Planning Commission
Regular MeetingSunnyvale, CA · May 16, 2016
Minutes
City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes - Final
Planning Commission
Monday, May 16, 2016 7:00 PM Council Chambers, City Hall, 456 W. Olive
Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
7 P.M. SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Melton called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Chair Melton led the salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
Present: 7 - Chair Russell Melton
Vice Chair Sue Harrison
Commissioner Ken Olevson
Commissioner Larry Klein
Commissioner Ken Rheaume
Commissioner David Simons
Commissioner Carol Weiss
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Commissioner Klein moved and Commissioner Olevson seconded the
motion to approve the Consent Calendar.
The motion carried by the following vote:
City of Sunnyvale Page 1
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
Yes: 7 - Chair Melton
Vice Chair Harrison
Commissioner Olevson
Commissioner Klein
Commissioner Rheaume
Commissioner Simons
Commissioner Weiss
No: 0
1.A 16-0477 Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 9, 2016
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2 16-0481 File #: 2016-7031
Location: 1169 Sesame Drive (APN: 202-07-041)
Zoning: R-1 (Low Density Residential)
Proposed Project: Appeal of a decision by the Director of
Community Development approving a:
DESIGN REVIEW: To allow construction of a new two-story
home with an attached garage and basement, resulting in a
total floor area of 3,600 square feet (3,200 square feet living
area and 400 square feet garage) and a Floor Area Ratio of
32%; and a 6-foot tall fence (5 feet from ground and 6 feet from
top of curb) within the front yard, set back approximately 20
feet from the front property line.
Applicant / Owner: Vitaly Eliashberg
Environmental Review: Class I Categorical Exemption
Project Planner: Noren Caliva-Lepe, (408) 730-7659,
ncaliva-lepe@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Principal Planner Gerri Caruso presented the staff report.
Commissioner Simons discussed with Principal Planner Caruso the options that
were considered for the large second story window and whether obscure glass was
considered to enhance privacy.
Commissioner Rheaume confirmed with Principal Planner Caruso that there are no
deviations requested for this project and that the Planning Commission decision
would be final.
Commissioner Klein disclosed that he met with the applicant and several of the
neighbors, and confirmed with Principal Planner Caruso that the discussion in the
staff report regarding unsent notices of an ensuing comment period were in
reference to another project in the neighborhood. Commissioner Klein inquired
City of Sunnyvale Page 2
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
about staff's opinion on the proposal for three rooftop decks and how they would
affect privacy, and confirmed with Principal Planner Caruso that the uncovered
decks and unfinished basement are excluded from the Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
calculation.
Chair Melton opened the Public Hearing.
Appellant John Sullivan provided information about his appeal of the project.
Appellant Erik Peterson provided information about his appeal of the project.
Vice Chair Harrison and Mr. Peterson discussed the traditional materials and
details he believes are not reflected in the design of the home.
Commissioner Simons and Mr. Peterson discussed the architectural feature Mr.
Peterson believes conflicts with a horizontal design emphasis.
Commissioner Olevson confirmed with Mr. Peterson that he would consider the
design more traditional if the external decks and front eave were removed.
Applicant Vitaly Eliashberg provided information about the proposed project.
Commissioner Weiss disclosed that she visited the site and discussed with the
applicant project objectives and privacy issues with second story decks.
Vice Chair Harrison discussed with Mr. Ayers and Mr. Eliashberg what the front
door will look like, and discussed with Mr. Eliashberg why the proposed design
includes decks on the front of the building rather than large windows.
Commissioner Klein confirmed with Mr. Eliashberg and Mr. Ayers the height of the
railings and proposed planters.
Commissioner Olevson confirmed with Mr. Eliashberg and Mr. Ayers which window
he would like restored on the west elevation.
Commissioner Simons confirmed with Mr. Eliashberg that he is amenable to
replacing any onsite trees if they fail due to construction.
Philippe Cailloux, a nearby neighbor, discussed the privacy issues the design
would create.
City of Sunnyvale Page 3
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
Joe Ragey, an adjacent neighbor, said the design of the home meets guidelines
and addresses privacy concerns, and suggested that the Eichler guidelines be
rewritten to prevent further confusion.
Elisabeth Merkel, a nearby neighbor, said the design is beautiful but that it does not
fit in the neighborhood.
Mark Kliss said the design of the home is incombatible with the neighborhood.
Beverly Grindstaff said a new two-story home ruins the experience of living in an
adjacent Eichler home and that privacy is also a matter of sound.
Kyle Krasilnikov, Sunnyvale resident, spoke in support of the proposed project.
Vice Chair Harrison confirmed with Mr. Krasilnikov that he lives several streets
away from the subject site.
Howard Gaines, an adjacent neighbor, said all of his initial privacy concerns were
addressed and that he supports the project.
Carolyn Gaines Driscoll said initial privacy concerns have been addressed.
Stephen Meier said noticing for this project should have included an expanded
radius and all Sunnyvale Eichler home owners. He asked for consistency in the
decision making process and noted that privacy is also a matter of sound.
Teresa Marshall, a nearby neighbor, said preserving the neighborhood, current
lines of sight and certain design features of Eichler homes should be taken into
consideration.
Vice Chair Harrison confirmed with Ms. Marshall that she lives two homes north of
the subject site.
Francois Cornillon discussed his concern with the design not meeting the Eichler
Design Guidelines.
Tristan Lawrence, a nearby neighbor, said the design is not an Eichler style
building and that if the project is approved, he suggests changing the angled roof
line on the left side of the building.
Peter Anning, a nearby neighbor, said he is concerned that the Eichler Design
City of Sunnyvale Page 4
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
Guidelines are being ignored.
Edwin Aiken, a nearby neighbor, said the design does not respect the scale, bulk
and character of homes in the neighborhood or the neighborhood itself. He also
suggested an expanded noticing radius.
Walter Huber discussed his concern with the design changing the character of the
neighborhood.
Sophia Ostoya, a nearby neighbor, said the neighborhood is predominantly
one-story and should remain so.
Gregory Kosinovsky, Cupertino resident, spoke in support of the proposed project.
Mike Shklovski, Sunnyvale resident, spoke in support of the proposed project.
Leon Goldgeisser, Los Gatos resident, said the design combines the Eichler spirit
with new construction standards and would be a good addition to the
neighborhood.
Valentin Ossman, an adjacent neighbor, said the house is designed to meet the
Eichler Design Guidelines, but that he does not want to see a plain wall when he
looks across the street.
Liliya Lyandres spoke in support of the proposed project.
Vice Chair Harrison confirmed with Ms. Lyandres that she is a Sunnyvale resident,
but does not live near the subject property.
Matt Cossoul, a nearby neighbor, congratulated the applicants on a nice design,
but said Eichler homes and neighborhoods need to be protected.
Appellant John Sullivan provided additional information about his appeal of the
proposed project and suggested modifications to the design.
Commissioner Rheaume confirmed with Mr. Sullivan that there are trees in his
backyard.
Appellant Erik Peterson suggested modifications to the design and said the house
as planned is too big.
City of Sunnyvale Page 5
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
Applicant Lena Govberg provided additional information about the proposed
project.
Chair Melton closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Rheaume discussed with Planning Officer Miner why the rear
window was conditioned to be removed rather than frosted.
Vice Chair Harrison confirmed with Planning Officer Miner that an illustration
presented by one appellant with single story homes adjacent to one another and
two-story homes adjacent to one another is an illustration and not a rule.
Commissioner Klein confirmed with Planning Officer MIner that the plate height and
roof lines meet City standards.
Commissioner Olevson discussed with Planning Officer Miner whether any
consideration was given to obstructing the view from the rear window that was
required to be reduced.
Chair Melton and Planning Officer Miner discussed the hierarchy of the City's
General Plan, Zoning Code, specific and precise plans and guidelines, and which
are legally binding on the Planning Commission. Planning Officer Miner explained
which policies and guidelines apply to the subject area. Chair Melton confirmed
with Planning Officer Miner that the Municipal Code sets standards for maximum
noise levels, and confirmed the noticing distance for the project.
MOTION: Commmissioner Rheaume moved and Commissioner Simons seconded
the motion for Alternative 2: Deny the Appeal and approve the Design Review with
modified conditions:
1) To maintain the rear window and have the applicant work with staff on using
smoked glass to provide privacy; and,
2) Once construction is complete reevaluate the landscaping to ensure privacy.
Commissioner Rheaume thanked the members of the public for coming out to
speak, and noted that the applicant is not asking for any deviations. He said the
design meets the General Plan and that he can make the findings that there are no
requested deviations and no setback issues. He said he understands people prefer
to not have a second story but that the only way to ensure that is with a single story
overlay, which is now being pursued but will happen after this project. He said the
design of the home is beautiful and he commends the applicants for pursuing a
design that satisfies them and their neighbors. He said if all rear windows are
City of Sunnyvale Page 6
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
removed that side of the home will look like a bunker and that there needs to be
negotiation. He noted that several neighbors said the privacy issues have been
addressed, and he believes having a glazed rear window and landscaping will meet
the privacy needs of the neighbors.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Commissioner Simons offered a friendly amendment to
the modification that any tree replacements be large species native trees that are
appropriate for the plant zone. Commissioner Rheaume accepted.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Commissioner Simons offered a friendly amendment to
consider for the rear window distorted clear or other opaque options. Commissioner
Rheaume accepted.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Commissioner Simons offered a friendly amendment
that if at the end of construction there are any obvious privacy issues determined
by staff, landscaping be modified to meet privacy requirements. Commissioner
Rheaume accepted.
Commissioner Simons said he can make the findings, and that although the design
is not an Eichler it works within the design guidelines, and that one cannot build a
new Eichler in Sunnyvale because it would not meet energy requirements. He said
this design is friendly and inviting and is an appopriate design for the
neighborhood, and that most of the controversy is regarding the design not being
an exact Eichler. He said the privacy issues of the original home are being
mitigated, this design is an improvement and he applauds the applicant for taking
extra steps. He said guidelines are used to apply to neighborhood designs but they
are not zoning requirements, and that this neighborhood is like any other R-0 or
R-1 zoned neighborhood.
Vice Chair Harrison said she is supporting the motion, and has read the Eichler
Design Guidelines and the only point she cannot make is about simplicity. She said
simple had to be changed because other guidelines requiring privacy, and that this
design has many similar characteristics with other homes on the street. She said
she can make every finding that the project meets Sunnyvale's guidelines and
Zoning Code and that there are no Variances.
Commissioner Olevson said he is supporting the motion and can make the
findings. He said he recognizes that Eichler, as a type of living, is somewhat unique
to California, and the applicant has met all of Sunnyvale's requirements. He said he
is persuaded by the fact that when the Eichler Design Guidelines were set up the
committee doing so specifically did not disallow second story homes, and he is
City of Sunnyvale Page 7
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
persuaded by the use of the word "avoided" rather than "cannot" in the guidelines,
meaning there was some discretion based on the circumstances of a particular
home. He said the applicants have not asked for Variances and have done a great
job of outreach to the neighbors, and while the applicants did not get 100 percent
support they have done a great job trying to accommodate the neighborhood.
Commissioner Klein said he is supporting the motion, and had some of the same
concerns as the neighbors regarding privacy and architectural features. He said he
was shocked by the proposal of three decks which he has never seen for a home in
an area zoned R-0. He noted that he was serving on the Planning Commission
when the Eichler Design Guidelines were put together and even then there were
mixed feelings about how homes should be designed and would fit into the
neighborhood. He said the big difference between "avoid" versus "prohibits" is that
it gives applicants some flexibility. He noted that with Eichlers there will always be
privacy issues and the applicant has worked hard to alleviate them in the design,
and that with the modification to reevaluate privacy he feels more comfortable that
those issues with adjoining properties will be resolved. He applauded the applicant
for building a basement, and said a single story overlay is more restrive than a
heritage district and is a good process for this neighborhood. He noted that many
neighbors spoke in support of and in opposition to this project, and that it is good to
see people who love their community giving their input. He said because the project
meets the guidelines and no Variances are requested approving the project is the
way to go.
Commissioner Weiss said she carefully read and considered the points that were
raised, and said one has to balance individual home owners' property rights with
those of neighbors and the neighborhood. She noted that one appeal letter quotes
from the Eichler Design Guidelines regarding the use of the guidelines for general
assistance in the design of a second floor addition to Eichler homes, and thus the
guidelines are not de jure requirements. She said the project complies with the
Sunnyvale Municipal Code which allows two-story homes in this neighborhood, and
that the proposed project will provide neighbors with more privacy than they
currently have. She said the project will not be a monster house, but a welcoming
home and that the applicants have made every effort to respect the basic qualities
of Eichler designs. She said she cannot make the findings to support the appeal
but can make the findings to support the motion and wished the applicant good
fortune.
Chair Melton said he is supporting the motion, and thanked the members of the
public for coming out and showing their passion for their neighborhood. He said it is
the job of the Planning Commission to implement the policy of Sunnyvale and that
City of Sunnyvale Page 8
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
sometimes there is tension between policies.He noted that home owners have the
right to build a second story home in this neighborhood until an overlay district is in
place. He said he can make the findings and that the privacy issues have been or
will be addressed after the project is completed. He said he cannot find language in
the Municipal Code or design guidelines that prevent taking down an Eichler home
or putting in its place an Eichler home and that the Planning Commission cannot
make up policy regardless of how well intentioned it is. He said his job is to
determine whether the design of the home fits into the neighborhood, and that while
there is a difference of opinion, he believes it does. He said he is glad to see the
neighborhood moving forward with the single story overlay district.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: 7 - Chair Melton
Vice Chair Harrison
Commissioner Olevson
Commissioner Klein
Commissioner Rheaume
Commissioner Simons
Commissioner Weiss
No: 0
Planning Officer Miner noted that the decision of the Planning Commission is final
and there is no further appeal option.
3 16-0457 File #: 2015-8009
Location: 319 W Duane Avenue (APN: 204-26-011)
Zoning: R0
Proposed Project:
DESIGN REVIEW: To allow a 1,039 square foot addition (413
sq. ft. at first floor and 626 sq. ft. for a new second floor
addition) resulting in a total of 2,549 sq. ft. (2,149 sq. ft. living
space, 400 sq. ft. garage) residence at 49% Floor Area Ratio
(FAR).
Applicant / Owner: Hammerschmidt Construction / Nora Grasham
Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption Class 3 (a) that
includes construction of single family residence in a residential zone.
Project Planner: Shétal Divatia, Planner, (408) 730-7637,
sdivatia@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Principal Planner Gerri Caruso presented the staff report.
Vice Chair Harrison confirmed with Principal Planner Caruso that staff has not
recommended changes to the project and that the Building Division would review
floor plans and make changes, such as to the garage door that opens directly into a
City of Sunnyvale Page 9
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
bedroom.
Commissioner Olevson discussed with staff why COA PS-1, which would not allow
an accessory living unit, was added, and Planning Officer Miner explained that
there is concern about the floor plan design and the potential for the addition to be
converted to a second unit in the future.
Commissioner Rheaume confirmed with Principal Planner Caruso that the
previously converted garage is required to be reconverted to a garage at project
completion.
Commissioner Weiss confirmed with staff the length the proposed addition would
extend into the backyard.
Commissioner Klein discussed with Principal Planner Caruso whether staff had
issues with the six foot front fence.
In response to Commissioner Weiss' earlier question, Planning Officer Andrew
Miner said the rear yard would be reduced by 600 square feet.
Commissioner Rheaume discussed with Planning Officer Miner why staff felt the
proposed second story addition still meets the guidelines despite being flush with
the rear of the first story.
Chair Melton opened the Public Hearing.
Applicant John Hammerschmidt and property owner Brett Lynnes provided
information about the proposed project.
Commissioner Simons discussed with Mr. Hammerschmidt why the access to the
garage is from one of the bedrooms.
Mr. Lynnes further explained why he chose to put the door to the garage in the
bedroom.
Chair Melton closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION: Commissioner Klein moved and Vice Chair Harrison seconded the
motion for Alternative 1: Approve the Design Review with recommended Conditions
of Approval in Attachment 4.
City of Sunnyvale Page 10
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
Commissioner Klein said he can make the findings and that this is a good design.
He noted that this is a smaller lot and the applicant had to deal with certain
restrictions that include a shading requirement and the low roof of the property to
the east. He said he is happy the project stayed within the design guidelines and
that the applicant did not ask for Variances. He said adding the appropriate parking
that was previously removed and meeting the City code lessens the effect on the
neighborhood. He said a goal of the code is trying to make neighborhoods seem
more inviting and his biggest concern was the front yard fence creating a walled
effect. He said staff will determine in the future whether that fence fits in the
neighborhood.
Vice Chair Harrison said she understands that this is a small property and
appreciates that the applicant has stayed below the 35 percent second to first floor
ratio in a neighborhood that is primarily single story. She said she does not think it
is unreasonable because of the lot size.
Commission Olevson said he is supporting the motion and can make the findings.
He said the applicant has made a good compromise locating the back wall to avoid
shading issues with the neighbor, and that the facade will be attractive from all
directions.
Commissioner Simons said he has seen many modifications that result in odd
layouts, and that he cannot make the findings due to home orientation and entry
patterns. He said while the applicant has done a great job meeting the goals for
additions and he does not have a solution for this home, he cautions against
creating an entry and flow that is odd.
Chair Melton said he supports the motion and can make the findings. He expressed
gratitude to the applicant for adhering to the guidelines for the second to first floor
ratio and said he appreciates that no Variances or deviations are requested. He
added that he appreciates that the applicant is making a capital injection into the
neighborhood.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: 6 - Chair Melton
Vice Chair Harrison
Commissioner Olevson
Commissioner Klein
Commissioner Rheaume
Commissioner Weiss
No: 1 - Commissioner Simons
City of Sunnyvale Page 11
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
Planning Officer Miner announced that this decision is final unless appealed to, or
called up for review by the City Council within 15 days.
4 16-0462 File #: 2015-8094
Location: 1029 Inverness Way (APN: 313-24-018)
Zoning: R-0 Low Density Residential
Proposed Project: Design Review for a first and second-story
addition of 1,549 square feet to an existing one-story, single-family
home with a total of 3,291 square feet (2,805 square feet living area
and 486 square feet garage) resulting in a 46.5% Floor Area Ratio
(FAR).
Applicant / Owner: Orchard Home Design/ Mark and Linda Gentry
Environmental Review: Categorically Exempt Class 3
Project Planner: Jonathan Caldito, (408) 730-7452,
Jcaldito@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Principal Planner Gerri Caruso presented the staff report.
Commissioner Rheaume confirmed with Principal Planner Caruso that staff
recommended continuing rather than denying the project so the Planning
Commission could review significant changes made to the design, such as a
reduction of the proposed second story. Commissioner Rheaume also confirmed
with Principal Planner Caruso that the applicant is not requesting any deviations.
Commissioner Rheaume commented on requiring a reduction in FAR to meet the
Single Family Design Techniques and potentially ruining a project design.
Commissioner Olevson discussed with staff the differences between Alternatives 1
and 2, and confirmed that if the applicant reduces the FAR the application would be
completed at staff level. Commissioner Olevson also confirmed that a fee is
associated with application denial and appeal of a Planning Commission decision
by the applicant.
Commissioner Klein confirmed with Principal Planner Caruso that staff found the
the proposed first story plate height compatible, and that Condition of Approval
(COA) PS-1B to provide a grading plan was added to ensure appropriate project
height.
Commissioner Simons discussed with Principal Planner Caruso how a reduction in
FAR would impact the architecture and streetscape of the project, and he
commented on avoiding designs that meet all recommendations but look odd.
Commissioner Simons confirmed with Planning Officer Miner that staff is amenable
to direction to consider architecture, and Planning Officer Miner reiterated that the
Planning Commission could continue the project with direction to return with a
design that works rather than trying to design it at the hearing.
City of Sunnyvale Page 12
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
Project Architect Dan Winklebleck and home owner Mark Gentry provided
information about the proposed project.
Commissioner Weiss discussed with Mr. Gentry and Mr. Winklebleck why the
design includes a family room on the second floor, and discussed removing square
footage from the family room to decrease the FAR.
Commissioner Rheaume further discussed with Mr. Winklebleck how the design of
the second floor would change if the applicant is required to remove 200 feet from
the second floor.
Stephen Ma, an adjacent neighbor, discussed his concern with the size of the
proposed home. Chair Melton confirmed with Mr. Ma that his home shares the rear
fence with the subject site.
Andy Miller, a nearby neighbor, discussed his concern with the sight of the second
story from his home and its appearance as a large wall.
Commissioner Weiss confirmed with Mr. Miller that there are no large trees in the
side of the backyard that faces the subject site.
Chair Melton verified with Mr. Miller the location of his home and that he has no
accessory unit in his backyard. Chair Melton also verified with Mr. Miller that his
home is single story and that he has lived there since 1988.
Mr. Winklebleck and Mr. Gentry addressed the neighbors' concerns.
Commissioner Weiss discussed with Mr. Winklebleck whether consideration was
given to expanding the first floor into the backyard.
Chair Melton closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION: Vice Chair Harrison moved and Commissioner Klein seconded the
motion for Alternative 1: Continue the Design Review and directed staff and the
applicant to maintain an eight foot first floor plate height or, in any way possible,
reduce the bulk of the second story.
Vice Chair Harrison said she would like to see a reduction in the perceived bulk of
the second story to first story ratio and the neighbors' perception of bulk when they
see the first house in the general area with a proposed second story. She said the
City of Sunnyvale Page 13
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
motion gives the applicant the most flexibility to do what he thinks is best, bring
down that perceived bulk and address the neighbors' concerns.
Commissioner Klein said he supports the motion, and said one of the main goals of
the Design Techniques is to address issues that arise when a single story home is
developed to add a second story. He said he was concerned with the proposed
plate height and that the difference in heights and eaves on the right and left side of
the house need to be reevaluated.He said extending the eave or changing the plate
height would help alleviate the issue from the streetview, and added that choosing
the staff recommendation will not cost the applicant a new set of fees.
Commissioner Olevson said he supports the motion and that he does not like
designing from the dais. He said reducing the family room by 200 feet would make
it a wide hallway, and that the right wall may be moved over and a beam put in
place to make it a load bearing wall for the upper story. He said he likes the idea of
the application receiving additional consideration and that he likes the options for
the west and north walls being less barrier walls and more broken up in facade. He
said the design looks nice and he is hoping the dimensional issues are resolved.
Commissioner Rheaume clarified the motion with Vice Chair Harrison, and said he
is not supporting the motion because he cannot make finding 2.2.2 as the direction
to staff does not respect the character of the subject home. He said the alteration of
the house to meet a percentage in the guidelines is not effective, and that he does
not agree with bringing down the plate height to eight feet. He added that the
guidelines are inappropriate for the current market.
Commissioner Simons clarified the motion with Vice Chair Harrison and staff.
Commissioner Simons said he supports the motion because there are a number of
things that can be done by the applicant to add character and reduce bulk, and
because the Planning Commission is not requiring a reduction of FAR. He said that
it is important to be sensitive to how this home is developed as it is in a
predominantly single story neighborhood, and expressed concerned about making
changes to designs that result in ugly buildings.
Chair Melton said he supports the motion, that the applicant is off to a good start
and that the project needs a little bit more work. He said he appreciates the
applicant's effort and would love to see the project return for review. He said in
doing something to reduce the appearance of bulk, it is likely the applicant will bring
the second to first floor ratio to below 35 percent, although the Planning
Commission is not asking for a certain percentage. He said he does not have an
opinion about the eight foot plate height which could be part of the solution, but that
City of Sunnyvale Page 14
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final May 16, 2016
he does have an opinion about avoiding the two story walls on the left side
elevation which might also be a good part of the ultimate solution. He encouraged
the applicant to continue to working with the neighbors on privacy issues.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: 6 - Chair Melton
Vice Chair Harrison
Commissioner Olevson
Commissioner Klein
Commissioner Simons
Commissioner Weiss
No: 1 - Commissioner Rheaume
Planning Officer Miner said staff will work with the applicant on the design and that
the project will be re-noticed.
STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES
None.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
-Commissioner Comments
None.
-Staff Comments
Planning Officer Miner said on May 17 City Council will consider the application for
the General Plan Amendment, Rezone and Use Permit applied for by Summit
Denali School.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Melton adjourned the meeting at 11:23 p.m.
City of Sunnyvale Page 15
Agenda
City of Sunnyvale
Notice and Agenda - Final
Planning Commission
Monday, May 16, 2016 7:00 PM Council Chambers, City Hall, 456 W. Olive
Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
7 P.M. SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Call to Order in the Council Chambers
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
This category provides an opportunity for members of the public to address the
commission on items not listed on the agenda and is limited to 15 minutes (may be
extended or continued after the public hearings/general business section of the
agenda at the discretion of the Chair) with a maximum of up to three minutes per
speaker. Please note the Brown Act (Open Meeting Law) does not allow
commissioners to take action on an item not listed on the agenda. If you wish to
address the commission, please complete a speaker card and give it to the
Recording Secretary. Individuals are limited to one appearance during this section.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.A 16-0477 Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 9, 2016
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2 16-0481 File #: 2016-7031
Location: 1169 Sesame Drive (APN: 202-07-041)
Zoning: R-1 (Low Density Residential)
Proposed Project: Appeal of a decision by the Director of
Community Development approving a:
DESIGN REVIEW: To allow construction of a new two-story
home with an attached garage and basement, resulting in a
total floor area of 3,600 square feet (3,200 square feet living
City of Sunnyvale Page 1 Printed on 5/13/2016
Planning Commission Notice and Agenda - Final May 16, 2016
area and 400 square feet garage) and a Floor Area Ratio of
32%; and a 6-foot tall fence (5 feet from ground and 6 feet from
top of curb) within the front yard, set back approximately 20
feet from the front property line.
Applicant / Owner: Vitaly Eliashberg
Environmental Review: Class I Categorical Exemption
Project Planner: Noren Caliva-Lepe, (408) 730-7659,
ncaliva-lepe@sunnyvale.ca.gov
3 16-0457 File #: 2015-8009
Location: 319 W Duane Avenue (APN: 204-26-011)
Zoning: R0
Proposed Project:
DESIGN REVIEW: To allow a 1,039 square foot addition (413
sq. ft. at first floor and 626 sq. ft. for a new second floor
addition) resulting in a total of 2,549 sq. ft. (2,149 sq. ft. living
space, 400 sq. ft. garage) residence at 49% Floor Area Ratio
(FAR).
Applicant / Owner: Hammerschmidt Construction / Nora Grasham
Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption Class 3 (a) that
includes construction of single family residence in a residential zone.
Project Planner: Shétal Divatia, Planner, (408) 730-7637,
sdivatia@sunnyvale.ca.gov
4 16-0462 File #: 2015-8094
Location: 1029 Inverness Way (APN: 313-24-018)
Zoning: R-0 Low Density Residential
Proposed Project: Design Review for a first and second-story
addition of 1,549 square feet to an existing one-story, single-family
home with a total of 3,291 square feet (2,805 square feet living area
and 486 square feet garage) resulting in a 46.5% Floor Area Ratio
(FAR).
Applicant / Owner: Orchard Home Design/ Mark and Linda Gentry
Environmental Review: Categorically Exempt Class 3
Project Planner: Jonathan Caldito, (408) 730-7452,
Jcaldito@sunnyvale.ca.gov
STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
-Commissioner Comments
-Staff Comments
ADJOURNMENT
City of Sunnyvale Page 2 Printed on 5/13/2016
Planning Commission Notice and Agenda - Final May 16, 2016
Any agenda related writings or documents distributed to members of the Planning
Commission regarding any open session item on this agenda will be made
available for public inspection in the Planning Division office located at 456 W.
Olive Ave., Sunnyvale CA 94086 during normal business hours, and in the Council
Chambers on the evening of the Planning Commission meeting pursuant to
Government Code §54957.5.
Agenda information is available by contacting The Planning Division at (408)
730-7440. Agendas and associated reports are also available on the City’s web
site at sunnyvale.ca.gov or at the Sunnyvale Public Library, 665 W. Olive Ave.,
Sunnyvale, 72 hours before the meeting.
Planning a presentation for a Planning Commission meeting?
To help you prepare and deliver your public comments, please review the "Making
Public Comments During City Council or Planning Commission Meetings"
document available at Presentations.inSunnyvale.com.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that if you file a lawsuit challenging any final decision on
any public hearing item listed in this agenda, the issues in the lawsuit may be
limited to the issues which were raised at the public hearing or presented in writing
to the City at or before the public hearing.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.6
imposes a 90-day deadline for the filing of any lawsuit challenging final action on
an agenda item which is subject to Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.5.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in
this meeting, please contact the Planning Division at (408) 730-7440. Notification
of 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (29 CFR 35.106 ADA Title II)
City of Sunnyvale Page 3 Printed on 5/13/2016
Get email alerts for Sunnyvale
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.