PC 07-26-04
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014 (408) 777-3308
AGENDA OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Study Session
5:00 p.m. Conference Room C
Planning Commission Meeting
City Council Chambers
July 26, 2004, 6:45 p.m.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
ROLL CALL - 5:00 p.m., Conference Room C
PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION
1. Application No.(s): MCA-2003-02 (EA-20O3-19)
Applicant: City of Cupertino
Location: Citywide
Amendments to Chapter 19.28 of the Cupertino Municipal Code (R1 Ordinance)
Continued from Planning Commission meeting of July 12, 2004
Tentative City Council date: Not scheduled
RECESS
SALUTE TO THE FLAG-6:45 p.m., City Council Chambers
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 12, 2004
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
POSTPONEMENTSjREMOV AL FROM CALENDAR
3. Appeal of DIR-2004-06; David Perng (Tian-Hui Temple); 7811 Orion Lane
Request continuance to Planning Commission meeting of August 23. 2004
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Reserved for persons wishing to address the Commission on
issues that are not already included in the regular Order of Business)
Planning Commission Agenda of July 26, 2004
Page -2
CONSENT CALENDAR
2.
Application No.(s):
Applicant:
Location:
TR-2004-06
Thomas Brutting (The Forum at Rancho San Antonio)
23500 Cristo Rey Drive
Tree removal of four protected trees and replacements to accommodate an
approved health care facility expansion (U-2004-01)
PUBLIC HEARING
3.
Application No.(s): DIR-2004-06
Applicant: David Perng (Tian-Hui Temple)
Location: 7811 Orion Lane
Appeal of a Director's approval of a minor modification for minor additions
to an existing church
Request continuance to Planning Commission meeting of August 23, 2004
Tentative City Council date: September 7, 2004
ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
1. Approve or deny appeal of DIR-2004-06
4.
Application N.(s):
Applicant:
Location:
U-2004-07, ASA-2004-10
Danny Lee
10078 Santa Clara Avenue
Use permit to allow two 2,120 square foot two-story single-family residences in
a planned development zoning district
Architectural and site approval for two new two-story residences, each 2,120 square
feet, in a planned development zoning district
Planning Commission decision final unless appealed
Postponed from Planning Commission meeting of July 12, 2004
ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
1. Approve or deny U-2004-07
2. Approve or deny ASA-2004-10
Planning Cormnission Agenda of July 26, 2004
Page-3
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
5. Discuss changing Planning Commission meetings from the second and fourth Mondays
to the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month
REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Environmental Review Committee
Housing Commission
Mayor's Monthly Meeting with Commissioners
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ADJOURNMENT
If you challenge the action of the Planning Commission in court, you may be limited to raising
only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this agenda, or
in written correspondence delivered to the City of Cupertino at, or prior to, the public
hearing. Please note that Planning Çommission policy is to allow an applicant and groups to
speak for 10 minutes and individuals to speak for 3 minutes.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City of Cupertino will
make reasonable efforts to accommodate persons with qualified disabilities. If you require
special assistance, please contact the city clerk's office at 408-777-3223 at least 48 hours in
advance of the meeting.
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
6:45 P.M.
CITY OF CUPERTINO PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
JULY 12,2004
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MONDAY
The Planning Commission meeting of July 12, 2004 was called to order at 6:45 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California, by Chairperson Taghi Saadati, and
the following proceedings were had to wit:
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLLCALL
Commissioners present:
Chairperson:
Vice Chairperson:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Taghi Saadati
Gilbert Wong
Lisa Giefer
Marty Miller
Commissioners absent:
Commissioner:
Angela Chen
Staff present:
Community Development Director:
City Planner:
Senior Planner:
Assistant Planner:
Assistant City Attorney:
Steve Piasecki
CiddyWordell
Peter Gilli
Gary Chao
Eileen Murray
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the June 28,2004 Planning Commission meeting:
Vice Chair Wong:
Page 2: middle of page: Change "Sequoia Avenue" to read
"Pacifica Avenue"
Page 14, Motion: The Planning Commission meeting with the
direction that the applicant look into tandem parking spaces; No.2
- to give flexibility so that applicant can work with staff to meet
Com. Giefer's concerns about green space, meaning that they
could either reduce the total FAR or increase the total FAR, and
No.3 was to investigate the parking on Alhambra Avenue.
Page 21 and 22; regarding Rl - Old Business, discussing the
staircase, I asked staff to bring it up in the next meeting to discuss
a typical staircase and then in the Rl, I will talk further that it
shows that all the commissioners agreed to the square footage, but
that wasn't true.
Vice Chair Wong:
Page 26, second paragraph: Change "long process" to read "longjourney"
Planning Commission Minutes
2
July 12, 2004
Motion:
Motion by Vice Chair Wong, second by Com. Giefer, to approve the June 28,
2004 minutes as amended. (Vote: 4-0-0)
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: Chairperson Saadati said he received an e-mail regarding
the Rl application.
POSTPONEMENTSIREMOV AL FROM CALENDAR:
1.
U-2004-07, ASA-2004-10
Danny Lee
10078 Santa Clara Ave.
Use permit to allow two 2,120 square foot two-
story single family residences in a planned
development zoning district. Architectural and
approval for two new two-story residences, each
1,120 square feet, in a planned development
zoning district. Continued from Planning
Commission meeting of June 28, 2004.
Planning Commission decision final unless
appealed. Request postponement to July 26, 2004
Planning Commission meeting.
Motion:
Motion by Vice Chair Wong, second by Com. Miller, to postpone Application
U-2004-07, ASA-2004-10 to the July 26, 2004 Planning Commission meeting.
(Vote 4-0-0)
Chair Saadati noted that Item 5 would be discussed before Item 4.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR: None
PUBLIC HEARING
2.
U-2004-08
Sandra Steel/The Alans
Group; 940 Stelling Rd.
Use permit to locate Sprint Wireless Communication
antennas and equipment within an existing cross tower
at Redeemer Lutheran Church and to extend the height
of the cross-tower to 55 feet.
Gary Chao, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report:
. At the request of Vice Chair Wong, staff provided copies of the city's Master Wireless Plan
and a list of all previously approved antenna sites.
. Application is for use permit to locate Sprint's wireless communication antennas and
equipment within an existing cross tower at Redeemer Lutheran Church and to extend the
height ftom 44 to 55 feet.
PCS proposes to mount 3 antennas to the existing church cross tower located in the ftont
courtyard area of the church; proposed antennas will be mounted approximately 50 feet high
on the cross tower.
The general design of the tower will be preserved with cosmetic upgrades to screen the
antennas and the wirings.
. The proposed cables and antennas will be completely screened ftom public views.
Planning Commission Minutes
3
July 12, 2004
.
Equipment cabinets will be located near the southeast corner of the church property, enclosed
by a 6 foot wood fence approximately 60 feet £Tom the nearest residential property.
The antenna equipment and antenna panels satisfy the city's noise ordinance.
Applicant's objective in the antenna location is to address the poor service and cellular
coverage experienced by Sprint PCS customers in the area.
Said that neighbors expressed concerns at a June 22 meeting.
0 Potential health risks or safety issues ITOm the antenna facility.
~ Applicant's radio £Tequency emission study performed by consultants, the project
RF emission at the ground level is . I 9% of the maximum allowable public
exposure levels set by the FCc. The second story level project RF emission is
.082% of the allowable federal exposure levels. The figures assume the nearest
houses are 70 feet away, and in actuality the nearest house is about 140 feet away,
which would result in less exposure.
0 Neighbors wanted to know how the proposed antenna facility compared to other Sprint
PCS stations in the area.
~ The proposed antenna facility is similar to other Sprint PCS stations in the area in
terms of power output and RF emissions.
0 Some neighbors questioned whether sufficient alternative sites have been considered by
the applicant.
~ Ten other sites have been considered and analyzed against Sprint's coverage
objectives and suitability standards. The proposed church crOSS tower has been
identified as the most ideal and viable site.
Said the proposed antenna and equipment are consistent with the city's Master Wireless Plan,
because the proposed church site is an antenna candidate location based on the master plan,
and in general, religious facilities are also listed as appropriate antenna sites.
Staff recommends the Planning Commission approve the use permit with the attached model
resolution.
Sandra Steel, Sprint PCS:
. The site meets all the city and government requirements.
Applicant worked closely with staff on design, in keeping with the existing structure,
aesthetically pleasing, mitigating any negative visual impacts.
A pre-application was submitted to staff, and Sprint incorporated all the city's design
suggestions into the final design presented in the use permit application.
Presently, optimal service is not being provided to the Sprint customers in the Cupertino area
and the church location is necessary to provide service to the areas illustrated on the city map.
Two alternate sites identified are Jollyman Park at Tuscany Place, and MontaVista High
School. Both sites failed to become viable candidates because they did not meet the RF
coverage objectives and Jollyman Park did not have any existing vertical structures to locate
the antennas on.
A list of 8 other alternate sites was also submitted after the community meeting, which is
contained in the staff report.
Sprint sent out 95 notices of a community meeting to a radius of 500 feet £Tom the site, and
only 5 neighbors attended the meeting. Sprint conducted RF readings at the 5 homes and
provided reports and documents to the residents answering questions they had at the meeting.
Vice Chair Wong asked the foUowing questions:
Why a second community meeting was not held?
. Was there any indication after the first meeting that there were more concerns and more
neighbors who were concerned, as many neighbors are present at this evening's meeting?
Planning Col1ll1TIssion Minutes
4
July 12, 2004
Explain the noise level ITom the cabinet in the rear of the church and how it meets the
standard.
Ms. Steel:
Said a second community meeting was not held because there was such a small number of
people present and the type of information they requested was given to them directly; there
was not enough time to schedule a second meeting and staff recommended it be approached in
that manner.
Said she received one phone call !Tom a resident referred !Tom the Pastor of the church; she
was called and no response was received.
Vice Chair Wong:
. Asked staff if there was a requirement for two community meetings; and if the noticing
procedure was for 300 feet or 500 feet coverage.
If the first meeting, the community was not available to attend it, would it be appropriate for
the applicant to have a second meeting. Some neighbors felt they were rushed into this.
Did staff receive any concerns after the notice?
Mr. Chao:
Said the community meetings are voluntary on the part of the applicant, although staff
encourages at least one community meeting. It is standard practice to mail out to the
neighbors within 500 feet of the proposed project.
. If there were a lot of neighbors that were not available or not able to attend, staff usually
suggests the applicant have another meeting. The decision is up to the applicant whether or
not to have another meeting.
Said there were some phone calls regarding concerns that some of the neighbors may not have
received notifications of the meetings. Some neighbors expressed concerns about the safety
issues also.
Vice Chair Wong:
Said a denial was recommended for the last applicant.
Where is the list of things the Planning Commission can look if that route is chosen?
. Asked why the previous application was denied.
Mr. Chao:
Said if the Planning Commission chooses to go that route, they must make [IDdings that there
is something with the design or appropriateness of the site according to the Wireless Master
Plan; they cannot deny the application if the facility meets the federal standards in terms of
health risk or RF emission exposure levels; it would have to be ITom a design perspective, a
siting perspective.
The previous application located at Tin Tin Market was denied because the proposed
simulated tree pole was out of place, and visually it would create a negative impact in the
neighborhood; therefore the application was denied.
Vice Chair Wong:
Said the applicant mentioned there was a list of 10 sites that the applicant tried to approach and
for various reasons, he felt that they did a good job, but also they mentioned Jollyman Park
and Monta Vista High School.
Planning Commission Minutes
5
July 12, 2004
Said at one point he was considering Jollyman Park, the Sports Center or a city facility. Could
they be accommodated since there is a budgetary concern; perhaps it is a way to rent space
toward telecommunication facilities.
Is there any particular site for future applicants or this particular applicant that we can fmd,
and why not Jollyman Park?
Mr. Chao:
As previously mentioned by the applicant, there isn't any existing utility facility high enough
around Jollyman Park to locate an antenna that reaches the coverage objectives of the
applicant. For your information, we have come across another carrier, Pac Bell, regarding
potential antenna locating at Jollyman Park, but because the rent demands ftom our Parks and
Recreation Department were higher than market value, they could not afford to locate their
facility in Jollyman Park.
Vice Chair Wong:
Wby not have it identified at Highway 85.
Ms. Steel:
. The question of why a new pole along Highway 85 came up at the community meeting. There
were two candidates investigated along the highway; Highway 85 at South Stelling Road was
identified as a possible candidate, but there were no existing tall structures at the site and no
utility. Also we would not meet our RF coverage objectives as the site was too far to the south
of the search ring. The second candidate was also along Highway 85 at McClellan;
unfortunately a previous carrier 'was recently rejected by CalTrans in getting a lease
application; Sprint was unable to find a willing landlord there.
. Relative to the noise ftom the cabinet; she read an excerpt ftom a report: the background noise
was at least 10 decibels below the measured noise as indicated, therefore the product is in
compliance with the specification acoustical noise suppression.
Com. Miller:
Was consideration given to the possibility of creating an artificial tree at Jollyman Park?
Was there an economic reason why an artificial tree was not considered?
Ms. Steel:
Because there were no existing vertical structures and there was already one at the church that
complied, it was recommended by the Master Plan, and they chose the church.
Mel Douglas, Sprint, RF Engineer:
Said they looked at Jollyman Park and it was found that in order to meet the coverage
objectives, it would have to be a much taller structure in the form of a tree pole, to build
something there.
The antennas would have to be taller than the existing trees to give clearance to the signal.
Com. Miller:
. There were two other sites, DeAnza College and the site near the corner of Bubb and
McClellan formerly Measurex offices; were the property owners contacted?
Mr. Donglas:
. DeAnza College; that is outside the search ring area that we were trying to cover; the other site
is also pushing a little bit off center out of the search ring, too far out.
Planning Commission Minutes
6
July 12, 2004
Mr. Piasecki:
Asked the applicant's engineer if the RFs from a tree pole at Jollyman would be significantly
different than the RFs from the crOSS pole at the church.
Mr. Douglas:
. They would be about the same; the only difference would be the overall height of the tree pole
in the park would have to be taller than the existing one.
Mr. Piasecki:
Asked the applicant to focus on the issue of federal pre-emption ofthis area, some people have
the impression that we can wave a magic wand and RFs will go away, when in fact we are pre-
empted for the very reason that these are not popular things to locate anywhere because of the
fears ofRFs. Also, this is a 1000 watt facility, if this was a tree pole, what would the wattage
have to be to get coverage; but also the RFs that come from this facility vs. the RFs from your .
television, your cell phone when you are using it; all the other appliances that surround us
daily; asked the applicant to comment.
Bill Hemmett, registered professional engineer:
. Said that a regular part of his firm's practice is the calculation and measurement of RF
exposure conditions; hired by radio and TV stations, and by carriers such as Sprint, by cities
and counties, and by neighbors.
As engineers, their role is to evaluate what are the exposure conditions and compare them
against the standards.
Responded to the following issues raised:
Pre-emption is the text of the act of congress which said "no state or local government or
instrumentality thereof may regulate the placement, construction or modification of personal
wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency
emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the standards." The FCC in response to
this adopted standards and in the report on this proposal, when we say that it is .19%, 500
times below the standard, that is what we are referring to, a standard that was adopted at the
behest of congress.
Comparisons with cell phones: Cell phones will emit, depending on the phone and model,
levels comparable to the standard, approaching the standard; the highest level any place for
this facility calculated would be 500 times below and that is a conservative figure; with actual
measurements, it was lower.
Conditions inside a home: we do a lot of measurements inside homes, apartments, a lot of
places have these kind of facilities mounted on them and we often go inside apartments very
near antennas. A meter is given to the resident to walk around the home and measure a variety
of locations. When they are done, I always say do you have a microwave oven; put
something in the microwave, put it on, vastly higher levels for the microwave oven, still
compliant with the standards, but it is a very graphic qualitative distinction for people to make;
the exposure levels from a bay station are very low ambient levels compared to the
concentrated levels from radio frequency devices.
TV sets generally don't emit radio ftequency energy; sometimes fluorescent lights will be
emitters, they will use radio ftequency devices to trigger the fluorescents. There are many
devices, baby monitors, consumer electronics use radio ftequency energy.
Planning Conunission Minutes
7
July 12, 2004
Mr. Piasecki:
Could you address if these facilities are running 24 hours a day and emitting 1/500'" of the
federal standard, would the longevity of that impact change any of the federal standards or
change in light of what all the other frequencies that we are feeling.
Mr. Hemmert:
. The standards are based on decades of research; in a variety of situations, it may be ecological
research of watching populations over longer period of time, research that is done in labs,
research in animals over several generations all of those have shown in the opinion of the
people who set the standards that it is threshold occurrence, that when you are in a field of
certain level or higher you can start to see effects. Those may be behavioral effects, reversible
effects, but it is a threshold; exposures below that level show there are no effects. The safety
standards are shown with a 50 times safety factor in it; when I say we are 500 times below the
standard, the standard itself it set 50 times below that threshold level, and the standards are
intended to cover populations of all times, young, old, healthy, infirm, for exposures 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week, continuously.
Mr. Piasecki:
. Asked why the federal government would pre-empt local authority in this area.
Mr. Hemmert:
As a professional engineer, it is a legal or political question.
. Noted that at the time the FCC again at the behest of congress was assigning blocks of
frequencies for this service that they wanted to have available to commerce in the U.S. that
was the same time at which they adopted the pre-emption, so the logical conclusion would be
that this was in order to facilitate the rollout, but it is speculative.
Mr. Piasecki:
. That is a reasonable speculation that if given an opportunity, especially when neighbors come
forward with many fears about RFs, local jurisdictions as a rule would deny them; the federal
standards have probably been established and local discretion pre-empted so this industry
could proceed ahead, because the industry would be severely compromised if we were making
the decision at the local level.
Mr. Hemmert:
That was the case prior to the 1996 Telecommunications Act that contained the language read;
prior to that, the standards would be explained and how it was adopted, because every
commission, council had to be its own decision making body on the validity of the standards.
That is no longer the case.
Com. Miller:
Want to clarify that the comparison between your individual cell phone and the radiation from
this tower; if I use my cell phone five or six times a day for a total of y, hour, how does that
compare in terms of amount of radiation I would receive that day, in comparison to being
exposed to this tower for a full 24 hours.
Planning Connnission Minutes
8
July 12, 2004
Mr. Hemmett:
The standards are based for non-ionizing radiation which is radio ftequency energy; they are
not based on an accumulating doses, that concept is used in ionizing radiation such as you
would get with x-rays or other medical uses of very high energy; there is a band of wave
lengths that our eyes are sensitive to called light, above that are ultra violet and the top of the
ultra violet starts to become ionizing, those waves have enough energy to go into a molecule
and break off an electron, that is called ionization. Radio ftequencies are below light, below
inftared; then there is the radio ftequencies; these are considered non-ionizing, so the research
tells us the science tells us it is not a cumulating effect the way it is in ionizing radiation; so
long as it meets the standards, time is not an issue.
Com. Miller:
The cell phone gives basically 500 times the radiation that this tower will give.
Mr. Hemmett:
Said it was a typical number; in the studies done and the studies that get the press, they are
talking about the use of a handset rather than a placement of the towers.
Chair Saadati:
Would the RF change with time as the equipment gets older?
Mr. Hemmert:
It shouldn't; the units are not variable; they are put in and they run, said he knew of no
circumstance under which that would occur; that might be a maintenance question but studies
are based on the maximum condition. The carrier may chose not to run it at maximum, but
studies are based to be conservative on the maximum capability.
Vice Chair Wong:
. So the federal government says that we can't deny it as long as it meets the standard, but what
about location. Com. Miller mentioned some locations; what about the retail area along
DeAnza, as long as it is within that circle; I think Jollyman Park is a good idea if the
neighborhood community wants it; you can put an artificial tree not too closely where some
dense trees are, could that work as long as they are within the circle of your applicant. They
don't necessarily have to chose this particular location as long as they are within the circle; it
just meets RF standards .
Mr. Hemmert:
The question of siting within their search ring would be a question for Sprint.
Interpreted the question to be, "would antennas on the tree pole comply with the standard?"
Said there was no reason why they couldn't.
Com. Miller:
. Some of the concerns of the community relate to the exposure that their children are receiving,
and in terms of the standard, was it done on adults, or was it done on children. Can you
address that issue?
Planning Commission Minutes
9
July 12, 2004
Mr. Hemmert:
Much of the research was done on populations of varying age, much research was done on
generations; part of the reason the standard has such a large safety factor in it is precisely to
make it applicable to the young as well as the adult population.
Mr. Piasecki:
He has yet to talk about how the RF declines with the distance from the source; we talked
about the I/500th but what happens at ground level, right underneath it, what happens when
you are standing on Stelling, what if you are in the middle of the play area at Jollyman Park,
do you have a sense of that?
Mr. Hemmett:
Science tells us and observation at hundreds of sites tells us that the energy drops off as the
square of the distance.... For the reason that the levels are as low as they are;
(tllpe change, some text missing)
Chair Saadati opened the meeting for public comment.
Jndy O'Brien, Orline Court:
Opposed to project.
Have had some community meetings within the homes.
Addressed the small number of residents at the June 2200 community meeting.
. Felt the notification was confusing; nothing said they were looking at 1000 watts radiation
communication tower; only that one was coming and there would be a meeting the next week.
. Said it was an inconvenient time to hold meeting because of graduations, end of school year,
starting of the summer.
. Understood that Sprint has been discussing the location with the church for over a year and
neighbors were not informed until the applicant sent notification three weeks ago.
Neighbors don't feel they have had ample time to respond and signed a petition.
. Neighbors are concerned that one property owner, the church, can agree to the location;
property owners feel they are being held hostage that one property owner can make the
decision about the location.
Another concern is that the church was also concerned about the radiation levels in the
beginning; and after reading the documentation supplied by Sprint, made the informed
decision to move forward with the location of the antenna.
. Said she was concerned although she did not return Ms. Steel's phone call.
Paul Cheng, Dnmas Drive:
Opposed to project.
. Said he would speak also on behalf of Pinky Lee and Anthony Wong.
. Said he was requesting denial of the permit because he felt it was a public nuisance.
. Presented petition signed by 134 residents for the record.
Major concerns are health, stealth antenna, impact on property, appearance, debt issue, money,
and moral issues.
Health: According to Sprint group, proposed antenna and equipment uses a maximum of 1,000
watts of effective radiation. We believe that although the antenna meets all FCC standards
today, which are only a guideline; it has the potential to cause injury to the human body,
particularly children. The FCC may be able to make such a claim today, but there is no
guarantee they will be able to guarantee such a claim until a formal study on the effects of
Planning Commission Minutes
10
July 12, 2004
.
radiation has been fully completed. There are numerous studies underway currently; some of
which are listed on petition letter and some of them will be discussed Jetter by other citizens.
But tonight I want to bring to your attention about the facts that currently, there are about
2,000 such pending cases in Europe alone, but closer to our hearts, in our neighborhood there
is a example of the horrific effects of electrical wave on human body. There is a very well
liked couple who has been living in our neighborhood since 1961, the lady has been diagnosed
with electrical sensitivity syndrome, she cannot expose herself to electrical appliances such as
microwave over an extended period of time; she sleeps in her garage every night; the couple is
here tonight and will talk about the pains they have to go through and this situation cannot be
taken lightly. If her health deteriorates after the installation ofthis antenna, there may be long
term liabilities and legal consequences to the city. I personally don't think we can ask the
couple to leave our community because of this problem, since they have been living here for
over 40 years. Another example we face daily is x-rays which we go through once or twice a
year; but with the installation of this antenna, we may be exposed to the radiation 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week and I wish somebody could tell me the cumulative effect of radiation.
Stealth antenna: we have concerns about a potentially dangerous antenna, which is disguised
under the umbrella of a Christian crucifix. The impact on property, we believe it is a seller's
nightmare; if the antenna is installed, any sellers of property may have to disclose there is a
potentially dangerous antenna hidden somewhere maybe as close as 300 feet from your
property. The appearance is not clear to us, how big is the antenna, what is the diameter of the
dish, the tower, it could be a huge eyesore.
Asked why they were bringing back a dead issue. The Planning Commission unanimously
voted down a similar installation in the Tin Tin Market, and said they did not understand why
they are trying to sell it as a different idea with a crucifix to a different group of citizens.
The money or moral issue: While we in a church congregation may be suffering by this
installation, the non profit seems to be the only one who profits.
Respectfully requested the city to consider other residential locations. Said it did not pay, and
was not fair for all of them to give up their lives, and their enjoyment of Jollyman Park to risk
their children's health for this installation.
.
Com. Miller:
Asked Mr. Cheng what he would consider a safe distance to locate the antenna.
Noted that the applicant had a consultant to determine the safe location of the antenna.
Mr. Cheng:
. Said he would have a consultant study where the safe distance would be and paid for by him,
not the applicant.
Said he would prefer the antenna not be located in his neighborhood.
Ervin Cantwell, Huntridge Lane:
. Opposed to project.
. Said he visited a location where there was an artificial tree used for an antenna location, and it
resembled a beautiful tree.
. Questioned whether it was possible to have one go up to 55 feet.
. Resides about 100 feet ITOm the church.
Said that because of his wife's illness of electrical sensitivities, they wanted to go on record
opposing the installation of the antenna as it could affect not only her health, but others in a
negative way.
Planning Connnission Minutes
1l
July 12, 2004
Although Sprint has stated there would be no significant change in the amount of exposure to
individuals, how can they be sure; it is a comparatively new technology, no one knows what
the long term effects will be and additionally there are already antennas in the Cupertino area.
To put an antenna in a neighborhood next to a heavily used park on one side and residences on
three sides, seems inconceivable, as is the decision of the church to allow this antenna to be
installed on church property where many people gather daily.
If this installation is allowed to proceed, there is no more they can do to their home of 43 years
to make it livable for Mrs. Cantwell; there is no computer, no microwaves and no cable tv.
The circuit breaker to the 220 oven is turned off, never used; the refiigerator is unplugged
when she is in the house; and they sleep in the garage and have been since 1994.
Stated for the record that they sincerely hope that the Planning Commission will take the
above-mentioned matters in consideration in making their decision.
Robert Simon, De Foe Drive:
Opposed to project.
Proposed the Bubb and McClellan site be considered rather than the church location, since it is
not a heavily residential area and obviates the need for controversy.
Hengfn Hsn, Hnntridge Lane:
Opposed to project.
Has two small children that use Jollyman Park as a playground.
. There are numerous studies clearly showing that EMF damage ITom cell phones and
transmission towers can happen to children and teenagers; said he was concerned about the
proposal of bringing cell phone antennas into the residential neighborhood and next to the
busy playground.
Los Angeles Unified School Board in June 2000 passed a resolution opposing the future
placement of mobile phone communication towers on or adjacent to school property because
of the potential health effects.
. A parent advisory committee in British Columbia, Canada also passed a resolution banning
antennas in residential areas.
. Quoted several articles in reports and magazines that discussed health effects on adolescents
and children.
Said he did not want children and grandchildren to become the radiation guinea pigs for cell
phone antennas.
Daniel Lee, JoUyman Lane:
. Opposed to project.
Said he felt to put an antenna on the church cross desecrated the holiness which the church
stands for.
Resides next to the church, and does not feel comfortable with the antenna beaming down on
his home 24 hours a day, which negatively affects their quality ofIife.
Asked for support to deny the application for the installation of the antenna.
Rex Tson, Jollyman Lane:
Opposed to project.
Has resided in Cupertino 17 years.
Before receiving the notification recently, had no idea about the application for the antenna
which has been going on for about a year.
Said it was unacceptable that the antenna would be installed only 200 feet from his home.
Planning Commission Minutes
12
July 12, 2004
.
Questioned whether the applicant or the church has made a full disclosure to the neighbors, the
church attendees and the people using Jollyman Park.
Said he felt the disguised antenna on the cross that may be harmful to people, even though the
applicant is arguing the level is acceptable; they are only guidelines and who can guarantee
them.
Devalues the property and puts negative psychological impact on people in the neighborhood
and city of Cupertino.
Urged the applicant and the church to withdraw the application.
Said "Shame on you" to the applicant and church if they insist on moving forward with the
application. .
Urged the Planning Commission to deny the application.
Dr. Katz, Huntridge Lane:
Opposed to project.
Said she was a medical doctor, board certified in occupational and environmental health;
doctor at Lawrence Livermore Lab; and assistant professor at Stanford Medical Center.
Said that the notice of the meeting was short notice.
. Lives next door to Ervie and Elaine Cantwell and has treated Ms. Cantwell for seizure disorder
numerous times.
. The neighbors want the Cantwells to remain in the neighborhood and the project would
increase Mrs. Cantwell's risk of seizures.
. The June 22"d notification was not received by many, including herself.
. Said that she respected Mr. Hemmett's professional opinion, but deferred on some of his
comments.
. The study on radiation exposure and studies on RF exposure are inconclusive; we cannot say
with 100% assurance that this is causing a problem or not causing a problem, in order for
something to be conclusive, we need to do a double blind study, which means expose two
similar individuals and one would be exposed and one would not. Since there is suggestive
evidence that this is causing cancer, and specifically leukemia in young children, no physician
with the right frame of mind, would do a double blind study.
. She said that she stays away from radiation frequencies, even though she is a doctor for
Lawrence Livermore Labs; she uses a cell phone headset. Studies are coming out about brain
tumors from cell phones; we know about radiation exposure to magnetic fields, we know how
Mrs. Cantwell responded to it.
She urged the Planning Commission not to pass this antenna, not in a residential area, and
definitely not in our neighborhood. Cupertino has quite a few areas, it might be a little more
costly, but I would like you to pursue it, because we are all voting citizens here and as a voting
citizen living 15 years next door to Mr. and Mrs. Cantwell, I can guarantee this will effect our
city, our voting, and I am willing to sign a petition that none of us will have Sprint cell phones
if this will pass.
Charles Shih, DeFoe Drive:
Opposed to project.
Said the proposed antenna was too close to children, many children and families use Jollyman
Park.
Urged that a 1000 watt radiation emitting device not be installed so close to the children.
Planning Commission Minutes
13
July 12, 2004
Chris Cheng, no address given:
Said he was confused how Sprint could claim decades of research on radiation, if cell phones
have only been used for about 15 years.
No one really knows what the effects are.
Said his father informed him that the Tin Tin Market proposal was denied because it was ugly;
but he felt the present project was similar to that proposal; even though there is an existing
structure, they are going to build another taller structure that is increased by over 20%; the
proposed structure is uglier than the Tin Tin Market.
Tso- Yee Hsn, DeFoe Drive:
Contacted neighbors on Dumas Drive last week, visited 29 homes and was able to contact 22
residients; 21 of the residents, representing 96% of the people contacted, were all outraged by
the project; none of them were aware of the proposal.
Due to the short notice, some of them could not attend this meeting.
Said he hoped it would be taken into consideration.
Dawn Teuthorn, Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church:
In favor of project.
Said she appreciated the community response.
. Said she was disturbed ITom what she heard. She was not aware of any negative comments
until Friday, and thanked Judy O'Brien who called her.
The church feeds seniors throughout the year and provides a school program for children and
their first concern is safety and health.
. Said it was her understanding that it is a part of a master plan and it was a need to meet the
community's demands and requests.
. Whether or not we will continue to be a people of faith and a people for the community, we
honor the decision that has to be made tonight and all the different things that bind us, we
opened our doors for the community for this meeting and it is our understanding that people
500 feet all understood and people have been responding as best we can to the calls once we
fIrst got them; I really have only received three calls and it was just this weekend. We have
done what we can;
Said she feared for the people who are on the site, not because of the antenna, but because of
how fear is running rampant and seniors today were put into a state of great fear because of
misinformation and that saddens my heart; they matter to me and they matter to us as a
community. We will continue to open our doors to the community, the money, any that is
given or received is for the community; the people I serve are an honor to serve, and I hope
you get to know them. .
Roger Peng, Orline Court:
Said he would would not like to see this event continue to evolve and cause the church to lose
more face and trust ITorn the community and neighbors.
Many people have been talking about scientific approach and evidence, what is the impact to
the health and safety; he said he was looking at it ITom a different perspective, because
scientific approach has not been conclusive yet.
All those present have a common concern; fear and perception of this psychological effect on
our safety and our health and it is something that can be as harmful as the physical impact to
our health.
Felt hurt when the nuisance was put on the church, a face of God.
Urged the Planning Commission to deny the application.
Planning Commission Minutes
14
July 12, 2004
Ghen-Dung Chen, JoUyman Lane:
Opposed to project.
Resides about 200 from the proposed church site.
Said that not enough residents received notice of the June 22nd meeting.
Questioned how much Sprint would pay the church for the installation for the antenna.
We have Sprint PCS service for over 5 years; are near the center of the proposed site and were
not sure the proposed tower is necessary.
They are happy with their service and don't think they need the new tower to improve its
coverage.
Sherman Wong, Dumas Drive:
Opposed to project.
Said they did not receive a notice either.
Said in addition to the excellent points raised, he was 19 years old and has lived much of his
life in Cupertino and is an avid user of Jollyman Park.
. Expressed concern about the safety of the crosswalk with the large cross as a distraction to the
traffic.
Amy Yang, Red Fir Court:
Opposed to project.
Said that she agreed with previous speakers.
Resides across the street from the church and did not receive a notice.
. Said that she had no faith in what Sprint said at the meeting.
. Urged denial of the application.
Edward Yu, Huntridge Lane:
. Opposed to project.
Said he was a mechanical engineer and works with company that builds satellites which test at
a lower wattage than the proposed antenna.
. Expressed concern that RF is not a safe thing.
Scott Hughes, Huntridge Lane:
Opposed to project.
. Since the improved coverage objectives seems so difficult to achieve without this location, I
think you might want to consider that the objective might be unreasonably large; maybe this
location was chosen only for a lowest cost solution.
. Because of that, the applicant may not have explored the alternate sites thoroughly enough;
such as the overpass at McClellan, Bubb and McClellan, and a new building at south side of
DeAnza which is of significant height.
The height increase is significant; there is no other structure in the residential area of that
height.
The crosswalk is a major issue with speeders and people that don't stop; do not need additional
concerns in this area.
. Asked how many existing structures were in city parks today?
. Is placing wireless antennas in city parks a precedent that the city wishes to set?
. If the antenna is approved, and future studies reveal stronger evidence of health issues, how
would the city perceive that?
What protection would the residents be offered to know that in the future if FCC allows
increased power, there won't be increased wattage out of the antenna?
Planning Commission Minutes
15
July 12,2004
It is dangerous to proceed for this location so quickly.
Recommend pursuing alternate 10cations more thoroughly.
Chair Saadati closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
Chair Saadati asked that Ms. Steel respond to:
Reference ofthe Los Angeles Unified School District ban in 2000.
Dr. Katz's remarks on Mrs. Cantwell's health problems, and would the antenna have an effect
on her health.
Clarify how much research has gone into the issue.
Asked staff to respond to the process for notification of the neighbors; several indicated they
did not get notification.
Mr. Piasecki:
The list that the applicant utilizes for the meeting notification, which is voluntary on their part
to hold neighborhood meetings; was a list of residents within a 500 foot radius which the
Planning Department also used for their notice, and the residents received their notice.
Said he did not know if a second meeting would have been beneficial.
Ms. Eileen Murray, Assistant City Attorney:
Said that the 1996 Telecommunications Act specifies that one cannot regulate based on health
issues, fear of cancer, those sorts of things.
. Cities according to the Act, can regulate the use of their public rights of way, streets, public
properties, as far as telecommunications; but it is almost like time, place and manner of things,
and not content; relating to free speech. Because the whole field is preempted by the FCC, and
they set up the regulations on the emissions, safety, but where the antennas are, this is
something the city can dictate.
. There are legal cases now where telecommunications companies are fighting that based on
interference with their ability to carry on business if we are too restrictive; it is a fine line here
and mainly the ability is to regulate public use of the streets.
Com. Miller:
It is in the proximity to a well used park; is that within the purview of the city to regulate uses
in a public area such as that?
Ms. Mnrray:
Said it was within the purview of the city to regulate it, but you have to make certain findings
and they cannot be based on health issues, and electric magnetic field exposures because that
is not a proven field, and it is in your purview if you make appropriate findings.
Appropriate findings in the last case could have been the tree antenna or inappropriateness of
the height.
Vice Chair Wong:
Relative to time, place and manner, could you further it, in that we can make findings in
regards to that, specifically when you are talking about time, place and manner.
What about location; is it within the purview of the Planning Commission?
Ms. Murray:
Said that time, place and manner is criteria for how we regulate speech issues and there are
certain things we can regulate within the city, which would be the use of a street, how it is
Planning Commission Minutes
16
July 12, 2004
done, who can if it were a fiber optic cable, when someone can dig up the street and where
equipment can be placed as far as safety issues; that sort of thing. But most of the arguments
we have heard tonight are based on health, fear ofhea1th issues and there isn't any conclusive
proof one way or another, and you cannot regulate based on that criteria.
Yes, location is within the purview of the Planning Commission.
Mr. Piasecki:
Asked about flexibility in terms of locating wireless antennas, do they have the ability to
locate two 500 watt facilities that would have lower frequencies or three 333 watt facilities.
Ms. Steel:
. Regarding the noticing of 500 foot radius, notices were sent out to all neighbors within a 500
foot radius, from a list issued by the city staff. Not sure why certain neighbors did not receive
notification.
A two week notification period prior to a community meeting is a standard time frame for
these kinds of applications.
It was surprising to have so many people turn out tonight as there was only one phone call
previously.
Regarding the design, the structure will be painted to match the surrounding buildings; the
actual tripod part, the base of the structure existing and the center part would be painted the
same beige brown color to match the surrounding buildings, and it is difficult to distinguish on
this photo, but the actual crOSS which we tried to enhance because the cross is actually very
minimalist on the original design, we tried to enhance that and it will be a darker brown to
accentuate the cross on this particular modified tower.
Worked with staff on design, went through at least three design modifications to reach this
final one, which does meet all the city and government requirements and we believe is more
visually aesthetic than the original.
Regarding property values, there is no conclusive study in place, no evidence to substantiate
that property values will decrease in any manner.
. Two main alternatives are Jollyman Park and Bubb and McClellan Roads. Jollyman Park as
stated previously, would need a 65 foot high new monopine or monopole structure which does
not comply with the master plan, which recommends strongly that we find an existing
structure to locate on. It appears that at least 30% or 40% of the neighbors present do not wish
us to locate at Jollyman Park either. We would need that particular height to meet our RF
coverage objectives so that the signal could shoot through the other trees as stated by the RF
engineer.
Regarding the second alternative mentioned at Bubb and McClellan, around that area all the
buildings are very low and it is very far to the west of the coverage objective; it seems that
area would cover mostly the freeway and that is not the main coverage objective for this
particular site; the main coverage objective is to get the residential areas in between the two
freeways, in response to calls and letters from dissatisfied customers and are trying to meet
those demands.
Said they were not building a site just for the sake of it; but proposing to build a site to satisfy
the demands of the customers who contact them and tell them their service is not adequate.
Regarding the question about locating on school properties, she cited school sites in Palo Alto
School District, Sequoia Union High School District in Redwood City, Mountain View
Whisman School District, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, and Foothill College.
Noted for the record that not only Sprint PCS but all of the other carriers do locate on churches
of different denominations; it is one of the preferential locations according to the city
Planning Connnission Minutes
17
July 12, 2004
ordinances because it is a public facility and in this case again, they met all their requirements
because there is an existing structure there.
Asked that the Planning Commissioners support staffs recommendation.
Said that not all the sites were discussed, but there is a list of 10 alternative sites submitted,
and for us to have a viable candidate, we do need to meet the four criteria and all of the other
sites considered and the ones raised this evening, they do not meet one of those four
requirements, whether an RF coverage objective, city ordinance, or willing landlord or
constructability. We feel this is a great site; we want to be a friend to the neighbors, we want
to improve coverage to the residents of Cupertino; and we ask that you approve this project.
Com. Giefer:
. One of the residents said that the FCC standard is actually a guideline, can you comment on
that
Mr. Hemmert:
Said it was a guideline, which means that there may be other ways to comply with their limits;
for instance, the obligation on all FCC licensees is to limit human exposure to radio frequency
energy; and if you meet their guideline levels, you are presumed to comply. The guideline
isn't meant to say that it could be tighter, what it is meant to say is that there may be other
ways in which you could be exposed in higher fields.
A 1000 watts is not a lot of power; we work routinely around millions of watts for our TV
station clients; I have on my property closer to my house than this would be to any other home
2-1/2 kilowatts of power for an FM station broadcasting from my property; Mr. Shui
mentioned international standards, specifically the WHO standard, this proposal would meet
that WHO standard.
Mr. Cheng questioned whether there were really decades of research on this; and said in
looking through the actual standard, there were hundreds of studies listed in the back, many
dating from the 70s, 30 years of published research in the field. Dr. Katz suggested that the
studies are not conclusive and indeed you can't always prove a negative. Read two conclusive
sentences from the standards; Mr. Yui mentioned occupational settings in his work at the
satellite company; we have done a lot of work in manufacturing processes that use RF heaters
to weld vinyl, our expertise extends into those areas as well; Mr. Hughes asked if the FCC
should change its standards; Sprint as an FCC licensee is always obligated to comply with the
FCC standards; if they change their standards whether you take any action or not, they are
required to comply with those standards. Mr. Peng who spoke earlier and could not identify
any distance at which he would feel safe, I would note that any professional engineer is going
to come up with the same answer; it doesn't answer who is paying the bill; the answers are
going to be the same from the engineering aspect as to whether or not it complies with the
standards.
Relative to Mr. Piasecki's question about two 500 watt, three 333 watt, he said from an
engineering standpoint it has been the natural growth of the industry which used to have a few
tall antennas to cover large areas; as they have had to reuse the frequencies more and more,
they end up with lower antennas closer to the areas they want to serve; in this case they are
serving about one half mile around. As they come down in height, they may come down in
power, but you are getting closer. From earlier remarks, that distance was the most important
factor; so it is not necessarily the case that multiple sites of half or third power would have
lower impact, it would have to be studied depending on the particulars proposed, but it is not
necessarily going to be the case that the exposure levels would be lower.
Planning Commission Minutes
18
July 12, 2004
Com. Giefer:
It was brought up that when the residents nearby sold their homes, they would need to disclose
the fact that they are living near an antenna; can that be confirmed.
Com. Miller:
Said there is no required disclosure on cell phone antennas at this time. (Noted that Com.
Miller is a realtor and deals with this on a daily basis)
Vice Chair Wong:
Asked applicant if they considered having two 500 watt towers; and is that in the wireless
facilities master plan?
Has Home Depot or anything along DeAnza Boulevard been considered, since it is within the
circle of sphere.
Randall Schwabacker, site acquisition for Sprint PCS:
Said that the Home Depot site was closer to another site and would not work for their
purposes; the height of buildings and other guidelines was not a consideration.
. A very extensive search of the whole area is done and the small area called the search ring and
there is a search area that is larger; the search area is in the circle, the search ring is much
smaller and we try to find something because that will generally offer the best coverage ITom
computer models. We have gone way outside, we gone up Stevens Creek Boulevard, we look
all over, but there are a number of other sites and we have many criteria; it is quite a puzzle to
put together because the network is called cellular because these fit together like a honeycomb,
they are cells and so each one relates to another one, and it is difficult to just quickly say there
is a better site over here because it may impact other sites the way the whole network works;
so it is a complex network.
. The height of buildings and other guidelines was not a consideration; we submitted an
extensive list of those that would potentially work when we fIrst go out and look, would work
and then we do computer models and look at other factors such as trees, heights of buildings
and most significant is the planning, our process is guided mostly by the planning that we can
meet your requirements.
. Said the requirements are the most strict after the RF, after we get what we need to make the
network work, the planning is the most difficult; and we look at parks, churches, at places, and
various carriers and Sprint in particular locate on churches; almost primarily it is the preferred
place in a residential area to locate a site because it is meets almost all planning requirements.
Parks: some cities like us to go on their parks; we looked at Jollyman and it was a
consideration, but there are a number of factors that made the Redeemer Church fit; it fit better
into the guidelines of your Planning Commission, staff concurred and that was the preference.
. In response to the first question, the 500 watts; the network is designed in certain ways and it
is an RF consideration that we are given the parameters ITom which to work and I cannot
speak to the technical reasons, but the system is not designed to have two in the place of one;
there are circumstances where it might be preferable, but it is a technological issue.
Vice Chair Wong:
Asked if a higher building such as on the corner ofDeAnza and Stevens Creek, and if you got
permission ftom a landlord, would that reach your target area?
In other jurisdictions and cities, when you locate these towers in neighborhoods, do you also
encounter these types of problems ITom neighbors?
Planning Commission Minutes
19
July 12, 2004
Mr. Schwabacker:
No it would not; we had looked and it causes trouble with other sites. We have quite a few
criteria.
. Said that health was the largest concern; occasionally it is aesthetics and usually a question of
whether it is a steel pole or whether it becomes a tree pole. Any time we can make a site like
this one where actually people driving by would never know it is a cell site, that it is contained
within a crOSS structure, we have them on Buddhist temples, Catholic churches; that is the
preferred, because the public would never recognize it and plannmg commissions do have the
power to regulate these based on aesthetics and that has been throughout not only the Bay
Area, but California and across the country. Planning commissions generally prefer if you can
hide the antennas within a structure behind something, over a new tree. We felt this was a
great project for the city; met all the requirements and hope that you agree.
Sun flu Ynng, Sprint RF engineers:
Relative to splitting the cell site, every cell site is designed with the same specification, it will
always have the same set of antennas, same set of base station equipment, regardless whether
it is 100 feet tall or 20 feet low, and in the case of splitting the cell site, you have the same
power density but twice the swat. You would need to increase the power to make sure that
you are covering the same area but twice as much in the same area effectively.
Com. Miller:
It is unfortunate that the applicant did not meet with the residents or spend more time
attempting to meet with the residents in advance; I am not sure we would have had a different
outcome, but if part of the reason people tend to get upset is because they don't think they are
being properly noticed and they don't think they are being heard properly, that is why we get a
large group of concerned people coming out to the meeting if they haven't had a chance to talk
to the applicant in a reasonable amount of time and discuss the issues openly.
. Said he was concerned for whatever reasons the placement of this cell site would have some
negative impacts on the neighborhood, in terms of its uses of the park, uses of the church. It is
a stretch that someone brought up the issue that it could impact real estate values and there are
no required disclosures today, but the rules do state that you are expected to disclose anything
that might impact the value of the home, and if people were not buying homes close to cell
sites, then that in theory could be something that would impact the value of the home.
. If I look at the regulations or policy for the master plan, policy 5.2, says only unobtrusive
personal wireless service facilities shall be considered in residential neighborhoods, and policy
6.1 says personal wireless service facilities shall be cited to avoid visual intrusion impacts as
viewed from the right of way and from residential neighborhood, and 6.2 says personal
wireless service facilities shall be appropriately scaled to fit harmoniously with the
surrounding elements of the site and the neighborhood. I don't believe the proposal meets
those guidelines at this time; I think that in terms of the mass and height, they are out of place
with the surroundings and would be considered obtrusive.
Com. Giefer:
It is a very difficult application to rule on; it is a very emotional issue; a large residential
population has expressed their primary concern to be health, although it is an issue we cannot
rule on based on the federal guidelines; said she was not comfortable ruling in favor based on
the emotional plea of potential health risks, and understood and is sympathetic with the
residents.
. Said the applicant has met the conditions in the Wireless Facilities Master Plan; and does not
find that aesthetically inappropriate for the area.
Planning Commission Minutes
20
July 12, 2004
Suggested that the applicant paint the equipment cabinet to match the church buildings instead
of leaving it a utilitarian gray.
Supports the application.
Vice Chair Wong:
Thanked the community for attending the meeting and sharing their concerns for their
community.
Can also understand where Sprint is coming ITom; they are looking at four different things;
they want to meet an area coverage where Cupertino community with Sprint wants coverage;
it does comply with the law; it is feasible and the hardest part is rIDding a willing landlord.
The other concern is that regarding the safety and fear factor; the attorney has already
answered that question about the fear factor and there is a federal statute regarding
telecommunications.
Said another concern is in the Wireless Facilities Master Plan that Com. Miller presented,
regarding design aesthetics; even though when it was fU'st presented, staff said it should not be
on a flagpole out of respect for the flag; when it was presented to us to put it on a church cross,
Buddhist temple, Jewish or Muslim temple, he said he did not think of it thoroughly, but
seeing the picture feels it is disrespectful to the cross.
Said he had respect for the church coming out here; they provide good community services for
both seniors and children, but putting the antenna on a tower with the holy cross really
bothered him and he was not comfortable doing it.
Said his not voting for the project was based mainly on aesthetics; he does not feel you go
ITom a 45 foot to a 55 foot and also the policy that Com. Miller raised.
Chair Saadati:
Said notification was a voluntary procedure and said they should work on that to see if we can
require people send notifications because it does help to notify the public as much as possible,
and inform them as early as possible; not that it would have an impact on the outcome or
concerns that may be raised by the residents of Cupertino, but I think we need to extend as
much courtesy as possible to inform people.
. This is a tough one; federal regulations, I am an engineer, and based on the data I have read, I
cannot find anything that tells me this is affecting anybody's health; assuming the data is
correct. I haven't seen anything else to the contrary. I know the demand for cell phones keeps
going up and every family and child has a cell phone; maybe in 20 years the outcome would
be different.
Based on that, the city attorney clarified, we cannot rule based on the potential of health safety
issues.
AB far as aesthetics, it is different than the original cross structure, but when you look at this
photo, you have a street pole, the tree is taller than the cross, the diameter is much larger, and
we turned down an application at Tin Tin Market because it did not blend in with the
neighborhood. There was much stronger justification; it was an artificial tree and was the only
artificial tree there.
As much as I appreciate the people coming here and speaking and expressing concern, I have a
difficult time to go against this, because aesthetically I do not see a structure that is off place; I
tried to convince myself that it doesn't fit; it is not that obvious.
It appears that there is going to be a tie vote; one option would be to continue the item and
send it back for Sprint to go back and communicate with the neighbors, look at the items, and
the other option is to go to City Council and the City Council will make a final decision,
depending on the outcome of the vote.
Planning Commission Minutes
21
July 12, 2004
Vice Chair Wong:
Said that the applicant had said they talked a lot with staff and worked closely with staff
planners to get an item that is pleasable to the criteria that you wanted; they also wanted to try
to meet the master plan at the city level as well as the state and federal level.
Heard from staff that even with a second or third community meeting, there is no certainty that
they would please the surrounding community. Asked staff what the process was with a 2/2
vote.
. Said he wanted to convey to the community or any future applicant that it is very important to
talk to the community and have as many meetings even though you work with the staff
diligently, you need to work with the community.
Mr. Piasecki:
The first part of your question is relating to the community; whether it is viable to have
another community meeting or whether it would go onto the Council; the motion is 2/2; it fails
because there is not a majority vote; the Planning Commission is faced with options: continue
it until you have a fifth member which would be Com. Chen; you could find out if any of the
Planning Commissioners would want to change their opinion and give a 3/1 vote; this is a final
decision at the Planning Commission; it can only be appealed to the City Council depending
on what your decision is.
We encouraged the applicant to have another meeting; it is a voluntary procedure; they felt
they wanted to move ahead of the meeting tonight; and likely did not anticipate the turnout at
the meeting.
You could ask the applicant if they would like a continuance so that they could hold another
meeting or wait for the fifth commissioner.
Motion:
Motion by Vice Chair Wong, second by Com. Miller, to deny Application
U-2004--08 (Vote: Corns. Miller and Wong: Aye; Corns. Giefer and Chair
Saadati: No; 2-2-0) Failed.
Ms. Murray said that the decision can be appealed to the City Council.
Ms. Steel:
. Requested a continuance of the application.
Said that they would have another community meeting.
Noted that the applicant followed all the guidelines put forth by the city in terms of notifying
the neighbors, and only five residents attended the meeting.
Motion:
Motion by Com. Giefer, second by Chair Saadati, to continue Application
U-2004--08 to the August 23, 2004 Planning Commission meeting.
Vice Chair Wong:
One of the reasons I am so concerned about continuing this item, rather than voting No, is
because we spent almost two hours talking about it, and am not sure by having another
meeting that you can convince your neighbors that this will be a successful site.
. Based on what the city attorney says that aesthetics, location and looking at the policies is
reason enough for me in my purview as a commissioner to vote the way I am. It was ironic on
how the applicant says that they worked closely with staff, but we also heard they weren't
working closely with the neighbors, and I am not sure after listening to an hour and a half,
Planning Commission Minutes
22
July 12, 2004
when we come back in a month and a half later, will we really have changed anyone's mind in
this room. You might even double this room; that is what I am concerned about.
By continuing the discussion it will just prolong it.
Chair Saadati:
. That is the only way to deny it; then it goes to the City Council and the City Council makes the
decision. If we are in deadlock, I will change my vote and it goes to the Council and they
decide.
Com. Miller:
Said he felt it was the best way because when will it be scheduled; I assume the applicant will
appeal, and when will it go on the Council agenda.
Ms. Wordell:
They have to appeal and once they appeal that is scheduled, it is usually three weeks after they
appeal.
Com. Miller:
. Moving it onto the Council, if they chose to do so, would give them the opportunity to meet
with the neighbors if they chose to do that in advance of the City Council meeting.
Com. Giefer:
. Withdrew the motion to continue the application.
Chair Saadati:
Agreed to withdraw the motion.
Motion:
Motion by Com. Giefer, second by Chair Saadati, to approve Application
U-2004-08;
Vice Chair Wong:
Said he wanted to appeal to his colleagues that he would rather vote No based on the reasons
Com. Miller and he expressed, and state it for the record before the vote taken.
(Vote: 1-3-0)
Com. Giefer: Aye
Corns. Miller, Wong and Chair Saadati: No
Motion Failed; application denied; applicant can appeal within 14 days to City Conncil.
A separate notice is sent ont on appeals that go to the City Council.
Chair Saadati declared a recess.
3.
U-2004-11 Scott Winole
(Elephant Bar Restaurant)
19780 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Use permit to operate a separate bar in an
approved retail building under construction
(Marketplace) Planning Commission decision
final unless appealed.
Planning Commission Minutes
23
July 12, 2004
Peter Gilli, Senior Planner, presented the staff report:
Application is for a use permit to operate a separate bar in an approved retail building under
construction (Marketplace) on Stevens Creek and Portal.
Two issues are the parking and appropriateness of bar at the site.
. There is sufficient parking on the site.
. Staff feels that there is not a significant impact from the bar in the restaurant since the
Elephant Bar faces the parking lot, toward the street and not toward the residences.
Staff recommends approval of the use permit.
Vice Chair Wong:
Asked if the application met the parking ordinance passed by City Council.
Looking on the site plan map, Page I, there is a parking area for Building B; asked if it is
meant as a designation for that or can they park throughout the Marketplace area.
Mr. GiIli:
Said that the parking ordinance approved did not change the parking requirement on
restaurants or bars; having a new ordinance has no effect on the application.
Said they could park anywhere in the shopping center; the owner of the center makes
agreements of how much parking is available.
Said he checked and the area had enough parking stalls for the use. People can park further
east but this is the parking that is immediately adjacent to. the use and is most likely going to
be used.
. It will not impact the other retailers or other lessees.
. Because the plan for the center has the building permits already, they don't have to meet the
new parking ordinance which calls for all unisize spaces.
Mr. GiIli:
There is an emergency exit and service exits.
There will be no parking on Portal Avenue.
Steve Coil, Elephant Bar Restaurants:
Hours of operation will be until IO p.m., Monday through Thursday; Friday, Saturday and
Sunday until 11 p.m.
Will be serving food at all times.
There will be a panic alarm at the back door.
Chair Saadati opened the meeting for public comment.
Alan Roth, Portal Plaza:
. Opposed to the project.
. Thanked the Planning Commission for their hard work.
. Said he lived in Portal Plaza for 23 years.
. Concerned about increased parking problems, if there is an overflow of parking, they will use
the street; many Portal residents use the street for parking.
Concerned about noise, since the restaurant is outdoors.
Expressed concern about trash and sanitation; it is important that any food items be put in a
sealed container; there were no barrier walls that contained garbage containers or any
dumpsters back there and assume they are going to use the dumpster behind Longs Drugs.
Planning Commission Minutes
24
July 12, 2004
Concerned about sanitation, there are pest control operators trying to control mouse problem
and roof rats. There are three units that face Portal and some other units with windows facing
that area; it is the back of a building and will not look very good especially if there is garbage
out back.
Wayne Occubo, Evershine Group, addressed some of the items:
Parking: the current plan in place is that they are expanding the center; he is correct it is taking
a part of the parking area that was there before; but it did take up some of the landscapes areas,
one actually we have increased the parking where we went ÍÌ"om about 425 spaces to 560
spaces so we are actually increasing a tremendous number of spaces.
. The outdoor dining area on Stevens Creek is a small area, about 1,000 feet with very few
chairs and tables; there is a retaining wall that restricts the area and has gates to prevent people
ÍÌ"om coming in or going outside of that area into that area. The area is accessed through the
restaurant itself.
Relative to trash, the Elephant Bar went to great pains to carve out an additional area in the
interior of the building that had to be added on for trash, staging area, different types of
storage.
Mr. GOO:
The right hand corner of the floor plan of the restaurant has a service area, that would be up
at the end of the tenant's space with trash bins and a wash area; as the landlord said, it is not
going to be stored outside.
Mr. Piasecki:
If the Planning Commission wishes, they can apply a condition that stipulates that no trash or
debris ITOm the restaurant or bar shall be stored outside of the building, on the west side of the
building, but they shall use all approved trash enclosures.
Noted that there was a similar facility in Campbell on Hamilton Avenue, near Highway 17,
adjacent to an apartment complex.
Said he was with the City of Campbell and went through the process with that facility and was
not aWare of any significant issues relating to trash or noise related issues.
Vice Chair Wong:
Said he visited the Campbell restaurant and it was family oriented and a great place for kids.
Will be a good addition to Cupertino.
Motion:
Motion by Vice Chair Wong, second by Com. Miller, to approve
Application U-2004-11
Mr. Piasecki:
Asked if they wanted to include a condition related to outside storage.
Vice Chair Wong:
Said it appeared that one would have to step outside the building to come inside the building;
asked if it could be connected through the building so that the residents of Portal Plaza
wouldn't have to see people going in and out.
Planning Commission Minutes
25
July 12,2004
Mr. Occubo:
Said they looked at connecting the building as far as having the additional space, unfortunately
the electrical room is right next to it, and in addition to that is a shared wall which didn't allow
to provide a penetration to go straight through; we looked at trying to put an access way
through the ends of the shared wall, but that put it too far in front of the restaurant and so this
is the only way we could basically create that accessibility; it also has area for washing mats.
It is set up for basic cleanliness.
Could not go thru the office because that is where the shared wall is.
The restaurant employees would have to step outside on Portal Avenue and then enter the
service area to take out the garbage.
Mr. Piasecki:
Staff feels it will suffice if the condition is included about not having any trash outside the
building.
Suggested wording: "The applicant/operator shan not store any trash, trash bins, or trash
bags outside of the building at any time and shall properly dispose of trash into the approved
trash enclosures"
Added language to motion accepted by Vice Chair Wong and Com. Miner.
Com. Giefer:
Asked if it was possible to put some lattice screening around the exit and into the entrance into
the other area for trash. Said she agreed that trash should not be left out, but seeing that you
are exiting the building towards Portal and then re-entering the building, can we put some
screening there, so that the residents don't see people walking out carrying trash.
Mr. GOO:
Unfortunately there are no elevations, but there is the addition of a trellis, and any kind of
accessory wall or such would have to be far enough ftom the wall so that you could open the
door and get out. That starts to put it into the setback; unfortunately that was not anticipated as
an issue so we don't have the plans showing this section of the building in that detail.
Mr. Occubo:
There is lattice work on the building itself, but not further off to screen people ftom going in
and out. Likely an advantage is that this is a controllable single tenant, a chain restaurant that
has tremendous amounts of practices in place and they have basically all these procedures that
allow them to maintain not just integrity of the food, but also how they operate their facilities,
and that is the reason they were selected for the space.
Because of that there should be a better chance of controlling trash and disposal especially
because the landlord went to great lengths as far as to provide additional space to the tenant at
no extra cost to them.
Said if staff recommended moving the lattice work on the building further out, they would be
happy to comply.
Mr. Piasecki:
Another way of handling that would be to ask that they put in landscaping that would screen
the walkway area; that gives the same objective; it doesn't put a structure out there.
Add to the condition that the applicant shall work with staff to add landscaping to screen the
access to and from the service door.
Planning Commission Minutes
26
July 12,2004
Vice Chair Wong and Com. Miller concurred with the added condition.
Vote: 4-0-0
Chair Saadati moved the agenda to Item 5.
NEW BUSINESS
5.
Brett Moxley
21949 Lindy Lane
Consider a hillside zoning designation for 21949 Lindy Lane.
Postponedfrom June 28,2004 Planning Commission meeting.
Ciddy WordeD, City Planner, presented the staff report:
The discussion was triggered at a meeting some months ago when the property owner was
requesting an extension of a tentative map; the item was pulled because the final map was
approved by the City Council and an extension was not needed.
It raised some questions among the Planning Commission about new houses being built on this
property, and it having hillside appearance and yet it was in Rl. Staff brought back as the
suggestion at the last meeting, that if the commission wanted to recommend to the City
Council that this concern be addressed, it could be done through a General Plan and a zoning
amendment for this property.
. illustrated the site plan.
Said the original recommendation was to treat this property with a General Plan and zoning
amendment and not expand that change to a broader area because it would be a much bigger
project, and due to staff limitations such as working on the General Plan and also on the Rl
and losing a planner, staff did not feel they could take on a bigger project. In the meantime,
there have been some concerns raised about just zoning or just general planning this property
both by the applicant and among staff; staff recommends before proceeding further, the
applicant have a proposal for an alternative.
Com. Miller:
Asked for clarification, if the applicant already has a final map approval which is in effect,
how the Planning Commission or the City Council could go back and make changes to that.
Ms. WordeD:
. It would not be to the map, it would be to the zoning in the General Plan; and that could be
initiated by the city.
Mr. Piasecki:
It doesn't change the lot configuration or the number of lots or lot sizes, it does change the
rules about how you develop on those lots, maximum building size, maximum amount of cut
and fill, that sort of thing; design standards.
Vice Chair Wong:
Asked Ms. Wordell to explain the notification process on this particular item.
Also for the benefit of the television viewers, why weren't these particular 23 properties zoned
RHS.
Some of the 23 parcels are zoned RI-20, which means they can have parcels up to 20,000
square feet. Mt. Crest Drive and Mt. Crest Place are zoned AI.
Planning Commission Minutes
27
July 12, 2004
As stated earlier, there were concerns that because of understaffing in the Planning
Department, it was felt that going through the process of notifying the 23 parcels and have
them rezoned to RHS would present a hardship.
Ms. Wordell:
It was a New Business item, staff worked with the applicant; no noticing was done as it is not
a public hearing item and no other properties are involved.
It is a history of several decades, in the 80s and this area in particular where previous planners
said that there was a lot of resident resistance to that, and they were not zoned for hillside.
Said it would be difficult to notify all 23 parcels and have them rezoned to RHS.
Mr. Piasecki:
. Clarified what Ms. Wordell was eluding to was they did not provide notice for this meeting; it
is not a rezoning meeting, it is only the Planning Commission considering if they wanted to
make a recommendation that the City Council open things up; the scope is not known; if it was
confmed to a few lots, it would be easier to manage. If opened up to all 23, it would be
difficult to manage, and that was what was referred to.
Vice Chair Wong:
Said he understood, but questioned why it could not be done through the General Plan review.
Ms. Wordell:
It is a question of timing, according to the records, these are the only vacant lots and they are
the most likely to have new residences that potentially could be quite large, might have other
impacts; it is the most expedient way of getting at that timing issue.
Mr. Piasecki:
Said it was not the staff that brought up the issue; but a Planning Commissioner.
Vice Chair Wong:
Correct, but I just wanted to ask the proper procedure that if we are going to do it for this one
lot which has subdivided into three, I think that the neighboring neighbors should also know
what is going on. It was discussed at the last meeting about notification that some people don't
get notified at all; the more you notify, the better off you are.
Com. Giefer:
. The reason I brought this forward was based on neighborhood response; and also the survey
done as part of the R1 was very revealing that the individuals who live in what looks like the
white background area, had as high of a discontent level as the residents of Rancho Rinconada
did with development in the area, and the only significant building that is going on in this
particular neighborhood is in the hillsides. This has come up time and again as the hill that is
zoned Rl continues to be developed; and these lots are for sale today.
. The other lots that are developed are not vacant and there will be no effect on them at this
time. Wben we do review the General Plan at that time I think it is appropriate to notice and
get everybody involved, and let them know that at that time their lots might be affected. Right
now we have an opportunity to work with the current owner and make some changes and help
the residents who do live in the area be happier about their circumstances and their quality of
life.
Planning Commission Minutes
28
July 12, 2004
Owen Bird, representing Brent Moxley:
Provided a review, that the Moxley family grew up on this property, owned it for decades, one
house on about 1-1/2 acres; the family's use of the property has reached the end of its line,
family chose in 2001 to subdivide the property into three to prepare for their exit ¡¡-om the
property; the family took its time processing that map and that map was final in June 2004.
Around that same time, the family also ramped up efforts to sell the impending three new lots
that are now three legal lots.
In April went into escrow with the first of three buyers. That buyer was due to close escrow
on June 30th, when this possible rezoning of the property emerged you can imagine how the
buyer reacted, and the buyer came in and talked to staff about how that possibly could affect
that buyer's proposed project, and it turns out that in fact even though in the Rl you have the
.5 FAR, and so a 20,000 square foot lot you could build 10,000 square foot house. For many
reasons relating to these three lots, and their specific characteristics, that is unlikely, and
furthermore at least on this first lot, that is not the plan.
. The plan is to build 4700 feet with a 500 foot garage, so now we have got a nervous buyer, an
escrow that has been delayed and at the same time, I have the family's authority to say that if
the family is still owning three or two or even one lot, as the General Plan process progresses,
it certainly is not going to be resistant to that deliberative regulatory look at what is the
appropriate General Plan designation and rezoning for all 23 properties. The Moxley family
has no intention of participating in a process that devalues the neighborhood that it cherishes.
He respectfully requested that the Planning Commission not vote to advance a minute order to
City Council initiating a rezoning of this property; and that instead the more appropriate
course as Vice Chair Wong referenced, is the General Plan process, and that you can through
that look at redesignating these properties to hillside, and in turn if that happens, look to
conforming the zoning with it.
If that still doesn't provide enough reassurance for the neighbors that Com. Giefer referenced,
and we are aware that the anxieties exist, we know that there has been a house under
construction, that is a remodel and an expansion of an existing house up the hill that has
caused some concerns; we tried to figure out a way to address those concerns now, still respect
the process of the General Plan review, while allowing the Moxley family to preserve its
existing escrow and sell the other two lots.
He prèsented the following proposal: We will add deed restrictions to the three lots which we
will do voluntarily; the city doesn't have to impose it on us; it cannot as the map is already
[mal, but we will volunteer to add additional CCRs on the map to limit new house size to 5500
square feet per lot. Functionally that allows the [Jrst buyer to close escrow and build his 5200
square foot house.
It ensure that what you get on lots 2 and 3 will also be 5500 or less which in the opinion of
those concerned about house size in the zone; if the advocates of rezoning this to hillside with
its 6000 foot cap fail through the General Plan process, we will still be your three favorite lots,
because we will be the only three that have an FAR restriction of lower than .5; so we are
willing to work with the city to achieve an outcome that respects the process, respects the
concern and stilI delivers a timely close of escrow.
We have talked about this with staff and were encouraged to bring this to the Planning
Commission, for purposes of full disclosure on the record, said he contacted Councilmember
Sandoval to seek her advice on how to handle this matter, so she was involved in some of the
conversations.
Com. Miller:
I would suggest that you do not have to go to 5500, but only the recurrent requirement for
hillside, which I believe is 65.
Planning Commission Minutes
29
July 12, 2004
Ms. Wordell:
Yes it is, although it diminishes as the slope of the average slope of the lot increases so it
would be something less than that.
Mr. Piasecki
. Under the hillside, he would be down around 47; 55 seemed to be a reasonable compromise.
Mr. Bird:
Added that one of the reasons we tried to sculpt it as tightly as possible, because all things
being equal, being lot sellers we like the bigger envelope, is to honor the spirit of the hillside
zoning without getting into the subjective elements that are contained in the hillside zoning,
such as doing the slope density and design review and those other issues. We want to keep
this Rl objective process in place.
Vice Chair Wong:
Asked property owner if they were suggesting a deed restriction of 5500 square feet and will it
still be zoned Rl or RHS?
Mr. Bird:
. It would still be zoned RI. We don't want to burden all these properties with all the
restrictions contained in the hillside zoning. If we did, we would just say go ahead and move a
minute order to City Council and proceed with rezoning and we won't oppose it.
There are portions of that, that we find burdensome, especially our buyer finds burdensome
and he won't close escrow if you include design review and the grading limits and some of the
other limits contained in the RHS, so the tradeoff to honor the General Plan process, honor the
neighbor and area concerns about over building and still preserve the rights that were vested
when the map was approved, was to limit the most significant issue.
Vice Chair Wong:
There will still be design review under Rl if you build a two story home.
It won't be as strict as RHS; asked staff to confinn it.
Ms. Wordell:
. That may not be so; the lots are so large, that if it is under 35% of the lot size, it would not go
toDRC.
Vice Chair Wong:
Confmned with Mr. Bird 5500 square feet, but under Rl.
Com. Giefer:
Said she understood they would also provide screening.
Mr. Bird:
. Said yes, they discussed it with staff as well; and if the signature issue is the aesthetic
appearance of potential overbuilding on the hillside, and one way to limit that is by limiting
FAR, the other would be through landscape screening which still doesn't reach the design of
the house, which is where they want the regulation to end.
Planning Commission Minutes
30
July 12, 2004
Said that would be appropriate, but would ask that they up with an objective standard. Said he
and Mr. Piasecki discussed the possibility of X number of trees, 24 inch box; to avoid being
left with screening that is someone's pleasure.
Com. Giefer:
Said it could be an item left to the discretion of the Director.
Mr. Piasecki:
Said they discussed no more than 20 evergreens, 24 inch box trees per lot, and he would
review it for screening of mass and bulk. It would not be a privacy type screening but rather a
screening of the mass.
Com. Giefer:
Complimented Mr. Moxley and his representative for remaining at the meeting so long, and
for his willingness to work with the Planning Commission and staff to come up with a very
reasonable compromise that will address the issue of over-building in the hillside area.
Said she would withdraw her request to send a minute order to City Council and accept the
proposal of self-imposed restrictions offered by Mr. Moxley's representative.
Said she would like to give a month to come back with acceptable CCRs which will include
tree plantings that the Director will approve at his discretion; with the acceptable information
regarding the house size.
Mr. Bird:
. Said that they were trying to preserve the escrow and were willing to work with the city
attorney to get the CCR drafted quickly so it can be recorded. Asked that the motion be
amended to allow them to work with staff who has heard the commission say 5,500 square feet
plus screening.
Mr. Piasecki:
Staff can do an informational item to the Planning Commission informing them when it is
clarified; no motion is necessary; direction to be provided to staff and they will work with the
property owner.
Com. Giefer:
Commented that it was not meant to be punitive; at the time she stated the motion, she did not
understand that there was a buyer, and she did not want to do anything to jeopardize the sale of
the property.
Said she had no issue with building on the lots.
Expressed appreciation for their cooperation.
Vice Chair Wong:
Asked if there were 20 evergreen trees recommended.
Mr. Piasecki:
Said it would be up to 20, the determination to be made after we see the house and the lot and
the landscape plan that would go along with those trees, 24 inch box minimum size; the
purpose for screening only.
Planning Commission Minutes
31
July 12, 2004
Com. Giefer:
There are also additional trees on the lots that will remain.
Mr. Piasecki:
Said for the record, he and Mr. Bird talked earlier and he is aware that this does not preclude
the city at any other time deciding to move ahead with a rezoning; it doesn't take away any of
the policing powers or the Council's; it simply is a voluntary action, and the commission
would just not deal with the issue as it has been brought forth so far.
Chair Saadati opened the meeting for public comment; there was no one present who wished to
speak.
Chair Saadati moved the agenda back to Item 4.
4.
MCA-2003-02 (EA-2003-19)
City of Cupertino
Location: Citywide
Amendments to Chapter 19.28 ofthe
Cupertino Mnnicipal Code (R1 Ordmance)
Continued from June 28, 2004 Planning
Commission meeting. Tentative City Council
Date: Not Scheduled.
Mr. GOO presented the staff report:
Said it was the 12th meeting on the Rl ordinance.
Topics for discussion will include: Design Review - What is reviewed; tools for review
process; who does the review; where Cupertino should be on the spectrum.
. Reviewed Exhibits E - Alternative I, Expanded Review; Exhibit F - Alternative 2,
Streamlined Current Methodology, and Exhjbit G - Alternative 3, Reduced Design Review
Vice Chair Wong:
Said other items for discussion included story poles, design review guidelines, and
notification.
. Asked for staff report on notification; what does sending out the I I by 17 plans entail, and
how far does that go out?
Mr. GOO:
Said that the issue of poles and notification, because they are both on the exhibits, will hit at
the same time.
There are certain times in each of the alternatives that story poles are required and that certain
levels of noticing is required.
Currently, exceptions require noticing 300 feet; it is a piece of paper that has legal language
saying there is a hearing;
Two story over 35% FAR, they have story poles and the noticing, and the story poles have to
be up at the time it is applied and remain up until the action.
Vice Chair Wong:
. Regarding the guidelines, do you want to tie it into the process?
Mr. GOO:
. Said you could not talk about these items individually, e.g., if you talk about story poles, are
they good, bad; that depends on what we are talking about, story poles are useless for one story
houses; you do have to talk about it with the other things.
Planning Commission Minutes
32
July 12, 2004
.
In the case of two story, that's typically where story poles are more useful because people can
see it; so we can try to talk about it separately, but I think they are also interconnected; it is
extremely difficult.
Vice Chair Wong:
. Said he felt story poles were dangerous, a safety issue.
Said he met a year ago with former mayor Chang, Com. Miller, Cary Chen and MaIka Negel,
and recalled that staff had no ties to two story poles. Asked if it held true today?
Mr. GiIli:
The issue of story poles is not something staff needs; the survey indicated many people liked
them, but staff does not need them, not important for their review. There have been cases
where story poles have fallen, and not constructed properly.
Mr. Piasecki:
Said they were a hassle to install on an older home; the survey indicated people liked them;
however staff does not need them.
Said it was the call of the Planning Commission.
Vice Chair Wong:
Referred to Exhibit A, Page 4-6, Question 16, and discussed the breakdown of the responses
from various homeowners with different levels of experience with the process.
Regarding guidelines, based on the three processes, that is how staff will make the
recommendations on guidelines.
Mr. GiIli:
. If the idea is to remain status quo, you may need some level of guidelines, if the idea is to
move closer to having less review, you may need less, you may reach the point you don't need
any. If the idea is to move towards more review, all the towns and cities that have more
review, have detailed guidelines and they enforce them.
If you look at the three options: more review, less review, or remain status quo; likely would
not need guidelines for less review; for more review, you would need to have them and expand
on them, and for status quo, you could reduce them slightly, increase them or change them a
little, depending on where you want to go in the spectrum.
Vice Chair Wong:
Said that the City Council let the Planning Commission look into design guidelines.
. Also let the Planning Commission look at residential design approval; Page 4, but was limited
to two story, on the second story that is over 35%.
. If you look at your process review here, you are also looking at one story and that was not in
the scope of work, so if you want to follow that direction, he recommended a minute order.
Mr. GiIli:
If you would like to and you believe so; but what was presented to the City Council was the
Planning Commission would look at the whole review process, what was reviewed, how it was
reviewed, who reviewed it. That was presented to the City Council in those words and they
agreed to that.
Said he could provide a copy of the minutes or tape of the meeting.
Planning Commission Minutes
33
July 12,2004
STORY POLES
Com. Miller:
Would like to add on story poles, having been on the DRC and heard the comments of some
concerned residents when they came to review that, said he found that the story poles in a
number of incidents actually give a mis-representation.
People have come to the DRC and said the story poles frightened them, but he said with the
actual design, he felt more comfortable.
Questioned how valuable the story poles are in terms of neighborhood notification; Said he
felt it was likely better to notify them and/or give them some kind of picture of what they are
looking at; because story poles don't represent what is actually going to be up there when it is
constructed.
Noted that only Los Gatos and Cupertino are currently using story poles in the surrounding
area. (Others commented that Palo Alto and Los Altos also used them)
Concurred that there was a lot of expense in putting story poles up, there are some potential
issues in terms of damage or other problems, and it is not clear given some of the comments
seen at the DRC how beneficial they are.
Said he was not certain of the value of story poles, particularly since staff doesn't feel they
need them, and we have talked at a Planning Commission meeting before, and the
commissioners in the past hadn't felt they needed them.
Com. Giefer:
Read an e-mail regarding story poles from Cary Chen, regarding dangers of story poles.
. Said she felt they were a good noticing tool, and supported the use of them.
Said they repeatedly heard that the people didn't get the notices, they either didn't understand
what they were when they Came in the mail; they are not clear enough; but for some reason the
message is not getting out.
While the story poles don't provide the most accurate definition of what the proposed home is
going to look like, it at least prompts the neighbors to understand that there is some action
taking place and that something is going to change on the property.
It is a strong visual cue, if nothing else, to explain to the neighborhood that something is
happening.
There was a high number of survey respondents who expressed support for story poles; said
she was in favor of them also.
Vice Chair Wong:
. Said that Com. Giefer had good points; many neighbors are concerned. He has on the DRC
for two years and currently is the Chair on the DRC; and a lot of people who do come in either
through notification seeing the story poles or word of mouth, and are most concerned about
not knowing what is being built, and once they come in and see the plans and have the
regulations explained, they are calmer. People need to take the time to contact the neighbor
and ask them what they are doing and the neighbor will show them.
. There are other ways to notify the neighbors; we are taking one notification away by taking
away story poles which is a health and safety issue, but you can also notify people by sending
the application and plans, elevation only to the immediate neighbors and if they really want to
learn more, they can either contact the applicant or go to City Hall and contact the professional
planner.
. Other concern is money-wise, it is very expensive; some folks know how to do it correctly,
some do not. Other cities don't do it except for Los Gatos.
Planning Commission Minutes
34
July 12,2004
One constituent talked to me about when they put the story poles, they hammered them into
the building and it caused damage to the building, if you put it up during the winter months,
water can go into the building and damage the building; it is not a good process.
Want to streamline the process, and especially staff is willing to use another way of
notification and not have story poles.
Does not support story poles.
Com. Miller:
Said he understood that some residents paid as much as $7,500 to $8,000 to have story poles
put up; and said for that expense, plans could be mailed to the residents in the 300 feet radius
and provide a better way of noticing.
As Vice Chair Wong pointed out, they can cause damage to the building.
Chair Saadati:
. It is challenging to put story poles on an existing building; on a new building it is easier to do
it because you can support it, but other options are available.
Have expressed concern before about story poles and said consideration would be given to a
three dimensional elevation that shows adjacent properties. When people look at that they can
understand it, most people cannot read plans and don't understand them.
Chair Saadati:
As long as appropriate drawing is provided, it enables the neighbors to understand and be able
to visualize what is built, relative to the adjacent homes.
Said it was an alternative that he would accept.
Mr. Piasecki:
Asked for the definition of "an appropriate drawing"
Chair Saadati:
Three dimensional perspective drawing showing the adjacent homes; usually if the architects
do the plan on a computer, there are programs that they can utilize.
NOTIFICA nONS
Com. Miller:
. No question that we want to expand the notification.
Support doing that in whatever method deemed appropriate; it adds more information and
reduces confusion.
Com. Giefer:
Agree with Com. Miller; would like to see notification expanded.
Would also like to ensure that we include unincorporated areas that are adjacent to properties
who are pulling permits and becoming Cupertino so they received notices also.
. We are talking about sending them an I I x 17 elevation as part of the noticing.
The idea in some of the options, depending on the spectrum, is in some cases, to send adjacent
neighbors an I I x 17 plan, not just the elevations.
Com. Miller:
Suggested using legal size paper as I I by 17 is difficult to work with.
Planning Commission Minutes
35
July 12, 2004
Said it was not clear why a neighbor would need to see the floor plan, but just should be
concerned with the elevations and not the interior of the house. It is inappropriate for the
neighbors to comment on the interior of the house.
Later in the discussion, he said that if there are copy machines to easily copy I I x 17, he stood
corrected.
Mr. Gilli:
Asked if there was agreement to have the site plan with it.
Com. Miller:
Said the site plan is fine.
Vice Chair Wong:
. Also concur with Com. Giefer as well as Com. Miller to have a site plan; the elevation, no
floor plans; it is the property owner's rights; the main concern is mass and bulk and we want to
make sure that we address that issue.
Regarding privacy, if they are concerned, they should make the time and come to city hall to
look at it, when they get the noticing for the DRC, it is a second opportunity for them to come.
. It if raises a concern to the immediate neighbor, they should come and see the full set of plans
at the counter.
Want to make it cost effective for the applicant.
. The other concern is no story poles, but if we increase that notification for the DRC to more,
they can also get the notification to come to the DRC to see the second story addition.
It is very important to keep the DRC sO that it is another way of notification.
. Recommend legal size, much better for economic reasons.
Sununary: Will have a site plan, the elevation, the renderings, no floor plans; and also a
contact information from staff.
Mr. Gilli:
. Commented that legal size paper will end up being very small with a large amount of white
space on the bottom, whereas I I x 17 is a better fit because the plans generally start out at a
certain aspect ratio that works better with I I x 17.
Chair Saadati:
Also in favor of expanded noticing; the site plan; the more people who receive notification,
hopefully there will be less outrage and surprises.
Mr. Gilli:
Is there any discussion on courtesy noticing; or is this the courtesy notice?
There are two levels of notification; one is there is an action that the city is taking, in which
case, in the alternatives, staff has this as one of the elements and then the other is right before a
permit is about to be issued, it would be a letter saying the owner of this address is receiving a
building permit to do an addition.
Vice Chair Wong:
Do the courtesy notices.
Planning Connnission Minutes
36
July 12,2004
Com. Miller:
Generally feel that rather than create a new review, expanded, or reduced review, to stay with
the current development process review and make some small changes; I am in favor of
staying with Exhibit D.
. One of the things with Exhibit D I would like to review is the design guidelines and one of the
issues that we have had that we have heard about with design guidelines is that there is an
inconsistency between some of the design guidelines and the existing ordinance, and I would
like to take a look at that and perhaps fold some of the design guidelines into the ordinance
and do away with the rest of them, and so that to the extent we can, we have more of the
design guidelines in the ordinance, but you also iron out the discrepancies between the
ordinance and the design guidelines.
The other place where it might be potentially a good idea is staffs suggestion to have more
architectural input and adding an architect to the DRC has some merit; although it is not clear
that the architectural consultant would do it because that is going to be an added expense. Said
it was not difficult to get architects to volunteer to participate.
I would like to stay with that process; suggest we modifY, get rid of the design guidelines,
incorporate the good points into the ordinance. Propose adding more review [¡-om an
architectural standpoint to the DRC with a member that we could add [¡-om the community at
large, which would not be an extra expense to either the applicant or the city.
Chair Saadati:
. Basically you are keeping the 35%.
Com. Miller:
Yes, leaving it the way it is.
Mr. Piasecki:
On the point of adding a volunteer architect, you may have to go outside the city to get one;
we would normally go to the Santa Clara County AlA.
Com. Giefer:
I am somewhere between keep it where it is today, but I would like to suggest modifications to
that: I agree with what Com. Miller said in terms of taking the highlights and strong points
[¡-om our guidelines, and incorporating them into the Rl, but I think one of the things that I
appreciate about some of the other guidelines that we have, is they are more illustrative of the
do's and don'ts and I would actually like to see ours enhanced and not just go away.
. Also am in favor of having more professional participation in our DRC, instead of having
Planning Commissioners on the DRC, I would recommend just having professionals, architect
and staff on the DRC to make those reviews and decisions. That is potentially an added
expense and I understand that, but this is not the right year to advocate adding additional
expense and I am not quite sure how we would go about getting people [¡-om an organization
to support our city that we would not have to compensate.
I would also be in favor of having our current design review with some architect participation
on that as well.
Vice Chair Wong:
Agree with Corns. Giefer and Miller, that the current process is working; but don't want to
majoriy change the process.
Suggested that in next meeting regarding processes, is to give some guidance to staff on what
particular guidelines we would like to see folded in, and what we don't.
Planning Connnission Minutes
37
July 12, 2004
.
Not prepared at this time to say likes and dislikes; vs. having staff second guess us; perhaps do
it via e-mail.
We get money ITom Sacramento; Com. Giefer's idea would work, but it should be community
generated.
Find an architect in Cupertino, who lives in Cupertino, who can feel what it is like to be in
Cupertino, and can see the issues here; use the Santa Clara County AlA, but I feel that the City
Council needs to appoint that architect from Cupertino because we want to make sure it is a
community person here in Cupertino.
Said he wanted to see Exhibit D, the current Rl development process; need to give some
guidance to staff regarding which guidelines that we like or which ones we don't want to see
and these guidelines would be applied equally.
Chair Saadati:
. Said that once before they discussed the design guidelines and his view was if they can fold
the design guidelines in the ordinance, that would be more straight forward, but it would be
good to have handout with some information that the general public can get when they are
planning to design a house; at least that handbook gives them some information to supplement
our ordinance to some extent; some brief information from the ordinance with some sketches
or drawings that helps them to understand it better.
. Also Exhibit D having a professional on board would be an added benefit.
Finding an architect in Cupertino may be difficult; another design review invited
different professionals to sit on different matters, but you may not find the same personnel all
the time.
Sometimes the benefit is if you get somebody ITom outside, you get an impartial opinion.
Mr. Piasecki:
One of the best architectural advisers we had in Campbell was an instructor over at West
Valley College; he did not live in the City of Campbell and he was excellent. You may get
somebody in your own city, but you might not get the quality.
Vice Chair Wong:
If there is concern about not being able to fmd someone in the community or their
impartialness, whether or not the person may be in the community or not in the community, if
it is a non-voting member, there would not be any worry about that particular issue.
Chair Saadati:
. Already have an architect who is a non-voting member and expresses his opinion and who
reviews all the plans.
Mr. Piasecki:
I have seen both models work; the one that Com. Wong is talking about is just an advisor at
the meeting who can help you work through the plans, that is one way to do that, you can have
him voting, you can even indicate that your preference is to find an architect in the
community.
In the event that you don't find one, then you would select one outside the community, still the
best qualified; but you would encourage community architects to be involved.
Vice Chair Wong:
By making it non-voting, it addresses the Chair's concern about having a quorum.
Planning Commission Minutes
38
July 12, 2004
Chair Saadati:
. It may lower the interest level of the architect wanting to sit on the committee; if they are a
voting member, they may be more interested to come on board; it could go either way.
Com. Miller:
I would just like to add, even if there was a meeting where the architectural member could not
attend, one would hope that the architectural member would provide his input so that the other
members would have the benefit of that even though he was not present.
Mr. Gilli:
. Larry Cannon's comments are incorporated into the staff report.
Chair Saadati:
That won't change anything, but having a professional at the meeting, there is a dialog; that is
different than having just a comment coming in.
Com. Miller:
I understand that, and most of the time you would expect if we had someone participating as a
member of the committee, he would be there and it is not the ideal case that he is not there; but
it is somewhere in between; if he still reviews it and provides his comments.
. You would expect that he is not going to be missing meeting after meeting, or else he wouldn't
have signed up in the fITst place.
Chair Saadati:
. I think there needs to be more than one on our list in order to make sure there is continuity.
Mr. Gilli:
. Summarized that the commission wants professional review at the meeting, to look more at
design; maintain the same number of meetings which is the cost of the applicant; but the
commission is interested in going for having better design.
The only reason you would want a professional architect is because you want more input on
how to make the design better;
Vice Chair Wong:
. Said he did not recall saying he wanted more design.
Chair Saadati opened the meeting for public comment.
Kwon-Tak Chui, Woodbury Drive:
Commented on having an architect in the DRC process.
There is already a consultant architect to review the design, and he is going to make comment;
I assume that when the applicant brings forward a plan, there is a review and in working with
staff to make the plan workable for the city of Cupertino, that the recommendations reviewed
by the architect should have been incorporated in the plan before it comes to the review
process.
By the time it comes to the review process, it should be clear whether it is a good plan that the
staff is recommending or not, and if the staff is recommending with the guidance of the
architect, then do you want another architect to review the comment of the first architect?
Asked for clarification.
Planning Commission Minutes
39
July 12, 2004
Chair Saadati closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
Com. Miner:
The speaker raises a good point, and in fact the only reason for having an architect is that
issues come up after the initial review by the architectural consultant to the city, that
particularly at the DRC meetings, that potential1y could be facilitated easier. As to how much
value, that in itself is a good question.
. In terms of should we be moving towards more architectural review, I am always hesitant
about what level of architectural review we are going to do into single story houses; because it
is hard to get two architects to agree very often on architectural issues associated with the
house; and it is not clear that we are going to be adding to the process if we put people through
further architectural review, or we are basically opening up another whole new issue to explore
and then create guidelines for what architectural items we are going to review and not going to
review.
Not sure I am prepared to support that, right now we look at mass and bulk and periodically
there are some other issues that come to mind where architectural input is important but not
necessarily to the point that we are going to have an "architectural review" of the house
structure.
Mr. Gilli:
. From my experience if the commission believes and is comfortable with still maintaining the
focus on mass and bulk, if that was the philosophy the Planning Commission wanted to
pursue, I would agree with the speaker, that you don't need the architect at the meeting, and in
many cases you don't need the meeting because the ordinance rules and the very basic
guidelines which the commission can spend more time at a later meeting, going through, takes
care ofthe mass and bulk issues.
If mass and bulk is going to continue to be the main focus then a process like Exhibit F or G
would be what we would recommend; it would save the applicants significant time and
money; it would save a lot of staff time as well and we can give you the same output as you
get right now.
If the wish is to have more professional input to get a better design and so on, then you have to
have hearings.
Vice Chair Wong:
By suggesting what you are saying, you are fundamentally changing the process and the
process is currently working and one of the reasons why the 1999 ordinance passed, is because
they wanted the DRc.
. If we are going to eliminate story poles this is another alternative for folks, because you have
to notify people to come to the DRC; this is your second opportunity; once you just do the
notification, with I I x 17 or legal size, they will be dealing directly with staff, they wouldn't
be directing the Planning Commission.
Said he wanted it to come back to the Planning Commission and not to staff, and let the
Planning Commission take the hits, not staff.
Mr. GiIli:
As the commissioners know, in the last year, there haven't been any hits at the DRC, there
haven't been any issues that haven't been about trees and that is something that past
commissioners who have been on the DRC have said, why are we meeting if the only issue
that comes up is a tree, because it is cost to everybody to have the meeting.
Planning Conunission Minutes
40
July 12,2004
The idea was if we are just trying to get the output that we currently get out of the process, this
is faster and cheaper and I spoke to architects about this and knowing they have an appeal
right, they would prefer this process because it is faster.
If the purpose is to stay in the current concept of what we are reviewing, we can do it better,
and faster and cheaper.
Chair Saadati:
Suggested because of the lateness of the meeting, they could put a dollar and time figure on
each of the processes, how long it takes, and what the cost is.
Mr. Gilli:
Generally it will cost an extra couple of thousand dollars if you go to hearing at applicant's
expense.
Chair Saadati:
I sat on DRC for almost two years and with the exception of privacy, a lot of applications went
through without a lot of problems.
Mr. Piasecki
What Mr. Gilli was saying, it gets back to what your philosophy is; if it is mass and bulk, the
last thing you want to do is bring an architect in to talk about architectural details and if the
roofleaks.
. You want to keep it focused and keep the messages pure and unmixed.
Vice Chair Wong:
. It should be about mass and bulk and I appreciate the person staying here so late, but we even
decided not to cancel a meeting to continue discussion about this, but the emphasis should be
mass and bulk, and design compatibility, we can discuss it at a later time.
Mr. GOO:
Based on what we heard, the next meeting we are going to bring back a process based on
Exhibit D, with information about guidelines and minor changes as discussed regarding story
poles, notification.
After one with the possibility of an architect, I will put the possibility of an architect into it and
just know that if you decide later it can be taken out.
Vice Chair Wong:
Said he wanted the DRC meeting to stay in, and see the cost breakdown.
Com. Miller:
. Would like to see what the costs are.
Mr. GOO:
At the last meeting, all the commissioners were unanimous on a number of minor issues; rear
setback on the first story having it reduced; going to Director's approval; that is reflected in
the Exhibits E through G; is the commission still on board with that or going away fÌ'om that?
Exhibits E through G have a process for minor issues including the rear setback reduction on
the first floor, having a gable end height over a certain amount outside the building and below.
. Second story decks, and extension oflegal non conforming building lines, at the last meeting it
was unanimous that the concept of having this at adjacent noticing with a Director's action
Planning Commission Minutes
41
July 12,2004
after hearing if the neighbors have problems with it or not; there was agreement then, I just
wanted to know if that is still agreed upon.
Vice Chair Wong:
. What is it currently?
Mr. GiIli:
It is different for each item; if it is a second story deck it has to go to a public hearing, but the
only issue is privacy, the thinking was it didn't need a hearing; extension of a legal non
conforming building line needs the neighbor approval but we have had cases where a neighbor
has not agreed to approve in a seemingly harmless case; and in the other two the issue of the
rear setback reduction and the gable end height currently is allowed, but we had people who
had concerns with that.
Should that stay in this model or is that off the table now.
Vice Chair Wong: .
I think we should take it out of this process ánd address it differently, because I remember
clearly the second story decks were going to be a Director modification; it wasn't going to go
through DRC, because it saves money on that.
Can't respond on the others because ofIateness of meeting.
Com. Giefer:
Suggested that it be continued to help review entire process and be able to see that it really will
help streamline the process and makes it easier for the applicants.
Vice Chair Wong:
Requested that the staircase issue be discussed at the next meeting.
Motion:
Motion by Vice Chair Wong, second by Com. Miller, to continue Application
MCA-2003-02 (EA-2003-19) to the Planning Commission study session on
July 26, 2004 at 5 p.m. in Conference Room C. (Vote: 4-0-0)
OLD BUSINESS: None
REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Environmental Review Committee: Chair Saadati noted there was a meeting scheduled for
Wednesday, July 14th.
HousÎDI! Commission: Com. Giefer reported on the July 8th meeting; the Vallco Rosebowl
development was reviewed and she was asked to share the following comments: The Housing
Commission recommends that the applicant maximize the density of units per acre and possibly
request a density bonus in favor of adding more low cost housing to the project. They feel that it is
an ideal situation because the project does not impact an existing neighborhood or cause additional
crowding to an existing neighborhood.
Mavor's Monthlv Meetinl!: No Report. Com. Giefer asked if someone could attend the August
17th meeting in her place; Vice Chair Wong volunteered to attend the August meeting.
Planning Commission Minutes
42
July 12, 2004
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: No verbal report
given.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned to the Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on July 26,
2004, followed by the regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:45 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
Elizabeth A. Ellis, Recording Secretary
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT FORM
Application:
Applicant:
Property Owner:
Property Location:
MCA-20O3-02
City of Cupertino
Various
City-wide
Agenda Date: July 26,2004
Application Summary: Review of Chapter 19.28 of the Cupertino Municipal Code (R1
Ordinance) related to changes to Single-Family Residential regulations.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission discuss issues related to design
review.
BACKGROUND
The Planning Commission discussed the issues related to design review and review
processes on July 12, 2004. This is a continuation of that discussion.
DISCUSSION
At the July 12, 2004 meeting, the Commission chose to discuss details of the process
without determining their overall direction they wish to take.
As stated in the previous report, before going into the details of the design review
topics, the Commission should decide on how new construction in neighborhoods
should be treated. The following diagram generally shows where Cupertino's review
process stands in relation to a spectrum from limited or no review to intensive review
using Los Gatos and San Jose as examples. Staff believes that Cupertino is in the
middle of the spectrum.
Full Design
Review
-+--t
High-Level of
Design
Scrutiny (Los
Galas)
/---- I ------
( ;
-----__n__--(
Cupertino
(somewhere
in the middle)
No Design
Review
t-+
Review only
in extreme
cases (San
Jose)
The Commission needs to decide where Cupertino should be on this spectrum. Based
on the discussion of details related to design review on July 14, 2004, the Commission is
interested in keeping the process where it currently is or moving it to the left towards a
higher level of review by adding an architect to the Design Review Committee.
1- J
MCA-2003-02
July 26, 2004
Page 2
Expanded Design Review (Exhibit E)
The Planning Commission indicated interest in having a professional architect on the
Design Review Committee. The only purpose for this change would be if the City were
striving for better design. This change would be a shift to the left on the spectrum
(shown below). Staff adjusted the Expanded Design Review (Exhibit E) to reflect
comments from the Commission.
Full Design
Review
-+--t
High-Level of
Design
Scrutiny (Los
Galas)
/--- I ----"
i'----___d__-<
No Design
Review
t+
Review only
in extreme
cases (San
Jose)
Design
Review wi
Architect
Streamlined Current Methodology (Exhibit F)
The Commission also indicated preferences for maintaining the current level of review.
Staff adjusted Exhibit F to reflect comments from the Commission. This alternative
would maintain the current level of design review, focusing primarily on mass, bulk
and privacy issues, for the purpose of limiting the impact of new construction on
neighbors.
Full Design
Review
-t-t
High-Level of
Design
Scrutiny (Los
Galas)
,--- I ----,
(------f----)
Maintain Current
Level of Design
Review
No Design
Review
t+
Review only
in extreme
cases (San
Jose)
Exhibit F shows that design guidelines are retained, but they could also be discarded
without affecting the review process. This alternative is similar to the recommendation
of the Planning Commission in February of 2003.
Prepared by:
Approved by:
Peter Gilli, Senior Planner c::::: ~
Steve Piasecki, Director of Community Developmen~
Enclosures:
Exhibit B: Comments from Late Surveys
Exhibit E: Alternative 1: Expanded Review Version 2
Exhibit F: Alternative 2: Streamlined Current Methodology Version 2
¡-~
Exhibit B: Comments from Late Surveys
l,;omments
For older homes (more than 35 years) in older neighborhoods, esp. with low quality construction -
when remodel is applied for owners should be encouraged to consider a total re-build.
I think we should keep the Cupertino City in balance with what ever neighborhood exists now - I AM
SAD to see our once beautiful town now looking like Hong Kong with Chinese writing all over
English is out country's language. Bv the way, I am Foreiqn born myself.
I would like to build a garage but due to setbacks I don't think I can. Our neighborhood has changed
for the better in the last 14+ years. Hopefully it will continue as it has.
Privacy is important part of homeownership. I resent having neighbors having view access to m
yard!!!
Obviously there are neighborhoods such as Rancho & Monta Vista where the neighborhoods are no
longer tract. like. However, in a neighborhood that is still strongly "suburban tract", I believe the
homes should blend into the neighborhood in terms of size and style. From what I have observed,
Saratoga does an excellent job at this.
Design guidelines should not be too restricted, but once in place, ALL should apply including
commercials and one-story houses. #14-17 Design Review Process and the hearing can be
decided to only ONLY after the amount of RSVP to the preliminary notice (within 300 ft.) is over 5%.
This way may save both the city and aoplicant time and cost.
Your Building Dept does a poor job when messages are left. If I care enough to call and leave a
message, I deserve a return call & you fail badly.
After all the hard work that went into the R-1 ordinance so recently, why is it being re-evaluated This
should be stated here in this bulletin. Also I cannot imagine how the new house on Lindy Lane was
aporoved, or the house near the creek at McLellan Ranch Park! Outraqeous and unsound!
Need rules to govem entrance porches with columns and gables extending upwards to the 2nd
storey - should be limited in height.
All construction that changes the shape of the existing home should be reviewed for context with the
neiqborhood. Streamline the review process and then this can happen.
Design Review is typically a no-win situation for single family homes. The homeowner does not ge
what they want & the neighborhood usually gets a compromise. Better to set standards up front tha
all can follow. If you want lowered entry features, change the zoning to lower height. Also design
review to match older, single story ranch homes (There are a lot in Cupertino) does not necessaril~
get you a better design for a new house or addition. Also design review is stressful for staff and sets
up an adversarial role for planners. .
No more Monster homes in Cupertino.
(1) How the 2 story homes in Yorktown by Kennedy Sr High be built today under these rules (2
Would the comer of De Anza & Stevens Creek have been built if a design review was in force as
proposed.
These Mega/Monster homes on small property are eyesores that have ruined the ambience of the
neighborhoods. They all look alike and there are no trees, and they are impersonal looking.
Cupertino is losing its feeling of warmth and looks disjointed!
The buildings on the old Cali Mill site (Crossroads) seem to be way out of character for the
surrounding areas of the city. I would strongly discourage hi-rise buildings @ Vallco or "downtown".
We seem to have reached the limit for traffic & hi-density. Also I do appreciate the new library and
surrounding use of land! Thank vou
I think that the value of Cupertino homes is reduced when we have homes that are built without the
consideration of the neighborhood, surrounding homes and architecture. There are many 'mixed
neighborhoods' these days, with various styles and architecture, that attract new buyers who onl
"care about size".
PBG
10f2
)-3
\iomments
Guidelines are too arbitrary and are not a uniform requirement for everyone and are therefore
unfairly imposed. They also are time consuming and expensive due to repetitive review processes
which are imDosed on a single family homeowner who is onlv trying to Improve his/her home.
I totally oppose the complete tear-down and re-build of "Elephant Homes" on "small" lots - 6,000
10,000 square foot. As I drive in on Mann heading north, these new monster homes stick out bad I
and do not blend in with the existing neighborhoods and are not "reasonably consistent" in scale and
design. My only purpose to living in Monte Vista is to cash out when I retire.
I think it will be beneficial for the city to have ordinance that allow modern and contemporary looking
homes. The current restrictions make it difficult to build that kind of a house. Also a lot 0
neighborhoods that were originaaly lower income now have a lot of high income/high value homes.
So (illegible) should not be needed in these homes.
It seems like quite a few homes are able to get an exception to the FAR over 35% guidelines. On a
different subject, in my neighborhood, I'm bummed that my neighbors up the street (the Henry's
built a second, rather large house right next to the road in addition to their huge (but beautiful) main
house. The second home totally ruins the rural country atmosphere of this part of Regnart Road.
Also, why the spikey fencing that can harm wildlife? We live in a rural area and should respect and
live with the wildlife who were here first.
Listen to the people that have lived here 20+ years not the ones that have just moved here. We
already have been through this once. Leave things alone.
Sorry this survey is submitted beyond the deadline, but I have been under the weather. After living in
Cupertino for 40 years, I was frustrated to have a "Monster House" built directly across the stree
without anv notifications or redress.
I believe diversity of building forms within neighborhoods should be encouraged. Larger second floo
area should be allowed so as to reduce the footprint on the land. Second floor setbacks and
roofpltch limitations should be eliminated or reduced. I would rather trade larger second floors fo
increased front and side yard setbacks.
No comments at this time
I do not approve of homes built or Flag lots. Have not been impressed with the building in Cupertino.
Homes too larae for lots!
The choices to the questions are to "course". For example the question (#15) about square footage
requires desian review - what about single story homes?
The pink elephants really destroyed the Cupertino look. Too bad the Planning Commission let this
happen. Shame on vou!
I am in favor of freedom for the homeowner on his property, but ensuring neighbors aren't negativel
impacted. There should be sDirit of responsible freedom and consideration.
The problem is that greedy, new residents are still 'building .too big! The existing
guidelines/regulations have many bad exceptions and loopholes which need to be fixed. Nothing
should be relaxed.
Generally if new construction is desired, there should not be any restrictions unless invasion 0
privacy occurs. If it obstructs the view of another home, it should be upto the homeowner to decide
if that lost view matter. After all, no on in their right mind would spend all that money to expand and
make it look ugly.
Restrictions for home in low-value neighborhoods should be much less than high-value
neighborhoods. The homes in my neighborhood are old and ugly. There is no need to require a ne~
home to be consistent with old homes.
¡Homes should be-fjullt consistent - (cut IndiviDUal) to the nelgnDors. Not stucco next to corrugated
tin etc - (like the house being built on McClellan) - it's tacky! And an insult to our fine community. I
can't believe you folks approved it!
PBG
2 of2
J-4
EXHIBIT E
ALTERNATIVE 1: EXPANDED REVIEW (version 2)
Director's
Approval
(no hearing)
(##)
Consulting Story Pales, 300'
Architect review noticing, Ilxl7 DRC ***
for Design & Staff -. plans to adj. f--. wi Arch.
Review for neighbor, posted Consultant
Guideline notice in front (##)
Conformance yard wi rendering
I Two Story ~
I Exceptions I ~ I
300' noticing,
Ilxl7 plans to adj.
neighbor, posted
notice in front
yard wi rendering
IYI
(#) Rear yard setback reduction
17'+ gable end height outside of building envelope
2nd story decks.
Extension ofLNC ** bldg. line
(##) Actions can be appealed to the CC through the PC
* FAR = Floor Area Ratio
** LNC = Legal Non-Conforming
*** DRC = Design Review Committee
**** PC = Planning Commission
***** CC = City Council
EXHIBIT F:
AL TERNA TIVE 2: STREAMLINED CURRENT METHODOLOGY (version 2)
. Adjacent noticing I-¡
. wlll"'p,,", ¡
, Director's
Approval
(no hearing)
(##)
I Two Story ~
Consulting
Architect review
for Design & Staff
Review for
Guideline
Conformance
Star)' Poles, 300'
noticing, llx17
plans to adj.
neighbor, posted
notice in front
yard wi rendering
I I 300' noticing,
I Exceptions ~ llxl7 plans to adj.
neighbor
~.
(#) Rear yard setback reduction
17'+ gable end height outside of building envelope
2nd story decks
Extension ofLNC ** bldg. line
(##) Actions can be appealed to the CC through the PC
* FAR = Floor Area Ratio
** LNC = Legal Non-Conforming
*** DRC = Design Review Committee
**** PC = Planning Commission
***** CC = City Council
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT FORM
Application: TR-2004-06 Agenda Date: July 26, 2004
Applicant: Thomas Brutting (The Forum at Rancho San Antonio)
Owner: Forum at Rancho San Antonio
Property Location: 23500 Cristo Rey Drive
Environmental Assessment: Categorically Exempt
Application Summary: Tree removal of four protected trees and replacements to
accommodate an approved health care facility expansion (U-20O3-01)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of file no. TR-2004-06 based on the model resolution.
BACKGROUND
On May 19, 2003, the applicant received City Council approval to construct a 24-
unit, 21,000 square foot expansion of the skilled nursing facility. The site plan
indicated the retention of four pine trees, now proposed for removal. Removal is
required due to changes in grading plans.
DISCUSSION
The four pine trees are not important in size or location. They are toward the
rear of the Forum property. The arborist's report at the time of the expansion
approval indicated that the trees were in poor condition, but did not recommend
removal. The applicant will plant three Chinese Pistache trees (deciduous, grows
to 60 feet tall) and one silk tree (deciduous, grows to 40 feet tall) as replacements.
Submitted by: Ciddy Wordell, City Planner
Approved by: Steve Piasecki, Director of Community Developme~
Enclosures:
Model Resolution
Plan Set
G: \ I'1aruUng\ PDREPORT\pcTRreports \ TR-2003-06.doc
~ - J
TR-2004-06
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
MODEL RESOLUTION
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO APPROVING A
REQUEST TO REMOVE FOUR PROTECTED TREES AND REPLACEMENTS TO
ACCOMMODATE AN APPROVED HEALTH CARE FACILITY EXPANSION (U-20O3-
01) AT 23500 CRISTO REY DRIVE.
SECTION I: PROTECT DESCRIPTION
Application No.:
Applicant:
Owner:
Location/ APN:
TR-2004-06
Thomas Brutting
The Forum at the Rancho San Antonio
23500 Cristo Rey Drive
SECTION II: FINDINGS
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Cupertino received an application
to remove and replace four protected trees, as described in this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has met the burden of proof required to support removal of
this tree and has satisfied the following requirements:
I) The four protected trees will be replaced with four additional trees
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That after careful consideration of maps, facts, exhibits, testimony and other evidence
submitted in this matter, application for Tree Removal is hereby approved as modified;
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 TR-2004-06, as set forth in the Minutes of the Planning Commission
Meeting of July 26, 2004 are incorporated by reference herein.
¿)-DL
Resolution No.
Page 2
SECTION III: CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEPT.
TR-2004-06
07/26/04
1. APPROVAL ACTION
Approved is based on approved site and landscaping plan.
2. REPLACEMENT OF TREES
The four protected trees will be replaced as shown on the approved landscaping
plan.
3. 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 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 26th day of July 2004, at a Regular Meeting of the
Planning Commission of the City of Cupertino by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
ATTEST:
APPROVED:
Steve Piasecki
Director of Community Development
Taghi Saadati, Chairperson
Cupertino Planning Commission
G:\Planning\PDREPORTlRES\ TR-2004-06 res.doc
c.Ç! - 3
TR-2004-06
Four pine trees proposed
for removal.
_'0
Jd'"
'-,
r;'l _4
- I
J
u ~~
4. POP NIG TO REMAIN, TYP.
'--
27- HARVIO
GC: LAN IN PLANTERS IN PARKING LOT
IF (E) PLAN ING MATERIAL DEMOLISHED
PI ANTIN(', PI AN 06.28.04
SCALE:
1 '-0" = 30'-0"
----
~
~."
(- 23
,
)t
I~.
"
(.
,
~
17
22
24
25
~
0
1~
@
,m
ROBERT LA ROCCA
& ASSOCiATES, INC.
"""" ""'H"""""
§E,~~,~~,,;,",,"
:;::~'=::;...
$- ~d"'".._~
~~t~:-:..~~:: ~
._,~_.~.'""'"
..._.,.~--~
\.
'eyand Recommendations
April 28, 2003
HnrH¡,nn k'nmnt«, ¡"ol;rh 51 T"rl.r.
,:....:.., .,
~;v
.
CITY m CUP£RTlNO
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT FORM
Application: U-2004-07, ASA-2004-10
Applicant: Mark Snow
Owner: Danny Lee
Location: 10078 Santa Clara Avenue
Agenda Date: July 26, 2004
Application Summaries:
Use permit and Architectural Site Approval to allow two 2,120 square foot two-story
single-family residences in a planned development zoning district.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve:
1. The Use Permit, file no. U-2004-07, based on the model resolution.
2. The ArchitecturalSite Approval, file no. ASA-2004-10, based on the model
resolution.
BACKGROUND:
The Planning Commission reviewed this project on June 14, 2004. The primary concern
was the parking situation. The Commission asked the applicant to explore options that
provided space for three cars on each site and to see if additional on-street parking
could be found in the neighborhood.
A Parking Exception was included in the review of this project at the previous meeting.
This was an error, since the Parking Ordinance are only guidelines for Planned
Development zones, and the Parking Exception has been removed from the application
package.
DISCUSSION:
Tandem Garage
The applicant provided a plan set (Exhibit B) showing a tandem garage at the direction
of the Commission. This plan has a floor area ratio (FAR) of 61 %, which is significantly
more than any other single-family home approved in any City neighborhood.
Past Precedent for Comparable FARs in P zones in single-family neighborhoods
. Planned Development on Homestead Rd. The City Council has tried to be
equitable with the FAR allowed on small planned development projects
compared to the FAR allowed in the Rl zone. The most recent example of this is
a subdivision at the corner of Homestead Road and Maxine Avenue approved in
August of 2000. This was a seven-lot subdivision and the City Council required
that the average FAR be no more than 45 %.
. Neighboring Site. Another example is .adjacent to the subject site. In August of
1991, the City Council approved an appeal of a Use Permit and Tentative Map
4-1
U-2004-07, ASA-2004-10
2
for two new homes with 50% F ARs. The Planning Commission originally denied
the request because they opposed the creation of small lots.
Staff could find no precedent to support a single-family residence on a similar lot with a
61 % FAR. The applicant's original project had an FAR of 55%, which is already more
than the 50 % FAR the neighboring project received.
Equity: Rl Comparison
There is also an equity issue allowing the applicant to build more area on constrained
sites than what would be allowed on small sites in the Rl zone. The 61 % FAR equates
to 2,337 sq. ft. of floor area on a 3,850 sq. ft. parcel. For reference, a 5,000 sq. ft. lot in the
Rl-5 Rancho Rinconada neighborhood is limited to 2,250 sq. ft. of floor area.
For these reasons, staff opposes the Exhibit B plan, and recommends approval of the
original project.
On-Street Parking
The Planning Commission suggested adding more on-street parking to Alhambra
Avenue, near the subject site. The roadway is too narrow to have parking on both
sides, but the parking supply in the neighborhood can be increased by shifting the
parallel parking on Alhambra A venue from the west side of the street to the east side.
The west side of the street has a number of curbcuts from driveways. The parking shift
would add at least a half dozen spaces.
If the Commission wishes to recommend changing the Alhambra A venue parking, it
should be done separately through a Minute Order to the City Council, and not tied to
this application.
Enclosures:
Model Resolutions
Staff Report from June 28, 2004
Original Plan Set
Exhibit B: Plan Set with Tandem Garage
Submitted by: Peter Gilli, Senior Planner ~ j
Approved by: Steve Piasecki, Director of Community Developme~
2
4 - ,.?L
U-20Q4-07
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
MODEL RESOLUTION
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
APPROVING A USE PERMIT FOR TWO SINGLE-F AMIL Y RESIDENCES IN A P(RES)
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH RESIDENTIAL INTENT ZONING DISTRICT.
SECTION I: PROTECT DESCRIPTION
Application No(s): U-2004-07
Applicant: Mark Snow (Danny Lee)
Location: 10078 Santa Clara Avenue
SECTION II: FINDINGS FOR USE PERMIT
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Cupertino received an application for a
Use Permit, as described in Section I of this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the necessary public notices have been given in accordance with the Procedural
Ordinance of the City of Cupertino, and the Planning Commission has held one or more
public hearings on this matter; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has met the burden of proof required to support said application;
and has satisfied the following requirements:
1) The proposed use, at the proposed location, will not be detrimental or injurious to
property or improvements in the vicinity, and will not be detrimental to the public health,
safety, general weIfare, or convenience;
2) The proposed use will be located and conducted in a manner in accord with the
Cupertino Comprehensive General Plan and the purpose of this title.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That after careful consideration of maps, facts, exhibits, testimony and other evidence
submitted in this matter, the application for Use Permit is hereby recommended for approval,
subject to the conditions which are enumerated in this Resolution beginning on Page 2 thereof;
and
4-3
Model Resolution
Page 2
U-2004-07
July 26, 2004
That the subconclusions upon which the findings and conditions specified in this resolution
are based are contained in the public hearing record concerning Application No. U-2004-07,
as set forth in the Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of July 26, 2004, and are
incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
SECTION III: CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPT.
1. APPROVED PROTECT
Approval is based on the plan set entitled: "New Construction for: Cupertino
Construction, 10078 Santa Clara Avenue, Cupertino, California" dated April 26, 2004 and
consisting of six sheets labeled Tl, Al through A5 by Mark H. Snow Associates, except as
may be amended by the conditions contained in this approval.
2. LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT
This Use Permit cannot be implemented until a lot line adjustment is approved based on
the lot configuration in the approved plans. The lot line adjustment will be subject to
approval by Public Works and Planning staff.
3. PRIVACY PLANTING
The applicant shall provide a privacy protection plan with their building permit
submittal, to be approved by Planning staff. The privacy screening shall be recorded on
the properties with a covenant prior to final occupancy. Planning staff has the discretion
to modify or waive this condition based on input from affected neighbors.
4. FRONT YARD PLANTING
Two trees shall be planted between the driveways of the two units. The species of tree
shall be fast growing with large canopies, subject to approval by Planning staff. A
covenant shall be recorded on both properties to share maintenance and ownership of the
trees between the two properties.
5. 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
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.
4-4
Model Resolution
Page 3
U-2004-07
July 26, 2004
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 26th day of July 2004, at a Regular Meeting of the Planning
Commission of the City of Cupertino, State of California, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ATTEST:
APPROVED:
Steve Piasecki
Director of Community Development
Taghi Saadati, Chairperson
Cupertino Planning Commission
à -C;
~.,/'
ASA-2004-10
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
MODEL RESOLUTION
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO RECOMMENDING
APPROVAL OF AN ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE REVIEW FOR TWO SINGLE-F AMIL Y
DETACHED RESIDENCES IN A peRES) PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH RESIDENTIAL
INTENT ZONING DISTRICT.
SECTION I: PROŒCT DESCRIPTION
Application No.:
Applicant:
Location:
ASA-2004-10
Mark Snow (Danny Lee)
10078 Santa Clara Avenue
SECTION II: FINDINGS
WHEREAS, the necessary public notices have been given in accordance with the Procedural
Ordinance of the City of Cupertino, and the Planning Commission has held one or more
public hearings on this matter; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has met the burden of proof required to support said application;
and has satisfied the following requirements:
1. The proposal, at the proposed location, will not be detrimental or injurious to property
or improvements in the vicinity, and will not be detrimental to the public health,
safety, general weIfare, or convenience;
2. The proposal is consistent with the purposes of this chapter, the General Plan, and
zoning ordinance;
3. The proposal will use materials and design elements such as horizontal siding,
composition roof and simplified building forms that compliment the exisWlg and
neighboring structures;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That after careful consideration of maps, facts, exhibits, testimony and other evidence
submitted in this matter, the design review application is hereby approved subject to the
conditions which are enumerated in this Resolution beginning 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 ASA-2004-10
set forth in the Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of July 26, 2004, and are
incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
4-(.0
Model Resolution
Page 2
ASA-2004-IO
July 26, 2004
SECTION III. CONDITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPT.
1. APPROVED PROTECT
Approval is based on the plan set entitled: "New Construction for: Cupertino
Construction, 10078 Santa Clara Avenue, Cupertino, California" dated April 26, 2004 and
consisting of six sheets labeled Tl, Al through A5 by Mark H. Snow Associates, except as
may be amended by the conditions contained in this approval.
2. FACADE VARIATION
The applicant shall use different styles of porch railing and front doors for the two houses.
These styles shall be complimentary, yet distinct. Planning staff shall approve the final
design and colors prior to issuance of building permits.
3. 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 wmch 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 26th day of July 2004, at a Regular Meeting of the Planning
Commission of the City of Cupertino, State of California, by the following roll call vote:
AYES;
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
ATTEST:
APPROVED:
Steve Piasecki
Director of Community Development
Tagm Saadati, Chair
Cupertino Planning Commission
4-1-
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT FORM
Application: U-2004-07, EXC-2004-05, ASA-2004-10
Applicant: Mark Snow
Owner: Danny Lee
Location: 10078 Santa Clara Avenue
Agenda Date: June 28, 2004
Application Summaries:
Use permit and Architectural Site Approval to allow two 2,120 square foot two-story
single-family residences in a planned development zoning district.
Parking exceptions for two new single-family residences to allow one car garages and
one driveway apron space per unit and parking on semi-pervious surfaces in a planned
development zoning district.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve:
1. The Use Permit, file no. U-2004-07, based on the model resolution.
2. The Parking Exception, file no. EXC-2004-05, based on the model resolution.
3. The Architectural Site Approval, file no. ASA-2004-10, based on the model
resolution.
Project Data:
General Plan Designation:
Zoning Designation
Existin~roposed Lots:
Total Acreage:
FAR (per lot):
Building Area (per lot):
Height:
Stories:
Parking Required (per lot):
Parking Supplied
Environmental Assessment:
Residential 4.4 - 7.7 du/ gr. ac.
PeRes)
3/2
0.18 acres
49.3%
2,120 sq. ft.
22'-5"
2 stories
4 spaces - two enclosed, two open
2 spaces - one enclosed, one open
Exempt
BACKGROUND:
The project site is located in the northern section of the Monta Vista Planning Area. The
area consists of a mix of housing types, ranging from single-family detached homes to
duplexes and fourplexes. The majority of the development in this area occurred prior
to the incorporation of the City of Cupertino in 1955.
4-Ö
U-2004-07, EXC-2004-0L . iSA-2004-1O
2
Currently, there are three parcels that make up the project site. Each parcel is about 30
feet wide. The applicant proposes to reconfigure these lots into two with a lot line
adjustment.
The project is in a PeRes) Planned Development Zoning District with Residential Intent.
In this zoning, the Director can approve projects that conform to the Rl Ordinance
regulations; otherwise a Use Permit and Architectural Site Approval are required from
the Design Review Committee. This application is also requesting a Parking Exception,
which requires approval from the Planning Commission.
DISCUSSION:
Architecture
Staff supports the site and architectural design of the project. The applicant has worked
with staff and the City's consulting architect to develop a project that incorporates
elements of the Monta Vista style that have been present in recent projects within the
Planning Area. Specifically, the project incorporates:
. Simple building forms with strong symmetry on the front elevation
. Usable front porch
. Reduced front setback
. Horizontal siding
. Composition roof
A colored rendering of the front elevations will be available at the Planning
Commission meeting.
Parkin~
Staff supports a parking exception for this project because the design of the proposed
project would be compromised if a two-car garage were used.
The option of using a detached garage in the rear, with a shared driveway between the
two properties was investigated. This eliminates the rear yard area, so this option was
not pursued. Another option was the use of a tandem garage. This was originally part
of the applicant's proposal, but that would have limited the house to oruy two
bedrooms and about 1,700 sq. ft. of living area.
Staff believes the one-car garage is sufficient and appropriate for this project, given the
limiting constraints of the property.
Enclosures:
Model Resolutions
Plan Set
Submitted by: Peter Gilli, Senior Planner ?~
Approved by: Steve Piasecki, Director of Community Developme~
4-C¡
2
:i'=6i:~~:R':i" I'
m""""""""",, ,
I
I
I
I
I
(Ç) M ff5J!fI ff?J 1ff ;@7;~;~ ~~ M (Ç) 7l7!(Q)!Iff ~
10078 SANTA CLARA AVENUE
etA"' REW ,,"w,cv 'RE'"
1- ---- ~~:=;>,:;,~::"
, ------
----------,
/
,
I
,
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
,
I
I
----I
------- \
\
\
,
\
" \
~ \
PARCEL 1 \
\
------------~ \
-- / I ,
I / I \
: / ~
: / /~:i \
>~h".~ / / I
r //// \: \
I / / I ,
I / / '\ "~
I / / 'y \...
1// '. "b
( / I '. \'0
( : \"-
I LT/1
!-----1 / I
m~~ I /
I /
LL-
PARCEL 2
~
'-'-------1
I'
I' I
I', I
I , I
'I 'I
"7' " I
I >-,'o.~
I, ,', ì
I ¡, " I
If I " I
~5' "V"" I
/ -----.; , , I
¡- ...,. ! I " ' , I
,I , I
, I ' I
, I ¡
; I I
I r<'-IA r-----!
, I m'"~
I I , I
, I
'I
I
I
(
"
'"
. ----
"..,
,,",,",W '-"GE "'"
"'00> OOVERART OR eo" .J
""'"."" TO '"""
. ---- MAIKTENA""
. ----
. ----
. ----
. ---- . ----
1",0"
~~r~
~,-"."
SANTA CLARA AVENUE
SITE PLAN
APN: 326-25-044
31""1',0"
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
SCOPE OF WORK
,. BUILD NEW TWO STORY RESIDENCE ON SlAB
FOUNDATION
2. PlANT NEW TREES AS NOTED ON SITE PLAN,
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
APN: 326-25-044
OATA IS IDENTiCAl AT EACH PARCEL
LOTSIZ<
NO. STO.~S
><EIGHT FROM GRADE
BUILDING PAD REV,
',""SOFT
2
225'
..
PROPOSED FIRST FLOOR 757 SOH
PROPOSED SECOND flOOR I,'" SOH
PROPOSED TOTAL LMNG FLOOR AREA I,,",SOFT
PROPOSED FLOOR AREA RATIO 49.30%
PROPOSED GARAGE 222 SOFT
PROPOSED BUILDING FOOTPRINT 2."0 SOH
PROPOSED 'MPERVIOUS COVERAGE 5508%
CONSTRUCTION TYP'
BUILDING OCCUPANCY
BUILDING CODE
FIRE CODE
M'CHANICAl CODE
PLUMBING CODE
mCTRICAl CODE
VN
R-3
2001 ceo (CALIFORN~ AMMENDMENTS)
2001 CFC
2001 CMe
2001 CPC
2001 CEC
SHEET INDEX
n
AI
,..
M
A5
TITLE SHEET' S"E PlAN
FLOOR PlANS PARCEL 1
flOOR PlANS PARCEL'
ELEVATIONS PARCEL I
ELEVATIONS PARCEL'
~A
GENERAL NOTES'
I
~
~~
~ ~
~ ~
IiiiJ C
~
(§d
~ ~
\§)~
~ ~
i'\ ~ ~
~ ~ -
B ~ ~
æ ~
§ ~
¡¡
TITLE
SHEET -
CONSUL TANTS,
(Iií¡)
(1I1I]
þ
~
@
@
(Iií¡)
(Iií¡)
~
~
@
ð
(Iií¡)
g
~
@5
~
~
t:J !
z .
z 0 ~
z" ,
:5 ~ ¡
IL" .
w E i
U.2 .
~ ~ ]
~n
~~o
~n
:> ~ ~
0 ~ ~
u.JS ~
. ¡ ¡
~ ~ ;
z:;¡ .
gn
¡¡¡ i
.
i
P'-'",",W"N'CV""'S
" ""DEO OR -DE '"
"A' "D""V U",'
::".:;:,,"-I~ -
T1
~ '
~
¡
œ
IT
0::
0
0
-'
u.
W""'"'=""""W""W"'~-' "'N"""""' """,..""",",,
0"'6 ',,",OJ,,'' '..or",s ""M"".', "'P'.IV 55.. ~ !
ÐNINNVld 3::>VdS. lVl::>~3V'1V'10::>. lV11N301S3~ n ~
@~JI,wO@@@@w L%\j@[f!]@ '[)i] ~Mw[JJ!J ~ «
"
'I
h
Eo 'ONU"3.;nO 3fW3A' ,"no "IN.s "'°1
fl!J@[jjJ,@@&JjJ,[ßfl!J@@ @fl!J[jjJ,&JllJ@@@
:.0' NOIJ,:Jn.lBNO:JM3
~¡
~¡
~i
- ,-- - - ---..- -
---T- -- -----------
.
~.
..
~~
--------
""-";:;.=0 - - - -- - - -- -- - - - - - -- - -- - - ---
z
:5
0-
a::
0
9
u.
Q
Z
0
()
w
(j)
I
~
z
:5
~ '
r'
~
œ
I~ ~
~o
o~
o~
....J-
LI..:2
w""',.,=n_",wo,.w",--' ""-"""",,., 00"""""""'"
0' IS6 ~,",o""J '"of"'s 'A"",.,dx, "'P'w,. IS"
ÐNINNYld 3:)VdS. WO"3\"o1\"o100. WIIN3ŒS3"
@§]J1,WO@@@@W fA¥ÁÌ@OO@ '[gJ 2iJOOWlWJ
"J 'ONI1>]dflJ lfW]A' ItIInJ '"NItS BLOOI
fì(J@f}A@!1ìIMAi§fì(J@@ @fì(Jf}AMff!cl!J!1ìI@
~OJ NOIIJn~lSNOOM3
~
'"«
81
~~
~,
-~c -
~,
r
~.
i~
~,
=
c
~ .
H
i
L
. .
w j
g ~
N
«
I
~
z
:s
a.
<I:
0
0
...J
"-
f-
(f)
<I:
¡¡:
z
:s
a.
<I:
8
...J
"-
C
Z
0
U
W
(f)
œ
"J 'ONU.:JdnJ 3nN;¡" '.Þ"7J ""N<'S BLOO!
~
[j(j@[jg@fíiJlX/g§[j(j@@ @[j(j[jglX/Æ!@jfíiJ@
_.,- .,- ,-- -----.,,---.--
.,"
(
!8
n
.0, NOI10n.!SNOOM3
om6 '"""",e:¡ "'Of"'5 "eM""d., u.pew" 5'"
w""..".'n-"w.,..w",.w-. .oo,-"""""., 00"""""""'"'
(/)
Z
0
¡::
~
W
....J
W
<O)NINNVld 3:)VdS . WI:::>~3WWO:). W11N301S3~
~§]8WD@@~~W 0IÆ@[f!]~ D[}Ð 2::JOOWWIJ
¡'I,
i
I!
u
ê .
2 .
.
n
~
! !
~ ,
('f)
«
~
i
::¡ ¡
b '
z
~
~
~
[[I I CJ)
z
0
-c:::
1-0
"" 'ONU"""'J iPW"" "'7J "N" 8¿om ;3: a:
Wa:
fj()@lJjJ,@fíì}&Jjj,g]fJ!J@@ @fj()IJjJ,&Jm@fíì}@ .../-
w::¡¡
,"O, NOllOn"lSNOOM3
.""""~",-,."",",,,..-. ""-"",,,,".. ,"'-""oo,,'w,..
O"" '<,",oJ!'<O '"ofu<, 'A<M"".'3 "'P<wlV ,,>. ~ ¡
~NINNVld 3::>VdS. WI:)~3WWO::>. WllN3ŒS3~ .
~§]d1WO@@~~W ¡\\Vj,j@IRJ~ "[X] 2;(]~WŒìIJ n ~
i «
~~
. >
¡ ~
u
~¡
u"
,~
. ,
, '
, , , ,
!---¡;;¡----! :-----,;:¡-~--'
~
ê
~
~i
~~
"~
L
-----~-'----"----'-ni'-""----'--'---'-'-'-
1'1',', II i
,I, I
I i II I
Ii Ii I
II I'
III1I
IIIII
IIII
iilil
ili Ii
"I' 'I
IIIII
III II:
I ii'
~
~
~
m
~
0
~ ¡
~
~
VJ 'ONI1/BdnJ nBA V V"m V1N" ,LeO;
[J(]@[]jJ,@fíI}f%1!],§[J(]@@ @[J(][]jJ,f%J:ffk§}fíI}@
!
~
'"O, NOI10O""NOOOO
<-
~
N
...J
W
U
a::
«
a..
a::
0
u..
w
CI)
a::
w
>
w
a::
w~'....,~._~,..~_.tI--. .",-""",).O, ""-,,, "'" ",."
0,.,. ',,",oj)I"J '"of." "'M"".", "'p'W,. ".. ~ i
CI) ÐNINNVld 3::JVdS. lVl::J~31^11^10::J. lV11N3a1S3~ .
z n L()
Q @~J1WO@@@@W /ÃI\\\@[ìi]@ "[gJ 2;Jlli]WŒìIJ
f- ~ «
u
w
CI) ! "
. ~
n
~
N
...J
W
U
a::
«
a..
a::
0
u..
w
CI)
a::
w
>
w
a::
í
1" 1 0'" I
¡ ",' I ~----'f
~ 2' ~I k'.
1; .1 ~I ¡¡
t-------=-o--"f "}-----,.,-----4
EXHIBIT B
I
,
I
,
I
,
I
,
g I
8'
~ I
I
I
I
I
:t':,~~6~~:,':,'" I'
"<A" "'O""'" ,~"
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
l
'"
'"
, "'-
, -----.
r' -----
, '-----
I '------
I
,
I
,
I
I
I :
I
I' I
, r,--::------- I
I : . --~
, I '
I :
I~:
'I
: I
r,-,:..J
I' '
:,:1:
I,
I.
I
I
I
:1
I
I
1':-:-",
I
"",
,
"
,
,
1'.----
I
I
I
I
I
,-,,-*,~
,', I
, , I
, , I
" " I
", '1
, I
'~
I
I
,----'
I ,-
\1 ,I~JL~J
I
:: ~I
I I
I I
I II
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
: tl/
I I"
~~
~
-----
- -----
- -----
-------------
((;ðJ[PJ!€~7rff;@7;;¿;;~~ðJ((;rff~úWr:.I..' ...1
1 O~ ~ P~R:~ ~~:~ F::~~ E II ~..;.~.,.:",GE.~.::.;-""i....,~.;:oo.',i,~.~. ",:~,,'I
' ~f:A~I~~~~~
-----1
\
~I "PARCEL 1 \
;1 ~ . \
...-!~-L._,.- 'I' ,
l-;¡~~U I' 3'~r =-==~---t~ ---"'---1 \
, / ¡O I', / II I \
" / 1-': I , / I I ¡
',/ ~II ',/ I, ,
~;i.. IW: ~~ I', .¡ \
I ~ I I. - / l-~------t,,~ ,
I (/)I I ~
'I 0:1 1/ /'IS-7'
"I jail 1/ /,'
1«: I / I \
iWI : / t ,
I;!;, I ,---,,-- ----{ I. \
1-" I I I I
II-I I I I I
10 I I -v, \
1-" I I 1"1
10 I I. I /-\/,
1m: I '~I'.~~ I \
:¡r¡: ¡ / / :
I(j: I I / / ,¡ \
10::11 1/ / I
10. I 1/ / I,
I ' I i / I" \
I I I I / I ..>
I I ,/ I "6
1,1 I I,S-7:-Jio
: I : :: r \0.
3;'" 13';" '.;;;;;,---: /- '/] \
1/ /"
L/_- 4¡"II \
'I
:: \
1 I
: : \
: '\ :;^::E:':~'~:;,c,"..::'~"
,I REA"_EmU""
I I I ,
: :: \
/1 - I II
/ : :: \
I I I
: /!-:'7--' // I' I,J '\: \
(~~:.~~~~~I~~~~~-=~~~ ~ \
; q \
-'
---- -
------
~----
PeA""'" ""'ACnREES
AS'<EEOEDON""""D
__ER"'U'"
---
PARCEL
~
"
;;
~
"'-0"
DFMWAY
WAVERS)
'-,
---------
~"- '"
~~
SANTA CLARA AVENUE
SITE PLAN
APN: 326-25-044
SCOPE OF WORK
,. BU>lD NEW 7W0 STORY RESIDENCE ON SLAB
FOUNDATION
2. PLANT NEW TREES AS NOTËD ON SITE PLAN.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
APN: 326'25-044
OATA ISIOE"'"",- AT EACH PARCel
LOTS~E
NO, STORIES
HEiGNT FROM GRADE
BUIlOING PAD ElEV
3,S50S0FT
2
225'
,-
PROPOSEO GARAGE
PROPOSEO FIRST FLOOR
PROPOSEO SECONO FLOOR
PROPOSEO TOTAL LNING FtOOR AREA
PROPOSEO FLOOR AREA RATIO
PROPOSEO FLOOR I FtOOR RATIO
PROPOSED BUIlOING FOOTPRINr
PROPOSEO ""RVIOUS COVERAGE
""'SOFT
1,'" SOFT
757 SOFT
2,"7 SOFT
6070'
"".
1,58DSOFT.
3.7.. "" SOFT.
CONSTRUCTION TYPE
BUILOING OCCUPANCY
BUILOING COOE
FIRE COOE
MECHANICAL COOE
PLUMBING COOE
ELECTRICAL COOE
VI<
R",
2001 CBÇ lCALIFORNIA AMMENOMENTS)
2001 CFC
2001 CMC
2001 CPC
2001 CEC
SHEET INDEX
n
A1
A2
A4
AS
TITLE SHEET & SITE PlAN
FLOOR PLANS PARCEL ,
FLOOR PlJ\NS PARCEL 2
ELEVATIONS PARCEL 1
ELEVATIONS PARCEL 2
1. VICINITY MAP
.
~
~ èi
~ "
~ ~
ø:q
r:=;; u
~
(§j ~
~ ~
@) iJ
~ "
~ ~ ~
. ~. ~
~ l)@j ¡¡
g ~
& ~
8 ~
~
CONsuLtANTS'1
TITLE
SHEET-
(1ijí)
~ 0 ~
~ ~ 0 ~
= Z ~ ~
@ ~ ~ i
@ wH
(1ýi) u.e ..
(1ijí) ~ ð ~
~ ~ ~ ~
~ ð ~ ~
@ H~
C'6~~g:
(1ijí) 8! ~
Q .¡¡ ;;
~ 5] :
~ z ~ ~
@5 Q~ ~
~ iß 0;
~ D< ~
I~~ ~--I~ ~~O
~""'" ~"'~,-
T1
,,°, NQI¡OO",SNOOM3
z
:s
CI..
a::
0
0
-'
LL
w"",,"~'nMO",'W. ,ÆW '!!'W-> "'1-1""""'" ""-'66"",,",,0
., ". ""'0""" '..or ." "'M"""" .,p,w,. ",9 I ¡
ÐNINNVld 3:>VdS . 1'0":>"31'11'10:> ,1'o'11N3ŒS3" .
n ~
~§]J1WDg5)@~~W IÃ'.)\\@OO~C!XJ ¿¡j~W[W] ~ «
! I
h
Þ? 'oNl1.;¡dfjO ;¡m,"" "",0 '"NVS a¿OOf
[j(]@[JjJ,@@fXJjJ,@[j(]@@ @[j(](ji]i%JÆ!rfl@@
I
~
~
!
'-~1-----
/ C,
/ I ~,
~!
~~
---~""'_.._.
~
c..
a:
0
-'
"-
f-
en
a:
¡¡:
------------------
s~
.'
~.
~'
.... -- ---... - --,
~
8~
~~
. - -------..----
-------
- -,;;,;¡.¡¡;o - -.. - - - - -.. - - - - - - - - - - -.. --
z
:5
c..
a:
0
9
"-
a
z
0
()
w
en
œ
I~
Oz
g~
u..c..
~êJJ!'\VO@@~~W 1AIi\\@[ì!]~ °[)i] ¿;JOOWIYÆJ
w""',,!"""""~wnlw:I!'W-' C!9HllliCII:"1 Cm-L66libl):"O~Ó
O"" "'"'oj"') '..of"'< "'M"".', .,.'W,. "..
ÐNINNVld 3:;)VdS. 1V1:;)~3WWO:;) .1VIIN3alS3~
'., 'ONI""3¿rp iInN""rr"nH1N'o"S BLOOI
!l!J@(J)j,@/íiJfXj)j,flJfl!J@@ @!l!J(J)j,fXj!IJ@/íiJ@
.°' NO!",,""'NOOM;
_a- -...- .n-
."'"
~1
~;
....It-n
~¡
~-,-,~..~_._~-,
..~
-- - -- - - - -- - - - --. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
h
~'
i;
-.. - - .. -... ..
~ ¡
.
n
i
! .
.~
. <
ð,
z
~
Il.
a::
0
0
...J
U-
0
Z
0
U
w
m
N
«
I
~
z
~
Il.
a::
0
0
...J
U-
I-
m
a::
ü:
',," 'ONWEd07:J """""*1m ",Nt""L""
fì(j@[jjJ,@!ífJf%JjJ,@fì(j@@@fì(j[jjJ,f%Jff](fJ!ífJ@
---
("
U
~¡
uO
.0' NOllan.lONoa M'
I ~
~
LlJ
....J
W
W""""~"'~""W' ,nw 'I.w-o 0191-"""""" 00>1-""""""'"'
OZ 1S6 ',,",O!I'O "'or~, 'A'Mm,." """,wI> ",. ê !
ÐNINN"ld 3:J"dS. WI:J.3WWO:J . WllN3ŒS3. ~ .
@~J],WD@@@@W bWì\@OO@ '[g] 2:O00WIm n C'J
~ «
L
q
. '
ð ~
Community
Development
De . artment
Memo
To: Chairperson Saadati and Members of the Planning Commission
From: Steve Piasecki, Director of Community Developme~
Date: July 26, 2004
Re:
Changing the Planning Commission Meeting Day
Discussion
The City Council is considering moving its meeting day from Mondays to Tuesdays
due to conflicts with holidays and the Council's desire to have an additional day to
review packet material. The change for the City Council is projected to coincide with
moving to the new Council Chamber in the Community Hall in October/November
2004. For consistency purposes, the Planning Commission should discuss changing
its regular meeting days from Mondays to Tuesdays.
There are several conflicts with Mondays that occur throughout the year. Martin
Luther King's birthday in January, President's Day in February, Memorial Day in
May and Labor Day in September are observed on Mondays, necessitating
changing the Council or Planning Commission meeting day from Monday to
Tuesday. In addition, three of the five furlough days adopted in the budget for
this upcoming year fall on the Planning Commission's Monday meeting days.
Tuesdays are used as the meeting day for most of the Cities in Santa Clara
County and the County itself. Staff believes we could establish a greater degree
of consistency, due to holidays and furlough days, if the planning commission
meetings were held on Tuesdays instead of Mondays. Therefore, staff suggests
that the Commission consider changing the regular meeting days from the
second and fourth Mondays to the second and fourth Tuesdays, of every month.
The change for the Planning Commission requires an Ordinance amendment. With
the Commission's concurrence staff will prepare the ordinance changes and
advertise the ordinance amendments for an upcoming Commission meeting.
Attachment: Chapter 2.32 of the Cupertino Municipal Code regarding Planning Commission
5-1
2.32.010
CHAl'TER 2.3Z: PLANNING COMMISSION-
Section
2.32.010 Established.
2.32.020 Term of office of members.
2.32.030 VIIC8JICy or removal.
2.32.040 Chairperson.
2.32.050 Meetings.
2.32.060 Amendments-Records required.
2.32.070 Powers and functions.
2.32.080 Proccdura1 rules.
.
For statutory provisions regarding the
establishmcDt of a city planning commission,
see Gov. Code § 65100 et seq. - See Title 17,
Zoning.
Prior ordinance history: Ords. 5, 5(b), 5(c),
5(d), 167, 1166, 1213, 1321, 1459, 1549 and
1697.
.
2.32.010 Established.
The City Planning Commission is established. The
City Planning Commission shall consist of five members,
none of whom sha1I be officials or employees of the City
and none of whom sha1I cohabit with as defined by law, nor
be related by blood or marriage to any other member of the
Commission, the City Manager or the staff person(s)
assigned to this Commission. The five members sha1I be
appointed by the City Council. Each member sha1I be a
qualified elector in and resident of the City. Each member
shall receive compensation as established by resolution of
the City Council. (bro. 1787, § I (part), 1998)
2.32.020 Term of Omce of Members.
A. Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the City
Council. The term of office of the members of the Planning
Commission sha1I be four years and shall end on January
15th of the year their term is due to expire. No
commissioner sha1I serve more than tWo consecutive terms
except that a commissioner may serve more than tWo
consecutive terms if he or she has been appointed to the
Commission to fill an unexpiredtermofless than two years.
B. The appointment, reappointment and rules
governing incumbent members of the Commission are
governed by Resolution No. 7571 of the Cupertino City
Council. (Ord. 1787, § I (part), 1998)
2.32.030 Vacancy or Removal.
Any appointed member may be removed by a majority
vote of the City Council. If a vacancy occurs other than by
expiration of a term. it shall be filled by the Mayor's
appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. (Ord.
1787, §l (part), 1998)
2.32.040 Chairperson.
The commission sha1I elect its Chairperson and Vice-
Chairperson from among its members. The terms of the
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall be for one year and
shall begin on January 15th one year and be complete on
January 15th the following year, unless the term of the
officer as a member of the Commission sooner expires, and
until the successor to each is duly appointed. (Ord. 1787,
§ 1 (part), 1998)
2.32.050 Meetinp.
A. The City Planning Commission shall meet at 6:45
p.m., the second and fourth Monday of each month.
Meetings shall be held at City Hall, 10300 Torre Avenue,
Cupertino, California. The Commission may adjourn any
regular meeting to a date certain, which shall be specified
in the order of adjournment. When so adjourned, such
adjourned meeting shall be a regular meeting for all
purposes.
B. Special meetings of the Commission may be
called at any time by the Chairperson or by any three or
more members of the Commission upon written notice being
given to all members of the Commission and received by
them at Ieast tWenty-four hours prior to the meeting, unless
notice requirement is waived in writing by the member.
(Ord. 1787, § 1 (part), 1998)
2.32.060 Amendments-Records Required.
A. The affirmative vote of not less than a majority
of its total voting members is required to approve a
recoonnendation to amend the zoning ordinance: the
affirmative vote of a majority present with a quonnn present
is required to take any other action.
B. The Commission sha1I keep an accurate record of
its proceedings and transactions, and shall render such
reports to the Council as may be required by ordinance or
resolution, and shall submit an annual report to the Mayor.
29
5-~
2.32.060
Cupertino. Administration and Personnel
30
To accomplish this the Commission shall be furnished with
a secretary employed by the City to keep accurate records
of the Commission. All records so prepared by the
secretary sbaI1 be filed with the City Clerk. (Ord.1787, § 1
(part), 1998)
2.32.070 Powers and Functions.
The powers and functions of the City Plamrlng
Commission shaII be as follows:
A. Prepare, periodically review, and revise as
necessary, the GeneraI Plan;
B. Implement the GeneraI Plan through actions
including, but not Iimited to, the administration of specific
plans and zoning, subdivisions, and sign ordinances;
C. Annually review the capital improvement
program of the City and the local public works projects of
other local agencies for their consistency with the GeneraI
Plan (pursuant to Sections 65400 et seq. of the California
Government Code);
D. Endeavor to promote public interest in. comment
upon. and understanding of the General Plan, and regulation
relating to it;
E.. Consult and advise with public officials and
agencies. public utility companies. civic, educational,
professional, and other organizations and citizens generally
concerning implementation of the GeneraI Plan;
F. Promote the coordination of local plans and
programs with the plans and programs of other agencies;
G. Perform other functions as the City Council
provides including conducting studies and preparing plans
other than those required or authorized by state law;
H. Establish as needed a standing subcommittee of
the Commission for Design Review. The Planning
Commission shaII decide appeals of the Design Review
Committee for the purposes of conducting design review on
projects that properly come before the Design Review
Committee for review, and conduct design review of a
project as required by Chapters 2.90, 19.132,19.134andof
the Cupertino Municipal Code. (Ord. 1844. § 1 (part),
2000; Ord. 1787, § 1 (part), 1998)
2.32.080 Procedural Rules.
The Planning Commission may adopt from time to
time such rules of procedure as it may deem necessary to
properly exercise its powers and duties. Such rules shaIl be
subject to approval by the Council before beconrlng
effective. All such rules shall be kept on file with the
Chairperson of the Planning Commission and the Mayor and
a copy thereof shall be furnished to any person upon
request. (Ord. 1844, § I (part), 2000; Ord. 1787, § 1
(part), 1998)
5 <::)
CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 TORRE A VENUE, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA 95014
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Subject: Report of the Community Development Director
Planning Commission Agenda Date: Mondav, Tulv 26, 2004
The City Council met on Tuesdav, Tulv 19, 2004 and discussed the following items of
interest to the Plannin~ Commission:
1. Town Center Lane Park Project (Carducci Associates): The City Council continued
review ofthe inttastructure for the park improvements in the Civic Park project until
August 16, to enable the applicant to provide more information on the design details.
2. Office Condominium for Lot 5 in the Civic Park project: The City Council continued
consideration of the conversion of an existing two-story office building into 20 office
condominiums on Lot 5 of the Civic Park development at 10430 S. De Anza Blvd until
August 16. The applicant requested this second continuance to better integrate the
existing building into the Civic Park master plan.
3. Release of Draft General Plan: The City Council reviewed the draft General Plan, but did
not authorize release because the Council wanted to see a clear explanation of the
alternatives available for public discussion. The item was continued to the City Council
meeting of September 7. (Draft General Plan attached)
4. Concerned Citizens of Cupertino Initiatives: The City Council discussed proposals by
the Concerned Citizens of Cupertino on Initiatives related to height, setback, and density,
but took no action. (see attached report) .
5. Stevens Creek Corridor Restoration Partnership: The City Council authorized the City
Manager to execute the Stevens Creek Corridor Restoration Partnership and
Collaborative Action Plan Agreement. (see attached report)
6. Semi-rural Designation: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 04-369, approving a
semi-rural designation to eliminate the requirement for sidewalks on Florence Drive
pursuant to Ordinance No. 1925. (see attached report)
7. Furniture. Fixtures and Equipment for New Cupertino Librarv: The City Council
approved a request ttom the Santa Clara county Library Department for the purchase of
additional furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new library in the amount of $30,000.
Report of the Community Development Director
Monday, July 26, 2004
Page 2
8. Change of Council Meeting Dates: The City Council changed the dates of regular
meetings to the first and third Tuesdays of each month, effective when Council moves
into the new chambers. Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance putting the change
into effect. Council packets will continue to be delivered on the Wednesday preceding
each meeting.
Miscellaneous
1. Cali Mill Plaza dedication: Cali Mill Plaza will be officially opened on Saturday, July
24th, at 10 a.m. Located at the corner of Stevens Creek and De Anza Boulevards, at the
historical center of Cupertino, Cali Mill Plaza represents a joining of the old and new at
"the Crossroads." The Planning Commission is invited to enjoy music by Mark Russo
and the Classy Cats beginning at 10 a.m. Following a brief dedication ceremony at 10:30
a.m., music will continue until 1:30 p.m. This entertainment is compliments of
Prometheus.
2. August 17 Joint CC/PC Studv Session regarding Toll Bros/HP: Please check your
calendars to see if you can' attend a Joint City CounciVPlanning Commission study
session scheduled for Tuesday August 17,2004 at 4:30. If a quorum of the Planning
Commission can attend it will be noticed as ajoint study Session. Ifnot, then it will be
advertised as a City Council study session and any available commissioners can attend.
Enclosures
Staff Reports and Newspaper Articles
G:planning/SteveP/director's reportlpd7-26-04
~c
S+eùe
Gnt.-tct
VC-IVe.-
c::\ ~ CQlAr7C-1 I
C-I~ CierI:.
{if-Iß/IJIJ-l-
CONCERNED CITIZENS OF CUPERTINO
July II, 2004
fõ)1!H:1U'U1R\
~~
CUPERTINO CITY CLERK
City Council of Cupertino
10300 Torre A venue
Cupertino, CA 95014
We, including the proponents of three initiative general plan amendments, are continuing to
collect signatures to make sure that we have sufficient, valid signatures to require an election
(before the regular city election in November 0£2005).
We remain willing to compromise and suggest that the City Council consider fonnulating and
placing on the November 2004 (presidential ballot) general plan amendments that meet our
concerns. If we were to be satisfied with the Council's alternative measures, we could stop our
circulation of petitions.
Our understanding is that the City Council would need to present a resolution to the County
Registrar of Voters asking that Council's proposed general plan amendments be placed on the
November 2004 ballot by August 6,2004.
We request that you please reply to the P.O. Box shown below, and also notify at least one ofus
when a reply has been sent.
Yours truly,
7);/1
~ l LJ~ 7/11 (_O't
ìJennis S. Whittaker Date
20622 Cheryl Drive
408255-8527
~
1'.0. Box ]-166
~
~
CITY
CUPEIQ1NO
Parks and Recreation Department
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Number J2
Agenda Date: July 19, 2004
SUBJECT
Authorize the City Manager to execute the "Stevens Creek Corridor Restoration Partnership and
Collaborative Action Plan" Agreement.
BACKGROUND
On May 17, 2004, the City Council received correspondence from the Santa Clara Valley Water
District regarding a potential partnership for restoration of Stevens Creek between Stevens Creek
Boulevard and McClellan Road. The "District Interest Report - City of Cupertino's Master
Planning at Blackberry Fann, Along Stevens Creek - A Potential Partnership between the Santa
Clara Valley Water District and the City of Cupertino", was the initial document prepared by
District staff that outlined the potential for a partnership between the two organizations. From
that document, legal staff from the District and City worked to draft the attached agreement for
Council consideration.
Joint Project Goals
At the heart of the agreement are the goals for a mutually beneficial project. These goals
incorporate input from our visioning process and District input, and include:
Develop a master plan that integrates City and District goals and integrates all design
elements from Stevens Creek Boulevard to McClellan Road
Allow for phased implementation of the plan with specific attention given to funding, site
transfers, service interruptions and other issues
Maximize ecosystem processes that will make the restored area sustainable and self-
maintaining, minimize invasive species management and remove non-native vegetation
Preserve and restore the natural environment of the creek corridor for park users and as a
habitat for wildlife
Protect and restore riparian and aquatic habitat in the creek corridor
Provide for members of the community to enjoy the property in the creek corridor year-round
and serve more residents
Minimize the effects of park operation on surrounding residents and on the creek corridor
Provide a trail or trails compatible with the natural setting that will accommodate variety of
trail users, with appropriate routing of paths, points, overlooks, vegetative screening, and site-
specific interpretive elements
Printed on Recycled Pape'
July 19,2004
Page 2 of3
Acknowledge and interpret the history of the area through a series of historical markers and
through the preservation of buildings at McClellan Ranch and the Stocklmeir property
Encourage educational uses of the creek corridor and support environmental programming at
McClellan Ranch
Improve the habitat for steel head trout.
This agreement provides for the initial project planning, environmental review and restoration
plan preparation. The agreement provides for shared financial responsibility as follows:
Park planning - City 100%
Restoration plan - District 100%
Geomorphic/hydraulic analysis - District 100%
Traffic analysis - City 100%
City and District to share equally: environmental review
The
chart below shows the expected cost per organization:
Item & Cost Share % Consultant City District
Costs Share Share
Master Plan - 100% City $104,000 $104,000 None
Creek Restoration Plan - 100% District $65,000 None $65,000
Geomorphic/Hvdraulic Analvsis - 100% District $42,000 None $42,000
Traffic Analysis - 100% City $22,000 $22,000 None
CEQA IS/MND - 50% City, 50% District $70,000 $35,000 $35,000
TOTAL $303,000 $161,000 $142,000
Assuming the proposed agreement is acceptable to the Water District Board and City Council,
we will commence the project as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACTS
Funds in the amount of $252,000 remain in the capital budget for this project, in line items 560-
9112 and 280-9213; in addition, we are under contract with the State ofCalifomia for $349,165
combined from Roberti Z'Berg-Harris and Per Capital grant sources. Up to twenty-five (25)
percent of these funds can be used for planning and environmental review.
In addition to the funds now available for this project, staffhas submitted grant applications in
the amount of $913,000 for the project over the last few months. We will know how these
projects ranked by September. We are not "project ready" to level that usually attracts grant
funds, however, we believe it is important to try. Our odds of attracting funding will only
improve as we move forward with the project and our plans become more defined.
July 19, 2004
Page 3 on
The irnplementation of the Master Plan will be conducted in several phases including:
. Master Planning and Environmental Review - The general planning phase addressed by this
agreement.
Project Specific Planning - Planning and budgeting for specific project elements identified in
the Master Plan.
. Project Specific Design - Preparation of design plans and specifications for a specific project
element identified in the Master Plan.
. Project Specific Construction - Construction of a specific project element identified in the
Master Plan.
The first phase of the master planning process will cover the entire project area and result in an
overall plan with environmental review. Subsequent phases will focus on project specific
elements (projects) identified in the Master Plan. Funding for the partnership elements of the
subsequent phases and projects will need to be codified in separate agreements or amendments to
this agreement.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement
with the Santa Clara Valley Water District for Steven Creeks Corridor Restoration.
Respectfully submitted,
~~
Therese Ambrosi Smith, Director
Parks and Recreation Department
~. Ci<y M~ga
g:\parks and recreation admin\! stevens creek corridorlstaffreportslscvwd agreement to cc 071904.doc
AGREEMENT
Stevens Creek Corridor Restoration
(Within Blackberry Farm and Other City-Owned Properties)
Partnership and Collaborative Action Plan
This AGREEMENT is made and entered into on , 2004, by and between
the City of Cupertino (CITY) and the Santa Clara Valley Water District (DISTRlCT), also
referred to as Party or collectively as PARTIES, for the development of a Master Plan for
STEVENS CREEK CORRIDOR (SCC).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, CITY provides a broad range of municipal services to the citizens of Cupertino,
including but not limited to parks and recreation services; and
WHEREAS, CITY sought to develop a master plan for CITY property along Stevens Creek
between Stevens Creek Boulevard and McClellan Road (SCC) and in March 2003, undertook a
public comment process to derIDe potential park uses; and
WHEREAS, the public comment process identified recommendations for changes to the
Blackberry Farm area ipcluding: reducing the size of the picnic area, removal of fish barriers,
creek restoration and other changes; and
WHEREAS, the preferred conceptual alternative, attached as EXHIBIT A, has received
preliminary support by the Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council and
this concept is the basis for the ongoing master planning effort; and
WHEREAS, CITY is seeking to engage the DISTRlCT'S scientific and technical expertise to
ensure that valuable environmental resources within SCC are protected and enhanced; and
WHEREAS, one of DISTRlCT's primary purposes is watershed stewardship which includes
conserving and managing of waters for beneficial and useful purposes; enhai1cing, protecting and
restoring creeks, riparian corridors and natural resources in the watersheds of Santa Clara
County; and
WHEREAS, SCC is located within DISTRICT's Fisheries Management Zone identified in the
Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat Collaborative Effort (FAHCE) Settlement. As a result of the
FARCE Settlement, DISTRlCT is obligated to remove certain barriers to steelhead trout
migration, complete a geomorphologically based stream restoration project, and complete an in-
stream and streamside habitat restoration project on Stevens Creek; and
WHEREAS, DISTRICT has committed to the community, under the voter approved Clean, Safe
Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Program (CSC Program), to provide access to 70 miles of
open space or trails along creeks; and
Page I of 10
WHEREAS, DISTRICT has committed to the community, under the voter approved Clean, Safe
Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Program (CSC Program), to create additional wetlands,
riparian habitat and favorable stream conditions for fisheries equivalent to 100 acres of
environmental enhancement.
WHEREAS, DISTRICT has a need for mitigation to compensate for impacts resulting from
DISTRICT's Stream Maintenance Program (SMP); and
WHEREAS, DISTRICT has easement and fee title property within the master plan area; and
WHEREAS, CITY and DISTRICT each have an interest to provide open space, trails and other
public recreational opportunities, to protect and restore creeks, riparian corridors and natural
resources within their jurisdiction; and
NOW, DISTRICT and CITY desire to jointly engage in the planning process and environmental
review for the Stevens Creek Corridor Master Plan to provide for public recreational
opportunities, creek restoration and protection.
NOW, THEREFORE, for the consideration and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter
specified, it is agreed as follows:
I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION & MUTUAL OBJECTIVES
A. Project Description
The project is to develop a master plan for the conversion of a regional picnicking business to a
park with an environmental emphasis and a restored creek. The project area consists entirely of
CITY and DISTRICT property located between Stevens Creek Boulevard and McClellan Road
in the City of Cupertino.
The preferred conceptual alterative for Stevens Creek Corridor Park is attached as EXHIBIT A.
The Blackberry Farm picnic facilities are proposed to be reduced from a capacity of 4,000 to a
capacity of 500. Educational and environmental elements are proposed to be added and a portion
of the Stevens Creek trail is proposed to pass through the corridor. Portions of the golf course are
proposed to be re-configured along with parking facilities and other infrastructure. The stream
corridor habitat would be restored and fish barriers and rock armoring removed.
The CITY and DISTRICT anticipate that the implementation of the Master Plan will be
conducted in several phases including: .
0 Master Planning and Environmental Review - The general planning phase addressed by this
agreement.
0 Project Specific Planning - Planning and budgeting for specific project elements identified in
the Master Plan.
0 Project Specific Design - Preparation of design plans and specifications for a specific project
element identified in the Master Plan.
Page 2 ofIO
.
Project Specific Construction - Construction of a specific project element identified in the
Master Plan.
The first phase of the master planning process will cover the entire proj ect area and result in an
overall plan with environmental review. Subsequent phases will focus on project specific
elements (projects) identified in the Master Plan. Funding for the partnership elements of the
subsequent phases and projects will need to be codified in separate agreements or amendments to
this agreement.
B. Mutual Objectives
CITY and DISTRICT agree to mutual goals for the Stevens Creek Corridor, including:
Develop a Master Plan that integrates CITY and DISTRICT goals and integrates all design
elements ITom Stevens Creek Boulevard to McClellan Road
.
Plan for phased implementation of Master Plan elements to address funding, site transfers,
service interruptions and other issues
Plan to rnaximize ecosystem processes that are sustainable and self-maintaining which
minimizes invasive species management and remove non-native vegetation over time to
restore ecological processes
Preserve and restore the natural environment of the creek corridor for park users and as a
habitat for wildlife
Protect and restore riparian and aquatic habitat along the creek corridor
Provide for members of the community to enjoy the property in the creek corridor year-round
and serve more residents
Minimize the effects of park operations on surrounding residents and on the creek corridor
Provide a trail or trails compatible with the natural setting that will accommodate a variety of
trail users, with appropriate routing of paths, points, overlooks, vegetative screening, and
site-specific interpretive elements
.
Acknowledge and interpret the history of the area through a series of historical markers and
through the preservation of buildings at McClellan Ranch and Stocklmeir property
Encourage educational uses of the creek corridor and support environhlental programming at
McClellan Ranch
Improve the habitat for steelhead trout
ll. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS
1. Project Manger
Page 3 of! 0
CITY will act as the Project Manager for the development of the Stevens Creek Corridor
Master Plan and will administer all consultant contracts. CITY will provide the DISTRlCT with
updated project schedules, expenditures reports, and copies of all correspondence with
consultants.
2. Consultant Services
CITY shall contract with the appropriate consultants to accomplish the following:
A. Park Master Plan; which includes, but is not limited to, an analysis and detail plan of
the preferred conceptual alternative along with restoration opportunities for fish barrier
removal, creek and riparian corridor restoration.
B. Creek Restoration Plan; which includes, but is not limited to, plans and specifications
for establishing and planting restoration areas identified in the Master Plan
C. Geomorphic and Hydraulic Analysis; which includes, but is not limited to, a
qualitative assessment of the creek bed and bank stability with recommendations for the
Master Plan.
D. Traffic Study; which includes, but is not limited to, the evaluation of the traffic
demand attributable to the various elements of the Master Plan.
E. CEQA Initial Study-CIS); which includes, but is not limited to, preparation of the IS-in
accordance with CEQA guidelines, CITY and DISTRICT requirements. If a Mitigated
Negative Declaration (MND) is the appropriate CEQA document, a MND shall be
included with this work item.
3. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Document
CITY shall act as the Primary lead agency and project proponent as described by CEQA
CITY shall be responsible for the processing of, and approval of, the necessary CEQA
document. If the IS determines that a MND is the appropriate CEQA document, the prescribed
CEQA steps shall be followed for the adoption of the MND by CITY. The CEQA document
shall be developed in accordance with current acceptable standards for CEQA documents.
As a secondary lead agency and secondary project proponent, DISTRICT shall
subsequently approve the CEQA document. DISTRICT legal counsel shall review and approve
the CEQA document prior to DISTRICT approval. DISTRICT may at its sole discretion,
develop its own "Findings" and Basis of Findings" for the Mitigated Negative Declaration for
DISTRICT approval.
If the Initial Study or a court decision determines that a Mitigated Negative Declaration is
not the appropriate CEQA document for the SCC Master Plan, the parties agree that no further
actions will be taken under the agreement and the parties agree to re-negotiate the terms of this
Agreement.
Page 4 of 10
4. Outreach & Public Participation
CITY shall be responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating a public
participation plan that includes the public in the development of the Master Plan and meets the
requirements for public notification and participation for CEQA. City agrees to use the District
public participation process as a minimum level for public participation
5. Staff Support
DISTRICT shall provide staff support for attending project team meetings, attending
outreach and public participation meetings and reviewing documents. DISTRICT shall also
provide expert opinions regarding hydraulics, biological and environmental aspects of the
project. DISTRICT written expert biological opinions shall prevail regarding conflicts with
consultants.
6. Consultant Contract Costs
A. The consultant cost for the development of the SCC Plan as described in above is
estimated at $(Preliminarv estimate !íjJ. $303.000). CITY will be responsible for payment of all
consultant invoices and administration of the consultant contract.
B. DISTRICT shall reimburse CITY not to exceed $(Preliminarv estimate (@, $142.000).
as shown in EXHIBIT B, attached, for the consultant's work in the development of the Creek
Restoration Plan, Geomorphic and Hydraulics Analysis and the CEQA Initial StudylMitigated
Negative Declaration document. DISTRICT's Chief Executive Officer is authorized to increase
DISTRICT reimbursement amount by up to 15%.
C. CITY will invoice DISTRICT monthly based on the invoices received by CITY from the
consultants working on the project item that DISTRICT is cost-sharing and in accordance with the
percent (%) of cost-sharing amount shown in EXHIBIT B. DISTRICT shall pay invoice from CITY
within 45 days. CITY will be responsible for payment of all consultant invoices. CITY will provide,
with the monthly invoice to DISTRICT a summary spreadsheet showing each consultant work task,
the percent completion, hours and money allocated to the work task and percent spent of the hours
and money for each project item included on the invoice.
7. Other Costs
All staff costs, overhead and other similar expenses shall be bore by the CITY or
DISTRICT, whichever incurs the cost.
III. GENERAL PROVISIONS
8. Term ofthe Agreement
Term of the Agreement shall be for a period of 3 years from
9. Assignability
Both CITY and DISTRICT agree that particular work assignments have been made in the
interest of dividing the work up to complete the Project. Without the written consent of the
other, neither CITY or DISTRICT shall assign or transfer any interest in this Agreement or any
of the obligations hereunder except to contractors or consultants working directly for them. Any
unauthorized attempt by CITY or DISTRICT to assign or transfer shall be void and of no effect.
Page 5 of 10
10. Indemnification
The CITY and DISTRICT shall each defend, indenmify, and hold harmless the other
party, its directors, council members, employees, and agents against any claim, loss or liability
arising out of or resulting in any way trom work performed under this Agreement due to the
willful or negligent acts (active or passive) or omissions by the CITY or DISTRlCT or it's
directors, council members, employees, and agents.
11. Nondiscrimination
CITY and DISTRICT shall not discriminate, in any way, against any person in
connection with or related to the performance of this Agreement because he/she is a veteran or
because of a physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), nor on the basis of race,
color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 40),
medical condition (cancer) parental status, pregnancy, the exercise of family care leave rights, or
political affiliation. .
12. Termination
A. CITY or DISTRICT shall have the right to temúnate this Agreement, without cause,
by .giving not less than a three-month written notice of termination to the other
PARTY.
B. If either CITY or DISTRICT fails to perform any of its material obligations under this
Agreement, in addition to all other remedies provided by law, the other PARTY may
terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice.
C. The City Manager of CITY and the Chief Executive Officer of DISTRICT are
empowered to terminate this Agreement on behalf of their respective agencies.
D. In event of termination, CITY and DISTRICT shall deliver to the other PARTY, upon
request, copies of reports, documents, and other work performed by either PARTY
under this Agreement. The cost of work performed under this agreement to the date of
termination shall be due and payable in proportion to the amount of work completed
and in accordance with Provision 7 (Reimbursement Schedule).
13. Governing Law and Compliance with Laws
CITY and DISTRICT agree that California law shall govern this Agreement. In the
performance of this Agreement CITY and DISTRICT shall cornply with all applicable laws,
ordinances, codes and regulations of the federal, state, and local government.
14. Ownership of Materials
A. All reports, documents, or other materials developed or discovered by either CITY or
DISTRlCT or any other person engaged directly or indirectly by them to perform the services
required hereunder shall be and remain the mutual property of both PARTIES without restriction
or limitation upon their use. CITY and DISTRICT shall make available to the other PARTY
such other records under its control as may be reasonably required for the PARTIES to perform
under this Agreement.
Page 6 of IO
B. CITY and DISTRiCT shall maintain all documents and records produced under this
Agreement for a minimum period of three years, of or any longer period required by law, from
the date oftennination or completion of this Agreement.
15. Notification .
Any and all notices or other communications required to be given hereunder shall be
deemed to have been delivered upon deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid,
addressed as specified below or as later amended in writing:
CITY
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
Attn.: City Manager
DISTRICT
Santa Clara Valley Water District
5750 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, California 9511 8-3614
Attn.: Chief Executive Officer
16. Successors and Assigns
This Agreement, and all the terms, covenants, and conditions hereof, shall apply to and
bind the successors and assigns of the CITY and DISTRICT.
17. Signing by Counterpart
This Agreement may be signed ill counterpart and each signed document shall constitute
the whole as if a single document was signed by PARTIES.
18. Venue
In the event that suit shall be brought by either CITY or DISTRICT, each agrees that
venue shall be exclusively vested in the state courts of either the County of Santa Clara, or in the
United States Court, Northern District of California, in San Jose, California.
19. Disputes
A. This Agreement requires that CITY and DISTRICT work together in good faith to
achieve the intent of this Agreement. In the event that a dispute arises as to the proper
interpretation of the respective obligations and responsibilities of the parties under this
Agreement, or as to any other aspect of this Agreement, CITY and DISTRiCT agree that they
each will assign the appropriate individuals to meet and make good faith efforts to negotiate in
order to arrive at a resolution of the dispute.
B. If after employing this informal resolution process either CITY or DISTRICT may
request an independent, mutually agreed upon mediator to facilitate further negotiation with the
costs shared equally between each PARTY. However, nothing herein shall prevent either CITY
or DISTRICT from exercising any rights it may have to enforce the terms of this Agreement at
law or in equity.
20. Waiver
The CITY and DISTRICT agree that waiver by either PARTY of any breach or violation
of any term or condition of this Agreement shall not be deerned to a waiver of any other term of
condition contained herein or a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation of the same or any
Page 7 of 10
other term or condition. The acceptance by a PARTY of the performance of any work or
services by the other PARTY shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any term or condition of this
Agreernent.
21. Amendments
This Agreement may be amended, upon mutual agreement of the City Manager of CITY
and the Chief Executive Officer ofDISTRlCT in writing.
CITY OF CUPERTINO
DISTRICT
By:
Stanley M. Williams
Chief Executive Officer
By:
David W. Knapp
City Manager
Date
Date
ATTEST:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Clerk of the Board
APPROVED AS TO FORM
APPROVED AS TO FORM
City Attorney
Assistant General Counsel
g:lparks and recreation adminll stevens creek corridor\agreementslblackberry farm agreementv5.doc
Page 8 of 10
:' ,I, ~l-
','.", h:"/~""
'.\'<,'., ~~//.:ii, ,.1 """,/,/t::~~
- -~~V/;\ .'
I..
EXHIBIT A --
Legend
E3 L.,ge Group Picnic Nea
" Small Group Picnic Area
B Munl-Use Sheller
1\1 Pmposed Restoration Area
D Existing Gaff Cau,.a
Playing Areas
D Existing Golf Cou,.a
Greens
Entry Kiosks
'P- Proposed PedestrianlBlka
Bridge
--/ Stevens Creek Channel
(law flaw)
~-- PropasadB;lreJPedTrall
..... Existing Nature Trail
Hmsashaas
00 Volleyball
§
Chlldrens P~y Araa
Existing Tree Canopy
Proposed New Traes
l8~~
g~8*
I1?J
OJ
Proposed Apricot Orchard
Pmposed Restroams
Pmposad Malntanance
Building
L
McClellan
oa
Monta Vista
: High School
-to_oj
I 1- ¡,. T '~r
NORTH 1 ¡nch';:'l~~~_A I
,~~'"
EXHIBIT B
Cost Sharing Table
For Master Plan Development
Item & Consultant City Share District Share
Cost Share % Costs
Master Plan $104,000 $104,000 None
100% CITY
Creek Restoration Plan $65,000 None $65,000
100% DISTRICT
Geomorphic/Hydraulic $42,000 None $42,000
Analysis
100% DISTRICT
Traffic Analysis $22,000 $22,000 None
100% CITY
CEQA IS/MND $70,000 $35,000 $35,000
50% CITY
50% DISTRICT
TOTAL $303,000 $161,000 $142,000
Page 10 of! 0
.
@t
CITY OF
CUPEIQ1NO
City Hall
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertioo, CA 95014-3255
(408) 777-3354
Fax: (408) 777-3333
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Summary
AGENDA ITEM
If
AGENDA DATE
Julv 19.2004
SUBJECT AND ISSUE
Adoption of Resolution No. 04- J~1 , approving a semi-rural designation to eliminate the
requirement for sidewalks on Florence Drive pursuant to Ordinance No. 1925.
BACKGROUND
Within the City of Cupertino, there are a number of pockets of residential developments that lack
the CUITent City standards of curbs, gutters, sidewalk and streetlights. As each property comes in
to obtain a building permit, whether it is a remodel or a new residence (homes, apartments, town
homes), the City standards are applied towards each site as it has been constructed throughout
the City.
Within the past year or so, a number of property owners and neighborhood residents have raised
concerns over the CUITent City standards applied throughout the City when new development
occurs. These individuals requested that the rural integrity of the neighborhood not be
compromised with concrete and street improvernents.
After receiving a number of requests for exceptions of the City requirements, on October 6,
2003, an ordinance was presented to City Council to amend the City Municipal Code by
establishing criteria to be used for modifying street improvement standards for local streets that
are not covered under the hillside development provisions of the Code. Certain findings
concerning neighborhood consensus, safety, and drainage form the basis of the criteria.
Ordinance No. 1925 was enacted on October 20, 2003.
Property owners along Florence Drive have circulated a petition in support of altering their
neighborhood designation to semi-rural by waiving sidewalk requirements. As required, over 2/3
of the property owners have signed in support of this item.
In terms of safety, these streets are not recognized as routes to school. These streets are not used
as cut through routes to other parts of the City. Also, our information shows that there have not
been any pedestrian accidents within this area.
Printed on Recycled Pape,
FISCAL IMP ACT
There is no financial impact.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt, Resolution No. 04-M approving a semi-rural
designation to eliminate the requirement for sidewalks, curbs and gutters and streetlights for
Florence Drive.
Submitted by:
Rm~ 00
the 1 unc:
David W. Knapp
City Manager
~;!;, ~ U if
Director of Public Works
RESOLUTION NO. 04-369
DRAFT
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
APPROVING A SEMI-RURAL DESIGNATION FOR FLORENCE DRIVE
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 1925 was enacted on October 20, 2003, to amend the City
Municipal Code by establishing criteria to be used for modifying street improvement standards
for local streets; and
WHEREAS, property owners along the frontages of Florence Drive have circulated a
petition in support of altering their neighborhood designation to semi-rural; and
WHEREAS, over 2/3 of the property owners have signed in support of waiving sidewalk,
requirements for these streets.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council hereby approves a
semi-rural designation for Florence Drive.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Cupertino this 19th day of July 2004, by the following vote:
Vote
Members Qfthe Q!y Council
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
APPROVED:
City Clerk
Mayor, City of Cupertino
co
C1)
<c
(lIT ÙF
CUPEIQ1NO
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Summary
AGENDA ITEM
19
AGENDA DATE July 19, 2004
SUBJECT AND ISSUE
Consideration of a request from the Santa Clara County Library Department for the
purchase of additional Furniture Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) for the new Cupertino
Library in the amount of $30,000.00
BACKGROUND
On February 17, 2004 Council awarded a contract in the amount of $439,248 for the
purchase and installation of the Library Book Stack Shelving to the Ross McDonald
Company, Inc., and approved an amendment to the design contract with SMWM
Architects in the amount of$150,000 for the library furniture design.
On May 17, 2004, the Council awarded a contract for the balance of the FF&E to One
Workplace 1. Ferrari, LLC, in the amount of $ 685,651.00 of which $525,1 15.00 was for
the FF&E in the new Library (the rest of the contract was for the FF&E in the Community
Hall which was funded from the approved project budget).
Since that time the Library Department has requested that some additional FF&E items be
added that were not part of the base bid but were contained in the alternates (not
awarded). These items include 40 book trucks (used to stack and restock the collections
in the library) and 12 book return bins (used to transport and sort returned items from the
various book drops in the library).
As noted in the attached letter from Deputy County Librarian Sarah Flowers, the Library
staff has indicated that these should have been included in the public furniture base bid
rather than the staff furniture alternates. The reason that they were not included is because
the Library staff, for whatever reason, failed to make the City staff and the city's design
consultant aware of this concern until mid-June of2004, well after the bid was awarded.
City staff is not recommending that the Council approve or fund this request. For one
thing, while these items could be purchased by contract change order there is no
guarantee that this equipment could arrive before the building opening given the lateness
of the order.
P'¡nted on Recycled Pape'
Secondly, while these items, as new furniture, might be nice to have as the building
opens, it would seem that they could be provided from existing Library resources as most
of the Alternate items are now being secured. Finally, the total cost of these items is
approximately $30,000.00 and is not provided in the approved project budget, and the
Library staff indicated that funding frorn the Library is not available and the Library
Campaign contributions are still short of the amount needed to pay for all the FF&E.
Should the Council wish to consider supporting the Library's request, this additional
$30,000.00 would need Council approval to be advanced from the Resource Recovery
Fund as has been done for the rest of the previous FF&E funding requirements not yet
funded by the Campaign. This would imply an additional obligation of that amount to the
Campaign and while this may be acceptable to them, staff has not yet received
confirmation to that effect from the Campaign.
It should be emphasized that this is strictly a request from the Library staff for the reasons
noted in their letter. City staff is not recommending it but is simply presenting the
Library's request for the Council's consideration in the foun of a funding alternative
should the Council wish to support that request.
FISCAL IMPACT
The current status of funding for the FF&E for the Cupertino Library and the potential
change should the Library's request be supported is as follows:
Shelving Contract and Design (Approved 2-17-04)
Interior Furnishings contract (Approved 5- 17-04)
$ 589,248
525.115
Total Library FF&E Costs to date
$ 1,114,363
Campaign Contributions received to date
(574.000)
Net Advance to date from Resource Recovery
$
540,363
Resource Recovery Advance (Library FF&E request)
30,000
Total Resource Recovery Advance (if approved)
$
570,363
Should the Council wish to approve this action and the Campaign accept the obligation,
the total advance from the resource recovery fund in the amount of $ 570,363 would be
reimbursed from the donations received from the Campaign and/or by annual savings
from the general Fund for the funding of additional Library hours of operation in the
amount of$120,000 per year.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Consideration of the request of the Santa Clara County Library Department for the
purchase of book trucks and book return bins for the new Cupertino Library at an
approximate cost of $30,000.00. Staff recommends denial of this request.
Should the Council approve the request it is recommended that an additional advance
fÌ'om the Resource Recovery Fund (Acct. No. 520-8003) in the amount of $30,000.00 be
approved for the purchase of additional FF&E for a total advance fÌ'om the Resource
Recovery fund of$570,363.00.
Submitted by:
Approved for subrnission:
!i»L
DaVId W. Knapp
City Manager
~U¿L U~d-
Director of Public Works
/'
S ~!~,~~, c£9.~,~I!~~ lB.:.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES ~
I3 July 2004
Ralph Qualls
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014-3232
Dear Ralph,
Melinda Cervantes is on vacation, but here is the Library's position on the book trucks
and book return carts:
In mid-June, Melinda had a conversation with City of Cupertino staff in which she stated
that two of the items on the Alternate 5 list (S-22 Book Return Cart and S-23 Book
Truck) should have been part of the original bid as they are required for basic operation
ofthe new Library. Santa Clara County Library does not have these items on order.
There had been rather detailed discussions of this issue at earlier meetings and Melinda
provided a description of the book return carts to Terry. These should never have been
on an Alternate list. The book trucks are generally in the public space and only return to
the back of house to be reloaded. No other Alternate items will be purchased by the
Library. The plan is to identify older furniture frorn storage and possibly some pieces
from County Surplus to complete the staff areas.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Sincerely yours,
~J~
Sarah Flowers
Deputy County Librarian
Cupertino
SANTA CLARA COUNTY LIBRARY
www.santaclaracountylib.org
Gilroy Los Altos Los Altos Hills Milpitas Monte Sereno
Alum Rock
Campbeli
Morgan Hill
~.,"tM'
JULY 9, 2004
sanjose.b~joumals.com
ViewPoint
THE BUSINESS JOURNAL 43
Demand for housing is economic rock, not a bubble
As bankers talk of rising
interest rates, some finan-
cial journalists are starting
to talk about a "housing
bubble." Again.
These guys have more bub-
bles than Lawrence Welk.
This' might shock these
amateur economists, but
housing prices are not pri-
marily a fnnction of interest
rates.
Housing prices are set by
two forces (stop me if you've
heard this one): Supply and
demand.
We pretty mnch know
what demand is going to be: Nationwide,
it's about 2 million homes a year. In Cali-
fornia, it's about 250,000 units annually.
That part of our housing destiny is set by
demography, and will not change soon. Not
as long as people keep having babies that
grow UP and want their own homes.
What changes'is supply.
In California, we build nowhere near the
number of homes that our customers de-
mand. The headlines tell the story. Day af-
ter day we are assailed with news stories
that describe the "environmental victo-
ries" of local governments taking tens of
thousands of new homes off the drawing
boards. Off the market.
In California, it's now fashionable to talk
about a housing crisis while ignoring the
environmental restrictions that created it.
Strip away the word "crisis," and what's
left is the truth: a man-made shortage, not a
crisis.
The shortage of new homes is the funda.
mental factor driving prices higher and
higher. Not interest rates - high or low.
Make no mistake, interest rates matter.
But not as much as a new family willing to
commute 100 miles a day just to find an af.
Guest
comment
. MICHAEL
PAmNSON
fordable house. Not as much as NIMBYs de-
termined to stop new construction, new
roads and new schools for whatever reason
they can make up at the time.
They're not pork bellies: For people still
talking about a bubble, let them come to
Murrieta. Two years ago, my company
opened an affordable condo project that
sold faster than we could build it. Today,
these same units, after experiencing a 30
percent annual increase in .value, disap-
pear in hours when they are put up for re-
sale.
It's nor the interest rates causing this aI-
most desperate hunt for new homes (espe-
cially first homes). It's the shortage.
'Houses are not pork
bellies or tulips. People buy them -
and hold onto them - because they
need them:
Almost every housing market in America
has seen the crushing aftershocks of these
environmental "victories." Many of these
areas have also seen a healthy increase in
prices. We are seeing lots of reasons why,
all supporting the same irrefutable funda-
mental: Anywhere we stop building homes,
prices will rise.
Alan Greenspan recognized the long-term
stability of housing prices when he said re-
cently,. "It is worth bearing in mind that
any sustained increase in rates presumably
would occur only in the context of a more
vigorous upturn in the pace of business ac-
tivity, suggesting that the net effect on
housing might be relatively limited."
He went on to say: "Clearly, after their
substantial run-up in recent years, home
prices could recede. A sharp decline, the
consequence of a bursting bubble, however,
seems most uulikely."
Houses are not pork bellies or tulips. Peo-
ple buy them - and hold on to them - be-
cause they need them. The overwhelming
majority of homebuyers are not specula-
tors or even investors. They just want a
nice place to live.
That doesn't change because interest
rates might tick up, or environmentalists
discover a new species of rat. Long before
any bursting bubble, we will see more
rental vacancies; housing taking longer to
sell; foreclosures staying on the resale mar-
ket longer; and other indications of eco-
nomic anemia.
We are not even seeing a hint of these in-
dicators today.
Solid at the lower end: The housing mar-
ket will not stay the same forever. At some
point, the demand for multimillion-dollar
estate homes on view lots may diminish.
But for every couple seeking that kind of
high-end trophy home, thousands of young
couples with children in strollers patrol
our models every weekimd looking for their
first home, the first step on the ladder of
homeownership.
These people are not going to disappear
like some bubble. Their desire for a new
home, their first home, their willingness to
do anything to get it, is just about as real
and solid and lasting as a rock.
And rocks don't burst.
MICHAEL PATTINSON is president nf Barratt AmeriGOn, a
hnmebulideriuCarlsbad,andalnrmer~residenlnftheCalilnmia
Building Industry Assnciatinn.
J8I
i'1JbUsher
Vinug.~',
NEWS
Editor
No""nO;1
AssociaœEdü"
OooglæECaJdwell
TechnOOÐyfdim,
~œtR...Oup",
110-
_^_-T-
_","_~,faw
",",1IIr- ....."""bmi¡¡""
""'"""""'"
"'/it1--mlle"""",
__-Smal_-
i>J!hmllÑœæyg¡oops.nøIIa'nw'
biInJ"'"
1iJotITR*O-T8Iim!lI
----
tiJMi¡mJIt".¡-
ResaorchD-
SOl R H~dm
Rese,rchAsOsblnt
Oe1hS.gent
PhotDgrapl"
DeooIsG.H""'"'"
GrnphicsDÍfflCIDr
co"'" Comres
Graphics Design",
PæloAwn'oo
ADVERTISING
Advertising 0"'"
Jeffe"Oa,.
Advertisingu.nag"
liMaO'OI,"i"
D.playAccountE",ut"",
MaOE.."
GhnsAII,n
Gre","ham,
P",ia .md~a
1Ja- Adwrtis.g COlXdina",
SueU",lIs
"""~'~.<mm'
Residents,
council
discuss
growth
CUPERTINO GROUP, LEADERS
LOOI< FOR COMMON GROUND
ByLoriAralani
M='1INro.
A Oupertmo cltizelJB group seeking,
to control growth in the West Vslley I
tiv:n:~e "lJ~~h=g =
~J, I~i:;"¿rk"ci~o~ ~~I:7~
polIs next year.
Members of Concerned CitizelJB of
~i..r:°J::r:"/ ni':ht ~ :.=
whether the two sides might be shle
to forge a compromise in a dispute
about future development in the city.
~: ~~~~~~~~ =:=fu~
would govern how taJI, how dense
and how close to the s_t future
p'¥h~~:e f~~dul~~ ~nts
hecame concerned ahout develop-
ment in the city, particularly a multi-
story. aparbnent-and-hotel project,
¡¡:eAtt~~.=. o~~";,¡::
vanIa.
In a letter to the council dated Ju-
Iyll, four members of the cltizelJB'
C. - ~.=' ~~dN~=
Hackford - suggested that the coun-
cil- rather than the group - place a
measure on the ballot to addrese con-
~ov~v~~o~~.::u ~e ~~~
deadline So the measure could be
placed on the November 2005 ballot
SeeGROWTH,P"15'4B
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS WEONESDAY, JULY 21, 2004
48
WWWMERGURïNEWS.GUM
LOCAL
GROWTH I Groups look for colnpromise
Con1.inudfromPage 1B
"We would prefer the coun-
cil adopt ordinances and put
them on ballot for ratifica-
tion," Britt said. '
But COuDell membm op-
pose the measures. And eyon
if they were inclined to plac"€ A
measure on the ballot, the
group's timeline would he w'1-
workable because It would not
allow enough time to complete
the necessary enviromnen;¡¡]
ê~:ciJw'::'m= S~d::¡
'said.
"1 understand theu- con-
cerns," she said. "But I dunk
these no-growth initiadves
would hurt the city econoilo-
cally."
lnatead of using the nullo-
live process, .sandoval said
she would like to sêe members
of the group work wilh the
city. Cupertino is revising Its
general plan - the blueprint
thaI governs future develop-
ment in the city - and com-
k~%esm~~ eff~~d <1'0:
¡nUDity meelblgs on .the plan
like."
. But Britt said the group pre-
fe", the hallot measure be-
cause it would lock in certain
huilding restrictlolJB. Under
the genera! plan, council mem-
bers still could grant exemp-
"] agree in spirit with a lot of things they talk about, but
these initiatives are not the right way to go."
- COUNCILMAN RICNARO LOWENTHAL
are aíated to take place Ibis
fall.
"They've fought and re-
dueed the size of projects,
roughly hy half - they've been
effective in getting what they
want," added Councihnan
Ricl"ird Lowenthal. "If they'd
f~~b:t;..~ eff~I,Æ~c;s.:
ling the kind of growth they'd
-~---
tions for certain projects. If
::.~~:~=o::~o~
require apublie vote.
Britt said the group would
be willing to move back the
Aug. 6 deadline. And if the
:~::~~ ~~J'£ac:h:
group would stop its signa-
ture-gathering efforts.
PROPOSÐI INITIATIVES IN ClJPERTINO
Here are the initiatives being circulated by the Concerned Citizens
of Cupertino. The group's aim is to manage development in the
eommuni\y by placing restrictions on building heigh~ densi\y and
proximity to the street Each is a separate bellot measure that
would require voter apprOval. Voters would have to approve any
exemptions to an initiative if it is pas,;ed.
HEIGHT: Pennits for àdditions and alterations and new
construction of office, commercial properties. industrial fucilities.
hoteis. residences and mixed-use Iocilities shall require building
heIghts not to exceed 36 feet There are exception, including the
Valleo Park are~ the Wolfe Road Commercial Canidar some
residentiai units and some existing huildings,which m~st abide by
different limitation,
DENSITY: Pennits for additions and alterations and new
construction of mixed-use fucilities and residences shall limit the
densi\y to a maximum of)5dwelling units an acre. There are
exceptioos for the Vallco Park area and some residential and
existing building, which must ahide hy different limitations
SETBACKS: Permits for additions and alterations and new
construction of offices. commercial properties. industrial facilities,
hotels. residences and mixed-use facilities shall require buildings to
have a minimum street setback of35feet, or more depending on
the slope of the property. Exceptions with separate requirements
,nclude Vallco Pa~ the Wolfe Road Commercial Conidor. some
residential and existing huilding, which must abide by different
limitations.
Soo~.e~dC""",,"'e"p,,'OO
The group must gather sig-
natUl~s from at least 10 per-
cent of cegi,te!~d voters -
about 2,600 b, Cupertino - to
r~'~ ~~ ~~;:~~r":;'~';i~~
lo.istered voters - about
4,000 - sign d" petition.s, It
would trigger" special elec-
tion. Britt would not say how
many signatures the group
has gathered.
"I agree in spu-it with a lot
of things they talk about, but
these initiatives are not the
right way to go!, Lowenthal
said.
He swd concem.s about de-
velopment could he addressed'
by revamping the city's pro-
cess fur notifying residents
ahout projects.
Contact Lori Aratan! at
Iamtani@mercu'Ynews.comor
(408) 920.5531.
Commission
nixes hiding
the antenna
in a crucifix
Neighbors don't want Sprint's
wireless tower close to homes
By ROBERT S. HONG
sprint PçS went to church ~ .
Cupertino hoping for commUnIcation
with a hig)1er power. The telecommu.
nications giant had opted to place a
newrac!iofrequency tower on the
crucifix atop Redeemer Lutheran
Church on Hunmdge Lane.
The crucifix is one of the prime
locations suggested in the city's mas.
ter plan fòrwireless services.'"
However, under pressure by neigh.
boring residents, Sprint's proposal
was turned, down in a 3.1 vote atthe
July 12 pJaDning cO111Ilris,ion m""ting.
Spmt representatives,' s ",eUas a ,
local còrisuItant hired by the compa-
ny, say the cr4cifixiS a safe piacc:,with
a safe distance froìn the population.
However,dozcns of residen~ of
the Hunmdge area showed uptoT.
voice their oppositi<)IÌ. at the July ~2
meeting. They had several complafuts.
Some s were angry at the short
~B~I
O'Brien told the coinmissioo. "This
has been going on for over a year'
but nobody let us know until wee
weeks ago," sh" said, ", ' " ,"
One resident said it was disrespect-
ful to place a dangerous "1'tenna
under the disguise of a Christian cru-
cifix. "God bless us all," he said as he
concluded his statement.
, At the meeting, Sprint representa.
tive Sandra Steele explained why
Sprint chose this particuIar location.
"TIris site meets all the Clty and
government requirements," s!,e,said.
referring to the city's regulations for
a communications tower. which
include setback from the community
and proper concealment. "Sprint
needs to meet our customers'
demands and improve service for
them in this area," Steele said,
She said that the reception for
Sprint mobile usersÎ1¡. the area was", '\
not very strong, and the'new site was
"'1bw8r, page 7
Volume '57. Number 26 . July 21. 2004. Cupertino. CA . Est. 1947.www.cupertinoœurier.ccm
Tower: Some said antenna disrespectful
Continued from page 1
necessary to provide reliable service to
areas within a half-mile radius of the
tower. She said that Jollyman Park,
which is close to the church, and Monta
VISta High School were alternatives but
they did not meet all requirements.
She said that Sprint really wanted to
work with the neig)1bors near this pro-
ject, but out of 95 notices s~nt to resi-
dents, ouly five residents showed up at
Sprint's public information meeting.
One Huntridge resident at the July 12
meeting said she suffers from a condi-
tion known as electrical sensitivity syn.
drome, which prevents her from being
around any electrical appliance for an
extended period of time. She said that if
the tower was put up, she would likely
be forced to move out of the area.
Paul Chang, another resident, ex-
pressed his concern about having radio
frequencies broadcast so close to his
home. He also said it would be especial-
ly unfair for the woman with the sensi-
tivity to electricity to have to move out
of the neighborhood. "I personally
don't think we can ask the couple to
leave the community... they have been
living here for over 40 years," he said.
He also presented a protest letter,
which he said had 134 signatures from
concerned citizens.
Dawn Teuthorn, pastor of the Re-
deemer Lutheran Church, told the com-
mission and residents that she and her
associates had been approached by the
city and Sprint. and after hearing the
details of the proposal, had approved
the antenna. However, she said that she
was shocked to' hear the backlash from
the residents. "We didn't have any com-
plaints before this," she said.
In the days foUowing the meeting,
Teuthorn said her concerns about the
tower grew as she listened to residents'
concerns.. "It was good to spend time
with the community and get to under-
stand their fears," she said.
She said that when the church was
appròached with the proposition, she was
told the antenoa would be safe and posed
no serious health risks. William Hammet,
a safety còrisuItant hired by Sprint, said
his company had decided the church was
a safe place to mount the tower. .
He said Sprint's standard for this pro.
ject was 50 times below the safe wesh-
old level of frequency exposure
required by the federal government.
Dr. Katz, an assistant professor at
Stanford Medical Center and resident
on Huntridge Lane, said that studies
on exposure were not conclusive. "We
cannot say with 100 percent assurance
that [frequency exposure] is causing a
problem or is not causing a problem,"
she said.
Shennan Wong, 19, said he was con-
cerned that the tower could cause unin-
tentional harm to children since the
church is located next to JoUyman Park
where children play. . . .
The commission swayed Its deCISIOn
in favor of the residents in a 3-1 vote,
leaving Sprint with the option to appeal
the decision to the city council.
It
r~
NEws
~.:'~_lJ~=-~::'::'.~M~.:~_~~---------------_..~U~~NO, CA:.::ORN~_____--_--.-!.'::Y 21, 2004 -
Council nixes new Blue Pheasant operator
By ROBERT S.HONG
Peter Rasmussen and Iris fam-
ily have owned the Blue
Pheasant Restaurant for 30
ye..... It has been a place of
camaraderie in Cupertino as well
as a place of controversy when
neighbors complained abont the
late night noise. Most recently. it
was a subject of debate when the
city cut its late night hours on
March 31. Now, the Rasmussens
have decided to sell.
The . couple thought they'd
foutld a qualified candidate, for-"
mer restaurant operator Gity
Majtly, to take over the running
of the restaurant However, the
city council cfuI not agree with
the Rasmussens' choice of candi-
date and voted 4-1 at its JUne 21
meeting not to allow Majtly to
take over the restaurant. The city
owns the property and has the
authority to make this decisWn.
Majdy- former Quiznos
restaurant and Dominoes Pizza
owner_approached council
members with their intention
to take over the operation of
the Blue Pheasant.
In a 4-1 .vote, the council
decided not to approve the new
-- 11118 ..-at, page 11
b,,;r~~re were several different con-
cerns as to why we made the decision."
said Councilwoman Kris Wang.
Wang said that some members of the
council were worried about the amount
of experience of the prospective buyer.
"They had worked ~th fast food "an~
pizza places before, Wang sSld. It s
different when you are working with a
high-class restaurant."
But the people who .work at the Blue
Pheasant don't agree.
Lana Means, manager at the Pheasant.
and daughter of owner Peter RasmUssen,
said that she had met the buyers on sev-
eral occasions and felt that the buyers
had enough e~ence. "They had prior
experience and have a degree ill hotel
and restaurant ~ent." she said.
She said that the new buyers planned
to put their focus on the restaurant
rathet than the nightcluh.
However. it was this emphasis that
Kris Wang said was her main concern.
"They were going to start serving
breakfast. lunch and dinner [on the
weekends], instead of just starting at
lunch," she said.
Wang said that because of early
morning golfing, the Blackberry Farm
and Blue Pheasant parking lot would
become very congested early in the day.
"I am concerned about parking and
traffic on the street; said Wang.
But the decision by the council!eaves
the Rasmussens and the Blue Pheasant
in a quandary.
"We are left with very limited options,"
said Means.
She said her parents had c1ecided to
retire, but were now left to roamtam
ownership of the property. .
The Rasmussens' decision to reme
came after a long series of battles
between the neighborhood, the night-
club and the city council.
For 30 years. the restaurant/club
operated from the hours of 11 a.m. until
2 a.m. The club sits just north of the 85
freeway, near the Blackberry Farm Golf
Course, in a quiet residential neighbor-
hood. Residents in the area were not
happy with the late-night noise.
The Rasmussens' lease on the proper-
ty ended on March 31, b~t the city agreed
to renew it on the condition that the bus,-
ness close at 11 p.m. from now on.
"A big part of our business came from
the after-ll crowd:' said Means.
Although the early closing hours of the
business made nearby residents happy, 1t
proved upsetting to the restaurant/mght-
club's regular patrons.
"It's hard to find a place where older
people can congregate," said Conrad
Sanford, 57, a Blue. Pheasant regular
who commutes from San Jose.
"I cao't go to .a bar in downtown San
Jose and find dancing like this," he s~d,
referring to the fact that there's dancmg
of all kinds. from ballroom to rock to
1in,7I::n,:!,:, here for 24 years; said
bartender Paul Glas~ "This has been a
safe place where people can meet"
Glass said that the restaurant was a
place where all types of people were wel-
come and there are quite a few regulars.