DRC 12-02-2010 Design Review Committee
December 2, 2010
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777 -3308
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
HELD ON December 2, 2010
ROLL CALL
Committee Members present: Winne Lee, Chairperson
Marty Miller, Commissioner
Committee Members absent None
Staff present: George Schroeder
Staff absent: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
November 18, 2010
Minutes of the November 18, 2010 Design Review Committee meeting were approved
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR:
None
ORAL COMMUNICATION:
None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
None
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Application No.(s): R- 2010 -25, EXC- 2010 -11
Applicant: Dick Fang (Mimi Tsui)
Location: 10292 Orange Ave
Residential Design Review for a new 2,819 square foot, two -story single family residence;
R1 Exception to allow five foot, ground floor, side yard setbacks
Design Review Committee decision final unless appealed.
Staff member Schroeder explained that the application is being heard by the Design Review Committee
because the applicant is requesting an Exception to the R1 Ordinance to reduce the side yard setbacks to
a combined 10 feet where 15 feet is required. The reduced setback area is for the garage. The living area
of the proposed new home will have the required setbacks. The lot is in the Monte Vista area of
Cupertino. These lots are mostly substandard size lots at approximately 50 feet across instead of the
minimum 60 feet. The proposed new house will have a Mediterranean design style consistent with the
neighborhood. There will be a large porch to reduce the visual massing of the garage, a stepped feature
along the first to second floor, a trellis and landscaping planting for privacy on the sides and rear of the
2 Design Review Committee
December 2, 2010
property. Two trees will be removed and replaced in accordance with the Tree Ordinance. The trees to
be removed are on private property and are not protected or heritage. Staff feels the design of the
proposed new residence is compatible with the neighborhood and that the reduced side yard setback
will not be detrimental and, therefore, supports the application.
Commissioner Miller asked about the new sidewalk construction. Staff member Schroeder explained
that the new sidewalk and curb /gutter installation is a requirement from the Public Works Department.
Street upgrades are being required in some are areas as new development is occurs. Chair Lee asked
where the new trees would be planted on site. Staff member Schroeder said the new trees would be in
the front yard, in the new parking strip along the street and in the back yard. The City's Arborist would
be advising the applicant on the best replacement specie to ensure that the appropriate trees are
replanted. A complete landscape plan will be submitted and approved prior to the issuance of the
building permit to ensure compliance with the new Xeriscape /Landscape Ordinance. Commissioner
Miller expressed concern that there may not be enough room in the back yard for another tree. The
applicant addressed the Committee to reiterate that several existing homes in the area have reduced side
yard setbacks. A resident spoke to voice concerns regarding the removal of the tree in the front of the
property. She feels that the City's arborist should've done a report the tree since it is very old and
provides a lot of character to the neighborhood. She is concerned that all the mature trees on the lot will
be removed and the replacements will be too small. The applicant commented that the tree has damaged
the neighbor's water and sewer lines and has lifted the driveway. A review of the site plan confirmed
that the tree on private property as it is 10 feet from the property line. Commissioner Miller feels that the
exception is justified and so supports approval of the application. Chair Lee also felt the side yard
setbacks are fine and that the large tree in the front yard will need to be removed to avoid future damage
to the property.
MOTION: Commissioner Miller moved to approve R- 2010 -25, EXC- 2010 -11
SECOND: Chairperson Lee
ABSENT: none
ABSTAIN: none
VOTE: 2 -0
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
Respectfully submitted:
/&k p 964"
Beth Ebbe
Administrative Clerk
g:planning/DRC Committee/Minutes120210