to as “smog” and is a gas that is formed
when ROGs and NOx, both by-products of internal combustion engine exhaust,
undergo photochemical reactions in the presence of sunlight. O3 is a secondary
criteria air pollutant. O3 concentrations are generally highest during the summer
months when direct sunlight, light winds, and warm temperatures create
favorable conditions to the formation of this pollutant. O3 poses a health threat
to those who already suffer from respiratory diseases as well as to healthy
people. O3 levels usually build up during the day and peak in the afternoon
hours. Short-term exposure can irritate the eyes and cause constriction of
the airways. Besides causing shortness of breath, it can aggravate existing
respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Chronic
exposure to high ozone levels can permanently damage lung tissue. O3 can
also damage plants and trees and materials such as rubber and fabrics. The Air
Basin is designated nonattainment of the 1-hour California AAQS and 8-hour
California and National AAQS for O3.
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C-6
LEAD
Lead (Pb) is a metal found naturally in the environment as well as in
manufactured products. The major sources of lead emissions have historically
been mobile and industrial sources. As a result of the phase-out of leaded
gasoline, metal processing is currently the primary source of lead emissions.
The highest levels of lead in air are generally found near lead smelters. Other
stationary sources are waste incinerators, utilities, and lead-acid battery
manufacturers.
Twenty years ago, mobile sources were the main contributor to ambient lead
concentrations in the air. In the early 1970s, the EPA set national regulations
to gradually reduce the lead content in gasoline. In 1975, unleaded gasoline
was introduced for motor vehicles equipped with catalytic converters. The EPA
banned the use of leaded gasoline in highway vehicles in December 1995. As a
result of the EPA’s regulatory efforts to remove lead from gasoline, emissions
of lead from the transportation sector and levels of lead in the air decreased
dramatically. The Air Basin is designated in attainment of the California and
National AAQS for lead.
TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANTS
Public exposure to TACs is a significant environmental health issue in California.
In 1983, the California Legislature enacted a program to identify the health
effects of TACs and to reduce exposure to these contaminants to protect the
public health. The California Health and Safety Code define a TAC as “an air
pollutant which may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or in serious
illness, or which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health.”
A substance that is listed as a hazardous air pollutant pursuant to Section
112(b) of the Federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S. Code Section 7412[b]) is a toxic air
contaminant. Under State law, the California Environmental Protection Agency
(Cal/EPA), acting through CARB, is authorized to identify a substance as a TAC if
it is an air pollutant that may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or
serious illness, or may pose a present or potential hazard to human health.
California regulates TACs primarily through AB 1807 (Tanner Air Toxics Act)
and AB 2588 (Air Toxics “Hot Spot” Information and Assessment Act of 1987).
APPENDIX C: AIR QUALITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
C-7
The Tanner Air Toxics Act sets up a formal procedure for CARB to designate
substances as TACs. Once a TAC is identified, CARB adopts an “airborne toxics
control measure” for sources that emit designated TACs. If there is a safe
threshold for a substance (i.e. a point below which there is no toxic effect), the
control measure must reduce exposure to below that threshold. If there is no
safe threshold, the measure must incorporate toxics best available control
technology to minimize emissions. To date, CARB has established formal control
measures for 11 TACs that are identified as having no safe threshold.
Air toxics from stationary sources are also regulated in California under the
Air Toxics “Hot Spot” Information and Assessment Act of 1987. Under AB 2588,
TAC emissions from individual facilities are quantified and prioritized by the
air quality management district or air pollution control district. High priority
facilities are required to perform a health risk assessment (HRA), and if specific
thresholds are exceeded, are required to communicate the results to the public
through notices and public meetings.
At the time of the last update to the TAC list in December 1999, CARB had
designated 244 compounds as TACs. Additionally, CARB has implemented control
measures for a number of compounds that pose high risks and show potential
for effective control. The majority of the estimated health risks from TACs can
be attributed to relatively few compounds, the most important being particulate
matter from diesel-fueled engines.
In 1998, CARB identified diesel particulate matter (DPM) as a TAC. Previously, the
individual chemical compounds in diesel exhaust were considered TACs. Almost
all diesel exhaust particles are 10 microns or less in diameter. Because of their
extremely small size, these particles can be inhaled and eventually trapped in
the bronchial and alveolar regions of the lungs.
APPENDIX C: AIR QUALITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
C-8
THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
community noise
fundamentals Dappendix d:
CONTENTS:
D-2 Background
D-2 Frequency Weighing
D-3 Noise Exposure
D-4 Subjective Response to Noise
D-5 Noise Measurements
D-8 Principle Noise Sources In Cupertino
On-Road Vehicles
Train Noise
Heliports
Aircraft Noise
Stationary Source Noise
Hanson Permanente Quarry
Constructions Noise
Public Facility Noise
D-12 Future Noise Contours
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
BACKGROUND
Three aspects of community noise are important in determining subjective
response:
• Level (i.e., magnitude or loudness) of the sound;
• The frequency composition or spectrum of the sound; and
• The variation in sound level with time.
Airborne sound is a rapid fluctuation of air pressure and local air velocity. Sound
levels are measured and expressed in decibels (dB) with 0 dB roughly equal to
the threshold of hearing.
The frequency of a sound is a measure of the pressure fluctuations per second
measured in units of hertz (Hz). Most sounds do not consist of a single frequency,
but are comprised of a broad band of frequencies differing in level. The
characterization of sound level magnitude with respect to frequency is the sound
spectrum. A sound spectrum is often described in octave bands that divide the
audible human frequency range (i.e., from 20 to 20,000 Hz) into ten segments.
FREQUENCY WEIGHTING
Many rating methods exist to analyze sound of different spectra. The simplest
method is generally used so that measurements may be made and noise
impacts readily assessed using basic acoustical instrumentation. This method
evaluates all frequencies by using a single weighting filter that progressively
de-emphasizes frequency components below 1000 Hz and above 5000 Hz.
This frequency weighting reflects the relative decreased human sensitivity
to low frequencies and to extreme high frequencies. This weighting is called
A-weighting and is applied by an electrical filter in all U.S. and international
standard sound level meters.
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APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
D-3
NOISE EXPOSURE
Noise exposure is a measure of noise over a period of time, whereas noise
level is a single value at an instant in time. Although a single sound level may
adequately describe community noise at any instant in time, community noise
levels vary continuously. Most community noise is produced by many distant
noise sources that produce a relatively steady background noise having no
identifiable source. These distant sources change gradually throughout the day
and include traffic, wind in trees, and distant industrial activities. Superimposed
on this slowly varying background is a succession of identifiable noise events
of brief duration. These include nearby activities such as single vehicle passbys
or aircraft flyovers, which cause the community noise level to vary from instant
to instant.
A single number called the equivalent sound level or Leq is used to describe
noise varying over a period of time. The Leq is the average noise exposure level
over a period of time (i.e., the total sound energy divided by the duration). It is
the constant sound level, which would contain the same acoustic energy as the
varying sound level, during the same time period. The Leq is useful in describing
noise over a period of time with a single numerical value.
In determining the daily measure of community noise, it is important to account
for the difference in human response to daytime and nighttime noise. During
the nighttime, exterior background noise levels are generally lower than in
the daytime. Most household noise also decreases at night, and exterior noise
intrusions become more noticeable. People are more sensitive to noise at night
than during other periods of the day.
To account for human sensitivity to nighttime noise, the Community Noise
Equivalent Level (CNEL) is the adopted standard in California. CNEL values are
typically computed by energy summation of hourly noise level values, with
the proper adjustment applied for the period of evening or night. The CNEL is
computed by assessing a 5-dB penalty for evening (i.e., 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm)
noise and a 10-dB penalty for nighttime (i.e., 10:00 pm to 7:00 am) noise. Noise
exposure measures such as Leq and CNEL are A-weighted, with units expressed
in decibels (i.e., dB).
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
SUBJECTIVE RESPONSE TO NOISE
The effects of noise on people can be classified into three general categories:
1. Subjective effects of annoyance, nuisance, dissatisfaction.
2. Interference with activities such as speech, sleep, and learning.
3. Physiological effects such as anxiety or hearing loss.
The sound levels associated with community noise usually produce effects
only in the first two categories. No universal measure for the subjective effects
of noise has been developed, nor does a measure exist for the corresponding
human reactions from noise annoyance. This is primarily due to the wide
variation in individual attitude regarding the noise source(s).
An important factor in assessing a person’s subjective reaction is to compare
the new noise environment to the existing noise environment. In general, the
more a new noise exceeds the existing, the less acceptable it is. Therefore, a new
noise source will be judged more annoying in a quiet area than it would be in a
noisier location.
Knowledge of the following relationships is helpful in understanding how
changes in noise and noise exposure are perceived.
• Except under special conditions, a change in sound level of 1 dB cannot be
perceived.
• Outside of the laboratory, a 3-dB change is con sidered a just-noticeable
difference.
• A change in level of at least 5 dB is required before any noticeable change
in community response would be expected.
• A 10-dB change is subjectively heard as an approx imate doubling in
loudness and almost always causes an adverse community response.
D-4
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
D-5
NOISE MEASUREMENTS
Existing ambient noise levels were measured at 15 sites around Cupertino to
document representative noise levels at a variety of locations. These locations
are shown on Figure D-1. Short-term noise level measurements were taken at
13 locations for a minimum period of 15 minutes during the daytime on Tuesday,
April 22 and Wednesday, April 23, 2014, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00
p.m. Short-term noise measurements serve as a snapshot of noise levels at
a particular time and location, offering a sense of how other, similar locations
might experience noise during comparable times of day. Long-term noise level
measurements were taken at two locations for a period of 24 hours between
April 22 and 23, 2014.
Long-term noise level measurements serve to provide a broader picture of
how noise levels vary over the course of a full day, helping to put the short-
term measurements in a broader temporal context. Both long- and short-term
measurements serve to indicate where excessive noise may be an existing or
future issue for existing or new land uses.
As shown in Table D-1, noise levels at the short-term measurement locations
ranged from a minimum of 58.4 dBA Leq at Location 4 to a maximum of 71.4
dBA Leq at Location 3, with an average Leq of 66.2 dBA, and the majority
locations falling between 65 and 70 dBA Leq. Noise levels tended to be higher
adjacent to major roadways and freeway, where high volumes of traffic were the
dominant source of noise.
Noise levels were measured using a Larson-Davis Model 820 sound level
meter, which satisfies the American National Standards Institute for Type 1
general environmental noise measurement instrumentation. The sound level
meter and microphone were mounted on a tripod 5 feet above the ground and
equipped with a windscreen during all short-term measurements. For long-term
measurements, the microphone and windscreen were attached to available
objects, at a height between four and six feet, as dictated by conditions in
the field.
The sound level meters were programmed to record noise levels with the
“slow” time constant and using the “A” weighting filter network. Meteorological
conditions during the measurement periods were favorable and were noted
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
to be representative of typical conditions for the season. Generally, conditions
included clear to partly cloudy skies, daytime temperatures of approximately
57 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and less than 5 to 10 mile-per-hour winds, with
occasional higher gusts noted at certain sites. The short- and longterm noise
measurement locations are described below. Table D-1 summarizes the results
of both the short- and long-term noise monitoring.
Table D-1 Noise Monitoring Summary
Location Duration Noise Level
ST-1 15 minutes 68.9 dBA Leq
ST-2 15 minutes 68.8 dBA Leq
ST-3 15 minutes 71.4 dBA Leq
ST-4 15 minutes 58.4 dBA Leq
ST-5 15 minutes 67.4 dBA Leq
ST-6 15 minutes 61.6 dBA Leq
ST-7 15 minutes 67.9 dBA Leq
ST-8 15 minutes 68.0 dBA Leq
ST-9 15 minutes 67.6 dBA Leq
ST-10 15 minutes 58.5 dBA Leq
ST-11 15 minutes 70.9 dBA Leq
ST-12 15 minutes 64.2 dBA Leq
ST-13 15 minutes 67.3 dBA Leq
LT-1 24 hours 69.1 dBA Ldn
LT-2 24 hours 72.3 dBA Ldn
D-6
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
GF GFGF
GF
GF
GF
GF
GF
GFGF
GF
GFGF
GF
GF
City of Sunnyvale
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|ÿ85
City of San Jose
City of
Santa Clara
Santa Clara
County
City of
Los Altos
Santa
Clara
County Monta VistaRecreationCenter/Park
LindaVista Park
Deep Cliff
Golf Course
McClellan
Ranch
Preserve
BlackberryFarm Park
SomersetSquarePark
VarianPark Memorial
Park
Three
Oaks
Park
HooverPark
Jollyman
Park
Cali
Mill
Plaza
Library
Field
Wilson
Park
Creekside
Park
PortalPark
SterlingBarnhartPark
Franco
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S BLANEY AVEN BLANEY AVERAINBOW DR
BO L LIN GER RDN STELLING RDB
UBBRDNTANTAUAVES DE ANZA BLVDBLANEY AVENFOOTHILLBLVDS STELLING RDHOMESTEAD RD
PR U N ERIDGE AVE
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ST-2
ST-3
ST-4
ST-5
ST-6
ST-7ST-8
ST-9
ST-10ST-11
ST-12
ST-13
GF Long-term Noise Monitoring Location
GF Short-term Noise Monitoring Location
Parks
City Boundary
NOISE
CITY OF CUPERTINO
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE, AND ASSOCIATED REZONING PROJECT
Figure 4.10-1
Noise Monitoring Locations
Source: City of Cupertino, 2013; MIG, Inc, 2014; PlaceWorks, 2014; ESRI, 2010.
0 0.5 10.25
Miles
FIGURE D-1
NOISE MONITORING LOCATIONS
D-7
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
The sound level meters were programmed to record noise levels with the
“slow” time constant and using the “A” weighting filter network. Meteorological
conditions during the measurement periods were favorable and were noted
to be representative of typical conditions for the season. Generally, conditions
included clear to partly cloudy skies, daytime temperatures of approximately
57 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and less than 5 to 10 mile-per-hour winds, with
occasional higher gusts noted at certain sites. The short- and longterm noise
measurement locations are described below.
PRINCIPAL NOISE SOURCES IN CUPERTINO
ON-ROAD VEHICLES
Freeways that traverse Cupertino include I-280, which runs along and near the
City’s northern boundary, and SR 85, which roughly bisects the geographic area
of Cupertino, running from northwest to southeast. In addition to these highways,
major roadways running north to south through or adjacent to Cupertino
include Foothill Boulevard, Bubb Road, Stelling Road, De Anza Boulevard, Blaney
Avenue, Wolfe Road/Miller Avenue, and the Lawrence Expressway, just beyond
the eastern edge of the City. Major east-west roadways include Stevens Creek
Boulevard, McClellan Road, Bollinger Road, Rainbow Drive, and lastly, Homestead
Road and Prospect Road, which run along the northern and southern boundaries
of the city, respectively. Together, these highways and streets comprise the
major roads in the City of Cupertino.
TRAIN NOISE
Cupertino does not host any passenger rail lines and has only one, seldom-
used freight railway. This freight right-of-way is a Union Pacific rail line, which
now exclusively serves the Hanson Permanente quarry and cement plant. As
described in the General Plan for the City of Cupertino, this railway presently
operates at very low frequencies, with approximately three train trips in each
direction per week, usually during the daytime or early evening. Therefore, this
railway contributes only very minimally to the noise environment of Cupertino.
D-8
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
D-9
HELIPORTS
There are no heliports located within the City of Cupertino listed by the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA). The nearest heliport is located approximately 3.4
miles to the east of Cupertino at the County Medical Center in San Jose. Another
nearby heliport is located at McCandless Towers in Sunnyvale, 3.6 miles to the
northeast of Cupertino. There are no additional heliports within five miles
of Cupertino.
AIRCRAFT NOISE
There are no public or private airports or airstrips in Cupertino. At the nearest
points within city boundaries, Cupertino is located approximately 4.0 miles to the
southwest of the San Jose International Airport. The Santa Clara County Airport
Land Use Commission (ALUC) has adopted a Comprehensive Land Use Plan
(CLUP) for areas surrounding San Jose International Airport.
The city is not located within any protected airspace zones defined by the ALUC.
Cupertino is located approximately 4.4 miles to the south of Moffett Federal
Airfield, 8.4 miles to the southeast of the Palo Alto Airport, 24 miles to the
southeast of San Francisco International Airport, and 27 miles to the southeast
of Oakland International Airport. Additional small airports in the vicinity include
the San Carlos Airport, 17 miles to the northwest, Hayward Executive Airport, 23
miles to the north-northwest, and the Half Moon Bay airport, 26 miles to
the northwest.
Although Cupertino does receive some noise from aircraft using these facilities,
the Cupertino City Boundary does not fall within the airport land use planning
areas/airport influence areas, runway protection zones, or the identified noise
contours of any airport.
STATIONARY SOURCE NOISE
Stationary sources of noise may occur from all types of land uses. Cupertino
is mostly developed with residential, commercial, mixed-use, institutional, and
some light industrial/research and development uses. Commercial uses can
generate noise from HVAC systems, loading docks, trash compactors, and other
sources. Industrial uses may generate noise from HVAC systems, loading docks,
and machinery required for manufacturing or other industrial processes. Noise
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
generated by commercial uses is generally short and intermittent. Industrial
uses may generate noise on a more continual basis, or intermittently, depending
on the processes and types of machinery involved. In addition to on-site
mechanical equipment, which generates stationary noise, warehousing and
industrial land uses generate substantial truck traffic that results in additional
sources of noise on local roadways in the vicinity of industrial operations.
For Cupertino, the city’s limited industrial areas are primarily located in
four areas of the city, the Monta Vista Special Center, the Bubb Road Special
Center, the North De Anza Special Center, and the North Vallco Park Special
Center (as referenced in the existing General Plan). These industrial areas are
characterized by a mix of light industrial, office, and research and development
uses; with the exception of the Monta Vista Special Center and the North De Anza
Special Center, these areas are usually separated from sensitive uses, such
as residences, by either major roads or some degree of buffering. These uses
have the potential to generate noise impacts upon nearby sensitive receptors
located at the edges of these areas. Such impacts would vary depending on
the specific uses, with truck deliveries, HVAC, and other mechanical equipment
being the primary sources of noise. The separation of residences by streets or
other buffering serves to decrease the noise perceived by these receptors and,
in the case of major roads, the noise from the roads was generally observed to
exceed that from the industrial uses. Residential neighborhoods in Cupertino
with a notable potential to receive substantial industrial noise include portions
of the Monta Vista Village Neighborhood (primarily in the vicinity of the area
surrounding Bubb Road between Stevens Creek Boulevard and McClellan Road),
as well as residential areas bordering the North De Anza Special Center. It
should be noted, however, that although these areas allow for light industrial
uses, offices and research and development comprise the majority of existing
land uses in these areas.
HANSON PERMANENTE QUARRY
The Hanson Permanente Quarry and cement plant are located to the west of
Cupertino, outside of the city boundary. The quarry and cement plant are owned
and operated by Lehigh Hanson and are under the jurisdiction of the County of
Santa Clara. The nearest sensitive receptors to the quarry and cement plant
D-10
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
D-11
(within the city boundary) are residences located one-third mile to the east of
the closest portion of quarry and plant operations; however, the bulk of quarry/
plant equipment and structures are located approximately two-thirds mile from
the nearest residence. Given this distance and the presence of intervening hills
that rise 100–200 feet above the elevation of the nearest residences, even the
nearest residences would not be anticipated to experience excessive noise from
quarry and plant operations.
CONSTRUCTION NOISE
Construction activity also contributes to the noise environment of Cupertino;
however, such activities are typically temporary, occurring in any one location for
only a limited period of time. Larger or multi-phase construction projects may
contribute to the noise environment of a particular location for a more extended
period of time. Public infrastructure that requires ongoing maintenance may
also result in ongoing noise impacts, though usually not at a constant location.
For example, different sections of road may be repaved at different times,
meaning that noise impacts from associated construction activities would, at any
given time, only occur along and near the section of roadway undergoing such
maintenance.
PUBLIC FACILITY NOISE
Outdoor activities that occur on school campuses and in parks throughout the
city generate noticeable levels of noise. Noise generated on both the weekdays
(from physical education classes and sports programs) and weekends (from use
of the fields and stadiums) can elevate community noise levels.
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
FUTURE NOISE CONTOURS
Ensuring that future land use and infrastructure decisions consider the potential
adverse impacts of noise is a key concern for the City of Cupertino. Figure D-2
identifies future noise contours within the city, and in combination with the
policies included in the Health and Safety Element, will be used to help reduce
future noise impacts.
City of Sunnyvale
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|ÿ85
City of San Jose
City of
Santa Clara
Santa Clara
County
City of
Los Altos
Santa
Clara
County
S BLANEY AVEN BLANEY AVEB O L L I N G ER RDN STELLING RDB
UBBRDNTANTAUAVES DE ANZA BLVDBLANEY AVEFOOTHILL BLVDNFOOTHILLBLVDRAINBOW DR
SSTELLI
NGRDHOMESTEAD RD
PR U N ERIDGE AVE
MI
LLERAVESTEVENS CREEK BLVD
STANTAUAVEGRA
NT R
D
N DE ANZA BLVDPR OSP ECT RD
MCCLELLAN RD N WOLFE RDS WOLFE RDNOISE
CITY OF CUPERTINO
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE, AND ASSOCIATED REZONING PROJECT
Figure 5.3-1
2040 Noise Contours – Land Use Alternative B
Source: City of Cupertino, 2013; MIG, Inc, 2014; PlaceWorks, 2014; ESRI, 2010.
0 0.5 10.25
Miles
60 dBA CNEL contour65 dBA CNEL contour70 dBA CNEL contour
City Boundary
LU-1
FIGURE D-2
FUTURE NOISE CONTOURS
D-12
geologic and
seismic hazards Eappendix e:
CONTENTS:
E-2 Fault Rupture
E-3 Ground Shaking
E-5 Seismic Ground Deformation
E-5 Liquification
E-6 Seismically Induces Landslide
E-6 Landslide Hazard
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
The following definitions provide a more comprehensive discussion of the
hazards that are described in the main body of the text of Chapter 7: Health and
Safety Element.
FAULT RUPTURE
Surface fault rupture is the breaking of the ground along a fault trace usually
during a large magnitude earthquake. Although the risk of damage associated
with surface fault rupture is high, it can be avoided by not placing structures
across active fault traces. Thus, an important element in community planning
involves knowing the locations of active fault traces. The State of California has
produced maps depicting the general locations of known active fault traces.
These maps, referred to in the past as the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies
Zones Maps and more recently as Earthquake Fault Maps, provide a location
information about the most widely known active faults. Such as the San Andreas
fault. However, the scale and resolution of these maps are not sufficient to
accurately identify the location of faults with respect to individual properties
and building sites. In addition, other significant local faults, such as the Monta
Vista-Shannon and Sargent-Berrocal faults, are not covered by the State maps.
The City has updated its Geology Map and Geologic Hazards Map to reflect the
most recent data concerning local fault trace alignments. Within the City Fault
Rupture “Zone F”, as illustrated on Figure HS-5: Geologic and Seismic Hazards,
property owners must retain professional geologic consultants to determine
whether or not specific fault traces impact proposed building sites for habitable
or critical structures.
E-2
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
E-3
GROUND SHAKING
Buildings and other structures located in seismically active regions such as the
San Francisco Bay area are exposed to the hazard of severe ground shaking
during earthquakes. Ground shaking is the vibration caused by rupture of a
fault segment during an earthquake, and it can be felt over a wide area when
the magnitude of the earthquake is very strong. The shaking intensity also is
stronger in the area close to the earthquake epicenter and weaker in areas
further away from the earthquake. In addition, the level of ground shaking
is influenced by underlying rock formations, soil conditions and the depth to
groundwater. A widely used shaking intensity scale is the Modified Mercalli
Intensity Scale (Table E-1), which describes the amount of damage occurring at
any geographical location in response to seismic shaking.
The intensity of an earthquake ground shaking is related to the size or
magnitude of the earthquake. Each magnitude represents 10 times the amount
of ground motion and approximately 31 times the amount of energy as the
next lower numeral. Thus, an earthquake of magnitude 8 releases about 1,000
times more energy (31 x 31) than a magnitude 6 earthquake. A large-magnitude
earthquake on nearby faults could cause considerable local damage, depending
on the distance from the epicenter and characteristics of the ground. In general,
structures on less well-consolidated bedrock and soil will experience greater
shaking intensities than structures situated on hard rock.
The 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) incorporates new seismic design
parameters that take into account various types of faults, soil profile types
and near-source acceleration factors. The majority of the City located west
of Highway 85 is located within 2 kilometers of known seismic sources (per
California Division of Mines and Geology Near-Source Zones Map E-19).
Proposed new development located within two kilometers of a known seismic
source receives the most stringent near-source design factor, which is required
for use with 1997 UBC structural design calculations. Figure E-1 generally
depicts the location of the various faults and hazard zones within the Cupertino
planning area.
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table E-1 General Comparison Between Earthquake
Magnitude and the Earthquake Effects Due to Ground Shaking
Earthquake Category Richter Magnitude Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (After Huser, 1970)Damage to Structure
Minor 2.00 I Detected only by sensitive instruments No Damage
II Felt by few persons at rest, esp. on upper floors; delicate suspended
3.00 III Felt noticeably indoors, but not always recognized as an earthquake; standing cars rock slightly, vibration like passing trucks
IV Felt indoors by many, outdoors by a few; at night some awaken; dishes, windows, doors disturbed;
4.00 V Felt by most people; some breakage of dishes, windows and plaster; disturbance to tall objects Architectural Damage
VI Felt by all; many are frightened and run outdoors; Falling plaster and chimneys; damage small
5.00
5.3 VII Everybody runs outdoors. Damage to buildings varies depending on quality of construction; noticed by driver of cars
Moderate 6.00 VIII Chimneys fall; sand and mud ejected; drivers of cars disturbed Structural Damage
6.9
IX Building shifted off foundations, cracked, thrown out plumb; ground cracked, underground pipes broken; serious damage to reservoirs/embankments
Major 7.00 X Most masonry and frame structures destroyed; ground cracked; rails bent slightly; landslides
7.7 XI Few structures remain standing; bridges destroyed; fissures in ground; pipes broken; land slides; rails bent
Great 8.00
XII Damage total; waves seen on ground surface; lines of sight and level distorted; objects thrown into the air; large rock masses displaced
Total Destruction
E-4
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
E-5
SEISMIC GROUND DEFORMATION
Ground located in relatively close proximity to active fault traces may experience
some level of ground deformation beyond the primary surface fault rupture
zones. The distribution of this anticipated deformation is illustrated by the
updated City Geologic Hazard Map – “Zone D”. Ground deformation away from
the primary rupture zones may include broad bowing or warping of the surface,
ground cracking and secondary ground fissuring. The general magnitudes of
such deformation could be up to several inches, whereas ground impacted by
primary surface fault rupture could experience offsets of several feet.
Adjacent to local thrust faults (Berrocal and Monta Vista faults), relatively broad
zones of ground deformation should be anticipated immediately west of the
mapped fault trace alignments. These zones of deformation are anticipated
to result from seismic displacement at depth along inclined fault planes
descending to the west. The potential for such ground deformation should be
considered during design of new structures near active fault traces.
LIQUEFACTION
Soil liquefaction is the phenomenon in which certain water-saturated soils lose
their strength and flow as a fluid when subjected to intense shaking. With loss of
soil strength, lateral spreading or sliding of soil toward a stream embankment
can occur. Liquefaction can also result in the formation of sand boils, which
represent conduits of pressure release from within the liquefied layer (at depth)
to the ground surface. Liquefaction can also lead to local settlement of the
ground surface and a reduction of bearing support for building foundations.
The potential exists for tilting or collapse of structures due to liquefaction of
underlying earth materials.
Currently identified lands subject to a moderate or higher level of risk for
liquefaction are essentially coincident with areas of potential flood inundation
adjacent to local creek channels. Relatively deep, unconsolidated granular
soil materials potentially prone to liquefaction may occur in these areas. The
combined liquefaction and flood inundation hazard is depicted by Hazard “Zone
I” on the City Geotechnical Hazards Map.
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
SEISMICALLY INDUCED LANDSLIDING
Reactivation of existing landslides or generation of new slope failures (as
discussed in the following section on landslides) may be initiated under
intense seismic ground shaking conditions. As a result of the 1989 Loma Prieta
earthquake, many large pre-existing landslides demonstrated lurching or
other signs of movement and partial reactivation within the local Santa Cruz
Mountains to the southwest of the City. Intense seismic ground shaking from a
nearby earthquake could trigger new slope failures or movement of pre-existing
landslides. Steep to precipitous banks adjacent to the flood plane of Stevens
Creek may be particularly susceptible to seismically induced land sliding.
These areas, and other mapped landslides within the City, are included within
“Zone L” on the City Geotechnical Hazard Map.
LANDSLIDE HAZARDS
Landslides present the greatest geologic hazards to the foothills and low
mountains in the planning area. The sliding of a slope is the normal geologic
process that widens valleys and flattens slopes. The rate ranges from rapid rock
fails to very slow soil and bedrock creep. Landslides are caused by inter-related
natural factors, such as weak soil and rock over hillsides made steeper by rapid
stream erosion, adverse geologic structure, groundwater levels and high rainfall
rates. Landslides can be caused by improper grading, excessive irrigation,
removal of natural vegetation and altering surface and subsurface drainage.
Figure E-1 on page 5 shows mapped landslide deposits within Cupertino.
Geologic mapping in the hillsides shows that landslide deposits cover as much
as 20 to 30 percent of the hillsides in the planning area. Landslides range from
small, shallow deposits made up of soil and weak bedrock materials to large,
deep landslides involving a large amount of bedrock.
Extensive geologic characterization and engineering analyses are necessary
to determine the long-term stability of a landslide deposit. Old deposits are the
most difficult to judge. Experience shows that old landslide deposits are far
more likely to move again than areas that have not had landslides before.
E-6
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
E-7
Areas in these old landslides that are next to steep, new stream channels are
more likely to have new landslides than areas further from the new channels.
This would be especially true with severe shaking during a major earthquake on
any of the three faults in Cupertino. The historic account of the 1906 earthquake
shows many landslides occurred throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. Some of
these were catastrophic, causing loss of life, personal injury and severe damage
to buildings.
Landslides are expected along the high, steep embankments that bound the
Stevens Creek flood plane, confined to local sites along the stream channel
alignment extending from the front the hillsides across the valley floor. This
hazard can be reduced significantly by restrictive building at the base and top of
the embankments.
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
LU-1
FIGURE E-1
CUPERTINO GEOLOGY
SantaCruz
C
ountySantaCl
a
raCoun
t
y FOOTHILL BLVDSTELLING RDDe ANZA BLVDHOMESTEAD ROAD
WOLFE RDSTEVENS CREEK BLVD
BLANEY AVEMILLER AVEBOLLINGER RD
McCLELLANROAD
RAINBOW DRIVEBUBB ROADPROSPECT
ROAD
85
280
TANTAUAVEStevens Creek
Reservoir
Qal –Valley Floor Alluvium
QTsc – Santa Clara Formation
Tus,Tm,vq –Tertiary
Sedimentary Rocks
KJr – Franciscan Assemblage
Landslides (Schematic)
Fault
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Legend
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
San Jose
Saratoga
0 1000
0 500
3000
0 0.5 1 Mile
1000
Feet
Meters
Los Altos
FaultSa
n
A
n
d
r
e
a
s
F
a
u
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E-8
slope density Fappendix f:
CONTENTS:
F-2 Statement of Purpose
F-3 Discussion of “Slope”
F-4 Description of Slope Density
The “Foothill Modified” Slope Density
The “Foothill Modified 1/2 Acre” slope density
The “5‑20” slope density
F-7 How to Conduct a Slope Density Analysis
Step 1: Selection of Map Material
Step 2: Layout of Standard Grid
Step 3: Measurement of Area and Contour Length
Step 4: Calculation of Average Slope
Step 5: Determination of Dwelling Unit Credit
Step 6: Summation of Results
“Rounding” of Dwelling Unit Credit Results
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This appendix has been prepared with the intent of acquainting the general
reader with the slope‑density approach the City uses for determining the
intensity of residential development. The slope‑density approach was
incorporated in the hillside plan in order to develop an equitable means of
assigning dwelling unit credit to property owners. In addition to offering the
advantage of equal treatment for property owners, the slope‑density formula
can also be designed to reflect property owners, the slope‑density formula can
also be designed to reflect judgments regarding aesthetics and other factors
into a mathematical model which determines the number of units per acre on a
given piece of property based upon the average steepness of the land. Generally
speaking, the steeper the average slope of the property, the fewer the number of
units which will be permitted.
Although the slope‑density formula can be used as an effective means to
control development intensity, the formula itself cannot determine the ideal
development pattern. The formula determines only the total number of dwelling
units, allowable on the property, based upon the average slope; it does not
determine the optimum location of those units on the property. Exogenous
factors not regulated by the slope‑density formula such as grading, tree
removal, or other environmental factors would be regulated by other means. The
slope‑density formulas do not represent by themselves a complete safeguard
against development detrimental to the environment; but, together with other
conservation measures, they are considered a valuable planning device.
F-2
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
10'-00"
5'-00"
50% Average Slope
FIGURE F‑1
EXAMPLE OF 50% AVERAGE SLOPE
F-3
DISCUSSION OF “SLOPE”
Steepness of terrain can be defined in several ways: (1) as the relationship
between the sides of the triangle representing a vertical section of a hill, or (2)
as the angle between the terrain and the horizontal plain. Unfortunately, the
definitions of the terms “slope,” “grade,” “gradient,” “batter,” and of the expression
“the slope is 1 to...” are not well known or uniformly applied, causing confusion.
For purposes of this discussion, the concept of steepness of terrain will be
defined and discussed as a “percentage of slope.”
“Percent of slope” is defined as a measurement of steepness of slope which
is the ratio between vertical and horizontal distances expressed in percent. As
illustrated in Figure F-1, 50 percent slope is one which rises vertically 5 feet in a
10 foot horizontal distance.
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
One of the most common confusions of terminology relative to terrain steepness
is the synonymous usage of “percent of grade” and “degree of grade.” However,
as Figure F-2 indicates, as percent of grade increases, land becomes steeper
at a decreasing rate. The present slope‑density formulas specified by the City
of Cupertino require more land for development as the rate of percent of grade
increases. As a result, the relationship between percent of grade and degree of
grade is inverse rather than corresponding.
To more accurately assess the impact of steepness of terrain on the feasibility
of residential development, it might be helpful to examine some of phenomena
commonly associated with increasing percentages of slope steepness.
DESCRIPTION OF SLOPE-DENSITY
THE “FOOTHILL MODIFIED” SLOPE DENSITY
The “Foothill Modified” slope density is designed for application to those
properties in the “Fringe” of the Hillside study area with average slopes less than
10 percent. The formula assumes availability of municipal services. Beginning
at credit of 3.5 dwelling units/acre, the formula follows a cosine curve of
decreasing density credit with increase of slope, achieving a constant above 43
percent average slope.
F-4
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
0 Percent of GradeDegree of GradeDegree of Change
for 10%
Grade Increase
6
15
17
22
27
31
35
39
42
45
48
50.5
52.5
54.5
56.5
0 6
51/2
51/2
5
5
4
4
4
3 3 3
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
21/2 222
FIGURE F‑2
DEGREE OF GRADE
F-5
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table F-1 Slope Characteristics
Percent of Slope Description of Slope Problems
0-5%Relatively level land. Little or no development problems due to steepness of slope.
5-15%
Minimum slope problems increasing to significant slope problems at 15%. 15% is the maximum grade often considered desirable on subdivision streets. Above 15%, roads must run diagonally to, rather than at right angles to contours increasing the amount of cut and fill. For example, the lower segment of San Juan Road in the Cupertino foothills averages 20% in grade.
15-30%Slope becomes a very significant factor in development at this steepness. Development of level building sites requires extensive cut and fill in this slope category and the design of individual houses to fit terrain becomes important.
30-50%
Slope is extremely critical in this range. Allowable steepness of cut and rill slopes approach or coincide with natural slopes resulting in very large cuts and fills under conventional development. In some cases, fill will not hold on these slopes unless special retaining devices are used. Because of the grading problems associated with this category, individual homes should be placed on natural building sites where they occur, or buildings should be designed to fit the particular site.
50%+Almost any development can result in extreme disturbances in this slope category. Except in the most stable native material special retaining devices may be needed.
F-6
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
F-7
THE “FOOTHILL MODIFIED 1/2 ACRE” SLOPE DENSITY
This slope density is applied in the Urban Service Area to those properties where
a full range of municipal utility services; are available. The formula begins at
density of 1/2 acre per dwelling unit which holds constant at 22 percent average
slope. From 22 percent to 43 percent average slope, the formula follows a cosine
curve of decreasing density credit with increasing slope. The density credit
above 43 percent average slope remains constant at 0.20 dwelling units/acre.
THE “5-20” SLOPE DENSITY
This slope density is applied to properties that lie west of the urban/suburban
fringe.
HOW TO CONDUCT A SLOPE-DENSITY ANALYSIS
(MAP WHEEL METHOD)
The computation of density using a slope‑density formula is relatively simple
once the basic concepts are understood. The section of Appendix A (Land Use
Designations) describes the basic concepts in order to enable individuals to
determine density. The City Planning staff will provide technical assistance;
however, it is the responsibility of the owner or potential developer to provide
accurate map materials used in the slope‑density investigation for a specific
property.
The City has map material which is accurate enough to provide an approximate
slope‑density evaluation. Accurate information needed to evaluate a specific
development proposal must be provided by the owner or developer.
STEP 1: SELECTION OF MAP MATERIAL
To begin any slope‑density investigation, it is important to select the proper
mapping material. Maps on which measurements are made must be no small
in scale than 1”=200’ (1:2400). All maps must be of the topographical type with
contour intervals not less than 10 feet.
If the map wheel method is used for measuring contours, or if a polar planimeter
is used for measurement of an area, maps on which such measurements are
made must not be smaller in scale than 1”=50’ (1:600); these maps may be
enlarged from maps in a scale not less than 1”=200’. Enlargement of maps in
smaller scale than 1”=200’, or interpolation of contours is not permitted.
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
F-8
STEP 2: LAYOUT OF STANDARD GRID
The property for which area and slope are to be measured is divided into a
network of “cells” constructed from a grid system spaced at 200 ft. intervals.
In order to ensure a common reference point and to prevent the practice of
“gerrymandering’ the grid system to distort the average slope of the property,
the grid system must be oriented parallel to the grid system utilized by Santa
Clara County’s 1”=500’ scale map series.
Figure F-3 illustrates a hypothetical property divided into cells by a 200 ft. grid
network. It is perhaps easiest to construct the 200’ x 200’ cells by beginning at
an intersection point of perpendicular County grid lines (“Q” in Figure F-2) and
then measuring 200 ft. intervals along the two County grid lines until the entire
property is covered with a network. After the grid lines have been laid out, it is
helpful to number each 200 ft. square cell or part thereof. Whenever the grid
lines divide the property into parts less than approximately 20,000 sq. ft., such
areas shall be combined with each other or with other areas so that a number
of parts are formed with the areas approximately between 20,000 and 60,000
sq. ft. Cells formed by combining several subareas should be given a single
number and should be shown on the map with ‘hooks’ to indicate grouping
(see Area 2 on Figure F-2). At this point, the investigator should obtain a copy
of the “Slope‑Density Grid Method Worksheet,” Figure F-3 of this document.
Under Column A (land unit), each line should be numbered down the page to
correspond with the total number of cells on the property.
STEP 3: MEASUREMENT OF AREA AND CONTOUR LENGTH
With the map material property prepared in Steps One and Two, we can now
begin the actual mechanics of the slope‑density analysis. The first task is to
ascertain the acreage of the subject property. This acreage figure is obtained
by measuring the area of each numbered cell divided by the 200 ft. grid, and
then summing the results of the individual measurements. Since the standard
grid cell measures 200’ x 200,’ it is only necessary to measure the area of any
non‑standard size cell. Referring once again to the worksheet, as each cell is
calculated for area, the results should be entered in Column B ( and Column C
optional).
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Property Line
Composite Grid "Cell"
Standard Grid "Cell"
1
5 05 0
4 0 6 06 06 06 07 07 0 8 08 0
3 5
2 4 6
7
County
Grid Line "A"
County
Grid Line "B"
Intersection
At "Q"
FIGURE F‑3
SITE ANALYSIS
F-9
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Irregularly shaped cells may be measured for area quickly and accurately by
means of a polar planimeter. This device is an analog instrument which traces
the perimeter of an area to be measured and gives the size in actual square
inches. This measurement is then multiplied by the square of the scale of the
map being used. For example, 1” ‑ 200’, the square of 200 ft. means 1” equals
40,000 sq. ft. The total square footage of each cell can then be converted to
acreage by dividing by 43,560 sq. ft. More detailed instruction in the use of the
planimeter may be obtained from the City Planning Department.
Areas of irregular shape can also be measured by dividing each part into
triangles, for which areas are determined by the formula A ‑ base x height + 2, if
a planimeter is not available.
Having now determined the area of each cell, one must now proceed to measure
the contour lengths of the property. Contour length and interval are both vital
factors in calculating the average slope of the land. Each contour of a specified
interval is measured separately within each standard cell or other numbered
zone for which the area has been calculated. The map wheel is set at “zero”
and is then run along the entire length of a contour within the boundary of the
cell, lifted and placed on the next contour (without reseting the wheel to zero)
and so forth until the total length of contours of the specified interval within the
individual cell is determined. The map wheel will display a figure in linear inches
traveled. This figure shown on the dial should then be multiplied by the map
scale. (Example: map wheel reads – 14‑1/2 inches, map scale is 1” ‑ 50’. Contour
length ‑ 14.5 x 50 ‑ 750’). The results should then be entered on the proper line
of Column D (Figure F-4).
F-10
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
F-11
STEP 4: CALCULATION OF AVERAGE SLOPE
Knowing the total length of contours, the contour interval, and the area of each
numbered cell, one may now calculate the average slope of the land. Either of
the two formulas below may be used to calculate average slope:
S = 0.0023 I L
A
S = average slope of ground in percent
I = contour interval in feet
L = combined length in feet of all contours on parcel
A = area of parcel in acres
The value 0.0023 is 1 sq. ft. expressed as a percent of an acre:
1 sq. ft. = 0.0023 ac.
43,560
S = I x L x 100
A
S = average slope of ground in percent
I = contour interval in feet
L = combined length in feet of all contours on parcel
A = area of parcel in square feet
The results should be entered on the appropriate line of Column E of the
worksheet.
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
STEP 5: DETERMINATION OF DWELLING UNIT CREDIT
With the average slope of the cell now determined, one can calculate the
dwelling unit credit per cell by obtaining a factor from the appropriate
slope‑density table (see Tables F-2 through F-4 and Figures F-5 through F-7)
then multiplying that factor by the area of the cell in acres. The formula factor
is found by first reading the table column “s” (slope) until reaching the figure
corresponding to the average slope of the cell being studied; next, one reads
horizontally to the “d” column (density dwelling unit/acre). This factor should be
entered in Column F of the worksheet. The factor in Column F is now multiplied
by the acreage in Column B and the result entered under the appropriate
slope‑density formula title (Column G, H, I or 1).
STEP 6: SUMMATION OF RESULTS
When all cells in the parcel have been analyzed in the manner previously
described, the total for various components of the data may be derived and
entered into the two bottom rows of the worksheet. Columns B, C (if used), and D
should be summed at the bottom of the sheet. A mathematical average may be
calculated for Column E. Columns G through J should be summed at the bottom
of the page. The totals shown at the bottom of columns G through J represent
the total number of dwelling units permitted on that property, based on the
average slope. These totals should be carried out to a minimum of two decimal
places.
“ROUNDING” OF DWELLING UNIT CREDIT RESULTS
The City Council, during its meeting of March 7, 1977, adopted the following
policy regarding the rounding up of a numerical dwelling unit yield resulting
from application of a slope‑density formula:
“The rounding up of the numerical yield resulting from application of a
slope‑density formula may be permitted in cases where the incremental
increase in density from the actual yield to the rounded yield will not result in a
10% increase of the actual yield. In no case, shall an actual yield be rounded up
to the net whole number unless the fractional number is .5 or greater.”
F-12
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
F-13
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:DWELLING UNIT CREDIT FROM SLOPE/DENSITY TA BLES
LAND UNIT FOOTHILL MOD SEMI-RURAL COUNTYFOOTHILL MOD
1/2 ac.
TOTALS
BY GRID
METHOD
TOTA L
BY SINGLE
AREA
AREA(acres)(sq. ft.)CONTOURAv. SLOPE FACTOR
EXAMPLE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1.14
1.18
0.92
1.17
0.86
0.92
0.56
49600
51300
40000
51000
37600
40100
24300
750
680
320
490
470
190
210
15.3
13.3
8.0
9.6
12.6
4.8
8.6
0.545
0.572
0.625
0.606
0.572
0.660
0.616
0.621
0.675
0.575
0.709
0.492
0.607
0.345
4.0210.331102933666.75
Compos.
Compos.
Std.
Compos.
Compos.
ABCDEF GH IJK
Slope Density "Grid-Method" Wo rk Sheet
FIGURE F‑4
GRID METHOD WORKSHEET
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
F-14
Table F-2 Slope Density Formula: "Foothill Modified"
Slope %
Density
D.U. per
ac.
Acres per D.U.Average lot area
sq.ft Slope%Density D.U. per
ac. acres per D.U.Average lot area
sq.ft.
s d 1/d 43560/d s d 1/d 43560/d
5 3.500 0.286 12,446 27 1.406 0.711 30,975
6 3.494 0.286 12,466 28 1.275 0.784 34,169
7 3.477 0.288 12,528 29 1.147 0.871 37,962
8 3.448 0.290 12,633 30 1.025 0.976 42,498
9 3.408 0.293 12,781 31 0.908 1.101 47,957
10 3.357 0.298 12,975 32 0.798 1.253 54,569
11 3.296 0.303 13,216 33 0.696 1.438 62,626
12 3.224 0.310 13,510 34 0.601 1.664 72,484
13 3.143 0.318 13,859 35 0.515 1.941 84,562
14 3.053 0.328 14,269 36 0.439 2.280 99,305
15 2.954 0.339 14,746 37 0.372 2.688 117,073
16 2.848 0.351 15,297 38 0.316 3.166 137,905
17 2.734 0.366 15,932 39 0.270 3.698 161,081
18 2.614 0.382 16,661 40 0.236 4.236 184,532
19 2.489 0.402 17,498 41 0.213 4.695 204,497
20 2.360 0.424 18,459 42 0.201 4.964 216,235
21 2.227 0.449 19,562 43 0.201 4.964 216,235
22 2.091 0.478 20,832 ----
23 1.954 0.512 22,297 ----
24 1.815 0.551 23,994 ----
25 1.678 0.596 25,967 ----
26 1.541 0.649 28,271 ----
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Foothill Modified
Slope (%)
5 10 15 20
0.29 0.30
0.34 0.42
0.60
0.98
1.94
4.24
4.96
25 30 35 40 43Acres (per dwelling unit)F-15
FIGURE F‑5
FOOTHILL MODIFIED
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
Table F-3 Slope Density Formula: "Foothill Modified 1/2 Acre"
Slope %Density D.U. per ac. Acres per D.U.Average lot area sq.ft
S d 1/d 43560/d
22 2.091 0.478 20,832
23 1.954 0.512 22,297
24 1.815 0.551 23,994
25 1.678 0.596 25,967
26 1.541 0.649 28,271
27 1.406 0.711 30,975
28 1.275 0.784 34,169
29 1.147 0.871 37,962
30 1.025 0.976 42,498
31 0.908 1.101 47,957
32 0.798 1.253 54,569
33 0.696 1.438 62,626
34 0.601 1.664 72,484
35 0.515 1.941 84,562
36 0.439 2.280 99,305
37 0.372 2.688 117,073
38 0.316 3.166 137,905
39 0.270 3.698 161,081
40 0.236 4.236 184,532
41 0.213 4.695 204,497
42 0.201 4.964 216,235
43 0.201 4.964 216,235
F-16
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Foothill Modified - 1/2 Acre
Slope (%)
22 25 30
0.48
0.60 0.98
1.94
4.24
4.96
35 40 43Acres (per dwelling unit)F-17
FIGURE F‑6
FOOTHILL MODIFIED 1/2 ACRE
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
F-18
Table F-4 5-20 Acre Slope Density
Slope %
Density
D.U. per
ac.
Acres per D.U.Average lot area
sq.ft Slope%Density D.U.
per ac. acres per D.U.Average lot area
sq.ft.
s d 1/d 43560/d s d 1/d 43560/d
10 0.20 5.00 217,800 31 0.10 9.92 431,964
11 0.20 5.07 220,786 32 0.10 10.32 449,722
12 0.19 5.15 224,518 33 0.09 10.75 468,121
13 0.19 5.26 228,992 34 0.09 11.18 487,154
14 0.19 5.38 234,204 35 0.09 11.63 506,814
15 0.18 5.51 240,153 36 0.08 12.10 527,093
16 0.18 5.67 246,835 37 0.08 12.58 547,982
17 0.17 5.84 254,245 38 0.08 13.07 569,475
18 0.17 6.02 262,381 39 0.07 13.58 591,563
19 0.16 6.23 271,238 40 0.07 14.10 614,238
20 0.16 6.45 280,811 41 0.07 14.63 637,491
21 0.15 6.63 291,096 42 0.07 15.18 661,313
22 0.14 6.94 302,089 43 0.06 15.74 685,696
23 0.14 7.20 313,784 44 0.06 16.31 710,630
24 0.13 7.49 326,176 45 0.06 16.90 736,106
25 0.13 7.79 339,260 46 0.06 17.50 762,115
26 0.12 8.10 353,030 47 0.06 18.10 788,648
27 0.12 8.44 367,481 48 0.05 18.73 815,694
28 0.11 8.78 382,606 49 0.05 19.36 843,244
29 0.11 9.15 398,399 50 0.05 20.00 871,288
30 0.11 9.52 414,854 50>---
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
5 – 20 Acre Slope Density
Slope (%)
22 25 30
5.00 5.00
5.51
6.45 7.79
9.52
14.10
11.63
16.90
20.00
35 40 43Acres (per dwelling unit)F-19
FIGURE F‑7
5 - 20 ACRE SLOPE DENSITY
APPENDIX F: SLOPE DENSITY | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)
F-20
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