DRC 03-03-2011 Design Review Committee
March 3, 2011
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777 -3308
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE HELD ON March 03,
ROLL CALL
Committee Members present: Marty Miller, Chairperson
Paul Brophy, Commissioner
Committee Members absent Don Sun, Commissioner
Staff present: George Schroeder
Staff absent: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
January 6, 2011
Minutes of the January 6, 2011 Design Review Committee meeting were not approved
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR:
None
ORAL COMMUNICATION:
A resident asked how the City will be getting the information from PG &E regarding where high
pressure gas pipelines are located in neighborhoods or where they will be installing emergency shut off
valves. The resident also asked if this information will be reviewed as part of a development application.
Staff member Schroeder said that he was not aware if the City had any high pressure natural gas lines
running through it, but would check on it.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
None
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Application No.(s): R- 2011 -02, RM- 2011 -01, EXC- 2011 -02
Applicant: Kirk Tang (Chen residence)
Location: 10170 Amelia Ct
Residential Design Review for a new two - story, 2,855 square foot, single family residence;
Minor Residential Permit for a second story rear deck;
R1 Exception to allow a second story deck a side setback of 10 feet, where 15 feet is required and
to allow a second story surcharge setback of 5 feet 3 inches where 10 feet is required
Design Review Committee decision final unless appealed.
Staff member Schroeder explained that the applicant is requesting two exceptions to the R1 Ordinance.
The lot is triangle shaped and has a 20' right -of -way easement along the front. The shape and easement
cause development of the site to require exceptions. The applicant is requesting exceptions for the
2 Design Review Committee
March 03, 2011
second story addition. The first exception is for the balcony. Balconies are required to have a 15' side
yard setback for proper separation and privacy. A portion of the proposed balcony encroaches into the
required setback area, however, privacy is not a concern as it faces Varian Park. Privacy screening will
be planted along the southerly side to obstruct any views from that side of the balcony. The second
exception is for the second story setback surcharge. The required second story setbacks are 25' from the
front property line and a combined 25' for the side setbacks with an additional 10' setback surcharge to
ensure privacy protection and setback from the street. Due to the setback being measured from the right -
of -way easement, the setback surcharge is 5', 3 ". If measured from the property line, the front setback is
47', well within the requirements. Staff feels the applicant is meeting the intent of the Ordinance. The
house is a Mediterranean inspired design, is well articulated, has decorative stone trim and will be in
earth -toned colors. The applicant has worked with Staff to meet the design guidelines. Staff supports the
project. The lot is unique to design on, the house style fits well within the neighborhood, and there are
no privacy concerns.
Commissioner Brophy asked about the right -of -way easement and the neighborhood noticing radius. He
asked why Staff supported this project's exceptions. Staff member Schroeder talked about the lot shape,
the design challenges, the ordinance requirements for setbacks and the setback surcharge for the second
story. Historically these types of projects have been supported when they don't impact neighbors and
are on irregularly shaped lots. The very large easement also makes this lot design unusual.
Chair Miller asked if any of the noticed neighbors expressed any comments or concerns. He asked about
the landscaping plan. Staff member Schroeder explained that the conceptual landscape plan indicates the
project meets the new landscaping ordinance requirements. The calculations were re -done to ensure the
landscape area is below the minimum requirement that would invoke the Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance. The applicant will be installing pervious surfaces in the rear of the house, and will be
installing a sidewalk and gutter to connect with the existing sidewalk per the Public Works
requirements.
A resident spoke in favor of the project. Commissioner Brophy said that while he is usually not in favor
of granting exceptions, he feels the house doesn't pose any issues to the neighborhood. Chair Miller feels
that the design of the proposed residence is consistent with the intent of the R1 Ordinance and that it
minimized the visual impacts to the adjoining properties.
MOTION: Commissioner Brophy moved to approve R- 2011 -02, RM- 2011 -01 and EXC- 2011 -02
SECOND: Chairperson Miller
ABSENT: none
ABSTAIN: none
VOTE: 2 -0
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
Respectfully submitted:
a titiblit,
Beth Ebb
Administrative Clerk
g:planning/DRC Committee/Minutes030311