Zoning Administrator Hearing

City of Sunnyvale Meeting Minutes Zoning Administrator Hearing Wednesday, June 11, 2014 2:00 PM West Conference Room, City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC HEARINGS 14-0569 File #: 2014-7352 Location: 170 S. Sunnyvale Avenue (APN: 209-05-014) Applicant / Owner: Shashi Group LLC / Ale Hotel LLC Infinite Loop Sunnyvale Proposed Project: SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT to allow general liquor service within hotel bar (aloft hotel). Reason for Permit: A Special Development Permit is required for alcohol/liquor service in Downtown Specific Plan - Block 3 (SMC 19.28.070). Project Planner: Shétal Divatia, (408) 730-7637, sdivatia@sunnyvale.ca.gov Issues: Neighborhood Compatibility. Recommendation: Approve with conditions In attendance: Brian Froelich, Applicant; Andrew Miner; Zoning Administrator; Tim Maier, Project Planner; Luis Uribe, Staff Office Assistant Mr. Andrew Miner, Zoning Administrator, on behalf of the Director of Community Development, explained the format that would be observed during the public hearing. Mr. Miner announced the subject application. Tim Maier, Project Planner, presented the item. Mr. Maier stated that the applicant is in the process of remodeling the existing hotel, those improvements are being considered under a separate Miscellaneous Plan Permit. The proposed bar is primarily intended to serve the hotel guests and is compatible with Sunnyvale’s Downtown character, goals and policies. The site is not required to provide any on-site parking for the hotel or the proposed bar and the site is located near two downtown parking lots. The applicant intends to keep the bar open from 10 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Public safety staff has expressed concern about the City of Sunnyvale Page 1 Zoning Administrator Hearing Meeting Minutes June 11, 2014 proposed hours of operation due to the bar’s proximity to guest rooms. Staff recommends limiting the hours of operation, with alcoholic beverage service to end at 11p.m. Staff recommends a six-month staff level review period for this permit, to identify and address any complaints which may result from the proposed use. Such a review could include the proposal for extended hours if desired by the applicant at that time. Staff was able to make the Findings required to approve a Special Development Permit and recommends that the project be approved subject to the recommended Conditions of Approval. Mr. Miner opened the public hearing. Brian Froelich, Applicant, received and reviewed a copy of the staff report. Mr. Froelich had no questions or comments regarding the conditions of approval and mentioned that he spoke with staff and went over the hours of operation and the six-month review. He also stated that he is reducing the room count by 25. Mr. Miner stated that he is going to tailor the approval to be specific to this use and will be part of the six-month review. It will be approved for a hotel that has 85 rooms, each with their own bathroom. Mr. Froelich had some general questions regarding the building permit process. Mr. Miner closed the public hearing. Approved subject to the findings and conditions of approval located in the staff report. Specifically for a hotel that has 85 rooms, each with their own bathroom. This will be for the use of a hotel and not residential. Mr. Miner stated that the decision is final unless appealed to the Planning Commission with payment of the appeal fee within the 15-day appeal period. ADJOURNMENT 2:10 p.m. City of Sunnyvale Page 2