Planning Commission

City of Sunnyvale Meeting Minutes - Final Planning Commission Monday, November 12, 2018 7:00 PM Council Chambers, City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Special Meeting - Study Session Cancelled | Special Meeting - Public Hearing 7 PM STUDY SESSION CANCELLED 7 P.M. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CALL TO ORDER Chair Howard called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM in the Council Chambers. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Chair Howard led the salute to the flag. ROLL CALL Present: 5 - Commissioner Carol Weiss Chair Daniel Howard Commissioner John Howe Vice Chair David Simons Commissioner Ken Rheaume Absent: 2 - Commissioner Ken Olevson Commissioner Sue Harrison Status of absence; Commissioner Harrison's absence is excused. Status of absence; Commissioner Olevson's absence is excused. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS CONSENT CALENDAR 1 A. 18-0959 Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2018 Vice Chair Simons pulled item 1.A from the Consent Calendar and requested modifications to pages nine, twelve and fifteen. Assistant Director Andrew Miner and City of Sunnyvale Page 1 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 Commissioner Howe clarified the intended changes with Vice Chair Simons. Chair Howard confirmed with Assistant Director Miner that it would be appropriate for the revised minutes to be voted upon at the November 26, 2018 Planning Commission. Vice Chair Simons moved and Commissioner Rheaume seconded the motion for staff to revise the Planning Commission draft minutes of October 22, 2018 and bring them back to the Planning Commission hearing on November 26, 2018. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Commissioner Weiss Chair Howard Vice Chair Simons Commissioner Rheaume No: 0 Absent: 2 - Commissioner Olevson Commissioner Harrison Abstained: 1 - Commissioner Howe 1 B. 18-0960 REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE TO JANUARY 14, 2019 Consideration of Useable Open Space in Required Front Yards: Forward a Recommendation to the City Council to Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 19.37 (Landscaping, Irrigation and Useable Open Space) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code, and Find that the Action is Exempt from CEQA Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). (Study Issue) Commissioner Howe moved and Chair Howard seconded the motion to grant the requested continuance to the January 14, 2019 Planning Commission meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Commissioner Weiss Chair Howard Commissioner Howe Vice Chair Simons Commissioner Rheaume No: 0 Absent: 2 - Commissioner Olevson Commissioner Harrison PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS City of Sunnyvale Page 2 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 2. 18-0893 Proposed Project: DESIGN REVIEW: for a first-story addition of 354.8 sq. ft. and second-story addition of 1,005.9 sq. ft. to an existing single-story home resulting in 3,221 sq. ft. (2,779.4 sq. ft. of living area and 441.6 sq. ft. garage) and 47.8% floor area ratio (FAR). Location: 1234 Rousseau Drive (APN: 211-27-028) File #: 2018-7603 Zoning: R0 - Low Density Residential Applicant / Owner: Chapman Design Associates (applicant) / Udayshankar Nagaraj and Vandana Pundit (owner) Environmental Review: Class 1 Categorical Exemption relieves this project from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provisions that include minor additions to an existing single-family residence (CEQA Section 15301). Project Planner: Momoko Ishijima, (408) 730-7532, mishijima@sunnyvale.ca.gov Associate Planner Momoko Ishijima presented the staff report. Commissioner Weiss asked staff to clarify if the magnolia in the rear yard will be removed as indicated on the site plans. Associate Planner Ishijima stated that staff will check the site plans and advise. Commissioner Rheaume asked staff to provide information about the different roof pitches. Associate Planner Ishijima explained that the 6:12 roof pitch is the steepest and reiterated that staff is requesting a 5:12 roof pitch. Commissioner Rheaume confirmed with Associate Planner Ishijima that the roof ridge would be lower with a less steep roof pitch. Chair Howard opened the Public Hearing. Walter Chapman, representing Chapman Design Associates, presented information about the proposed project. Udayshankar Nagaraj, owner, presented information about the proposed project and the magnolia tree that is proposed to be removed. Commissioner Rheaume commented on the windows as depicted in the site plans and asked the applicant which windows will be replaced. Mr. Chapman stated that most of the windows will be dual glazed vinyl windows with sliders to meet egress requirements except the small second-story casement windows. Commissioner Rheaume stated his appreciation for the window design and quality. Commissioner City of Sunnyvale Page 3 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 Rheaume confirmed with Mr. Chapman that the front windows will be casement windows with external grids. Mr. Chapman provided additional details about the windows. Vice Chair Simons suggested to the applicant to change the color of the front door to emphasize the front door and change the color of the garage door to de-emphasize the garage door. Vice Chair Simons asked the applicant about the number of trees that could be implemented for privacy. Mr. Chapman advised that they plan to use pittosporum to create a hedge wall. Vice Chair Simons discussed the placement of the gutter downspouts with Mr. Chapman. Vice Chair Simons commented that it would be good if the smaller second-story windows also utilize external grids. Commissioner Weiss noted her agreement regarding the need to modify the front door color. Commissioner Weiss asked the applicant about the front door walkway. Mr. Chapman advised that the curved stone path can be seen on sheet A-1 of the site plan. Commissioner Weiss asked the applicant if there was any discussion about extending the living room so that the garage side of the home would be less prominent. Mr. Chapman advised that they want to avoid creating a tunnel effect and that this would require requesting additional square footage. Chair Howard closed the Public Hearing. MOTION: Vice Chair Simons moved and Commissioner Rheaume seconded the motion for Alternative 1 – Approve the Design Review with the conditions in Attachment 4. The following modified conditions were added as part of the motion – a. All windows along the front elevation shall use exterior grids as depicted in the site plans; b. Hedges (pittosporum) shall be planted for screening as needed in the rear yard; and, c. The garage door color should de-emphasize the garage door and the front door color should emphasize the front door. Vice Chair Simons stated his appreciation for the applicant’s intent to avoid creating City of Sunnyvale Page 4 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 a tunnel effect. Vice Chair Simons noted his agreement with Commissioner Rheaume that the window grids as shown in the site plan have a nice design and that it will be beneficial to implement the windows as depicted. Commissioner Rheaume thanked the applicant and Mr. Chapman for the information they provided. Commissioner Rheaume commented that the proposed project has a classic simple design that will be a good addition to the neighborhood. Commissioner Rheaume noted his agreement regarding the comments about the front door and garage door colors. Commissioner Rheaume stated that installation of the hedges will offset the removal of the magnolia tree. Commissioner Rheaume stated that he can make the findings. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Commissioner Weiss Chair Howard Commissioner Howe Vice Chair Simons Commissioner Rheaume No: 0 Absent: 2 - Commissioner Olevson Commissioner Harrison Assistant Director Miner stated that this decision is final unless appealed to the City Council within 15 days or called up by the City Council within 15 days. 3. 18-0958 Proposed Project: DESIGN REVIEW to construct a new two-story single family house resulting in 4010 sq. ft. (3597 sq. ft. living area and 413 sq. ft. garage) and 49.8% floor area ratio (FAR). The existing home will be demolished. Location: 1568 Oriole Dr. (APN: 313-29-007) File #: 2018-7692 Zoning: R0 - Low Density Residential Applicant / Owner: AMS Design Llp / Amith Yamasani And Vamshika R Gangam Environmental Review: Class 3(a) Categorical Exemption relieves this project from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Project Planner: Mary Jeyaprakash, 408-730-7449, mjeyaprakash@sunnyvale.ca.gov City of Sunnyvale Page 5 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 Associate Planner Mary Jeyaprakash presented the staff report. Commissioner Howe asked staff if the applicant would be able to change the obscured windows to clear windows after Planning Commission approval, if the item is approved. Assistant Director Miner advised that a Building permit would be required, which would involve Planning review of the Conditions of Approval (COA) and so the obscured windows would have to be maintained. Vice Chair Simons confirmed with Associate Planner Jeyaprakash that the specific type of obscured glass has not been selected. Principal Planner Gerri Caruso clarified the selection and review process for the type of obscured glass. Assistant Director Miner advised that the Planning Commission can add a COA for the obscured glass. Commissioner Weiss confirmed with Associate Planner Jeyaprakash that the obscured windows not required for egress can be opened. Commissioner Weiss asked about the possibility of using clerestory windows to protect privacy. Assistant Director Miner advised that the windows must be openable for egress purposes as they are the only windows in that bedroom. Commissioner Weiss asked staff about the proposed increase in impervious surface area as indicated on the project data table and if permeable surface could be used for the driveway and front walkway. Associate Planner Jeyaprakash advised that the applicant can provide this information. Commissioner Rheaume commented that the second-story of the proposed project would look down on the carport of the adjacent neighbor. Associate Planner Jeyaprakash noted that the concern presented by the neighbor was for their side and rear yard privacy. Commissioner Rheaume asked staff about areas of focus for privacy concerns. Assistant Director Miner stated that the goal is to minimize the potential for privacy concerns and commented that the applicant is willing to implement obscured glass. Chair Rheaume further discussed privacy concerns with Assistant Director Miner. Chair Howard opened the Public Hearing. Amith Yamasani, applicant, presented information about the proposed project. Commissioner Rheaume asked the applicant for their comments about the privacy City of Sunnyvale Page 6 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 concerns. Azadeh Masrour, representing AMS Design LLP, provided information about the two existing trees, the applicant’s willingness to plant an additional tree and the distance between the proposed second-story and the neighbor. Commissioner Rheaume confirmed with Ms. Masrour that the tree selection can be modified to provide additional privacy. Commissioner Weiss confirmed with Ms. Masrour that the driveway and walkable will be constructed with permeable surfaces. Vice Chair Simons clarified with Ms. Masrour that the front stone veneer will be carried along both sides of the proposed project to the fence line. Commissioner Howe asked Ms. Masrour about the proposed windows. Ms. Masrour advised that they plan to use a single hung window for egress requirements and provided information about the aesthetic goal for the bedroom windows to match. Commissioner Howe confirmed with Ms. Masrour that both windows can be changed to casement windows. Chair Howard closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Rheaume noted his appreciation for Commissioner Howe’s recommendation for casement windows. Commissioner Rheaume asked staff if evergreen hedges could be added to provide privacy for the applicant and neighbor. Commissioner Rheaume discussed the potential to add a third tree with Assistant Director Miner. Vice Chair Simons noted his agreement with Commissioner Rheaume that ornamental trees are slow growing and medium sized and asked staff about including landscaping that has a performance outcome. Assistant Director Miner advised that the Planning Commission could direct staff to conduct a site visit prior to the final permit to determine if additional trees are needed. Chair Howard confirmed with Assistant Director Miner that the plum and apricot trees on the site plan are existing and based on their current development should mitigate privacy concerns. MOTION: Commissioner Howe moved and Vice Chair Simons seconded the motion for Alternative 2 – Approve the Design Review with modified conditions – a. The driveway and walkway shall be constructed with permeable surfaces; City of Sunnyvale Page 7 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 b. The second-floor windows shall use obscured glass and crank out to provide privacy, with staff to have the final authority; and, c. Additional trees will be implemented as needed to ensure privacy. Commissioner Howe stated that he can make the findings. Commissioner Howe commented that obscured casement windows which can both open should mitigate the privacy concerns, along with the potential for additional landscaping. Commissioner Howe stated that staff will have final authority for the windows. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Simons offered a friendly amendment to clarify that the driveway and walkway pervious materials will match. Commissioner Howe accepted the friendly amendment. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Simons offered a friendly amendment to specify that the stone veneer will wrap around both sides of the home to the fence line. Commissioner Howe accepted the friendly amendment. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Simons offered a friendly amendment that staff will conduct an onsite review during the final Building check to determine if an additional tree is needed to screen the second-floor windows from the adjacent neighbor. Commissioner Howe accepted the friendly amendment. Vice Chair Simons stated that he can make the findings. Vice Chair Simons commented that the reduced size and setback for the second-story will integrate well with the neighborhood and that the Planning Commission modifications will ensure privacy for the neighbor. Commissioner Weiss stated that she will not be supporting the motion. Commissioner Weiss stated an opinion that the proposed project is not compatible with the neighborhood and that approval of the proposed project would set a high FAR precedence. Commissioner Weiss commented that a home of this scale should not be squeezed in between two homes. Commissioner Weiss noted that the design is nice but that more space around it is needed. Commissioner Rheaume stated that he will be supporting the motion and can make the findings. Commissioner Rheaume noted his appreciation of Commissioner Weiss’s comments but stated that with a larger lot a bigger home is feasible. Commissioner Rheaume commented that the design is symmetrical and the second story is not obtrusive. Commissioner Rheaume stated that this will be a good City of Sunnyvale Page 8 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 investment in the community and that no deviations have been requested. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Chair Howard Commissioner Howe Vice Chair Simons Commissioner Rheaume No: 1 - Commissioner Weiss Absent: 2 - Commissioner Olevson Commissioner Harrison Assistant Director Miner stated that this decision is final unless appealed to the City Council within 15 days or called up by the City Council within 15 days. 4. 18-0842 Proposed Project: PEERY PARK PLAN REVIEW PERMIT to construct two 162,000-square foot, four-story corporate/research and development (R&D) office buildings and a 6-level parking structure on a 10.4-acre site (Phase 2 of the W. Maude Ave Campus). An existing approximately 58,188 s.f. building is to be retained. A total of approximately 382,188 s.f. and 85% FAR is requested. Location: 810-870 W. Maude Avenue & 470 Potrero Ave (APNs: 165-30-001, 011, & 012) File #: 2017-7066 Zoning: Peery Park Specific Plan (PPSP) Subdistrict: Innovation Edge (IE) & Mixed Industry Core (MIC) Applicant / Owner: Simeon Commercial Properties / 870 Maude LLC Environmental Review: The project is exempt from additional CEQA review per CEQA Guidelines section 15168(c)(2) and (4) and Public Resources Code Section 21094 (c). The project is within the scope of the Peery Park Specific Plan Program EIR as no new environmental impacts are anticipated and no new mitigation measures are required. Project Planner: Ryan Kuchenig (408) 730-7431, rkuchenig@sunnyvale.ca.gov Senior Planner Ryan Kuchenig presented the staff report. Commissioner Howe asked staff about the status of the pedestrian/bike path along the southern portion of the proposed project and how it relates to the first phase of City of Sunnyvale Page 9 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 the project. Senior Planner Kuchenig stated that the pedestrian/bike path was considered for the proposed project but not incorporated because it would result in a significant loss of parking spaces and there is no logical connection to the site. Senior Planner Ryan Kuchenig noted that the two parcels to the south could better fulfill this obligation but that these parcels have not yet redeveloped. Commissioner Howe asked about the path’s planned layout in phase one. Assistant Director Miner provided details about the site layout and the goal to continue the path to either 440 Potrero and 411 N. Pastoria Ave once those sites redevelop. Assistant Director Miner commented that the applicant will pay more in community benefit fees since the path is not practical to implement. Commissioner Howe confirmed with Assistant Director Miner that it is approximately 650 feet from the potential path to the existing bike lane on W. Maude Avenue. Commissioner Rheaume asked staff about the tree numbers for the additional trees that will be preserved. Senior Planner Kuchenig advised these are tree numbers 330, 331, 332 and 334. Commissioner Rheaume asked about the potential to preserve trees near the entrance of the parking garage. Senior Planner Kuchenig advised that one tree would be on the driveway and the other would be within the vision triangle. Vice Chair Simons commented on an analogous situation of the lack of sidewalks in industrial parts of the City and that the Planning Commission historically has pushed back to add sidewalk where there has not always been a connection. Assistant Director Miner stated that the path was proposed by the applicant as a community benefit, that it was not identified as a bike lane in the Peery Park Specific Plan (PPSP) and is not currently feasible. Assistant Director Miner commented that bike lanes will be added along Maude Avenue as part of the proposed project. Chair Howard asked about the purpose of the two foot saw cut in the bike lane on sheet C 2.0 of the site plan and the implication for bicyclists. Senior Planner Kuchenig commented that this was requested by the Department of Public Works (DPW). Assistant Director Miner explained that concrete must be added to ensure consistency for the bike lane. Chair Howard asked about the potential to discourage drivers to use the bike lane. Assistant Director Miner advised that staff will check with DPW about their plan for intersection transitions. Chair Howard opened the Public Hearing. Curt Setzer, representing Simeon Commercial Partners, presented information City of Sunnyvale Page 10 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 about the proposed project. Ted Korth, representing KSH Architects, presented images and information about the proposed project. Rich Sharp, representing Studio 5 Design Inc., presented images and information about the proposed project. Commissioner Howe asked staff for language related to a modified Condition of Approval (COA) for the pedestrian/bike path. Assistant Director Miner stated that if the adjacent property is redeveloped in the future a bike lane will be added along the south property line. Commissioner Howe asked the applicant for their comments. Mr. Setzer stated that the existing tenant at 470 Potrero Avenue must maintain their 39 parking spaces as part of their lease. Commissioner Weiss asked the applicant about rainwater management for the proposed project. Mr. Sharp stated that all impervious roof and paving surfaces will be treated and that most of the walking surfaces will be permeable. Commissioner Weiss asked the applicant why they used the City parking ratio instead of the PPSP parking ratio. Mr. Setzer advised that it was a design decision related to the addition of more open space than parking as well as feedback on parking ratios from companies in the City. Commissioner Weiss asked the applicant about an amenities building or services for people using alternative transportation. Mr. Setzer stated that the tenant would be responsible for implementing services such as a gym and that the core design includes showers in both ground floor bathrooms. Vice Chair Simons confirmed with Mr. Setzer that their intent is to incorporate artwork into the building. Mr. Setzer stated that they have preliminary ideas to incorporate artwork with the parking structure. Vice Chair Simons asked the applicant about a cool roof treatment for the garage and office buildings. Mr. Korth stated that they will utilize a white colored roof for the buildings but that the garage does not have a roof. Vice Chair Simons stated that parking requirements might change in the future and asked the applicant about planning a bike route. Mr. Setzer advised that due to the City of Sunnyvale Page 11 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 existing lease complications and lack of connection it is not feasible and that the safer route may be along West Maude Avenue. Vice Chair Simons asked the applicant why it was included in phase one. Mr. Setzer stated that they received community benefits but that they do not control the adjacent parcels to provide a connection. Vice Chair Simons asked the applicant about utilizing pervious asphalt or concrete. Mr. Sharp stated that they would be open to it but ideally would use all pavers. Vice Chair Simons confirmed with Mr. Setzer that they would be amenable to include requirements to have showers installed in the ground floor bathrooms to support users of alternative transportation. Commissioner Rheaume asked the applicant about their plans for bathrooms as mentioned earlier. Mr. Setzer advised that they will have two cores to provide more than adequate services at 12 bathrooms per floor per gender. Chair Howard stated his concern regarding access along N. Pastoria Avenue for bicyclists and suggested a potential COA to consider a Dutch style intersection design on Maude Avenue at Potrero Avenue and Pastoria Avenue. Chair Howard clarified with Mr. Sharp that the landscaping sheet L.008 is missing the parking stalls due to a survey discrepancy. Chair Howard closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Weiss asked staff about the status of the Peery Park shuttle. Assistant Director Miner commented that staff met with the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) who will operate and manage the program. Assistant Director Miner advised that the route, advertising and other operational aspects will be determined in 2019 and that the service is expected to begin in early 2020. MOTION: Commissioner Howe moved and Vice Chair Simons seconded the motion for Alternative 1 – a) Make the required Findings to approve the CEQA determination that the project is within the scope of the Peery Park Specific Plan (PPSP) Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and no additional environmental review is required in Attachment 4; b) make the Findings for the Peery Park Plan Review Permit and Sense of Place Fee in Attachment 4; and, c) approve the Peery Park Plan Review Permit subject to the PPSP Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting City of Sunnyvale Page 12 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 Program in Attachment 7 and the recommended conditions of approval noted in Attachment 5. Commissioner Howe stated that completion of the sidewalks in the area will be great, that the project is the right size and that the Airport Land Use Commission requirements have been met. Commissioner Howe commented that the project will be excellent for the area, that it has the right density and interaction and that the architecture between the two phases is complementary. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Simons offered a friendly amendment to recommend that the applicant follow through on integrating art with the buildings. Commissioner Howe accepted the friendly amendment. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Simons offered a friendly amendment to modify Condition of Approval (COA) BP-15 as presented by staff, to retain trees 330, 331, 332 and 334 as numbered on the site plan. Commissioner Howe accepted the friendly amendment. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Simons offered a friendly amendment that the applicant work with City staff to maximize roof cooling by using energy efficient colors and materials. Commissioner Howe accepted the friendly amendment. Commissioner Howe confirmed with Senior Planner Kuchenig that the proposed project will achieve LEED Gold and that potentially roof cooling may have been a method used to achieve those points. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Simons offered a friendly amendment that pervious asphalt and concrete shall be used for the exterior areas. Commissioner Howe accepted the friendly amendment. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Simons offered a friendly amendment that showers will be implemented on the first floor to support alternative transportation. Commissioner Howe accepted the friendly amendment. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Simons offered a friendly amendment that the applicant will be required to add a bike lane along the southern portion of their project if the property at 470 Potrero Avenue redevelops in the future. Commissioner Howe discussed the friendly amendment with Assistant Director City of Sunnyvale Page 13 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 Miner and Vice Chair Simons. Assistant Director Miner recommended to include the redevelopment language so that staff will be involved. Vice Chair Simons stated that the process during this hearing has been good and that the project’s look will be a nice addition to the City. Vice Chair Simons noted his appreciation that the applicant wants to maintain as much mature landscaping as possible and that this will be a significant benefit. Vice Chair Simons stated that he can make the findings. Commissioner Rheaume stated that he can make the findings and will be supporting the motion. Commissioner Rheaume noted his appreciation for the additional open space and the project’s quality design. Commissioner Rheaume thanked staff and the applicant for retaining the existing landscaping. Commissioner Rheaume noted that it will provide a nice screen and walkway down N. Pastoria Avenue. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Chair Howard offered a friendly amendment that staff shall consult with the Department of Public Works (DPW) to consider and determine the feasibility of “Dutch style” intersections on Maude Avenue at Potrero Avenue and Pastoria Avenue for improved bicycle and pedestrian safety. Commissioner Howe and Vice Chair Simons accepted the friendly amendment. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Commissioner Weiss Chair Howard Commissioner Howe Vice Chair Simons Commissioner Rheaume No: 0 Absent: 2 - Commissioner Olevson Commissioner Harrison Assistant Director Miner stated that this item goes to the City Council on December 4th, 2018. STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES 5. 18-0962 Potential Study Issue: Develop Citywide Guidelines or Criteria for Allowing Reduced Parking for Development Projects and for Future City of Sunnyvale Page 14 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 Conversions of Parking to other Uses Commissioner Howe provided the background about the proposed study issue. Vice Chair Simons requested that the proposed study issue clarify that the intent is not to move parking onto public streets and that it will not interfere with the City’s complete streets policy. Commissioner Howe accepted these requests and provided additional details about the proposed study issue. Vice Chair Simons co-sponsored the proposed study issue. Chair Howard commented that there is a belief that parking minimums coerce the adoption of the automobile as the preferred method transportation, which is of concern given the incumbent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Chair Howard noted his support for the proposed study issue. NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS -Commissioner Comments Commissioner Weiss commented that a fire was set at the new two-story Eichler home at 1169 Sesame Drive but that fortunately no one was hurt and the damage was limited. Commissioner Rheaume asked staff about the installation and review of utilities for projects and the potential to incorporate art. Assistant Director Miner advised that staff will look into the possibilities but that Planning is limited in some instances due to fire safety requirements. Commissioner Rheaume suggested the possibility of landscaping. Vice Chair Simons stated an opinion that a number of processes in the City have been made in response to individual people instead of what is best for the City long term. Vice Chair Simons noted policy changes made to change outcomes where an individual or a group of people do not like the outcomes based on the existing processes. Vice Chair Simons commented that instead of reprimanding individuals on boards, commissions or City Council, policies are enacted to avoid dealing with the disruptive individual(s). Vice Chair Simons stated that this impedes the function of Boards and Commissions and the City and that many processes make no sense after the fact. Vice Chair Simons recommended a revisit of process removal or reversion to benefit the City in the long term. -Staff Comments Assistant Director Miner stated that the appeal was denied by the City Council for the 669 Old San Francisco Road project. Assistant Director Miner noted that the City of Sunnyvale Page 15 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final November 12, 2018 City Council will consider the General Plan Amendment initiations for 1050 West Remington Drive and 400-840 W. California Avenue on November 13, 2018. Assistant Director Miner advised that the applicant for the 1050 West Remington Drive item has requested an indefinite continuance. ADJOURNMENT Chair Howard adjourned the meeting at 9:49 PM. City of Sunnyvale Page 16