17. Berry Ct. subdivisionCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
70300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95074-3255
C U P S RT I N O (408) 777-3308 • FAX (408) 777-3333
Summary
Agenda Item No. ~ Agenda Date: March 17, 2009
SUMMARY:
Status Report on the Berry Court Subdivision
(Formerly 21711, 21713 and 21731 Alcazar Avenue)
BACKGROUND:
On March 3, 2009, the City Cotu~cil heard fiom Sheaun Tsai and his wife, property
owners of 21720 Alcazar Avenue, duritZg the oral commtuzications portion of the agenda.
The Tsais expressed their concerns about the location and alig7unent of the private street,
Berry Court, that is being constructed across the street from their home. They stated their
concerns about possible traffic safety hazards and vehicle headlights that could impact
their home with the proposed private street alignment. As a result, the City Cowzcil
requested staff to prepare a status report on the development of the private street for the
subdivision.
The Berry Court subdivision was approved as Tentative Map Approval, TM-2006-04, by
the Plaruzing Commission on January 10, 2006 during a public hearing. The project
involved the subdivision of three lots unto a total of four single-family residential lots on
the north side of Alcazar Avenue. The development of the private street was also
specified u1 conjunction with the tentative map approval.
Duriuzg the Plaizning Commission public hearing, Mr. Tsai expressed concenzs about the
width of the private street entrance along Alcazar Avenue, and the location of the
private street facuzg directly towards his home that he felt would create vehicle
headlight impacts unto his home and be inconsistent with the principles of Feng Shui. As
a result, the Plaiu-ting Commission discussed moving the private street further west to
mitigate the impacts of the driveway facuzg directly into the Tsai's home and added a
condition of approval (See Condition No. 2 of Exhibit B) to reduce the width of the
private street along Alcazar Avenue to 20 feet. During the Plamzizg Commission motion,
the Commission did not specifically include shifting the private street further to the
west; therefore, it was not included in the conditions of approval.
However, the intent of the Plamzing Commission's recommendation to move the private
street to the west was incorporated u2to the design of the street during the Final Map
77-7
Villa Serra Construction Activities March 17, 2009
Page 2
approval process. Tile Fiial Map showed the private street entrance shifted an
additional one-foot to the west. This was as far west as the private street could be shifted
while also meeting the City standards that call for the edge of the driveway to be a
miulimum of four feet from the property line.
The project is currently nearing completion, including the construction of the four single-
family residences along Berry Court, with the exception of the home on Lot 4, and Berry
Court-
DISCUSSION:
hz January of 2009, Mr. Tsai stated that he believed the intent of the condition of
approval required by the P1aiulizg Commission to shift the driveway to the west was not
followed. Public Works and Plaiuling staff reviewed the conditions of approval and
minutes (See Exhibit C) to the January 10, 2006 Plaiuzilg Commission meeting, and
explained to Mr. Tsai that the driveway was shifted as far west as possible in accordance
with the conditions of approval and City standards, but that the Public Works
Department would further review his proposal.
Si1ce jaizuary, the Public Works Department has been working with Mr. Tsai, the
developer of the Berry Court subdivision and the adjacent neighbor to the west to reach
an acceptable compromise to move the private street further west. The Public Works
Department has attached a memo (See Exhibit A) dated March 10, 2009, explaining that
Public Works met with the neighbors and developer, and was aUle to reach a
compromise with them to move the private street an additional 1 i/z feet to the west,
leaving a 2 1/z foot-setback from the western property life, as opposed to the originally
approved 4-foot setback from the western property line.
Public Works further explained that the private street could not be moved further west
against the property lire due to the transitionizg needed for a handicapped accessible
sidewalk ramp adjacent to the private street entrance. I-3owever, Public Works explained
that as an additional option, a slightly raised directional marker could be placed in the
middle of the entrance to Berry Court to direct outgoing velucles to exit facing further to
the west, if the neighbors and the developer are agreeable to this additional option. This
would allow vehicles to exit at aiz angle to minimize vehicle headlights ilto the Tsai's
residence across the street.
i7
Lookizn north ilto Berry Court
Looking south towards Tsai home
Villa Serra Construction Activities
Page 3
Prepared Uy: Aki Honda Snelling, AICP
Reviewed Uy: _S
o // gyp'
City Plaiuler
/~
A,~pro d Uy~
~,~~ -
Steve iasecki
Coinirtunity Development Director
March 17. 2009
Gleiuz Goepfert
Assistant Director of PuUlic Works
David W. Knapp
City Manager
Attachments
ExhiUit A: Memo from PuUlic ~Norks Department dated March 10, 2009
ExhiUit B: Resolution INTO. 6,151 approving T?vI-2005-13 ~v/plan set
ExhiUit G Minutes to the Jai~uary 10, 2006 Plamli~g Coninussion Meeting
17-3
Sidewalk transition along Alcazar
_ City Hall
~h~b~t ~ 10300 Torce Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014-3255
Telephone: (408) 777-3354
FAX: (408) 777-3333
DEPARTMF_NT OF PiIT3LIC WORKS
Ralph A. Qualls, Jr., Director
MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 10, 2009
TO: Aki Honda Snelling, Plannuig Department
FROM: Glem7 Goepfert, Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Berry Court Driveway Alignment and Other Issues
Berry Court Ali>?nnzent
As you are aware, one of the neighbors across the street from the Berry Court development
Sheaun Tsai approached the City on or about January 13 of this year about the alignment of the
Berry Court driveway intersection with Alcazar Avenue. He felt that the not-yet-constructed
driveway could be pushed filrther west than was shown on the approved improved improvement
plan. Indeed, at the time the Planning Commmission approved the Berry Court project, the
Commission specified that the driveway be located as far west as possible after hearing Sheaun
Tsars request to that effect-
Public Works noted that the City standards call for the edge of driveway to be a miiumum of four
feet from the property line, which is how it was designed and sho~~i on the approved
improvement plan. But since the Planning Conunission had asked for the driveway to be located
as far west as possible and there did not appear to be an overriding safety issue in allowing an
exception to the four-foot-from-property line standard, Public Works was amenable to moving
the driveway further west if the neighbor to the west did not object- The neighbor to die west did
object, as did the neighbor across the street adjacent to and west of Sheaun Tsai, as well as the
developer of the Berry Court project.
Public Works asked the neighbors and the developer to meet with the goal of arriving at a
compromise. In order to facilitate the discussion, Public Works held a meeting of the neighbors
on February 18, and found that the neighbors of the project seemed to be willing to compron-tise
with Sheaun Tsai and agree to the driveway being located about one foot further to the west.
The neighbor inzniediately west of Ben-y Cotu-t rioted that his new driveway was close enough to
the property line that he was concerned that moving the Berry Court driveway further west might
interfere with his unprovements. Public Works retunied to measure unprovements on the site
again to determine what constraints the new driveway to the west might have on moving the
Berry Court driveway west. We found that the existing accessible sidewalk ramp on the east
side of the existing driveway would preclude moving the Berry Court driveway more than about
a foot-and-a-half to the west. That is how Public Works directed that the driveway be built.
17-4
Tentative and Final Mans
The California Subdivision Map Act (Government Code Section 66410-66499) and the
Cupertino Municipal Code (Title 18) require a tentative map and final map for the division of
land. The tentative map is made for the purpose of showing the design and improvement of a
proposed subdivision and the existing conditions in and around it. The final map, when
approvedby the governing body of the goverrunental unit with jurisdiction, accomplishes the
subdivision of the land.
_- - - __._. __. _ ___ __- - _ _ _ _.. ---__tz- __ _ _ ___
~'' Exhibit B
~ 10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertiuzo, CA 95014
CITY OF (408) 777-3308
U ~ E ~"'~" ~ ~ ~ FAX (408) 777-3333
^~ rrer
January 18, 2006
Jair~es Chen
P.O. Box 20302
Sail Jose, Ca. 95160
SUBJECT: PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION LETTER - TM-2005-13
Tlus letter confirms the decision of the Plaiuiii~g Conunission, given at the
meeting of January 11, 2006, approving a Tentative Map to subdivide a .9 acre
parcel into 4 (four) parcels of rangu2g fiom approximately 7,500 to 8,800 square
feet, located at 21713, 21731 and 21711 Alcazar Avenue, according to Planning
Corrunission Resolution No. 6351.
Please be aware that if the Tentative Map permit is not used withuz a three-year
period, it shall expire on January 10, 2009.
Also, please note that an appeal of this decision can be made witlvn 10 calendar
days from the date of this letter. If this happens, you will be notified of a public
hearuzg, w1ucH will be scheduled before the City Council.
Sincerely,
~~ ~~~~
1
Alci Honda
Senior Plaiuzer
G: \ PZanzzizxg \ Post Hearizzg\Action Letters \ action Iettez- bzz2005Z3_doc
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
RESOLUTION NO. 6351
TM-2005-13
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
APPROVING A TENTATIVE MAP TO SUBDIVIDE A .9 ACRE PARCEL INTO FOUR
PARCELS, RANGING FROM APPROXIr/IATELY 7,500 TO 9,200 SQUARE FEET AT
21713, 21731 AND 21711 ALCAZAR AVENUE
SECTION I: PROTECT DESCRIPTION
Applicatiozz No.: TM-2005-13
Applicant: James Chen
Location: 21713, 21731 8z 21711 ~.lcazar Ave
SECTION II: FINDINGS
WHEREAS, the Plaruung Commission of the City of Cupertino received an application
for a Tentative Subdivision Map as described in Section I of this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the necessary public notices have been given as required by the
Subdivision and Procedural Orduzances of the City of Cupertino, and the Plaruiing
Commission has held at least one public hearing in regard to the application; and
WI~REAS, the applicant has met the burden of proof required to support said
application; and has satisfied the following requirements:
a) That -the proposed subdivision map is consistent with the City of Cupertino
General Plan.
b) That the design and improvements of the proposed subdivision are consistent
with the General Plan.
c) That the site is physically suitable for the type and intensity of development
contemplated uizder the approved subdivision.
d) That the design of the subdivision or the proposed improvements are not likely
to cause substantial environmental damage nor substantially harm fish aizd
wildlife or their habitat.
e) That the design of the subdivisions or the type of improvements associated
therewith are not likely to cause serious public health problems.
Resolution No. 6351 TM-2005-13 - January 10, 2006
Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That after careful consideration of maps, facts, exhibits, testimony and other evidence
submitted in this- matter, the application TM-2005-13 for a Tentative Map is hereby
approved as modified, subject to the conditions which are enumerated in this Resolution
begiruzing on page 2 thereof, and
That the subconclusions upon which the findings and conditions specified in this
Resolution are based and contained in the Public Hearing record concerning
Application TM-2005-13, as set forth in the Minutes of Planiui~g Co~-+-+m~ssion Meeting of
January 10, 2006, and are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
SECTION III: CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY TI LE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEPT.
1. APPROVED EXHIBITS
This approval is based on the exhibits entitled "Tentative Map, Four Parcels Subdivision,
Alcazar Place" consisting of the tentative map (Sheet 1) and preliminary grading plan (Sheet
C-1) dated November 16, 2005, revised December 29, 2005, except as amended by the
conditions contained in this resolution.
2. PRIVATE STREET ALIGNMENT
Prior to final map, the applicant shall reconfigure the map by narrowing the private sheet to a
maximum width of 20 feet, for a distance of 20 feet in length along Parcel 1, beginning at the
entrance to the private street from Alcazar Avenue. The private street may be widened to 29
feet in width past the first 20 feet in length to allow space for street parkuig along the west
side of the private street.
3. DEMOLITION
All- existing structures shall be demolished prior to recordation of the final map, in
accordance with City demolition procedures.
4. NOTICE OF FEES, DEDICATIONS, RESERVATIONS OR OTHER EXACTIONS:
The Conditions of Project Approval set forth herein may include certain fees,
dedication requirements, reservation requirements, and other exactions. Pursuant
to Government Code Section 66020(d) (1), these Conditions constitute written
notice of a statement of the amount of such fees, and a description of the
dedications, reservations, and other exactions. You are hereby further notified that
the 90-day approval period in which you may protest these fees, dedications,
reservations, and other exactions, pursuant to Govenunent Code Section 66020(a),
has begun. If you fail to file a protest within this 90-day period complying with all
of the requirements of Section 66020, you will be legally barred from later
challenging such exactiois.
--- _»-s
Resolution No. 6351 TM-2005-13 January 10, 2006
Page 3
5. COVENANT-FOR TREE PROTECTION
a. The applicant shall prepare and record a covenant that runs with the laud,
prior to final map approval, acknowledging the protective status of the
English Walnut Tree (#28 on tree survey), Deodar Cedar (#11), two Southern
Magnolias (#1 aizd #2), and the Windmill Palm (#10) on the subject site. The
covenant shall also notify future property owners of these trees to be
protected, the requirements of the Heritage and Specimen Trees Ordinance
aild that approval of a tree removal permit is required prior to removal of any
of these trees. The covenant shall be reviewed aizd approved by the City
Attorney.
b. All protected trees on site shall be fenced off during construction, watered on
a regular basis and no trenching shall be done within 6' of the tree truiztcs.
c. In the event that any trees need to be relocated or removed due to required
improvements, a tree removal application shall be made to the Director of
Community Development.
d. The applicant shall post notices on all protective fencing aroui~d trees to be
protected and retained on the subject property, stating that such trees are to
be protected and retained.
e. The applicant shall comply with all tree protection measures recommended in
the arborist report prepared by Barrie D. Coate and Associated dated October
11, 2005, includuzg instructions that no material storage and/ or dirt be stored
beneath the tree canopies of protected trees.
6. TREE PROTECTION BOND
The applicant, prior to approval of i:he final map, shall provide a tree protection
bond in the amount of $10,000 to eivsure protection of existing trees on the site.
The- bond shall be returned after recordation of the final map, subject to a letter
from the City arborist indicating that the trees are u1 good condition.
7. BELOW MARKET.RATE HOUSIN<~
Applicant shall comply with the policies in the City's Below Market Rate Housing
Manual.
Public Works Conditions:
8. STREET WIDENING
Street. widening, improvements and dedications shall be provided in accordance
with City Standards and specificatiors and as required by the City Engineer.
9. CURS AND GUTTER IMPROVEMlENTS
Curbs and gutters and related structures shall be installed in accordance with
grades and standards as specified by the City Engineer.
__
_ _..... __..____ -. - ----- __17-9.
Resolution No. 6351 TM-2005-13 - ~ January 1 O, 2006
Page 4
10. FIRE HYDRANT
Fire hydrants shall be located as required by the City, San Jose Water Company
and Santa Clara County Fire.
11. TRAFFIC SIGNS
Traffic control signs shall be placed at locations specified by the City.
12. GRADING
Grading shall be as approved and required by the City EnguZeer i11 accordance
with Chapter 16.08 of the Cupertino Municipal Code. 401 Certifications and 404
permits maybe required. Please contact Army Corp of Engineers and/or Regional
Water Quality Control Board as appropriate.
13, DRAINAGE
Drainage shall be provided to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. Development
111 all other zoning districts shall be served by on site storm drainage facilities
connected to the City storm drainage system. If City storm drains are not
available, drainage facilities shall be installed to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer.
Drailage"shall be self-sustaining on the project site to the extent possible. The
applicant shall install improvements that employ detention/retention of storm
water, such as interlocking pavers and paving on site, to the satisfaction of the
City Engineer. Catch basins, as required by the City Engineer, shall be installed in
the private street.
~ Pre and Post storm drain calculations are required
14. FIRE PROTECTION
Fire sprinklers shall be installed in any new construction to the approval of the
City and Santa Clara County Fire, as needed.
15. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
The developer shall comply with the requirements of the Underground Utilities
Ordinance No. 331 and other related Ordinances and regulations of the City of
Cupertino, and shall coordinate with affected utility providers for installation of
underground utility devices. The developer shall submit detailed plans showing
utility underground provisions. Said-plans shall be subject to prior approval of the
affected Utility provider and the City Engineer.
Resolution No. 6351 - TM-2005-13 January 10, 2006
Page 5
16. IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
The project developer shall enter into a development agreement with the City of
Cupertino providing for payment of fees, including but not limited to checking
and inspection fees, storm drain feF~s, park dedication fees and fees for under
grounding of utilities. Said agreement shall be executed prior to issuance of
construction permits.
Fees:
a. Checking 8s Inspection Fees: $ 5 % of Off-Site Improvement Cost or
$2,785.00 iiliil.
b. Grading Permit: $ 6% of Site Improvement Cost or
$2,000.00 min.
c. Development Maintenance Deposit: $ 3,000.00
d. Storm Drainage Fee: $ 1,273.91
e. Power Cost: *~
f. Map Checking Fees: $ 6,750.00
g. Park Fees: $ 15,750.00
h. Street Tree ~ By Developer
'~*Based on the latest effective PGBiE rate schedule approved by the Public Utility
.Commission (P.U.C.)
Bonds:
a. Faithful Performance Bond: 100% of Off-site and On-site
Improvements
b. Labor 8s Material Bond: 100% of Off-site and On-site Improvement
c. On-site Grading Bond: 100% of site improvements.
-The fees described above are imposed based upon the current fee schedule
adopted by the City Council. However, the fees imposed herein may be modified
at the time of recordation of a final rnap or issuance of a buiIdiuig permit in the
event of said change or changes, the fees changed at that time will reflect the then
current fee schedule.
17. TRANSFORMERS
Electrical transformers, telephone vaults and similar above gromzd equipment
enclosures shall be screened with fencing and Iandscaping or located underground
such that said equipment is not visible izom public street areas.
18. DEDICATION OF WATERLINES
The developer shall dedicate to the Cit~r all waterlines and appurtenai~ces installed
to City Standards and shall reach an agreement with San Jose Water for water
service to the subject development.
n-~~
Resolution No. 6351 TM-2005-13 Tanuary 10, 2006
Page 6
19. BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
iJtilize Best Management Practices (BMP's), as required by the State Water
Resources Control Board, for construction activity, which disturUs soil. BMP plans
shall be included in your grading and street improvement plans. Erosion and or
sediment control plan shall be provided.
20. DRIVEWAY EASEMENT
The developers of Parcels 1,2,3 and 4 shall prepare a reciprocal driveway
easement agreement, approved by the City Attorney, which shall be recorded
prior to recordation of the final map.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 10~ day of January 2006, at a Regular Meetuzg of the
Planning Com~-n;ssion of the City of Cupertino, State of California, by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Chairperson Wong, Vice-Chair Miller, Saadati, Giefer
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: none
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: none
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:. none
ATTEST:
/s/Steve Piasecki
Steve Piasecki
Director of Community Development
APPROVED:
/ s / Gilbert Wong
Gilbert Wong, Chairperson
Cupertino Plasu-ung Comm;ssion
Zanrcin dre ort ~ es M-2005-13 ~•es. doc ~ ~ - ~ 2
S~~P $~P P ~' ~'
CITY OFCUPERTINO
103 00 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
Exhibit C
CITY OF CUPERTINO P=CANNING COMMISSION
AMENDED MINUTES
6:00 P.M. JANUARY 10, 2006 TUESDAY
CUPERTINO COMMUNITY HALL
The Planning Commission meeting of January 1C~, 2006, was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the
City Council Chambers, 10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California, by Chairperson Chair Wong.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Chairperson: Gilbert Wong
Vice Chairpers~~n: Marty Miller
Commissioner: Lisa Giefer
Comnzzssiozzerr Taaglzi Saadati
Staff present: Community Development Director: Steve Piasecki
City Planner: Ciddy Wordell
Senior Planner: Colin Jung
Senior Planner: Alci Honda
Public Works: Glenn Goepfert
Assistant City Attorney: Eileen Murray
APPROVAL OF MII~TUTES: None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None.
POSTPONEMENTSlREMOVAL FROM CALENDAR: None
ORAL CONIIVIUNICATIONS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR: None
PUBLIC HEARING
1. TM-2005-13 Tentative Map to subdivide a .9-acre parcel into four parcels, ranging
James Chen from approximately 7,500 to 9,200 square feet. Planning Conznzission
21713, 21731, decision final u~:less appealed.
21711 Alcazar
Avenue.
Aki Honda, Senior Planner, presented the staff report:
• Reviewed the application for a Tentative Map to subdivide a .9-acre site into four parcels,
ranging from approximately 7,500 to 9,200 ;square feet. The proposal is to reconfigure four
existing parcels into four new lots, currently only three of the lots are developed with single
17 - 13
Cupertino Planning Commission 2 January 1 O, 2006
family homes; the fourth parcel exists as a driveway access for one of the existuig properties.
She reviewed the site analysis and tree removal as outlined in the staff report.
• Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approves the tentative .map in accordance
with the model resolution.
James Chen, applicant:
• Said he worked closely with the Fire Department, Planning Department and Public Works
when submitting the tentative map. The proposal meets the zoning and Public Work
Departments requirements.
• He requested that the tentative map be approved.
• He answered Commissioners' questions relative to the proposed project.
Mr. Piasecki:
• Noted that Condition 13 on the Tentative Map speaks to the driveway easement; they will
record the driveway easement agreement so that adjacent property can also use it.
Ms. Wordell:
• Responded to Com. Giefer's questions about public and private roadways.
• There is no difference between width of public and private roadways; it is what Public Works
Department will approve in terms of adequate access for this number of lots.
Glen Goepfert, Assistant Director of Public Works:
• Said that Public Works would typically have a wider street section for a publicly maintained
road. Generally the city would have a substandard down to 28, typically a street would be 30
or 36 feet, if it were expected to be publicly inaurtained. There would typically be sidewalks
except in an area where it has already been approved by Council as semi-rural area.
• 7n this particular case Public Works would consider a narrower road. In order to have the 29
foot width, Public Works would indicate that they need to snake it a private road. The
standards for a typical road presently is 36 feet.
Chair Wong opened the public hearing.
Steve Malan, Imperial Avenue:
• Referring to an overhead map of the city streets, he illustrated the area around Imperial and
Orange Avenues where a drainage problem has existed for 15 years. During major rainstorms
the heavy flow comes from different directions and floods his lot and the neighbor's lot. Each
yeaz they have cleared it out manually.
• He recommended installation of curbs and gutters in the general area and another catch basin
installed; and some type of site drainage plan for the entire azea to catch it before it hits
Alcazar.
• The density of the project seems high, but livable. It improves the area. Drainage is the main
concern.
Sheaun Tsai, Alcazar Avenue:
• Expressed concern that the old lots had two street entrances, the new ones only have one
entrance; traffic will be concentrated on the one side. The traffic and the car lights will impact
his house.
• The court set up is another concern; it does not match the neighborhood.
• According to feng shui, a court with a driveway directly facing the house is not good for the
house owners. The width of the street entrance is also a concern.
17 - 14
Cupertino Planning Commission 3 January 10, 2006
• He is opposed to the project.
Jennifer Griffin, resident:
• Commended the city for requiring bond mor-ey be put up for the protection of the trees on the
property. It is a very useful way of making sure the trees on the property are not damaged by
bulldozers or mysteriously disappear.
• She expressed conceni particularly with the Walnut trees, stating she would like them replaced
on the property with a covenant recorded that two walnut trees have been replaced because
they are trees recognized by the city as being of historical importance. Cupertino needs to try
and retain big trees; English Walnut trees are; a heritage type tree for the city.
Suriel Chawla, resident:
• Said he liked the idea of newer homes in the neighborhood.
• Expressed concern about flag lots. He referred to the adjoining property as an eliminator,
meaning that he loses 15 feet of open space.
• He said that adding higher density and newer development would create major privacy issues
for his property.
Chair Wong closed the public hearing.
Mr. Goepfert commented on the drainage issLies:
• Explained the process followed in reviewing an application for a storm drain. He said in this
particular case, he was unsure if they considered the quantity of runoff being added in the area;
it is a difficult spot but they would seek a solution on the improvement plans to convey the
runoff from the site, not just the added runoff, past what was described as a low point, which is
a problem in the area.
• It is about 250 feet to Orange where there will be a storm drain main line built by a public
system, and is further to go to Imperial to make sure the runoff is conveyed. We will look at
how we can safely convey that without adding to the existing problem. The alternative would
be that we would not consider denying something of this, it is not a significant contributor on
the basis of existing drainage problems. Th.e level of improvement and the cost to extend or
pick up the rmioff from the roadway is something we could consider- It would not be a total
solution to just work on this roadway. In other cases, Public Works would look at detention on
the lots; I am not sure if there is an existing problem because there is an existing problem here,
if that would be appropriate for one new route. In the new pavement area, but Public Works
would look at what it would take to minimize: the contribution to the existing problem.
Mr. Piasecki:
• Pointed out that Page 1-6 and 1-7 contain the Public Works conditions. Curb and gutter
improvements a speaker talked about wanting to see curbs and gutters, it does stipulate that
they shall be installed in accordance with standards as specified by the city engineer.
Condition 6 refers to drainage which is also referring to the drainage system, shall be to the
satisfaction of the city engineer.
• If the Commission feels there is some additional work that needs to be done in those
conditions, you can specify it; you can ask the city engineer to focus on the additional
contribution made by this project and to dete:nnine if there is a way to upgrade the drainage in
the area that he thinks is reasonable that he ~~ould require of the applicant. The issue that Mr.
Goepfert is refen•ing to is that we cannot ask- this applicant to solve the problem for the whole
neighborhood when they are not contributing; very much to that problem.
i~-ts
Cupertino Planning Con~.mission 4 January 10, 2006
Ms. Honda:
• Responded to NIr. Tsars concern about the impacts created by the private driveway direction.
• Explained that it was currently a tentative map application; when it returns for development of
the properties, they can look at site specific mitigation measures which could include some
additional trees at that time.
Com. Giefer : (original text in draft minutes)
• There is indication on one of the plan sets that the arborists made their notes on, that they
intend to put dry ~;ells on each of the lots. On the other subdivision map, they are lacking. To
aide in the drainage with the houses that are there now, she said she understood that the down
spouts would tie into those dry wells. 1s the developer going to put in the dry wells
underground for each home because it would solve some of the runoff problems, and from the
rooftops; that water would not collect in the street?
The following is test added per Com. Giefer's request:
Com. Giefer: (revisions per verbatim tape)
• One of the plan sets that we have, it's the one that the arborist made their notes on,
there is indication that they intend to put in dry wells for each of the lots; and on the
other subdivision map, those are lacking on then-r. My question is, to aide in the
drainage from the houses that would replace the houses that are there now, my
understanding is that the downspouts would tie into those drywells to try to meet the
runoff from the rooftops. I ani tryuig to ascertain if the developer is going to put in the
drywells miderground for each home, because that would solve some of the runoff
problems and at least from the rooftop, my understanding would be that that water
would not collect in the street. That is the way my house is; my downspouts feed a
drywell.
Ms. Honda:
• The engineer/applicant is the best person to answer those questions.
Mr. Chen:
• Our first proposal is the use of a dry well to reduce the water that drains into the street;
individual lots will have their own dry wellss, just like the tree report shows and after Public
Works review because the new California Water Quality Control Board has a uew criteria,
they try to reclaim it. Thewater goes underneath to the ground and it might affect the under
ground water, so we route it back to the sump pump and put another pump to riy to reduce the
water draining. The entire private street we will use interlock pavers The water can drain and
be absorbed into the ground
• Vice Chair Giefer- so that would be a pervious surface that would absorb the rainfall)
Mr. Chen: NOT SURE HOW TO EDIT THIS PART. This IS the missing answer to my
question. I didn't ask about feng shui_ I thick Steve vas follosving-up on Marty or the
neighbor across the streets question after this paragraph
• Correct, that is my personal opinion; we don't (in shifts ??) (insist ??) the drywell or pump
out water; it depends on the Public works; if Public works requests us to use dry well, for sure
we like to use dry well, so eve will work closely with Public Works. Whatever the Public
Works will like us to do, we will do.
17 - 16
Cupertino Planning Cormnission
January 10, 2006
Mr. Piasecki:
• It might be beneficial ask the applicant to speak to the issue of lights shining on the neighbors
to the south, if the Commission is concerned about that; perhaps the alignment isn't as bad as
they anticipated.
• He asked Mr. Chen to address the comment from one of the neighbors that lights would be
shinuig into their front windows. He asked him to address it based on his familiarity with the
site and the alignment of the driveway and if there is any simple fix that would remedy that.
Mr. Chen:
• This is very hard issue for me; I am an engineer, not the feng shui scholar, but to my personal
understand the Chinese feng shui they always have some other way to correct the bad evil,
what temple; the drywell faces to his window and the car lights might shine to his window
and we can put the tree in between the dri~reway and the window in the front yard or in the
sidewalk, or street, or sidewalk blinlung ?? area, that way the blinking can stop the traffic
light; that is one of the ways. But I think the owner could share this problem with the owner to
solve some feng shui problems and maybe hire some home fung shui scholar to work out
something of the feng shui at home; that is all I can suggest. Based on the engineering points,
I don't see any problem with that; that is based on the fung shui, I ani Chinese and I hear about
feng shui and I luiow the feng shui, but th~~re are some other ways to prevent the feng shui
problem so I thu~-k that the owner and the neighbors can work it out together with a feng shu
scholar to solve this problem.
Chair Wong:
• Can we have that private driveway start at 20 feet and then open up to 29 feet, is that possible,
so that when they exit from their
Mr. Piaseclci:
• Requested the applicant's comment on the lights shining onto the neighbor the south.
Mr. Chen:
• Said it was a difficult issue for an engineer. He said personally he understood the concept of
Feng Shui which alleges that it is not good fir the homeowner to have a driveway that directly
faces the house. Relative to the light shining directly into the homeowner's window, he
suggested that a tree be planted in between the driveway and the window to block the direct
light into the window.
• He suggested that the homeowner and developer work together on a solution.
Chair Wong:
• Suggested that the driveway start at 20 feet and open up to 29 feet; when they exit from the
private driveway they will be exiting between the two properties at the existing driveway but
when they go uiside the private driveway they will opening up to the 29 foot driveway area.
Mr. Piaseclci:
• The 29 feet area accommodates the onstreet parking on the west side of the street; the travel
tanes are already limited to about 20 feet, which are after the onstreet parking and before the
private curb line in front of the homes.
• You already have a constricted driveway.
Com. Giefer:
• Suggested that even if it was just for parcel cne. If there was no on driveway parking in parcel
t~-~~
Cupertino Planning Commission 6 January 10, 2006
one and you moved parcel one to the left, you could save one of the English walnut trees and
provide more space between the eastern neighbor who is concerned about their privacy, wich
the English walnuts would also add to retain some of the neighbor's privacy.
• Said she would be supportive of making the first portion of the driveway "no parking" and
limit that size to 20 feet, giving them a larger parcel one, put a covenant on one of the English
walnut trees to save one of them to allow more privacy for the eastern neighbor, which would
be a win-win for all.
Mr. Piasecki:
• Suggested that they could condition that they look at that and try to find a way; that sounds
like a good suggestion; just eliminate one or two parking spaces.
Com. Giefer:
• Asked if the subdivision locked them into the driveway at this time.
Mr. Piasecki:
• You would still have ample driveway size because you would be actually widening it to the
west.
Com. Giefer:
• We would be widening it to the west but narrowing it to the east; we would have 20 feet with
no parking; but does that do anything technically to the subdivision we are asked to approve.
Mr. Piasecki:
• I don't think it changes; if you condition it, we will look at it to snake sure if it has to be 21 or
22 at the driveway curb cut, one or two feet will not make a big difference. Your point is let's
see if we can get the exiting cars further to the west so that we are not directing lights right
into the neighbors' windows.
Com. Giefer:
• And also save one of the trees.
Mr. Piasecki:
• You would need to put that tree on the list of trees to be preserved.
Mr. Chen:
• That is a good idea; we can work with public works and plamiing.
Vice Chair Miller:
• Said he was satisfied that the drainage issue was being addressed adequately and that the
applicant was doing his best to address the drainage issues and working with staff, particularly
with offering to do interlocking pavers which does a lot to keep the water on site.
• There were some other concerns about density brought up, but this is just basically. a
reconfiguration of existing parcels and taking away a flag lot arrangement and putting in a cul
de sac, which is an enhancement to the neighborhood. He said he saw it as an attractive
solution which will upgrade the neighborhood.
• Commented that they had done something similar with another project where the issue arose;
where they narrowed the fu•st feet of the driveway so that it resolved the feng shui issue.
• Relative to the concerns about feng shui, he said he felt there was a reasonable solution and
perhaps the neighbors could work together to make sure that everybody is reasonably satisfied.
i~-~e
Cupertino Planning Commission '7 January 1 O, 2006
• He said he supported the project.
Com. Giefer:
• Added an additional condition on tree protection; in addition to the ones already listed,
we have also indicated that we do not want to allow storage of materials or dirt
underneath protected trees, and would also require the conditions of the protection
posted. Barry Coates has provided a posting notice in their packet and said she would
like to implement that. In the motion, ii' we are going to narrow the driveway, I would
also like to add that at least one of the walfnut trees be protected.
Motion: Motion by Com_ Saadati, second by Vice Chair Miller, to approve
Application TM-2005-13 as amended; including reconfiguration of the
driveway, saving one of th~z walnut trees, no material storage or dirt
underneath trees, drainage ito be self sustaining to the maximum extent
possible in the ne~v driveway, and a catch basin within the driveway to help
alleviate the drainage problem. (Vote: 4-0-0)
2. TM-2005-14 Tentative Map to subdivide a 21,803 square foot lot into two
Jitka Cymbal parcels, 10,418 square feet and 1,385 square feet respectively.
(Jinling and Roger Planning Commission decision final unless appealed.
Low residence)
21988 McClellan Rd.
Colin Jung, Senior Planner, presented the stafff report:
• Reviewed the application for a tentative m:ip to subdivide a 21,803 square foot lot into two
parcels in a R1-7.5 zoning district as outlined in the staff report.
• He summarized the recommendations for h~ee retention and removal from Barry Coates, the
City's consulting arborist. Mr. Coates' recommendations are outlined in the staff report, Page
2-3.
• As a result of the arborist's recommendations, staff has put conditions of approval in the
approval of the tentative map, including recording a covenant for the protection of the three
trees; obtaining a tree protection bond of $10,000 per tree; hiring a licensed arborist to oversee
the tree protection measures during construction. He illustrated the location of the trees
proposed for preservation.
• Staff recommends approval of the tentative neap.
The applicant was not present.
Com_ Miller:
• Asked staff why a flag lot was being considered as opposed to a straight subdivision down the
middle?
Mr. Jung:
• Responded that the property is conventionally zoned and the minimum lot width required in a
Rl zone is 60 feet at the front set back lute; the lot is too narrow to split down the center.
Com_ Miller:
• Said it was still a workable solution; and an opportunity to not have another flag lot situation.
17 - 19
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BASIS OF BEARINGS:
THE BASIS OF BEARINGS IS TAKEN FROM TRACT MAP
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RECORDED IN BOOK 10 OF MAPS AT PAGE i6, SANTA
CLARA CDUNtt RECORDS. THE BEARING BEING NOTED
AS NORTH BETWEEN FOUND STREET MONUMENTS ON
THE CENTERLINE OF ORANGE AVENUE
CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED; "TRACT N0. 300, MAP OF THE NOONAN
SUBDMSION, UNIT N0: 2", RECORDED IN BOOK 10 OF MAPS, AT
PAGE 16,.SAMACIARA COUNTY RECORDS AND LUNG EMIREIY
WfiHIN iN
20 1D D 2D 60 100
NOVEMBER, 2D05 SCALE 1"=20'-0"
APN: 357-19-018, 058, 019 k OBO
BENCH MARK: OWNER: KOK Y. HO & YUET M. HO
HSING KUNG & MARGARET KUNG
BM-26 CONCRETE NAIL IN T.C. ON NORTHWEST CURB ~ ~ CHIAO-FU CHANG & SUE-FAY L CHANG
-, RETURN OF STEVENS CREEK BLVD. AT INTERSECTION
WITH MANN DRIVE. Cltt OF CUPER11N0 DATUM.
ELEVATION = 334.83 FEET. ~ SUBDMDER: KOH Y. HO & YUET M. HO
HSING HUNG & MARGARET KUNG
CHIAO-FU CHANG & SUE-FAY L CHANG
ENGINEER:- JAMES C. CHEN, C.E., S.E.
P.O.BOX 20302
_ _ _.... _ _ . _
.. ...
_., SAN JOSE, CA 95160
1EGEND (aofi)268-oslz
a+srm~c marcavs>RUCrsn ascew/rov EXISTING USE: SINGLE FAMILY RESIDEMIAL
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cnsr. smucnrer metavo~m: ~ SEWAGE DISPOSAL: CUPERTINO SANITARY DISTRICT
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A~ws~~~uor~ ACREAGE: 41,352 Sp. Fi,
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PARCEL 1: 7501 Sp.FT
0.172 ACRES
PARCEL 2: 7531 SO.Fi
0.173 ACRES
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~_J ~ Status on Berry Court subdivision
COPE RTINO ~ For1"1"7erly 21711, "L1.-0Z2 & 21731 Alcazar Avg
March 3 2009
O City Council heard from Sheaun Tsai 8~ his wife, owners
of 21720 Alcazar Ave., during Oral Communications
D The Tsais expressed concerns about the alignment 8c
location of the private street, Berry Court, being
constructed across the street
O City Council requested staff to prepare a status report on
the development of the private street for the subdivision
1
aitateve flap Approval
a January 10, 2006 -Berry Court subdivision was approved by
the Planning Commission
o Subdivision reconfigured 3 lots into 4single-family lots
w/development of the private street
o Planning Commission discussed shifting the private street to
the west to reduce headlight impacts into Mr. Tsars home 8c to
conform to Feng Shui principles, and added a condition
resulting from Mr. Tsars public testimony
o During the motion, the Commission did not specifically include
shifting the private street to the west; therefore, it was not
included in the condition
o However, during Final Map approval through the Public
Works Department, the Planning Commission intent was
incorporated
o Public Works shifted the street an additional one-foot to
the west
o Due to City standards requiring the edge of the driveway
to be 4-feet from the property line, the driveway was not
moved any further west.
2
~~trance
o Since January of 2009, Public Works has met and has been
working with Mr. Tsai and neighbors of Berry Court to review
& resolve the alignment of the Berry Court entrance
a Public Works reached a compromise with Mr. Tsai and
neighbors by moving the Berry Court entrance further west,
leaving a 2 ~/z foot setback from the western property line,
rather than the previous 4-foot setback
o Public Works could not move the driveway flush against the
property line due to the transitioning needed for the
handicapped accessible sidewalk ramp adjacent to Berry
Court
S®~e P1~vtos
ERTINO
o Staff recommends that a slightly raised directional marker
could be added as an additional option to minimize
vehicle headlights into the Tsai's home
o Directional markers could direct outgoing vehicles to
angle cars slightly west when exiting
a The developer has indicated that he would be willing to
install some type of minimal directional markers
4