DRC 03-17-2016Design Review Committee
March 17, 2016
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777-3308
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE HELD ON March 17, 2016
ROLL CALL
Committee Members present: Margie Gong, Chairperson
Geoff Paulsen, Commissioner
Committee Members absent: none
Staff present: Catarina Kidd
Staff absent: none
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
January 21, 2016
Minutes of the January 21, 2016 Design Review Committee meeting were approved as written
ORAL COMMUNICATION:
None
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR:
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
None
PUBLIC MEETING:
1. Application No.(s): EXC-2016-01
Applicant: Richard Hartman (Li residence)
Location: 21124 Greenleaf Dr
R1 Exception to allow the conversion of one bay of an existing garage into a media room, and
construct a 20'-8" by 10'-5" single bay garage at the front of the house, resulting in an 11' front
yard setback where a 20' setback is required.
Design Review Committee decision final unless appealed.
Staff Member Kidd explained that the application has been referred to the Design Review Committee
because the application for the remodel includes an R1 Exception for a reduced front yard setback. Per
the City's Municipal Code, R1 exceptions are approved at the discretion of the Design Review
2 Design Review Committee
March 17, 2016
Committee. The lot is a triangle -shaped non -conforming lot. It is smaller than the other lots in the area.
The home was extensively remodeled in 2008 and allowed for a variance to establish the 11' front yard
setback. This new proposal will offer the property owner some additional living space within the home
while still meeting the onsite parking requirement. The alternative is to apply for a second story addition
to the existing residence. Adding a second story would have far more impacts on the neighbors than the
current proposal. The property owner did reach out to their neighbors and have support from them for
the garage conversion. Staff supports the application and recommends approval per the draft resolution.
Chair Gong asked for clarification of the neighbors noticed of the project. Staff member Kidd explained
that the noticing requirements for this type of project are site signage and mailings to the adjacent
neighbors at least 10 days prior to the hearing. Chair Gong asked about the project comments from
Public Works in relation to traffic site line distance/visibility. Staff member Kidd provided the comments
which stated that they did not feel that there was an issue with sight distance or visibility in that the
house is not on a true corner.
The applicant addressed the Committee. He stated that there is only one neighbor with a potential
impact. They did meet with them and went over the project with them. From the neighbors yard, the
garage is barely visible. The applicant said that they have a new addition to their household and just
need to have some more space. They intend to reclaim a bed room for the children and make the garage
into the family room. The lot size does allow for a 3,000 square foot home, but they only have a 2,000
square foot home and are only asking for a minor remodel.
Commissioner Paulsen said that he went by the project site and noticed that a neighbor would have a
window that would now be partially blocked by the new garage. The applicant explained that the
neighbor was fine with that because they didn't have much of a view from the window anyway and the
sun has always made that room very hot.
Chair Gong confirmed that Staff had not received any comments from neighbors.
MOTION: Commissioner Paulsen moved to approve EXC-2016-01 per the draft resolution
APPROVE: Chair Gong
ABSENT: none
ABSTAIN: none
VOTE: 2-0-0
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
Respectfully submitted:
Beth Ebben
Administrative Clerk