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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution No. 2026-06CITY OF CUPERTINO 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, California 95014 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-06 OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO APPROVING A MINOR RESIDENTIAL PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW REAR FACING BALCONY ON A PROPOSED TWO-STORY RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 22068 SAN FERNANDO COURT (A.P.N. 35712 012) SECTION I: PROJECT DESCRIPTION Application No.: RM-2024-028 Applicants: David Kuoppamaki Location: 22068 San Fernando Court; APN: 35712 012 SECTION II: FINDINGS FOR A MINOR RESIDENTIAL PERMIT WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Cupertino received an application for a Minor Residential Permit as described in Section I of this Resolution; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) ("CEQA"), together with the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et seq.) (hereinafter, "CEQA Guidelines"), the City staff has independently studied the proposed Project and has determined that the Project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the categorical exemption in CEQA Guidelines section 15303 for the reasons set forth in the staff report dated February 24, 2026 and incorporated herein; and WHEREAS, the necessary public notices have been given as required by the Procedural Ordinance of the City of Cupertino, and the Planning Commission has held at least one public meeting in regard to the application; and WHEREAS, on February 24, 2026, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to receive public testimony on the Project, including the categorical CEQA exemption in CEQA Guidelines section 15303, and reviewed and considered the information contained in the staff report pertaining to the Project, all other pertinent documents, and all written and oral statements received by the Planning Commission at or prior to the public hearing; and Resolution No. 2026-06 RM-2024-028 February 24, 2026 Page 2 WHEREAS, the applicant has met the burden of proof required to support said application; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission finds as follows, with regard to this application, that: 1. The project is consistent with the Cupertino General Plan, any applicable specific plans, zoning ordinances and the purposes of this title. The proposed project is consistent with the General Plan as the project is within the Low - Density land use area. There are no applicable specific plans that affect the project. The project has been found to be consistent with the requirements of Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 19.28 Single Family (R-1) Residential. 2. The granting of the permit will not result in a condition that is detrimental or injurious to property improvements in the vicinity, and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare. The granting of the permit will not result in a condition that is detrimental or injurious to property improvements in the vicinity, and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare as the projects is located within the R1-7.5 (Single Family Residential) zoning district and will be compatible with the surrounding uses of the neighborhood. 3. The proposed project is harmonious in scale and design with the general neighborhood. The proposed project is located in a residential area consisting of single-family homes. The proposed project, as conditioned, maintains the single-family home scale found compatible with the general neighborhood. 4. Adverse visual impacts on adjoining properties have been reasonably mitigated. Any potential adverse impacts on adjoining properties have been reasonably mitigated, as conditioned, through the requirement for the installation of a privacy screening as required by the R-1 Ordinance. WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has independently reviewed and considered the Project and the basis for the exemption prior to taking any approval actions on the Project, and exercising its independent judgment, based upon the entire record before it, has determined that the Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15303, which applies to new construction or conversion of single-family residences and accessory structures; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission takes the following actions: Resolution No. 2026-06 RM-2024-028 February 24, 2026 Page 3 1. Exercises its independent judgment and determines that the Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15303. The exemption in CEQA Guidelines section 15303 applies to new construction or conversion of single- family residences and accessory structures. The proposed project is a new single- family residence. 2. Approves the application for a Minor Residential Permit, Application no. RM-2024- 028 subject to the conditions which are enumerated in this Resolution beginning on PAGE 3 thereof. The conclusions and sub -conclusions upon which the findings and conditions specified in this resolution are based, including those contained in the Public Hearing record concerning Application no. RM-2024-028 as set forth in the Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting of February 24, 2026, are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and are included herein by reference as findings. SECTION III: CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 1. APPROVED EXHIBITS Approval is based on the plan set consisting of twenty one (21) sheets, labeled Sheets CRV1, C-0, C-2, PLN1 through PLN4, A0.1 through A0.3, A2.1, A2.2, A3.1, A3.2, A4.1, A5.1 through A5.3, L-1 through L-3, and TOPO, submitted by the Applicants, except as may be amended by conditions in this resolution. 2. CONCURRENT APPROVAL CONDITIONS The conditions of approval contained in file nos. EXC-2025-007, EXC-2025-008, R-2024-029, and TR-2024-043 shall be applicable to this approval. 3. ANNOTATION OF THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL The conditions of approval set forth shall be incorporated into and annotated on the building plans. 4. BUILDING PERMITS The applicant shall consult with the City Building Division to obtain the necessary building permits prior to commencement of work. 5. ACCURACY OF PROTECT PLANS The applicant/property owner is responsible for verifying all pertinent property data including but not limited to property boundary locations, building setbacks, Resolution No. 2026-06 RM-2024-028 February 24, 2026 Page 4 property size, building square footage, any relevant easements, and/or construction records. Any misrepresentation of any property data may invalidate this approval and may require additional review. 6. COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC WORKS CONFIRMATION FORM The project shall comply with the requirements indicated on the Public Works Confirmation form, including, but not limited to, dedications, easements, off -site improvements, undergrounding of utilities, all necessary agreements, and utility installations/relocations as deemed necessary by the Director of Public Works and required for public health and safety. The Public Works Confirmation is a preliminary review and is not an exhaustive review of the subject development. Additional requirements may be established and implemented during the construction permitting process. The project construction plans shall address these requirements with the construction permit submittal, and all required improvements shall be completed to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works prior to final occupancy. 7. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS The applicant is responsible for consulting with other departments and/or agencies with regard to the proposed project for additional conditions and requirements. Any misrepresentation of any submitted data may invalidate any approval by the Community Development Department. 8. PRIVACY PLANTING The provided draft privacy plan is not approved as part of this permit and a final privacy planting plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Division prior to issuance of building permits. The variety, size, and planting distance shall be consistent with the City's requirements, however trees located within the rear yard area shall be native oak tree varieties. 9. PRIVACY PROTECTION COVENANT The property owner shall record a covenant on this property to inform future property owners of the privacy protection measures and tree protection requirements consistent with the R-1 Ordinance, for all windows with views into neighboring yards and a sill height that is 5 feet or less from the second story finished floor. The precise language will be subject to approval by the Director of Community Development. Proof of recordation must be submitted to the Community Development Department prior to final occupancy of the residence. 10. LANDSCAPE PROTECT SUBMITTAL Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a full Landscape Resolution No. 2026-06 RM-2024-028 February 24, 2026 Page 5 Documentation Package, per sections 14.15.050 A, B, C, and D of the Landscape Ordinance, for projects with landscape area 500 square feet or more or elect to submit a Prescriptive Compliance Application per sections 14.15.040 A, B, and C for projects with landscape area between 500 square feet and 2,500 square feet. The Landscape Documentation Package or Prescriptive Compliance Application shall be reviewed and approved to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development prior to issuance of building permits, and additional requirements per sections 14.15.040 D, E, F, and G or 14.15.050 E, F, G, H, and I will be required to be reviewed and approved prior to final inspections. 11. EXTERIOR BUILDING MATERIALS/TREATMENTS The final building exterior plan shall closely resemble the details shown on the original approved plans. Final building exterior treatment plan (including but not limited to details on exterior color, materials, architectural treatments, doors, windows, lighting fixtures, and/or embellishments) shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community Development prior to issuance of building permits to ensure quality and consistency. Any exterior changes determined to be substantial by the Director of Community Development shall either require a modification to this permit or a new permit based on the extent of the change. 12. GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION HOURS AND NOISE LIMITS a. All grading activities shall be limited to the dry season (April 15 to October 1), unless permitted otherwise by the Director of Public works. b. Construction hours and noise limits shall be compliant with all requirements of Chapter 10.48 of the Cupertino Municipal Code. c. Grading, street construction, underground utility and demolition hours for work done more than 750 feet away from residential areas shall be limited to Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Grading, street construction, demolition or underground utility work within 750 feet of residential areas shall not occur on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and during the nighttime period as defined in Section 10.48.053(b) of the Municipal Code. d. Construction activities shall be limited to Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Construction activities are not allowed on holidays as defined in Chapter 10.48 of the Municipal Code. Night time construction is allowed if compliant with nighttime standards of Section 10.48 of the Cupertino Municipal Code. e. Rules and regulations pertaining to all construction activities and limitations Resolution No. 2026-06 RM-2024-028 February 24, 2026 Page 6 identified in this permit, along with the name and telephone number of an applicant appointed disturbance coordinator, shall be posted in a prominent location at the entrance to the job site. f. The applicant shall be responsible for educating all contractors and subcontractors of said construction restrictions. The applicant shall comply with the above grading and construction hours and noise limit requirements unless otherwise indicated 13. FUGITIVE DUST CONTROL Prior to issuance of the any demolition, grading, or building permit, include on all permit plans, the full text of each of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Basic Control Measures from the latest version of BAAOMD's CEOA Air Quality Guidelines, as subsequently revised, supplemented, or replaced, to control fugitive dust (i.e., particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10) during demolition, ground disturbing activities and/or construction. 14. VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND EMISSIONS FROM PAINT Prior to issuance of the first building permit, the Applicant shall include a note on all plans where paint specifications or other design specifications are listed, that the project design will incorporate only low-VOC paint (i.e., 50 grams per liter [g/L] or less) for interior and exterior wall architectural coatings. 15. AVOID NESTING BIRDS DURING CONSTRUCTION Prior to issuance of the any demolition, grading and building permit, indicate the following on all construction plans: a. Demolition, construction, ground -disturbing, and tree removal/pruning activities shall be scheduled to be completed prior to nesting season (February 1 through August 31), if feasible. b. If demolition, construction, ground -disturbing, or tree removal/pruning activities occur during the nesting season (February 1 and August 31), preconstruction surveys shall be conducted as follows: i. No more than 7 days prior to the start of demolition, construction, ground - disturbing, or tree removal/pruning activities, in order to identify any active nests with eggs or young birds on the site and surrounding area within 100 feet of construction or tree removal activities. ii.Preconstruction surveys shall be repeated at 14 -day intervals until demolition, construction, ground -disturbing, or tree removal/pruning activities have been initiated in the area, after which surveys can be stopped. As part of the preconstruction survey(s), the surveyor shall inspect all trees and other possible nesting habitats in, and immediately adjacent to, the Resolution No. 2026-06 RM-2024-028 February 24, 2026 Page 7 construction areas for active nests, while ensuring that they do not disturb the nests as follows: 1) For projects that require the demolition or construction one single-family residence, ground disturbing activities affecting areas of up to 500 square feet, or the removal of up to three trees, the property owner or a tree removal contractor, if necessary, is permitted to conduct the preconstruction surveys to identify if there are any active nests. If any active nests with eggs or young birds are identified, the project applicant shall retain a qualified ornithologist or biologist to identify protective measures. 2) For any other demolition, construction and ground disturbing activity or the removal of four or more trees, a qualified ornithologist or biologist shall be retained by the project applicant to conduct the preconstruction surveys. iii.If the preconstruction survey does not identify any active nests with eggs or young birds that would be affected by demolition, construction, ground - disturbing or tree removal/pruning activities, no further mitigating action is required. If an active nest containing eggs or young birds is found sufficiently close to work areas to be disturbed by these activities, their locations shall be documented, and the qualified ornithologist or biologist shall identify protective measures to be implemented under their direction until the nests no longer contain eggs or young birds. iv.Protective measures may include, but are not limited to, establishment of clearly delineated exclusion zones (i.e., demarcated by identifiable fencing, such as orange construction fencing or equivalent) around each nest location as determined by the qualified ornithologist or biologist, taking into account the species of birds nesting, their tolerance for disturbance and proximity to existing development. In general, exclusion zones shall be a minimum of 300 feet for raptors and 75 feet for passerines and other birds. The active nest within an exclusion zone shall be monitored on a weekly basis throughout the nesting season to identify signs of disturbance and confirm nesting status. The radius of an exclusion zone may be increased by the qualified ornithologist or biologist, if project activities are determined to be adversely affecting the nesting birds. Exclusion zones may be reduced by the qualified ornithologist or biologist only in consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The protection measures and buffers shall remain in effect until the young have left the nest and are foraging independently or the nest is no longer active. v. A final report on nesting birds and raptors, including survey methodology, survey date(s), map of identified active nests (if any), and protection Resolution No. 2026-06 RM-2024-028 February 24, 2026 Page 8 measures (if required), shall be prepared by the qualified ornithologist or biologist and submitted to the Director of Community Development or his or her designee, through the appropriate permit review process (e.g., demolition, construction, tree removal, etc.), and be completed to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director prior to the start of demolition, construction, ground -disturbing, or tree removal/pruning activities. 16. NOISE AND VIBRATION NOTICE At least 10 days prior to the start of any demolition, ground disturbing, or construction activities, the project applicant/contractor shall ensure that a sign measuring at least two feet by three feet shall be posted on construction fencing at the entrance(s) to the job site, clearly visible to the public, and include the following: a. Permitted construction days and hours; b. A description of proposed construction activities; c. Telephone numbers of the City's and contractor's authorized representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a noise or vibration complaint; and d. Contact information for City's and contractor's authorized representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a complaint related to fugitive dust, pursuant to the requirements for compliance with BAAOMD's CEOA Air Quality Guidelines. If the authorized contractor's representative receives a complaint, they shall investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and report the complaint and the action taken to the City within three business days of receiving the complaint. 17. NOISE AND VIBRATION SIGNAGE At least 10 days prior to the start of any demolition, ground disturbing, or construction activities, the project applicant/contractor shall ensure that a sign measuring at least two feet by three feet shall be posted on construction fencing at the entrance(s) to the job site, clearly visible to the public, and include the following: a. Permitted construction days and hours; b. A description of proposed construction activities; c. Telephone numbers of the City's and contractor's authorized representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a noise or vibration complaint; and d. Contact information for City's and contractor's authorized representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a complaint related to fugitive dust, pursuant to the requirements for compliance with BAAQMD's CEOA Air Quality Guidelines. Resolution No. 2026-06 RM-2024-028 February 24, 2026 Page 9 If the authorized contractor's representative receives a complaint, they shall investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and report the complaint and the action taken to the City within three business days of receiving the complaint. 18. NOISE DURING CONSTRUCTION Prior to issuance of any demolition, grading or building permit, include on plans a note that, during project construction, the project applicant shall incorporate the following measures to reduce noise during construction and demolition activity: a. The project applicant and contractors shall prepare and submit a Construction Noise Control Plan to the City's Planning Department for review and approval prior to issuance of the first permit. The Construction Noise Plan shall demonstrate compliance with daytime and nighttime decibel limits pursuant to Chapter 10.48 (Community Noise Control) of Cupertino Municipal Code. The details of the Construction Noise Control Plan shall be included in the applicable construction documents and implemented by the on -site Construction Manager. Noise reduction measures selected and implemented shall be based on the type of construction equipment used on the site, distance of construction activities from sensitive receptor(s), site terrain, and other features on and surrounding the site (e.g., trees, built environment) and may include, but not be limited to, temporary construction noise attenuation walls, high quality mufflers. During the entire active construction period, the Construction Noise Control Plan shall demonstrate that compliance with the specified noise control requirements for construction equipment and tools will reduce construction noise in compliance with the City's daytime and nighttime decibel limits. b. Select haul routes that avoid the greatest amount of sensitive use areas and submit to the City of Cupertino Public Works Department for approval prior to the start of the construction phase. c. Signs will be posted at the job site entrance(s), within the on -site construction zones, and along queueing lanes (if any) to reinforce the prohibition of unnecessary engine idling. All other equipment will be turned off if not in use for more than 5 minutes. d. During the entire active construction period and to the extent feasible, the use of noise producing signals, including horns, whistles, alarms, and bells will be for safety warning purposes only. The construction manager will use smart back-up alarms, which automatically adjust the alarm level based on the background noise level or switch off back-up alarms and replace with human spotters in compliance with all safety requirements and law. Resolution No. 2026-06 RM-2024-028 February 24, 2026 Page 10 19. INDEMNIFICATION As part of the application, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the applicant shall agree to indemnify, defend with the attorneys of the City's choice, and hold harmless the City, its City Council, and its officers, employees, and agents (collectively, the "indemnified parties") from and against any liability, claim, action, cause of action, suit, damages, judgment, lien, levy, or proceeding (collectively referred to as "proceeding") brought by a third party against one or more of the indemnified parties or one or more of the indemnified parties and the applicant related to any Ordinance, Resolution, or action approving the project, the related entitlements, environmental review documents, finding or determinations, or any other permit or approval authorized for the project. The indemnification shall include but not be limited to damages, fees, and costs awarded against the City, if any, and cost of suit, attorneys' fees, and other costs, liabilities, and expenses incurred in connection with such proceeding whether incurred by the Applicant, the City, or the parties initiating or bringing such proceeding. The applicant shall agree to (without limitation) reimburse the City its actual attorneys' fees and costs incurred in defense of the litigation. Such attorneys' fees and costs shall include amounts paid to the City's outside counsel and shall include City Attorney time and overhead costs and other City staff overhead costs and any costs directly related to the litigation reasonably incurred by City. The applicant shall likewise agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the indemnified parties from and against any damages, attorneys' fees, or costs awards, including attorneys' fees awarded under Code of Civil Procedure section 1021.5, assessed or awarded against the indemnified parties. The Applicant shall cooperate with the City to enter a Reimbursement Agreement to govern any such reimbursement. The Applicant shall agree to (without limitation) reimburse the City for all costs incurred in additional investigation or study of, or for supplementing, redrafting, revising, or amending, any document (such as an Environmental Impact Report, negative declaration, specific plan, or general plan amendment) if made necessary by proceedings challenging the project approvals and related environmental review, if the applicant desires to continue to pursue the project. The Applicant shall agree that the City shall have no liability to the Applicant for business interruption, punitive, speculative, or consequential damages. 20. 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 Resolution No. 2026-06 RM-2024-028 February 24, 2026 Page 11 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 Government 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 exactions. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 24th day of February, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Cupertino, State of California, by the following roll call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kosolcharoen, Fung, and Lindskog NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Scharf and Rao ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. ATTEST: Piu Ghosh Planning Manager APPROVED: Tracy Kosolcharoen Chair, Planning Commission