Res 2023-24 - EXC-2022-004 PC Resolution (signed)CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
RESOLUTION 2023-24
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
APPROVING A SIGN EXCEPTION TO ALLOW AN ADDITIONAt WALL SIGN
ALONG THE EAST FA(;ADE AT AN EXISTING RET AIt BUII,DING LOCATED AT
19900 STEVENS CREEK BOUL,EV ARD
SECTION I: PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Application No.: EXC-2022-004
Applicant: Kevin Tallman, Shane Co.
Location: 19900 Stevens Creek Blvd.; APN: 369-05-044
SECTION II: FINDINGS FOR A SIGN EXCEPTION:
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Cupertino received an application
for a Sign Exception (EXC-2022-004) to allow two additional wall signs for a single
tenant (Shane Co) at an existing retail building;
WHEREAS, the necessary public notices have been given as required by the Procedural
Ordinance of the City of Cupertino, and the Planning Commission has held at least one
public hearing in regard to the application; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act of
1970 (Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) ("CEQA"), together with the State
CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et seq.)
(hereinafter, "CEQA Guidelines"), the City staff has independently studied the
proposed Project and has determined that the Project is exempt from environmental
review pursuant to the categorical exemption in CEQA Guidelines section 15301:
Existing Facilities for the reasons set forth in the staff report dated December 12, 2023
and incorporated herein; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has met the burden of proof required to support said
application with the modification of the scope to only allow for an additional non-
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EXC-2022-004 December 12, 2023
illumintaed wall sign above the entrance along the east faqade, as detailed in the Staff
report; and
1. That the literal enforcement of the provisions of the Sign Ordinance will result in
restrictions inconsistent with the spirit and intent of the ordinance.
CMC 19.104 Sigrts has allowances for m'tdtip7e wau sigrts 07? the differertt facades. Allowing
an exception for a single non-iuuminated wal7 sigrt above the entrance along the east fagade is
consistent with the spirit and intent of the Ordinance. However, allowi;ng a third wail sign,
combined with a grormd sign, is far above the maximum number of signage facing a busy
thoroughfare such as Steve;ns Creek Boulevard and would auocate multiple signage to a single
business.
2. That the granting of an exception will not result in a condition which is materially
detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare.
The sizes and Location of the sig;ns will not result in situation that is materiauy detrimental
to the public health, safety, or welfare to the community as the sizes of the sigrts are well
below the maximums standards ordained in the Mrmicipa7 Code, as well as its location
fitrther setback from the public right away and non-illumination will ;not cause a distraction
to motorists.
3. That the exception to be granted is one that will require the least modification of
the prescribed design regulations and the minimum variance that will accomplish
the purpose.
Allowing the two wall signs along the east fagade is above the allowed number of nial7 sigm.
The exception would require a greater modification and variance to CMC 19.104 Sigrts than
would h)pica71y be supported by staff. However, allowing a si;ngle non-illuminated wa(l sigrt
above the entrance along the east fagade is within the Limitations of the Mtmicipal Code and
is recommended to be approved by the Plaming Commissio;n.
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission is the approval authority for this project and is
granted the authority by the Municipal Code to exercise its independent judgment,
based on the record before it, for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act;
and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission takes the
following actions:
1. Exercises its independent judgment and determines that the Project is exempt from
CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301. The Class 1 exemption applies to
existing facilities that involve negligible or no expansion of existing or former use..
Therefore, the proposed project would not involve the expansion of the former use
(Section 15301, Class 1), will not significantly expand the use beyond the current use
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EXC-2022-004 December 12, 2023
that already exists or previously existed, and will not have a significant effect on the
environment.
2. Approves the application for a Sign Exception, Application no. EXC-2022-004 subject
to the conditions which are enumerated in this Resolution beginning on PAGE 3
thereof. The conclusions and sub conclusions upon which the findings and conditions
specified in this resolution are based, including those contained in the Public Hearing
record concerning Application no. EXC-2022-004 as set forth in the Minutes of Planning
Commission Meeting of December 12, 2023, are hereby incorporated by reference as
though fully set forth herein.
SECTION III: CONDITIONS
DEVEL,OPMENT DEPT.
ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY
1. APPROVED EXHIBITS
Approval is based on the plan set dated May 10, 2023 entitled, "Shane Co. Exterior
Improvements", drawn by Stacy Hall, consisting of two (2) sheets labeled "A-I and
A-3"; except as may be amended by conditions in this resolution.
2. MODIFCATION OF SCOPE
The Planning Commission at its hearing approved only one non-illuminated wall
sign above the entrance along the east faqade.
2. ACCURACY OF PRO'jECT PLANS
The applicant/property owner is responsible to verify all pertinent property data
including but not limited to property boundary locations, building setbacks,
properff size, building square footage, any relevant easements and/or construction
records. Any misrepresentation of any property data may invalidate this approval
and may require additional review.
3. SIGN PERMITS RE0UIRED
The applicant shall consult with the City's Building Division to obtain the necessary
sign permits for this project.
4. CONSULT ATION 'l/VITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS
The applicant is responsible to consult with other departments and/or agencies with
regard to the proposed project for additional conditions and requirements. Any
misrepresentation of any submitted data may invalidate an approval by the
Community Development Department.
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EXC-2022-004 December 12, 2023
5. GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION HOURS AND NOISE LIMITS
a. All grading activities shall be limited to the dry season (April 15 to October
1), unless permitted otherwise by the Director of Public works.
b. Construction hours and noise limits shall be compliant with all requirements
of Chapter 10.48 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
c. Grading, street constniction, underground utility and demolition hours for
work done more than 750 feet away from residential areas shall be limited to
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to
6 p.m. Grading, street construction, demolition or underground utility work
within 750 feet of residential areas shall not occur on Saturdays, Sundays,
holidays, and during the nighttime period as defined in Section 10.48.053(b)
of the Municipal Code.
d. Construction activities shall be limited to Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8
p.m. and Sahirday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Construction activities are
not allowed on holidays as defined in Chapter 10.48 of the Municipal Code.
Night time construction is allowed if compliant with nighttime standards of
Section 10.48 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
e. Rules and regulations pertaining to all construction activities and limitations
identified in this permit, along with the name and telephone number of an
applicant appointed disturbance coordinator, shall be posted in a prominent
location at the entrance to the job site.
f. The applicant shall be responsible for educating all contractors and
subcontractors of said construction restrictions.
The applicant shall comply with the above grading and construction hours and
noise limit requirements unless otherwise indicated.
6. NOISE AND VIBRATION NOTICE
At least 10 days prior to the start of any demolition, ground disturbing, or
construction activities, the project applicant/contractor shall send notices of the
plaru"ied activity by first class mail to off-site businesses and residents within 500
feet of the project site. The City will provide a template notice and mailing
addresses for the Applicant's use. The notice must be approved by City staff
prior to sending. The project applicant shall provide the City with evidence of
mailing of the notice, upon request.
Please note that, if pile driving, the requirements for noticing and monitoring
outlined in City Code Section 17.04.050 G (3) shall apply.
7. NOISE AND VIBRATION SIGNAGE
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EXC-2022-004 December 12, 2023
At least 10 days prior to the start of any demolition, ground disturbing, or
construction activities, the project applicant/contractor shall ensure that a sign
measuring at least four feet by six feet shall be posted on construction fencing at
the entrance(s) to the job site, clearly visible to the public, and include the
following:
a. Permitted construction days and hours;
b. A description of proposed construction activities;
c. Telephone numbers of the City's and contractor's authorized representatives
that are assigned to respond in the event of a noise or vibration complaint;
and
d. Contact information for City's and contractor's authorized representatives
that are assigned to respond in the event of a complaint related to fugitive
dust, pursuant to the requirements for compliance with BAAOMD's CE0A
Air 0uality Guidelines.
If the authorized contractor's representative receives a complaint, they shall
investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and report the complaint and the
action taken to the City within three business days of receiving the complaint.
8. NOISE DURING CONSTRUCTION
Prior to issuance of any demolition, grading or building permit, include on plans
a note that, during project construction, the project applicant shall incorporate
the following measures to reduce noise during construction and demolition
activity:
a. The project applicant and contractors shall prepare and submit a
Construction Noise Control Plan to the City's Planning Department for
review and approval prior to issuance of the first permit. The Construction
Noise Plan shall demonstrate compliance with daytime and nighttime decibel
limits pursuant to Chapter 10.48 (Community Noise Control) of Cupertino
Municipal Code. The details of the Construction Noise Control Plan shall be
included in the applicable construction documents and implemented by the
on-site Construction Manager. Noise reduction measures selected and
implemented shall be based on the type of construction equipment used on
the site, distance of construction activities from sensitive receptor(s), site
terrain, and other features on and surrounding the site (e.g., trees, built
environment) and may include, but not be limited to, temporary construction
noise attenuation walls, high quality mufflers. During the entire active
construction period, the Construction Noise Control Plan shall demonstrate
that compliance with the specified noise control requirements for
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EXC-2022-004 December 12, 2023
construction equipment and tools will reduce construction noise in
compliance with the City's daytime and nighttime decibel limits.
b. Select haul routes that avoid the greatest amount of sensitive use areas and
submit to the City of Cupertino Public Works Department for approval prior
to the start of the construction phase.
c. Signs will be posted at the job site entrance(s), within the on-site construction
zones, and along queueing lanes (if any) to reinforce the prohibition of
uru"iecessary engine idling. All other equipment will be turned off if not in use
for more than 5 minutes.
d. During the entire active construction period and to the extent feasible, the use
of noise producing signals, including horns, whistles, alarms, and bells will
be for safety warning purposes only. The construction manager will use
smart back-up alarms, which automatically adjust the alarm level based on
the background noise level or switch off back-up alarms and replace with
human spotters in compliance with all safety requirements and law.
9. DARK SKY COMPLIANCE
Prior to issuance of Building Permits, the applicant/property owner shall submit
final plans in compliance with the approved lighting plans to comply with
development standards of Cupertino Municipal Code Section 19.102.040
Outdoor Lighting Requirements. In the event changes are proposed from the
approved plans, said changes must be reviewed and approved by the Director of
Community Devetopment or their designee. The applicant shall provide all
documentation required to determine compliance with the Municipal Code.
10. FUGITIVE DUST CONTROL
Prior to issuance of the any demolition, grading, or building permit, include on
all permit plans, the full text of each of the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District's Basic Control Measures from the latest version of BAAOMD's CE0A
Air 0uality Guidelines, as subsequently revised, supplemented, or replaced, to
control fugitive dust (i.e., particulate matter PM2.5 and PMIO) during
demolition, ground disturbing activities and/or construction.
11. INDEMNIFICATION
As part of the application, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the applicant shall
agree to indemnify, defend with the attorneys of the City's choice, and hold
harmless the City, its City Council, and its officers, employees, and agents
(collectively, the "indemnified parties") from and against any liability, claim, action,
cause of action, suit, damages, judgment, lien, levy, or proceeding (collectively
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EXC-2022-004 December 12, 2023
referred to as "proceeding") brought by a third party against one or more of the
indemnified parties or one or more of the indemnified parties and the applicant
related to any Ordinance, Resolution, or action approving the project, the related
entitlements, environmental review documents, finding or determinations, or any
other permit or approval authorized for the project. The indemnification shall
include but not be limited to damages, fees, and costs awarded against the City, if
any, and cost of suit, attorneys' fees, and other costs, liabilities, and expenses
incurred in connection with such proceeding whether incurred by the Applicant, the
City, or the parties initiating or bringing such proceeding.
The applicant shall agree to (without limitation) reimburse the City its actual
attorneys' fees and costs incurred in defense of the litigation. Such attorneys' fees
and costs shall include amounts paid to the City's outside counsel and shall include
City Attorney time and overhead costs and other City staff overhead costs and any
costs directly related to the litigation reasonably incurred by City. The applicant
shall likewise agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the indemnified
parties from and against any damages, attorneys' fees, or costs awards, including
attorneys' fees awarded under Code of Civil Procedure section 1021.5, assessed or
awarded against the indemnified parties. The Applicant shall cooperate with the
City to enter a Reimbursement Agreement to govern any such reimbursement.
The Applicant shall agree to (without limitation) reimburse the City for all costs
incurred in additional investigation or study of, or for supplementing, redrafting,
revising, or amending, any document (such as an Environmental Impact Report,
negative declaration, specific plan, or general plan amendment) if made necessary
by proceedings challenging the project approvals and related environmental review,
if the applicant desires to continue to pursue the project.
The Applicant shall agree that the City shall have no liability to the Applicant for
business interruption, punitive, speculative, or consequential damages.
12. NOTICE OF FEES, DEDICATIONS, RESERV ATIONS, OR OTHER EXACTIONS
The Conditions of Project Approval set forth herein may include certain fees,
dedication requirements, reservation requirements, and other exactions.
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EXC-2022-004 December 12, 2023
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of December, 2023, at a regular Meeting of the
Planning Commission Committee of the City of Cupertino, State of California, by the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABST AIN:
ABSENT:
COMM[SSIONERS: Lindskog, Fung, Madhdhipatla, Scharf
COMMISSIONERS: None
COMMISSIONERS: None
COMMISSIONERS: Mistry
ATTEST:
Piu Ghosh
Planning Manager
APPROVED:
Steven Scharf
Chair, Planning Commission